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Keeping Kids Safe
Children and babies are curious; a good trait that should be
• Periodically check the coverings, mesh, and other fabric, vinyl,
or plastic surfaces for rips, tears, holes, or loose threads.
• Once your child can crawl or stand up, detach any toys or other
attachments that could be used to climb out of the playpen.
• Wooden playpens should have slats no further than 2 and 3/8”
(5.08 centimeters) apart.
• Do not use soft bedding or pillows in the playpen.
Changing Table
A changing table allows parents and caregivers to easily
change an infant on an easily cleanable surface at a height that
is convenient for them while providing ready access to diapers,
accessories, and clothing. However, changing tables can also
offer some potential dangers for babies, and all who use them
should be aware of those hazards.
Follow the tips below to help your infant stay safe while using a
changing table:
• Choose a changing table with a concave top (where the middle
is slightly lower than the edges) and at least 2” guardrails to
help prevent the infant from rolling off.
• Always fasten the safety belt, but don’t rely on it solely to keep y
our baby from falling off the table.
• Never leave a child on a changing table unattended, even for
just a second.
• Keep diapers, wipes, and other supplies like powder within your
reach, but out of your baby’s reach.
• If the changing table has wheels on it, make sure they are
locked before use.
Strollers
Strollers are great for on-the-go families because they offer mobility
for parents and comfort for children. Unfortunately, not all strollers
are made equally, and even safe strollers require attention and
awareness to avoid potentially dangerous circumstances for
your child.
When buying or using a stroller, keep these special considerations
in mind:
• Never leave your child unattended in a stroller, even
(or especially) when asleep.
• For infants, make sure the stroller reclines and can support the
baby’s head, or get a stroller in which you can safely attach an
infant-only car seat.
• Use the appropriate type of stroller for the activity – e.g., an
umbrella stroller may be good for running errands, but if you
plan to go running with your baby, invest in a jogging stroller.
• Carry bags or use under-stroller storage; never hang bags from
the handlebars, as they may cause the stroller to tip.
• Always put the stroller brakes on when stopped, even if you
are on level ground.
• Make sure little ones are away from the stroller while folding or
unfolding it.
WORDS: Bridget Stack: www.consumersafety.org
encouraged and guided in the right direction. However,
that curiosity can sometimes put infants and kids in
danger at home, especially if we are not careful to maintain a safe
environment around them.
Baby Furniture and Equipment
Baby furniture is often designed with specic safety guidelines.
However, furniture can still be used in unsafe ways, and sometimes
defects aren’t known until after items have been manufactured
and sold.
• Never purchase baby furniture at a yard sale or second-hand,
as it may be damaged or an item that has been recalled.
• Always assemble baby furniture according to manufacturer
guidelines – opt for professional assembly, when possible.
• Place baby furniture away from windows, heaters, outlets and
other dangerous house features.
• Complete the manufacturer warranty for all baby furniture so
that you can receive product updates and recall information.
• Look for signs that baby products meet appropriate safety
standards, such as those set by the Juvenile Products
Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
Cribs
A crib is the primary place where infants will sleep. As such, It’s
important to make sure that the crib is kept in good shape and
doesn’t have any potentially dangerous features.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for and using a crib:
• The crib mattress should t snugly, with no spaces where a
baby can become trapped between the mattress and crib.
• Screws, brackets, bolts, and other fastenings should all be
present and connected tightly.
• Crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8” apart.
• Do not add pillows, quilts, comforters, bumpers, or stuffed
animals in the crib with a sleeping baby.
• Headboards and footboards should be solid (no decorative
cutouts).
Playpens
Playpens can give babies a measure of independence that allows
parents and other caregivers to accomplish various tasks and
chores. However, while playpens have many advantages, they
can have dangers associated with them.
Keep an eye open for these potential hazards when using a
playpen with your baby:
• Make sure all sides of the playpen are upright and locked while
in use.
• Remove the raised changing table and other attachments while
your child is in the playpen.