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Cribs
Your baby’s bedroom and crib or bed should be extra safe. Her
crib and—once she’s mobile—her
room are where she will first push the boundaries of
exploration, without direct supervision much
of the time. To keep the path clear, her surroundings should be
free of traps and hazards as much as
possible.
Safety Check for All Baby Furniture Check that all furniture
complies with up to date safety requirements and is appropriate for
your baby’s
age. This is especially important when you are using previously
owned pieces bought or passed on as gifts.
Antique cribs, for example, may look pretty, but the spacing
between the slats rarely conforms to
the current standard of 2 ⅜ inches or less, which is intended to
make it impossible for a baby’s head to
become caught. In addition, the finish may include old layers of
lead‑based paint. You can trust new
furniture if it bears the Juvenile Products Manufacturers
Association safety certification seal. All fabrics
used in your baby’s room (for example, sleepwear, sheets,
curtains) should be flame retardant.
How to Choose a Safe Crib
• Bars should be spaced no more than 2 ⅜ inches apart.
• The mattress should be very firm and should not sag under your
baby’s weight. It should fit snugly, with no space between it and
the crib walls.
• The top of the crib rail should be at least 26 inches from the
top of the mattress. Periodically lower the mattress as your child
gets taller.
• The headboards and footboards should be solid, with no
decorative cutouts. Corner posts that could cause injury or snag
clothing should be removed.
• Do not use cribs with drop rails. These are not safe.
• Crib bumpers (or bumper pads) may seem as though they can help
protect babies from drafts and bumps, but they should not be used
in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads can prevent serious
injuries, and they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, or
entrapment. In addition, older babies can use them for climbing out
of the crib.
• Keep large toys and stuffed animals out of the crib, as your
baby may use them to get a leg up and over the rail. Pillows, bulky
comforters, and heavy blankets do not belong in a crib; a baby can
smother under them.
• Place the crib away from windows, where direct sunlight and
drafts can make your baby uncomfortable. A crib can become
uncomfortably hot if placed too near a radiator. Also make sure
that there are no strings from blinds or curtains close by that can
wrap around the baby’s neck.
• Once your child is about 3 feet tall, he should start sleeping
in a bed. If you are worried about him falling out of bed, you may
want to start with the mattress on the floor.
• Fit your baby’s crib with a firm mattress and make sure
there’s no space between the mattress and crib walls. Your baby
should never sleep on a water bed, sheepskin, pillow, sofa,
armchair, or other soft surface. Thick blankets, duvets,
comforters, pillows, and large, soft, stuffed toys should never be
used in babies’ cribs; a baby can easily be smothered if trapped
under bulky bedding or when his face is pressed up against a
pillow.
• Babies do not need extra support, such as from rolled blankets
or commercial devices, to keep them on their backs. Cumbersome
materials like these clutter up the crib and may be hazardous for a
baby.
(Source Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © 2013
American Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained on this
Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in
treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual
facts and circumstances.)
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Strollers
Look for These Stroller Safety Features & Take the Following
Precautions:
1. If you use bumpers in your stroller, or if you string toys
across it, fasten them securely so they can’t
fall on top of the baby. Remove such toys as soon as the baby
can sit or get on all fours.
2. Strollers should have brakes that are easy to operate. Use
the brake whenever you are stopped, and
be sure your child can’t reach the release lever. A brake that
locks two wheels provides an extra
measure of safety.
3. Select a stroller with a wide base, so it won’t tip over.
4. Children’s fingers can become caught in the hinges that fold
the stroller, so keep your child at a safe
distance when you open and close it. Make sure the stroller is
securely locked open before putting
your child in it. Check that your baby’s fingers cannot reach
the stroller wheels.
5. Don’t hang bags or other items from the handles of your
stroller—they can make it tip backward. If
the stroller has a basket for carrying things, be sure it is
placed low and near the rear wheels.
6. The stroller should have a seat belt and harness, and it
should be used whenever your child goes for
a ride. For infants, use rolled up baby blankets as bumpers on
either side of the seat.
7. Never leave your child unattended.
8. If you purchase a side-by-side twin stroller, be sure the
footrest extends all the way across both
sitting areas. A child’s foot can become trapped between
separate footrests.
9. There are also strollers that allow an older child to sit or
stand in the rear. Be mindful of weight
guidelines and especially careful that the child in the back
doesn’t become overly active and tip the
stroller.
New Stroller Safety Standards from CPSC: The Consumer Product
Safety Commission has approved new federal safety standards for
carriages and
strollers.
The new standard addresses stroller head entrapment, broken
wheels,
parking brake failures, locking mechanism problems, restraint
issues such as a child unbuckling the
restraint and restraint breakage or detachment, and hinge issues
such as pinching and amputations. CPSC
has received about 1,300 incident reports related to strollers
reported from January 1, 2008 through June
30, 2013. Four of those incidents involved a fatality. The new
standard will take effect in September 2015.
Learn more about the new standard on the
(Last Updated 11/21/2015. Source Adapted from Caring for Your
Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five.
Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Baby Carriers
The lowdown on baby carriers: You can transport your baby in a
stroller or car seat, but many parents
enjoy the simplicity and feeling of closeness provided by a baby
carrier. Baby carriers cuddle your child
against your body while leaving your hands free. You can move
easily, navigate crowded places, and take
care of daily tasks while your child snoozes or relaxes on you.
Experts say baby wearing can soothe a fussy
or colicky child, help lower a mom's risk for postpartum
depression, and promote bonding with parents.
Some parents only use baby carriers in the early months, finding
them uncomfortable once their baby
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reaches 15 to 20 pounds. Other parents happily tote kids long
past this point. Some of the newest carriers
on the market intended for toddlers handle weights up to 50 or
60 pounds, and have ergonomic pads and
straps designed to shift the weight of your child onto your hips
and off your shoulders and back.
Baby carrier’s buying guide:
Types of baby carriers:
A front carrier consists of two shoulder straps that support a
fabric seat. The carrier – and therefore your
baby – is worn very close to your chest. At first, your newborn
will face inward, toward you. Once your baby
has good head control and can sit up, usually around 5 to 6
months, you can turn him outward to look at
the world. Some front carriers can also be worn on your back,
which will be more comfortable for you when
your child's heavier – and will give your child a great view.
