September is Baby Safety Month and this year we are drawing attention to the old adage “It takes a village to raise a child.” There is nothing quite like the excitement of having a new baby in your family. Keeping your baby safe and comfortable becomes a new priority. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association understands this enormous task and encourages parents to utilize the support around them through family and friends, manufacturers, retailers, government agencies, and pediatricians. This year, we're spreading the message, “Baby Safety- A Partnership.”

There is an abundance of information available today for parents and caregivers looking for safety information regarding the juvenile products they use every day. The following resources are great places to start:

Friends and Family: The best advertisement is word of mouth. Ask friends, family and other new moms and dads for their recommendations and experience with juvenile products.

Your Pediatrician: Your pediatrician is a wealth of information. Look for safety tips and resource materials in the office and don't be afraid to ask them lots of questions.

Manufacturers: Juvenile product manufacturers are a great place to find out more about the products you plan to purchase. And most manufacturers' websites offer playtime ideas, parenting advice, special offers and more.

Retailers: Retailers, small and large, are the front line of the industry. Often, retailer websites offer product recalls, store events, buying guides, gift registries and, of course, it's a great way to research and view some of the products before you actually buy them. Once in the store, be sure to ask the sales associate questions, take the strollers for a test drive and grab all of their in-store literature.

Government Agencies: Organizations like the US Consumer Product Safety Commission are great resources for keeping up to date on the latest product recalls, safety standards and important research related to juvenile products.

In addition, JPMA is also a great resource for parents and caregivers. JPMA's website, www.jpma.org offers a variety of helpful guidelines for the safe use and selection of baby products.

Here are some guidelines from the JPMA website…

BATH SEATS
A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub, but it will not protect him or her from injury or drowning. Keep the following in mind while using a bath seat or bath ring:

• NEVER leave baby unattended.
• Collect all bathing materials before bringing baby into the bathroom.
• Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid surfaces unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces.
• Place the bath seat in the tub so baby cannot reach the faucet or spout.
• Bath rings should be used with children who are capable of sitting upright unassisted.
• After running a minimum amount of warm water in the tub, carefully place baby into the bath seat.
• If bath seat moves or tips while your child is in it, discontinue use.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

BEDDING
Decorating the nursery is a favorite project for new parents and caregivers. Bedding must always be used as instructed by the manufacturer to help ensure baby’s safety.

• Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current federal and ASTM standards.
• Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
• ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.
• Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place.
• Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
• Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.
• NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

For Baby Under 12 Months…

• Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
• Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.
• Cover baby with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for
• infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborns, consider swaddling.
• Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering.

CARRIAGES & STROLLERS
Carriages and strollers perform a tremendous service to parents and child caregivers. These vehicles make it easier to safely transport a child.

• Choose a carriage or stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping, even when your baby leans over the side.
• If the seat adjusts to a reclining position, make sure the carriage or stroller doesn’t tip backwards when the child lies down.
• ALWAYS secure baby by using the stroller seat belt.
• Don’t hang pocketbooks or shopping bags over the handles of the carriage or stroller. If it has a shopping basket for carrying packages, it should be low on the back or directly over the rear wheels.
• Use the locking device to prevent accidental folding.
• Apply the brakes to limit rotation of the wheels when the stroller or carriage is stationary.
• When you fold or unfold the stroller, keep baby’s hands away from the areas that could pinch tiny fingers.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

CARRIERS & SWINGS (Soft/Frame)
Carriers and swings continue to grow in popularity with parents and caregivers.

• If you use a soft carrier, select one made of a durable, washable fabric with sturdy, adjustable straps.
• Baby should fit snugly in the carrier with the head supported and weight evenly distributed.
• A carrier should only be used when walking with the baby.
• Carriers should not be used for transporting baby in a car or on a bicycle.
• A frame-style carrier can be used when baby can sit up unassisted.
• Be sure baby’s weight is evenly distributed in the carrier and all restraint straps are secured.
• Check the carrier periodically for sharp edges, ripped seams and missing or loose snaps.
• Select a portable swing with strong posts, legs and a wide stance to prevent tipping.
• NEVER leave baby in a swing unattended.

CAR SEATS & BOOSTER SEATS
An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and using it properly from the moment you bring baby home to every car ride after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a child car seat. All child car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet a safety standard set by the Federal government in 1981.

