September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). JPMA is one of several associations whose goal is to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for children. We support the JPMA and other worthy organizations for their efforts to promote child safety.
Each year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed in a sleep environment that is not specifically designed for children. The safest place for a baby or child is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib, cradle, bassinet, portable play yard, or toddler bed.
Recent recalls of juvenile products highlight the importance of proper assembly and use of cribs that meet government standards. All cribs sold at our store meet or exceed JPMA standards. Cribs are intended to last for years (or multiple births) when properly cared for. So, with some careful planning, naptime and nighttime can be a pleasant and safe experience for parents and baby.
We are committed to educating parents and caregivers on the best safe sleep practices to make every night with baby a good, safe night. We encourage you to follow these five safety tips:
- Adult Supervision – The only sure-fire way to keep your baby safe is direct supervision when juvenile products are in use.
- Read Instructions and Warnings – For the safest product use, be sure to always read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions and warning labels.
- Be Careful If Using Second-Hand Products – Be particularly cautious when using older and second-hand products. Make sure they have all of the safety features originally built into the product, all parts are fully functional, not broken, and that the product has not been recalled.
- New Products are Safest Option – Keep in mind that new products meeting current safety standards are the safest option.
- Frequent Inspection During Use – Don’t forget to regularly inspect all children's furniture and play products for missing hardware, loose threads and strings, holes, and tears.