One downside to front carriers is that some
don't lend themselves easily to breastfeeding while wearing your
baby. Also, a front carrier may feel too big
and bulky for your newborn.
A sling is a wide swath of fabric worn across your torso and
over one shoulder. They come padded,
unpadded, and with or without rings for adjustment. If you're
breastfeeding, a sling is nice because the
loose fit and generous fabric allow you to nurse your baby
discreetly. All that fabric means that slings can
be cumbersome, particularly for petite women. And the
one-shoulder support can quickly become
uncomfortable, especially once your child weighs more than 10 to
15 pounds.
A wrap is a wide piece of fabric usually worn around your body
and over both shoulders. These are popular
because they're so versatile – you can wear a wrap in all kinds
of configurations and easily adjust it by
pulling on the fabric. Like slings, wraps can make it simple to
breastfeed your baby while wearing him. The
downside is that wraps can be time-consuming and confusing to
take on and off. And like slings, they aren't
as comfortable for carrying bigger kids because they don't have
the padding and support that front carriers
offer.
What to look for when buying:
Type: You may find that some carriers work better than others,
depending on your body and your baby. If
you can, try a few different types before buying.
Versatility: Some parents prefer a sling or wrap for their
younger baby and a structured carrier for an
older baby or toddler. But many carriers are designed to grow
with your child from infancy on.
Comfort for you: Look for wide, well-padded straps or sturdy
fabric to distribute your baby's weight
evenly and save your shoulders, neck, and upper back from
strain. If you are going to share the carrier with
another parent or caregiver, make sure it's easily adjustable.
Many structured carriers come in both regular
and extra-large sizes for tall or plus-sized parents.
Comfort for your baby: With front carriers, look for padded leg
holes that are loose enough not to
constrict your baby's thighs – but not so loose that your baby
could slip through them. Your baby will
probably sleep in the carrier, so you may want one with a padded
headrest to support her head and neck.
Sturdiness: Before using your front carrier, make sure the seat
and straps will support your baby securely
and that all buckles, snaps, and belts are durable and in good
working order.
Easy to use: Unless you are willing to put in some time learning
the ropes, make sure your carrier is easy
to navigate by yourself, preferably with one hand. You'll need
to be able to take it on and off and get your
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baby in and out without help. Some structured carriers are
designed to unbuckle easily so you can move
your sleeping baby into a crib or stroller without waking
him.
Nursing-friendly: Consider whether you'll want to breastfeed
while wearing your baby. Slings and wraps
often make this easier than structured front carriers do.
Weather-appropriate: Some carriers may be too warm for the dog
days of summer. Darker colors really
heat up. If you'll be carrying your baby in hot weather, choose
one that's made of lighter fabric.
Easy to clean: Kids are messy, so it helps to have a
machine-washable carrier.
Important safety notes:
-If your baby is younger than 4 months old, was born prematurely
or at low birth weight, or has a cold or
respiratory problem, consult your child's doctor before using a
sling.
-While wearing your baby in a sling or wrap, check on him often.
Make sure he's not in a curled, chin-to-
chest position and that his face isn't pressed up against the
fabric or you. Both of these positions can lead to
suffocation, which can happen within minutes.
-Make sure you can see your baby's face or eyes in the sling and
that your baby can see you. Unless you're
nursing her, your baby's face should be visible (at or above the
rim of your sling or wrap).
-If you nurse your baby while wearing him, reposition him
afterward so his face is visible and at or above
the rim of the sling or wrap. His face should be away from the
fabric and your body.
What it's going to cost you:
Structured carriers can range from $30 to $180; wraps and slings
from $25 to $200; mei tais from $20 to
$100; and baby backpacks from $150 to $300. The price of
structured carriers and baby backpacks tends to
vary according to the number of features including weight
limits, carrying styles and fabric; higher-priced
wraps, slings, and mei tais are usually quite similar to
lower-priced models functionally, but are made of
higher-quality fabric.
© Copyright 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights
reserved.
Playpens/Play Yards
Getting Started:
A play yard doesn't have to be high on your list of priorities,
but it will certainly come in handy—especially
when you hit the road. Play yards are usually easy to set up and
collapse, giving you a portable, safe space
for your baby to rest or play.
Unlike the square playpens your parents may have used, most of
today's play yards are often rectangular
and may have extras to amuse your baby, including mobiles,
detachable toy bars, or entertainment centers
that feature music, nature sounds, and/or blinking lights (some
activated by remote control).
If you want to use your play yard as a changing station, many
come with a changing-table insert or an
attachment that flips into position from the side. Some play
yards with changing tables also have organizers
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or built-in storage shelves for diapers and baby wipes. Many
play yards also come with a bassinet
attachment for babies weighing 15 pounds or less. While those
two features can be useful, keep in mind that
your baby will outgrow them pretty quickly. Most play yards can
be used (without attachments) until your
child weighs about 30 pounds—around 2 years old.
Remember that no matter how comfortable your baby seems dozing
in a play yard or its bassinet
attachment, a full-sized crib is the safest place for him to
sleep.
Play-yard frames are typically made of metal tubing. Mesh on
three or, better yet, all four sides provides
ventilation and allows you to see your baby. Most models have
hinges and lock buttons in the center of the
top rails. To set up a play yard, you'll need to pull the top
rails up so that they're locked, then push the floor
down and secure the play yard mattress or pad. To fold this
design, you'll need to pull the floor up, and then
raise the top rails slightly while pressing the release buttons
to unlatch and collapse the top rails. Before
assembling or using your play yard, read the owner's manual
carefully and keep it handy for future
reference.
If your play yard is going to function mostly as a play space
for your baby, or you're on a tight budget, you
can probably go with a basic model and skip the accessories such
as mobiles and bassinet insert. A pair of
lockable wheels or swivel casters on one end of the yard will
make it easier to move from room to room. If
you'll use it for travel, you'll want a play yard that's
lightweight, folds quickly and compactly, and has a
carrying case. You may even want to be able to roll the packed
unit. A carrying bag that allows the play
yard's wheels to roll when it's packed is ideal.
Shopping Tips:
Roll with it. Some manufacturers claim that their play yards
fold compactly and easily, which is especially
important if you'll be traveling with it or assembling and
disassembling it often. See for yourself how easy it
is by practicing on floor models in the store before you buy.