• ALWAYS follow all manufacturers’ instructions for both the vehicle and the car seat/booster seat.
• Be sure the car seat/booster seat is appropriate for a child’s weight and height.
• The back seat is the safest place to ride.
• Infants must ride rear facing or in a car bed.
• Always anchor the car seat/booster seat to the car using the seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster seat manufacturer.
• NEVER use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.
• Always check that the car seat/booster seat is securely installed. A locking clip may be necessary. Read the vehicle owner’s manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required.
• Do not use a car seat/booster seat that is more than six years old.
• Do not use a car seat/booster seat that has ever been involved in a crash.
• Do not use a car seat/booster seat missing the manufacturer’s label showing the name of the manufacturer, model number and date of manufacture.
• Booster seats are recommended for children over 30 lbs., but consider height and maturity level as well. Some children are mature enough to handle a booster seat, while others are too immature to keep the shoulder belt properly positioned.
• Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up.
• NEVER buy a used car seat or booster seat.

CHANGING TABLES
A changing table in the nursery provides a safe, sturdy place to change and dress baby. There are many different types of changing tables, including those that have a built-in dresser.

• When selecting a changing table, look for one with straps that help prevent baby from falling.
• If the changing table does not come with straps, purchase them separately and install on the changing table.
• ALWAYS use these straps to restrain baby when the changing table is in use.
• Be sure any baby products you need, such as powder or wipes, are easily accessible.
• NEVER turn your back on baby when reaching for baby products.
• Most importantly, NEVER leave baby unattended, even for the shortest moment.

FULL-SIZE CRIBS
This first “home” should be cheerful and secure. Each year, approximately 50 babies suffocate or strangle when they become trapped between broken crib parts or in cribs with older, unsafe designs. Many older cribs do not meet all current safety standards. Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand me down.

• Remember to ALWAYS keep the drop side up when baby is in the crib.
• NEVER place your crib near windows, draperies, blinds or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
• Make sure there are no missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or the mattress support.
• Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8” apart, and none should be loose or missing.
• Never use a crib with corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they’re over 16” high for a canopy). Babies can strangle if their clothes become caught on corner posts. These should be unscrewed or sawed off, and the remaining end panel should be sanded smooth.
• The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. Otherwise, baby can get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.
• No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby’s head cannot get trapped.
• No cracked or peeling paint.
• No splinters or rough edges.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

GATES & ENCLOSURES
When baby can crawl, it’s time to block doorways and stairways with gates. Be sure to ALWAYS follow all manufacturers’ instructions during use.

• Gates with expanding pressure bars should be installed with the bar side away from baby.
• Anchor the gate securely in the doorway or stairway.
• Always close the gate when you leave the room and never leave baby unattended.
• Many newer “accordion style” gates meet the current safety standards. Older models could be hazardous.
• Some gates are not appropriate for use at the top of a stairway.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

HIGH CHAIRS
When baby is hungry and ready to eat, feeding time can be hectic. A high chair used properly can assist you.

• Safe high chairs have a waist strap and crotch strap. Use waist and crotch restraint every time you place child in the high chair.
• Never depend on the feeding tray to restrain or protect baby. Instead, secure restraint straps.
• Keep high chair far enough from the table, counter or wall so baby can't push off from it.
• Never allow baby to stand up on a high chair because it could topple over.
• Secure the locking latch on a folding high chair each time you assemble it.
• Check all parts for hazards such as sharp edges or protrusions.
• NEVER leave baby unattended.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

INFANT SEATS
When you place baby in an infant seat, your baby is protected and your hands are free.

• NEVER leave baby unattended.
• NEVER place carrier on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces. Infant seats can roll over and suffocate baby.
• ALWAYS secure the restraining straps and never leave baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
• Baby's movements can slide the carrier, so be sure not to place the carrier near the edges of counter tops, tables or other elevated surfaces.
• NEVER use infant seats in the car.

PLAY YARDS
Choose a play yard with the correct recommended height and weight of the child. The play yard, including side rails, should be fully erected prior to use. Always follow the
manufacturers instructions. (Remember to apply the same rules to portable play yards.)

• Do not add padding or other objects inside the play yard, which permit your child to climb out.
• Make sure all latching features of the play yard are in place and secure.
• NEVER leave baby in a mesh play yard if its drop side is in the down position. The baby could roll into the space between the pad and loose mesh, causing suffocation.
• Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4”. Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8” apart.
• Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
• Don’t tie items across the top of the play yard as they can entangle baby and cause strangulation.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

PORTABLE HOOK-ON CHAIRS
As you head out for dinner at your favorite family restaurant, don’t forget the portable hook-on chair for baby.

