Is Your Baby Equipment Safe?

The first step in keeping baby safe is careful selection of baby products. To help with your decisions, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) developed a unique certification program that has been guiding parents and caregivers for more than 20 years.

Experts developed performance standards (tests) for bath seats, carriages and strollers, full-size cribs, gates and enclosures, hand-held infant carriers, high chairs, non-full-size cribs, play yards, portable hook-on chairs, stationary activity centers, toddler beds, and walkers, because these products are used the most strenuously and frequently. Upon completion of future standards, JPMA plans to add certification programs for infant swings, bassinets and cradles, infant bouncer seats, portable bed rails, soft/framed infant carriers and changing tables.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), a highly regarded non-profit organization, develops and publishes the standards. Industry members, consumer groups and staff from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also are involved in developing the standards.

To become JPMA certified, a manufacturer’s product line must be tested by an independent testing facility for compliance with the specific ASTM standard for that product. If the entire product line passes the tests, JPMA allows the manufacturer to label its product with the JPMA Certification Seal.

If you are interested in a product, but unsure if it is JPMA certified, ask your retailer for assistance or call the manufacturer directly. As an alternative, you also can visit the JPMA Web site at www.jpma.orgfor a listing of certified products and manufacturers. Be sure to look for the JPMA Certification Seal for added assurance the product was built with safety in mind.

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!

The JPMA publishes a great guide to baby product safety, use and selection called “Safe & Sound for Baby.” It is available for download on their website, www.jpma.org.