Some parents find that while they can collapse
their play yard in a jiffy, fitting the whole thing into its
travel bag is almost impossible. If traveling with the
play yard is important to you, look at the travel bags when you
are shopping.
Some basic models may be easier to cart around because they
don't have any extra parts. You can also look
for bags that leave the play yard's wheels free, so the whole
thing can be rolled once it's packed up. If you
plan on taking frequent trips (especially by air), you might
want to consider a heavy-duty bag that you can
buy separately, such as the Rover Gear Easton Travel Yard Bag
(about $34).
Select the play yard yourself. Play yards are popular shower
gifts; if you're planning to include one on
your registry list, consider the features you'll need and select
the model yourself. If you'll be using the play
yard as a changing station, for example, go with a model with a
changing table and multiple storage
compartments. Make sure any storage fastens to the outside and
is positioned out of your baby's reach.
When it comes to changing table attachments, we prefer changing
stations that don't flip to the outside, as
we believe that those that simply but securely attach to the top
rails are safer. If you choose a model with a
bassinet, make sure it fastens securely and covers most of the
top.
Be sure to check the floor pad. It should also be no more than
1-inch thick, snug-fitting, and firm
enough to protect your baby from falling or rolling into the
loose mesh pocket that can form between the
edge of the floor panel and side of the play yard (a suffocation
hazard). We think it's safer when models
have slots on the floor that allow the mattress's Velcro strips
to be inserted and secured on the outside of
the play yard, making it difficult for a baby or toddler to lift
the mattress and possibly become trapped
under it. Avoid models with a mattress that fastens to the
bottom of a play yard only with Velcro pads that a
child can access from the inside. Use only the mattress or pad
that comes with your play yard.
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Think about the ‘look'. Some play yards feature understated and
neutral color combinations that could
seemingly blend into the décor of any home. Others offer
contrasting colors that make the play yard a
standout. Still others come in boy- or girl-specific color
selections, such as pink polka dots. Your baby won't
care what the play yard looks like, but you might, so decide
which way you want to go: neutral, high
contrast, or with fabrics that signify "baby zone."
The Baby Trend Playard - In the Jungle (about $77), for example,
has a design with small multicolored
circles and a mobile with "jungle" animals, such as a lion.
The Chicco Lullaby Magic play yard has a muted, brown fabric and
three little owls on its mobile, while the
Chicco Lullaby LX, mentioned earlier, is available in a range of
solid colors, including pink.
Check the production date and packaging. Buy the play yard with
the most recent date of
manufacture. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
certifies that some brands meet current
voluntary safety standards for play yards. This certification is
not required by law and is not supervised by
any government agency. Still, we feel a JPMA certification
sticker offers some assurance that a product
meets the safety standard. The play yard standard addresses
design problems of earlier models, such as
inadequate locking devices or protrusions that can snag clothing
and create a strangulation hazard.
These manufacturers make play yards/less-than-full-size cribs
that carry the certification seal from JPMA:
AFG International, Baby Trend, Chicco, Delta Enterprise,
Dorel/Safety 1st, Evenflo, Foundations
Worldwide, Graco, Joovy, L.A. Baby Products, Natart
Juvenile/ALDI/TULIP, and Summer Infant.
Don't buy used. For safety's sake, don't use a hand-me-down or
garage-sale play yard. Older models may
have a top-rail hinge that can collapse, forming a steep,
V-shaped angle that puts children at risk of being
trapped or strangled. They may also have changing-table
restraint straps that can form a loop beneath the
changing table, posing a strangulation hazard to a child in the
play yard. For example, in 2007 the
Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of 425,000
Kolcraft play yards for that reason.
And in January 2009, the CPSC announced a recall of 200,000
Fisher-Price Rainforest Portable Play Yards
manufactured by Simplicity Inc. and SFCA Inc. after 1,350
reports of side-rail collapse; injuries included
cuts, bruises, and broken bones. In the past, incidents of
side-rail collapse have resulted in more serious
injuries and some deaths. Even if you plan to buy new, protect
yourself by signing up for e-mail recall
notices at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. And send in the
registration card to the manufacturer to ensure that
you'll be informed of any recalls. Play yards are one of the 18
types of juvenile products that must, by law,
include pre-addressed, postage-paid product registration cards
and an easy way to register your product
online. Manufacturers are forbidden from using or sharing the
information you put on those cards for
marketing purposes.
Safety Strategies:
Although the voluntary standard for play yards has been
regularly revised and tightened since
requirements were added in 1997 for automatically locking top
rails and in 1999 for latch strength, play
yards were still responsible for an estimated 2,300 injuries to
children in 2010, according to Consumer
Product Safety Commission's latest data.
Play yards have also been associated with 29 infant deaths due
to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment
from 2005 through 2007. Most of those deaths were due to
positional asphyxia, where the infant becomes
wedged between the mattress and the side of the play yard.
Children have also strangled while in their play
yards on nearby window-blind cords or suffocated in soft bedding
such as blankets. Just as with a crib,
nothing should go in the play yard or bassinet attachment with
the baby besides a fitted sheet meant to be
used with the floor pad that comes with the unit. That means no
stuffed animals, bedding, or pillows.
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As with a crib, using a play yard can be a matter of life and
death because babies can get themselves into
trouble even when they're sleeping. Here's how to keep your baby
safe.
How to Choose:
• Choose a play yard with mesh holes smaller than one-quarter
inch. The standard used for JPMA
certification includes this criterion.
• You don't need a sheet. Most play yard mattresses, which are
thin, can be cleaned, and the bassinet is
safer without this extra piece of material, in which a baby
could become entrapped. But if you do use one,
make sure it is tight-fitting and specifically made for the
mattress or bassinet insert on your model. Never
use a sheet made for a crib mattress or twin or other size
bed.
How to Use a Play Yard:
• Read and follow all safety precautions in the owner's manual
and on the play yard.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly,
and double-check that all latching features
and hinges on the play yard are in place and secure. Before
using a play yard, confirm that all top rails and
the center floor are locked in position; the floor pad should
also be in place. Never put your baby in a play
yard with the sides down. Keep your owner's manual for future
reference.
• Inspect your play yard regularly and stop using it if the mesh
sides or vinyl- or fabric-covered rails are
torn or punctured, or any rivets on the rails begin to protrude.
Don't use a play yard with broken hinges. If
the mesh becomes torn, don't use tape to mend it; that is a
choking hazard should the baby remove it.
