Safe and Sound for Baby page 5
What You'll Need... and How to Use It
Courtesy of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
HIGH CHAIRS
When the baby is hungry and ready to eat, feeding time can be hectic. By using a certified product and following these simple guidelines, using a high chair can be a great way to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tips for Selecting Product
High chairs should have a waist strap and crotch strap.
Some high chairs recline for use with younger infants or are height adjustable.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
Use waist and crotch restraint every time you place a child in the high chair to prevent falls from standing up or sliding out.
Never depend on the feeding tray to restrain or protect baby. Instead, secure restraint straps.
Prevent tip over – Keep high chair far enough from the table, counter or wall so the baby can’t push off from it.
Secure the safety latch on a folding high chair each time you unfold it for use.
NEVER leave a baby unattended.
INFANT SEATS
When you place the baby in an infant seat or bouncer seat, your baby is comfortably positioned and your hands are free. Many of today’s styles are functional as well as entertaining.
Tips for Selecting Product
Infant Seats – For use in the home and many also are used as an infant car seat. Check the instruction manual for use. Never use as an infant car seat unless recommended by the manufacturer.
Bouncer seats – For in-home use only. Many have bouncing action, soothing vibration, and/or toys for play.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
NEVER place on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces. Infant seats or bouncer can roll over and suffocate a baby.
ALWAYS secure the restraining straps and never leave a baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
Baby’s movements can slide an infant seat, so be sure not to place the infant seat near the edges of counter tops, tables or other elevated surfaces.
Never use a bouncer seat on an elevated surface.
Follow the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum weight and age requirements.
If the infant seat or bouncer seat has a canopy, use it when outdoors.
PLAY YARDS/NON-FULL-SIZE CRIBS
Choose a play yard or non-full-size crib with the correct recommended height and weight of the child. (Remember to apply the same rules to portable play yards.)
Tips for Selecting Product
Tips for Use
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The play yard, including side rails, should be fully erected prior to use.
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.
Always provide the supervision necessary for the continued safety of your child. When used for playing, never leave child unattended.
Infants can suffocate in gaps between a mattress too small or too thick and the sides, or on soft bedding.
Never add a mattress, pillow, comforter, or extra padding.
Use only the mattress/pad provided by the manufacturer.
NEVER leave a 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.
NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.
Never suspend strings over play yards or cribs or attach strings to toys.
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 a baby and cause strangulation.
PORTABLE BED RAILS
Portable bed rails provide added safety for children who have moved from the crib to an adult bed, helping to prevent a child from falling out of bed.
Tips for Selecting Product
Some beds have built-in bed rails but a portable bed rail is for use only with an adult mattress and box spring. Portable bed rails are not for use with bunk beds, water mattresses, or inflatable mattresses.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and use.
Use a bed rail only with a standard innerspring mattress and box spring.
Do not use a bed rail on a bunk bed, water mattress, or bed without a box spring.
Be sure to keep the bed rail firmly against the mattress when in use to prevent dangerous gaps.
