Baby Products Safety

Walkers

Walkers should be avoided if possible.  There is no data to support any benefits of using walkers, but there is much data on the risks associated with their use.  According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), 25000 children, almost all between the ages of 5 and 15 months, were treated in hospital emergency departments in 1993 for injuries associated with the use of infant walkers, at an estimated cost of $90,000,000 annually.  Between the years of 1989 and 1993, there were eleven deaths related to use of infant walkers. If you insist on using a walker for your infant please follow the following guidelines:

·        Never leave baby unattended in a walker.

·        Choose a sturdy walker with the correct recommended height and weight for your child.

·        Select a walker with a wheel base longer and wider than the frame of the walker itself to ensure stability.

·        Coil springs and hinges must have protective coverings.

·        Only use a walker on smooth surfaces.

·        Remove all throw rugs when baby is in walker.

·        Keep stairways blocked.

·        Keep door closed.

·        Never carry a walker with a child in it. 

Bath Seat

A bath seat will give your child added support while in the bathtub, but it will not protect him/her form injury or drowning.

Keep the following in mind:

·        Collect all bathing materials before bringing the baby into the bathroom.

·        Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid surfaces unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces.

·        Place the bath seat in the tub so baby cannot reach faucet or spout.

·        If bath seat moves or tips while your child is in it, discontinue use. 

Bedding

·        Infants should always be placed to sleep on a firm mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.

·        Normal, healthy babies should sleep on their backs or sides to decrease the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

·        Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place.

·        To prevent baby from chewing on the bumper straps, ties, or ribbons or becoming entangled and strangled, trim off any excess length after the strap is tied.

·        Quilts, comforters and blankets should be placed on top of a sleeping baby and never put under the baby.

·        Do not overheat baby.  The temperature in the room should feel comfortable to you.

·        Pillows and plush toys should only be used for decoration.  Be sure to remove them when baby is sleeping or unattended. 

Gates and Enclosures

When your baby can crawl, it’s time to block doorways and stairways with gates.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

Follow these guidelines:

·        Gates with expanding pressure bars should be installed with the bar side away from baby.

·        Anchor the safety gate securely in the doorway or stairway.

·        Always close the gate when you leave the room and never leave baby unattended.

·        Many newer “accordion style” gates do have the JPMA (Juvenille Products Manufacturers Association) Certified Seal.  Older models that are not certified could be hazardous.   

BACK TO TOP