• It's best to remove the bassinet and the changing station
entirely, or if you have a hinged changing
station, at least be sure to flip it to the outside when your
baby is playing in the play yard. A baby's neck can
become trapped between the side rail and the bassinet or
changing station and children have died in play
yards when that has happened. Be aware that another child can
flip a hinged bassinet back onto the play
yard while your baby is inside—another hazard.
• On some models, the safety straps on the changing-station
insert can also be a strangulation hazard if
they form a loop beneath the changing table, which is another
reason to remove a changing table when your
baby is in the playpen portion of a play yard. Check to see that
your baby can't push down on the bassinet
or changing table insert because of the danger of strangulation
and entrapment. Changing-table straps
should be sewn down or otherwise securely fastened to the
changing-table surface, so that they cannot form
a loop that extends into the occupant area of the ply yard.
• If you use the bassinet, place your baby to sleep on her back,
as you would in a full-sized crib.
• When you're using a play yard's changing table, always keep a
hand on your baby and use the safety
harness.
• When your baby can pull to a standing position, remove large
toys and other objects that can serve as a
step stool for climbing out of the play yard. If you see that he
or she is a skilled climber in general, stop
using the play yard.
• Remove mobiles and toy bars when your child can roll over or
push up on hands and knees so he can't
reach them and pull them down, due to the hazard of
strangulation. If your child uses a play yard at a day-
care center or someone else's home, be sure it's a recent model,
preferably manufactured in 2008 or later.
Also check its condition as you would any item your child might
use. Visit Consumer Product Safety
Commission to make sure that model has never been recalled.
How Not to Use:
• Don't put two or more babies in a play yard that's designed
for only one.
• Stop using the bassinet feature when your baby either reaches
the manufacturer's recommended weight
limit or before she can sit up, pull up, roll over, or push up
on hands and knees (at about 3 months or 15
pounds).
• Stop using the changing table insert when your child reaches
the manufacturer's weight or height limit,
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which may be 15 to 25 pounds, 25 inches in height, or 4 months
old, whichever comes first. It varies per
manufacturer so check your owner's manual.
• If you don't have an actual dedicated changing table, use a
changing mat on the floor. Even then, keep
your eyes and a hand on your baby while changing him.
• Stop using the play yard once your baby has reached the
maximum height and weight recommendations—
usually 35 inches and about 30 pounds.
• Don't move a play yard with your child in it.
• Don't tie any items across the top or corner of the play yard
or hang toys from the sides with strings or
cords. They can be a strangulation hazard.
• Don't add a second mattress, pillows, or comforters to the
play yard or bassinet feature. When your baby
is sleeping in the bassinet or play yard, remove all toys,
too.
• Never leave your baby unattended in a play yard, which means
your baby should always be in view, even
when he's sleeping in the bassinet or in the playpen area.
• Don't place a play yard near stoves, fireplaces, campfires, or
sources of heat and wind, or close to heavy
furniture or a wall. Stop using a play yard, its changing table,
or its bassinet if they are damaged. Don't try
to patch holes in the mesh with tape, for example.
• Don't use a changing table or bassinet with broken or missing
attachment clips.
• Don't place a play yard near a window where your baby can
reach cords from window blinds or curtains.
As we've noted, they're a strangulation hazard.
• Tents and insect netting are a potential entrapment hazard.
Don't use them.
High Chairs
How to tell if its’ a safe high chair:
You’ll find all of the following in a safe high chair:
• Clear guidelines on how to use it. Age and weight suggestions
vary from chair to chair, so the seat you choose should have these
spelled out. In general, high chairs that recline are safe for use
by the time a baby is four months old (when he’s ready to start
solids, which usually happens between four and six months). Hook-on
chairs are usually fine when a baby hits the six-month mark.
• Safety restraints. A high chair should have seat belts that
secure your little one across the hips and between the legs to make
it impossible for even an escape-artist-in-training to break free.
The safety straps should also be adjustable, so you can keep using
them (and you definitely should) as your baby grows.
• No sharp edges. Run your fingers around the tray and under the
seat where your baby’s legs will dangle. It’s also smart to make
sure the fabric on the seat has smooth seams. Not only will that
mean a more comfy cushion for your baby, it’ll also decrease the
chances of food getting stuck in crevices (yuck).
• Locking wheels. If the high chair can roll — even if there are
just two rear wheels — you should be able to lock them so your baby
can’t bust a move during mealtime.
• A wide base. This will make the chair more sturdy and harder
to tip over if, say, you bump into it or your toddler tries to
climb into (or out of) the high chair on his own.
• A strong clamp for hook-on chairs. These keep the seat level
and prevent your baby from kicking the chair off the table.
• The JPMA seal. Along with the other types of baby gear it
gives a thumbs-up to, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers
Association certifies 17 high-chair manufacturers. This seal means
the chair has met the organization’s high safety standards.
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How to play it safe when your child’s in a high chair:
Follow these rules to keep your cutie secure during every
feeding:
• Place your high chair far from walls, counters, and the dinner
table. If the chair is too close to any of these, your baby can
push his feet against the surface and tip the chair.
• Use all the safety straps every time. It’s never a
pick-and-choose situation when it comes to securing your baby. And
don’t think you can rely on the tray table to keep him locked in
and safe in a high chair, either!
• Check that the chair is locked into place. Before you place
your child in a high chair that you just unfolded, give it a shake
to make sure it’s fully opened and stable.
• When your baby’s in a high chair, don’t let and older sibling
climb on it. That extra weight may be enough to knock it over.
• Keep hot, breakable, and sharp stuff far out of reach. Yes,
you've probably babyproofed the kitchen already, but be extra
careful if your baby’s in a hook-on chair. His up-close position at
the table means he can grab dishes, glassware, and utensils that
can burn or cut him when you’re not looking.
Baby Swings
The lowdown on baby swings:
For many frazzled new moms and dads, a baby swing can be a
lifesaver. These freestanding units imitate
the rhythmic rocking motion of the womb and work magic on some
cranky babies. Not all of them love the
motion, though, so you may want to try out a friend's swing
before you buy one.
Baby swings are most useful during your baby's first few months;
weight limits usually go up to 30 pounds.
Still, most manufacturers recommend that you stop using a swing
when your baby weighs between 15 and
25 pounds (depending on the type of swing), or appears to be
able to climb out. A bigger or more active
baby could upend the swing, or send it skittering precariously
around the floor.
