Safe and Sound for Baby page 6
What You'll Need... and How to Use It
Courtesy of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
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.
Tips for Selecting Product
Chair should have a strong clamp-on device, which keeps the seat level, making it impossible for a baby to kick off.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
Do not use on a glass or loose tabletop, or on a table with a single pedestal, leaf, tablecloth or placemat.
Check stability and sturdiness of table before seating a 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.
STATIONARY ACTIVITY CENTERS
Stationary activity centers can be great fun for you and your baby. There are many styles to choose from to fit your budget and lifestyle.
Tips for Selecting Product
Product adjustments and features range from height adjustment to rocking, bouncing, and a variety of toys. Pick the product that best suits your baby.
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Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
Never leave your baby alone in the activity center.
Keep away from stairs, doors, windows, plants, lamps, the TV, fireplace, heaters, or coffee table.
Keep curtains and blind cords out of reach.
Make sure if not new that your activity center is in good, stable condition.
Be sure to follow manufacturers recommended age, weight, and height.
TODDLER BEDS
When baby is ready to move out of the crib, be sure to follow these guidelines when selecting the right toddler bed.
Tips for Selecting Product
Choose a bed that is low to the ground so that there is less chance of injury if your child falls.
Make sure that the bed is sturdy and not in danger of collapsing.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Check the joints periodically to make sure they are not loose.
Place bed safely in room away from windows, heaters, wall lamps, drapes, and blind cords.
Place headboard against wall rather than the side of the bed so that the child can’t become trapped between wall and bed.
WALKERS
Make sure baby’s first steps are safe steps. Most baby walker accidents happen when a baby is left unattended or has access to items that can injure them.
Tips for Selecting Product
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.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Tips for Use
NEVER leave a baby unattended in a walker.
Only use a walker on smooth surfaces.
Remove all throw rugs when a baby is in walker.
Keep stairways blocked with a gate or enclosure.
Keep doors closed.
Keep child away from appliances or items that could cause injury such as ironing boards ranges, radiators, and fireplaces.
NEVER carry walker with a child in it.
JPMA discourages the use of second-hand products as they may not meet current safety standards. However, if you do choose a second-hand product, check the product’s condition and proper function before use. A walker should have rubber strips under the lower frame or other design feature that restricts movement at the top of stairs. Check the operation of the walker at the top of the stairs. Never use a walker that moves freely over the top step of stairs.
CRIB TOYS AND PACIFIERS
Tips for Selecting Product
Tips for Use
Take rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, plush toys and other items out of a baby’s crib when a baby is sleeping or unattended.
Check the pacifier frequently for holes or tears.
Recent studies have shown pacifiers can be a SIDS risk reduction measure. Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Do not force an infant to use a pacifier. Do not reinsert a pacifier after the infant falls asleep and pacifiers should not be coated in any sweet solutions.
Strings can cause strangulation! Never string a pacifier or any other item around baby’s neck.
Remove crib gyms and mobiles from the crib when a baby begins to push up on hands and knees.
Mobiles and any other toys that hang over the crib should be out of reach.
FEEDING TIPS
When feeding a 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 child small, hard foods. Check with your pediatrician for a list of appropriate foods.
Remember, a baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.
Avoid propping a bottle on baby.
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 juvenile products correctly every time. Juvenile products are only to be used for the purpose intended by the manufacturer. Most juvenile products do have a long life, but they should be safety-checked frequently. Always remember juvenile products are not a substitute for parental supervision. Never leave a baby unattended!