• Chair should have a strong clamp-on device, which keeps the seat level, making it impossible for baby to kick off.
• Do not use on a glass or loose tabletop, or on a table with a single pedestal, leaf, tablecloth or placemats.
• Check stability and sturdiness of table before seating child.
• Do not place an ordinary chair under the portable hook-on chair.
• Always secure the waist and crotch straps around baby.
• Before removing baby from chair, make sure baby’s legs are free from chair straps.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

WALKERS
Make sure baby’s first steps are safe steps. Most baby walker accidents happen when baby is left unattended.

• NEVER leave baby unattended in a walker.
• Choose a sturdy walker with the correct recommended height and weight of the baby.
• Select a walker with a wheelbase longer and wider than the frame of the walker itself to ensure stability.
• Coil springs and hinges of walker must have protective coverings.
• Only use a walker on smooth surfaces.
• Remove all throw rugs when baby is in walker.
• Keep stairways blocked with a gate or enclosure.
• Keep doors closed.
• Keep child away from ranges, radiators and fireplaces.
• NEVER carry walker with a baby in it.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

BABY SAFETY TIPS
Crib Toys and Pacifiers
Take rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, plush toys and other items out of baby’s crib when baby is sleeping or unattended.
Make sure a pacifier’s protective shield has ventilation holes and is large enough so it can’t fit inside baby’s mouth.
Check the pacifier frequently for holes or tears.
Never string a pacifier or any other item around baby’s neck.

Feeding
When feeding baby, first test all warmed foods for a comfortable eating temperature before serving.
Heating baby food in a microwave is convenient, but be sure to check the temperature very carefully. Use microwave-safe dishes and stir food from the center out after heating to ensure the temperature is even.
When baby begins to eat solid foods, do not give the baby small, hard foods.
Remember, baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.
Avoid propping bottle on baby.

HOUSEHOLD DANGERS
As a concerned parent or caregiver, your job is to childproof your home carefully so baby can safely explore his or her world. It’s a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and look around from baby’s perspective. This really helps spot potentially dangerous objects. For example, an ordinary plant can be poisonous if a curious baby decides to taste it. Even toddler toys left lying around by an older sibling should not be in baby’s reach. The most important place to have a safe environment is in your home.

When checking your home, it is also a good time to be sure baby does not have access to swimming pools, toilets, diaper pails, cleaning buckets, bathtubs, showers or hot tubs. It is possible for baby to drown in as little as two inches of water. Medicines, bleaches, oven and drain cleaners, paint solvents, polishes, waxes, matches, cigarettes and lighters are also dangerous to baby. These should always be kept out of baby’s reach. Childproof safety locks for cabinets can be helpful. Use child-resistant packaging as it can help save baby’s life. Keep the number of the poison control center near your phone so you can call for emergency first-aid advice.

SUFFOCATION & STRANGULATION
Plastic wrap and plastic dry cleaning, shopping and garbage bags are every day items that are dangerous for baby. They should be kept from baby at all times. Never use plastic shipping bags or other plastic film as mattress covers. And baby should never be allowed to lie or sleep face down on, or next to, pillows, cushions, comforters or adult waterbeds.
ALWAYS pull drape or blind cords and decorative wall hangings with strings out of baby’s reach. Be aware of this especially in the nursery when choosing the location for baby’s crib.

ELECTROCUTION
Electrical outlets, appliances and cords can be baby safety hazards. Be sure to cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps and replace broken or missing receptacle cover plates. Small appliances, including blow dryers and irons, should be unplugged when not in use and kept out of baby’s reach.

HELPFUL REMINDERS
Selecting JPMA Certified Products is a good first step toward raising a happy, healthy baby. But, it is also very important you use these and all baby products correctly every time. Baby products are only to be used for the purpose intended by the manufacturer. Most products do have a long life, but should be safety checked frequently. Always remember baby products are not a substitute for parental supervision. Never leave baby unattended!

For more information about the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA),
please visit the web site at www.jpma.org or contact JPMA at jpma@ahint.com.

http://www.recalls.gov/
http://www.firstcandle.com/
JPMA – Safety House
http://jpma.org/consumer/JPMASafetyHouse/Con_safetyhouse.htm