A swing is no substitute for human contact, of course, so most
experts recommend limiting swing time to
an hour or less a day when your baby's awake. (For more
information, see our expert advice on how long
you can leave your baby in a swing.) But if your baby responds
well to the rocking, a swing can provide you
with some much-needed quiet, hands-free time in that exhausting
newborn period.
What to look for when buying:
Type: Baby swings range from basic, no-frills models to fully
loaded entertainment centers. You can opt
for a smaller, more portable travel unit or a full-size swing,
depending on your space availability and need
for mobility.
Battery or plug-in: Many baby swings are driven by a
battery-operated motor; you'll be going through a
lot of batteries unless you find a model with a plug-in option.
The motor emits a humming noise that
soothes some infants but startles others.
Safety harness: Full-size swings are required to have a fixed
harness restraint system to prevent your
baby from slipping out of the swing seat. Swings with a 5-point
harness, which includes over-the-shoulder
straps, are safer than those with a 3-point harness.
Speed and motion: Most swings rock head-to-toe, but some cradle
versions offer a side-to-side rocking
motion that your baby may find more soothing. Some newer baby
swing/bouncy-seat hybrids offer other
http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/preparing-for-a-new-baby-siblinghttp://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-29/babyproofing.aspxhttps://www.babycenter.com/404_how-long-can-i-leave-my-baby-in-a-swing_10351368.bchttps://www.babycenter.com/404_how-long-can-i-leave-my-baby-in-a-swing_10351368.bc
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types of motion like up-and-down “hops” or round-and-round
circular moves. Swings may offer multiple
speeds (start at the lowest speed and vary it according to your
baby’s preference).
Sturdiness: Look for a swing with a wide, sturdy frame that’s
low to the ground so it won’t tip if your baby
leans to one side. It should also fold or disassemble easily for
storage or travel.
Easy to clean: Drool, spit-up, and diaper overflow are common in
your baby's early months, so go for a
seat with a removable, washable cover.
Comfort: Cradle-style swings have seats that recline far back,
which is good for newborns. Whatever
swing you buy, check to make sure that the seat cushion is
nicely padded.
Extras: Many swings come with trays, toy bars, mobiles, and even
light displays and music. If the swing
has a tray, make sure that it's simple to take on and off so you
can slip your baby easily in and out of the
seat.
Important safety notes:
Make sure your swing is assembled properly and won't tip over.
Always supervise your baby in the swing,
and keep the safety harness buckled.
Check that any toys are securely and safely connected, since
loose parts that your baby gets in his mouth
could cause choking.
Before buying a swing, check our product recall finder to make
sure the model you're considering hasn't
been recalled. Look for a certification seal from the Juvenile
Products Manufacturers Association on the
packaging, which means the model conforms to independent safety
standards.
The new federal standard, which incorporates provisions in the
voluntary standard ASTM F2088 - 12a,
requires the following:
• a stronger, more explicit warning label to prevent slump-over
deaths. The warning advises
consumers to use a swing in the most reclined position until an
infant is 4 months old and can hold
up its head without help;
• a stability test that prevents the swing from tipping
over;
• a test that prevents unintentional folding;
• tests on restraint systems, which are intended to prevent
slippage and breakage of the restraints
during use;
• the cradle swing surface to remain relatively flat, while in
motion, and while at rest;
• electrically-powered swings to be designed to prevent battery
leakage and overheating.;
• toy mobiles to be designed to ensure that toys do not detach
when pulled;
• swings with seats angles greater than 50 degrees to have
shoulder strap restraints; and
• dynamic and static load requirements to ensure that the infant
swing can handle specified loads
without breaking.
What it's going to cost you:
Baby swings range from about $55 to $270.
https://www.babycenter.com/product-recall-finderhttp://www.jpma.org/http://www.jpma.org/
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Car Seats
Using a car seat (child safety seat) is the best way to protect
kids when traveling by car. Every state in the
United States requires that an infant or small child be
restrained. And with good reason — unintentional
injury is the leading cause of death in children, and most such
injuries are from automobile crashes.
Child safety seats can greatly reduce the risk of a potentially
fatal injury, especially for babies but also for
toddlers. Yet many safety seats are used incorrectly. When
choosing any car seat, following some general
guidelines will help ensure a child's safety.
The best car seat is not always the most expensive one — it's
the one that best fits a child's weight, size, and
age, as well as your vehicle. Once you select a seat, be sure to
try it out, keeping in mind that store displays
and illustrations might not show the correct usage. It's up to
you to learn how to install a car safety seat
properly and harness your child for the ride.
If you need help installing your safety seat or would like a
technician to check whether you've installed it
properly, the federal government has set up child car seat
inspection stations across the country. Also,
many local health departments, public safety groups, hospitals,
law enforcement agencies, and fire
departments have technicians or fitting stations to help
parents. (If you go to one of these locations, be sure
to ask for a certified child passenger safety technician.)
Guidelines for Choosing Car Seats:
• Choose a seat with a label that states that it meets or
exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213.
• Accept a used seat with caution. Never use a seat that's more
than 6 years old or one that was in a
crash (even if it looks OK, it could be structurally unsound).
Avoid seats that are missing parts,
are not labeled with the manufacture date and model number
(you'll have no way to know about
recalls), or do not come with an instruction manual. Also, check
the seat for the manufacturer's
recommended "expiration date." If you have any doubts about a
seat's history, or if it is cracked or
shows signs of wear and tear, don't use it.
• If you accept a used seat, contact the manufacturer for
recommendations on how long the seat
can safely be used and to find out if it's ever been recalled.
Recalls are quite common, and the
manufacturer might be able to provide you with a replacement
part or new model.
• Be sure to fill out the product registration card so you will
be notified about recalls right away.
Infant-Only Seats (Birth to 22-35 Pounds):
Infant-only seats fit newborns and smaller infants best, so you
will have to buy another seat as your baby
outgrows it. Infant-only seats are designed to protect babies
from birth until they reach up to 35 pounds
(about 16 kilograms), depending on the model.
Infant car seats should always be installed to face the rear of
the car. A child under age 2 is 75% less likely
to die or be seriously injured when in a rear-facing seat
because the back of the safety seat will cradle the
baby's head, neck, and torso in a crash (at this age, a child's
neck usually isn't strong enough to support the
head in a crash).
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants
and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat
until they're 2 years old or until they reach the maximum weight
and height limits recommended by the
seat's manufacturer.
It's essential to follow the height and weight guidelines on the
child safety seat and keep your child in a seat
that faces the rear as long as it's possible and the seat still
fits.
Infant-only safety seats are convenient because they're designed
to double as carriers, chairs, or rockers
when not used in the car. Many models detach right from the
base, allowing you to leave the base installed
in the car.
Try to limit the amount of time your baby spends in this type of
seat while you're at home or while the baby
is at childcare. Too much time in a car seat can limit a baby's
movement and opportunities for stimulation,
which are important for developing sensory and motor skills.
How to Install an Infant-Only Seat:
Before installing your baby's infant-only seat, read the product
manual thoroughly. These tips can help with
the installation:
• An infant-only seat should be placed in the back seat, ideally
in the middle of the back seat, but
most important, in a position where it fits securely.
• Read the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out how to
use its seatbelts with a child safety
seat.
• Use your knee to push down on the seat as you tighten the
car's seatbelt through the belt path.
The car seat should not move more than 1 inch (3 centimeters)
from side to side or forward and
backward at the belt path. If the seat wiggles or moves on the
belt path, the belt needs to be
tighter.
• Some seatbelts may require a special locking clip designed to
keep the belt from loosening.
Locking clips are available from baby product stores, safety
seat manufacturers, and some car
dealerships.
• Be sure to check the tightness of the safety seat before each
use.
• Never use an infant-only seat in a forward-facing
position.
• The car seat should recline at no more than a 45-degree
angle.
How to harness your infant:
• Read the entire child safety seat manual.
• Your baby's head should be at least 2 inches (6 centimeters)
below the top of the safety seat.
• Infant-only seats are usually designed with a 3-point or
5-point harness. The harness should
always be placed in the slots and should always be at or below
your baby's shoulders. Most
models have a chest clip that holds the harness straps together.
Move the clip so the top of it is
level with your baby's armpits.
• All harness straps should fit snugly, especially over the
shoulder and thigh areas. Straps should
always lie flat, never twisted. If you can pinch any harness
webbing between your fingers, it's too
loose.
• Dress your baby in clothes that keep his or her legs free.
This will allow you to buckle the latch
crotch strap properly between the legs. If it's cold outside,
harness your baby first and then cover
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him or her with a blanket (never cover your baby's head). Never
buckle a blanket under or behind
the baby.
• If your baby slouches to one side in the seat (common with
newborns), place rolled-up cloth
diapers or rolled hand towels on each side of the shoulders.
There are supports specially designed
for car seats, but only use them if they came manufactured with
your safety seat. Never place any
kind of padding or blanket under your baby — this can affect the
harness's ability to restrain your
little one.
• If your baby's head flops forward (also common with newborns),
check the angle of the seat. Use a
towel or blanket to tilt the seat back slightly (a 30- to
45-degree angle is best).
Convertible Seats
Convertible seats are designed to protect kids from birth up to
at least 40 pounds (18 kilograms) facing
backward, and up to 65 pounds (30 kilograms) or even 80 pounds
(36 kilograms) facing forward,
depending on the model.
Convertible seats are the only type of seats that are placed in
different positions depending on a child's age:
They face toward the rear until a baby is ready to face forward,
when they can be turned around and
"converted" to a forward-facing seat.
Weight ranges vary on convertible car seats, so it is important
to consider a child's height and weight before
buying one. Convertible seats are heavy and not very portable.
Yet they can be economical because it may
not be necessary to buy a separate infant-only seat. It's also a
good option for larger babies who outgrow
their infant-only seat and still need to be rear facing.
If using a convertible seat, make sure it fits your child
correctly — a small child in a large seat may not be
the best option. Models with tray shields should not be used for
newborns — the shield comes up too high
on them, and in a crash the baby's face could hit the tray.
How to Install a Convertible Seat:
• An infant or small toddler should be placed in the back seat —
preferably in the middle — and
must be facing toward the rear of the vehicle until 2 years of
age or until reaching the maximum
weight and height limits recommended by the seat's
manufacturer.
A child who reaches the height and weight limits before age 2 is
safest in a bigger convertible seat
and kept rear facing. Kids who are small can remain in
rear-facing seats even after age 2. (Follow
the manufacturer's guidelines for when to turn the seat.)
• Read the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out how to
use your car's seatbelts or LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system with a child
safety seat.
• Read the entire child safety seat manual. Be sure to check the
recommended angle of recline for
the seat when it is forward facing and rear facing.
• Use your knee to push down on the seat as you tighten the
car's seatbelt (lap-only or
lap/shoulder) or LATCH attachment belt through the child safety
seat's belt path. The seat should
not move more than 1 inch (3 centimeters) side to side or
forward and backward on the belt path.
If the seat wiggles or moves on the belt path, the belt needs to
be tighter.
• Some seatbelts may require a special locking clip designed to
keep the belt from loosening.
Locking clips are available from baby product stores, safety
seat manufacturers, and some car
dealerships.
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• Be sure to check the tightness of the safety seat before each
use.
How to harness infants and toddlers:
• Read the entire child safety seat manual.
• Shoulder straps should be threaded through the lowest harness
slots to best protect your baby.
They should be at or below your baby's shoulders.
• Convertible seats usually have one of three harness options:
the 5-point harness, the tray shield,
and the T-shield. The 5-point harness offers the best protection
for infants because it can tighten
to fit snugly and does not obstruct the baby's head. Both of the
other harness options can cover a
baby's face and are not recommended for infants under 20 pounds
(10 kilograms) or younger
than 1 year old.
• All straps should fit snugly, especially over the shoulder and
thigh areas. Straps should always lie
flat, never twisted. If you can pinch any harness webbing
between your fingers, it's too loose.
• Dress your baby in clothes that keep the legs free. This will
allow you to buckle the latch crotch
strap properly between the baby's legs. If it is cold outside,
harness your baby first and then cover
him or her with a blanket (but never cover your baby's head).
Never buckle a blanket under the
seat straps.
• If your baby slouches to one side or the other in the seat
(common among newborns), place
rolled-up cloth diapers or rolled hand towels on each side of
the shoulders. There are supports
specially designed for car seats, but only use them if they came
manufactured with your safety
seat. Never place any kind of padding or blanket under your baby
— this can affect the harness's
ability to restrain your little one.
• If your baby's head flops forward (also common with newborns),
check the angle of the seat. Use a
towel or blanket to tilt the seat back slightly (a 30- to
45-degree angle is best).
• Be sure to readjust harness straps as your child grows. Heavy
clothing (such as a puffy winter
coat) should always be placed over your child after being
harnessed in the seat. (A tip: After your
child is harnessed in the seat, slip his or her coat on backward
for warmth.)
Forward-Facing-Only Seats (20-80 pounds):
• Forward-facing car seats are designed to protect children from
20 to 80 pounds (about 10 to 36
kilograms) or more, depending on the model.
• All kids 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who
have outgrown the rear-facing height
or weight limit for their car seat, should use a forward-facing
car seat with a full harness for as
long as possible. They should only switch to a booster seat that
relies on the car's adult seatbelts
when they exceed the height and weight limit for their
forward-facing car seat.
• Combination car seats are also available that allow you to
remove the harness to switch from
forward-facing child safety seat to belt-positioning booster
seat. Review the forward-facing
convertible seat for toddlers information mentioned earlier in
this article regarding proper
installation of forward-facing car seats and harnessing your
child.
• Built-in or integrated car seats can be found in some
vehicles. As with other forward-facing car
safety seats, built-in seats are for kids 2 years of age and
older. Some convert to belt-positioning
booster seats. Weight and height limits will vary so be sure to
check your owner's manual.
The LATCH System:
• Since September 2002, most new vehicles have safety seat
anchorage points and most safety seats
have anchor attachments.
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• One of the problems with installing safety seats properly has
been incompatibility between the car
seat and the vehicle. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) system was devised
to make installation easier because it does not require use of
the car's seatbelts.
• Instead, a tether strap secures the top of the safety seat to
an anchorage point either on the rear
shelf area, the rear floor, or the back of the rear seat of the
car, depending on the vehicle model.
Lower anchors secure attachments on the bottom of the safety
seat to a point located between the
car's seat cushion and seat back.
• You should use LATCH only in seating positions recommended by
both the vehicle manufacturer
and the car seat manufacturer. Never use both the seatbelt and
LATCH to install a car seat.
Choose whichever method secures the car seat best.
• Most forward-facing safety seats made after September 1999 are
equipped with top tether straps,
and most vehicles made after September 2000 have tether anchors.
Since September 2002, most
new vehicles also have lower safety seat anchorage points and
most safety seats have lower
anchor attachments.
• If your vehicle or safety seat was purchased after these dates
and didn't come with tethers or
anchors, call the manufacturer.
Air Bags and Kids:
When combined with safety belts, air bags protect adults and
teens from injury during a collision. They
have saved lives and prevented many serious injuries. But
infants and children can be injured or even killed
if they are riding in the front passenger seat when an air bag
opens.
Air bags were designed with adults in mind: They must open with
great force (up to 200 miles per hour) to
protect an average-sized, 165-pound (75-kilogram) male from
injury. While this force is appropriate for
adults and bigger kids, it can be dangerous for small children,
possibly resulting in head and neck injuries.
Protect your baby or toddler from air bag injury by following
these rules:
• Air bags present a serious danger for babies riding in
rear-facing car seats. Never place a rear-facing
infant seat in the front seat of a car that is equipped with a
passenger-side air bag.
• Child safety seats should be placed in the back seat. If you
have no choice and must place a child in a
car seat in the front (that is, if your car is a two-seater or
if the car seat will not fit in the back seat),
push the passenger seat as far back as it will go.
• A law passed in 1995 allows car manufacturers to install a
manual cut-off switch that temporarily
disables a passenger-side air bag. As recommended by National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, if you must place a child in a car seat in the
front seat and your car has this cut-off
switch, disable the air bag for the duration of the ride. Be
sure to switch the air bag back on when
you remove the car seat.
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Infant Baths
Getting Started:
Most baby tubs are small, portable, and made of lightweight
plastic, so you can put them just about
anywhere. Some are designed to rest inside or over a sink, while
others are used inside an adult-sized
bathtub.
There are a lot of different tubs on the market, but you don't
really need something super fancy. A good,
basic tub should have rounded corners and edges throughout, and
should cradle your baby to keep her
safely in place.
No matter where you set up, the most important thing to remember
is to stay with your baby and keep an
eye on her at all times so she never slips under the water.
Can't reach the organic baby wash you just
bought? Forgot the towels in the other room? Just pick up the
baby (she'll be slippery!) while you get what
you need. Never leave your baby alone in the tub. And don't ever
pick up a portable tub with your baby
inside.
The Basics:
When you start shopping, remember that just about any tub you
buy will be awkward to use at first, mainly
because bathing a squirming baby—who might be startled by
temperature changes and by being put into
even very shallow water—is daunting for even the most
experienced parent. In other words, you want to get
the job done quickly.
For a baby 6 months or younger who has limited head and neck
control, buy a bathtub that has a contoured
design, allowing a baby who can't sit up yet to relax in a
slightly upright position. Many come with an
internal sling that cradles a newborn in the water. A removable
mesh or fabric cradle means your baby can't
move around too much, keeping him secure so you can gently wash
him. A mildew-resistant foam lining is
also a plus. It's softer for a baby's head and body than hard
plastic. To prevent mildew and soap-scum
buildup on any baby bathtub, clean it and let it dry fully after
each use.
At about 6 months, when your baby can sit up, she'll probably be
too big to be bathed in an infant tub and
you can move her to a bigger plastic child's tub that fits into
your regular tub. (We recommend using a
nonskid rubber mat, even under an infant or child's tub, to keep
it from moving around.)
There are "convertible" tubs on the market designed for newborns
to toddlers (up to about 25 pounds).
Some convertible models also include the removable slings
mentioned above, which you can take out when
your baby can sit up unassisted.
Another type has a crotch post to keep your baby from slipping
forward in the water. When this type is
outgrown, your older toddler can move to a regular bathtub
filled with a small amount of water. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 6
be watched carefully while in the
bathtub.
If you're short on space, you can buy an infant tub that folds.
But keep in mind that you'll be using it for
only about six months. There are some models on the market that
collapse completely, which is handy for
travel. If you're considering one of those, set it up to make
sure it's sturdy before you put your baby in it.
A "whirlpool spa" might seem cute but you don't need anything
that elaborate. Some of them come with a
showerhead nozzle that activates with a button—a good idea
because keeping water running is a safety risk.
But a simple cup of water to rinse your baby off will do just
fine. Don't buy a showerhead with a hose that
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attaches directly to a faucet because it poses a scalding
hazard. And don't buy an inflatable bathtub, bath
seat, ring, or bathing bucket even if your pediatrician or
friends recommend it.
You might also see infant tubs that come with stands designed to
save parents from the back pain that
might come with bending over to wash a baby. We think the safest
place to wash your baby is in an infant
tub that fits in a sink or bathtub, or on the floor.
Expect your baby to protest the first couple of times. After
that, she'll probably grow to enjoy bath time—
and so will you. But remember, when your baby is in the bath,
keep a hand on her.
How to Give Baby a Bath Safely:
• Never leave your baby unattended during bath time, not even
for a second, even when you're just filling
the tub with water. Plan ahead; make sure you have everything on
hand before you start the bath. You don't
want to dash off for a washcloth or towel while your baby is in
the tub. If he can't sit up on his own yet,
always keep a hand on him at bath time. And don't pick up the
bathtub once the baby is in it.
• To play it safe, stay within arm's reach of your child
whenever he's around water, even when he's in a
standard or toddler tub.
• Fill the tub with as little water as possible. Two inches is a
good amount. Place the baby bathtub on a flat,
level surface that won't allow it to slip and makes it easy for
you to handle your child. Don't add more water
while your baby is in the tub, and never put the baby bathtub in
a larger tub that is filled with water because
it can float around and tip. If you're using an infant tub
inside your bathtub, make sure the drain is open.
• Be careful to avoid scalding water. The water should feel
warm, not hot. Before you put your baby into the
tub, test the temperature with your forearm. Don't rely on a tub
with a temperature indicator, such as a
drain plug that changes color to indicate too hot, too cold, and
just right. If you're using a thermometer
with a readout, baby bathwater should be between 90 degrees and
100 degrees Fahrenheit. But again, use
your forearm as your main guide.
• If you need to leave the bathroom, take your baby with you.
Don't rely on older children to watch the baby
for you. If your phone rings, let it. If there's a knock on the
door, ignore it. Make that rule as stringent as
strapping your baby into her car seat every time you drive.
• When using a baby bathtub in a sink or regular tub, always
turn the hot water off first and watch out for
hot metal spigots. Get a cover for the bathtub's spout to
protect your child from its heat-conducting metal
and hard edges. Some covers are soft plastic and come in the
shape of an animal. Others are inflatable
plastic. Swoosh tub water around with your hand so that any hot
spots even out. To play it safe, reduce the
setting of your hot-water heater to 120° F. An infant's skin
burns much more easily than an adult's.
• Use washcloths instead of sponges. Either one will end up in
your baby's mouth, but washcloths are safer
because tiny pieces of sponge can easily break off and become a
choking hazard. And washcloths can go
through a washer and dryer so they get clean, while sponges have
to air dry and can harbor harmful
bacteria.
• Always empty the bathtub immediately after bath time. A baby
or child can drown in less than an inch of
water. And curious toddlers might go back in the bathroom when
you aren't looking.
• When your baby graduates to a regular bathtub, attach rubber
strips to the bottom to prevent slipping. Or
use a bath mat that can be secured to the bottom of the tub with
suction cups, and check that it is securely
attached before you put the baby in. Keep in mind the underside
of these mats can stay damp, attracting
mold and mildew, so you should take the mat out and scrub it
thoroughly each time you clean the bathtub.
• Remind your partner, your baby's grandparents, and any other
caregivers about these safety tips. Better
yet, if they're new to bath time, ask them not to give your baby
a bath while you're away, if possible. They
can always use baby wipes and washcloths to handle any mess.
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Baby Bouncer
A baby bouncer seat is a must have for baby's first year. They
are perfect for amusing your baby and keep him or her safe for a
little while. Baby bouncers are very popular as they are
lightweight, can easily be used in multiple places and do not cost
a lot. The fact that every year several thousands of infants get
injured in a bouncer seat, shows that not all parents know how to
use a bouncer correctly. Most of these injuries you can easily
prevent if you just stick to the following safety rules.
8 SEAT SAFETY TIPS FOR USING A BOUNCER
1. On the label of the bouncer seat is a weight and height
limit. Most baby bouncers are designed for babies that weigh
between 18 and 30 pounds. A child that is able to sit on its own is
too big for the bouncer.
2. The most dangerous thing to do is use a bouncer seat as a car
seat. Bouncers should always be placed on a solid and steady
surface, so the rocking movements won't make them tip over. Most
accidents happen when bouncers are placed on a couch or table.
3. For better stability the base of the baby bouncer should be
wider than the seat itself, but not so wide that it becomes
something you may tip over.
4. Do not let your baby unsupervised in a baby bouncer even if
you think he or she is asleep. 5. Before you first start using the
seat check if it has any sharp edges that could possibly hurt
your baby 6. It is important they have a three point or
preferably five-point harness to protect baby from
falling out of the bouncer 7. Make sure your baby cannot reach
window cords, dangling lamp cords or heat sources like a
radiator or an oven. 8. Make safety your prime concern and look
for the JPMA (Juvenile Product Manufacturers
Association) Certification Seal before buying a baby bouncer
seat. FINDING THE BEST BABY BOUNCER If you are looking for the
perfect bouncer seat than you will probably be amazed. The choice
seems unlimited making it hard to pick one. Let's look at some
bestselling products in each category.
BEST QUALITY BABY BOUNCER Without doubt Fisher Price is the big
leader in producing high quality bouncer seats. Not only do they
have eye catching, colorful designs but they all come with toys,
songs and sounds and vibrations to sooth a baby.
Definitely, a favorite is The Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy
Deluxe Bouncer which is ideal for newborns to babies of 6 months.
WHEN TO STOP USING A BABY BOUNCER SEAT BABY BOUNCER AGE is from
infancy to about 6 months. Once your baby can sit up unassisted or
is over the weight limit stop using the baby bouncer seat because
it may tip over.
(http://www.baby-safety-concerns.com/baby-bouncer-seat.html)
http://www.baby-safety-concerns.com/baby-bouncer-seat.html