The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is a national trade organization dedicated to promoting the industry, as well as informing consumers about the safe use of juvenile products.

ere’s a highlight of the products you might need or want for your baby, and how to use them correctly, according to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

Through the JPMA Certification Program, “products are tested by independent test laboratories to confirm compliance with the current safety standard before the certification seal can be applied.”

BASSINETS/CRADLES
BATH SEATS
CARRIAGES & STROLLERS
CARRIERS (SOFT/FRAME) & SWINGS
CAR SEATS AND BELT POSITIONING BOOSTER CAR SEATS
CHANGING TABLES
FULL-SIZE CRIBS
GATES & ENCLOSURES
HIGH CHAIRS
INFANT SEATS
PLAY YARDS/NON-FULL-SIZE CRIBS
PORTABLE BED RAILS
PORTABLE HOOK-ON CHAIRS
STATIONARY ACTIVITY CENTERS
TODDLER BEDS
WALKERS
CRIB TOYS AND PACIFIERS
FEEDING TIPS
HELPFUL REMINDERS

BASSINETS/CRADLES
A bassinet is likely to be the very first bed for your baby. While it is perfectly acceptable and safe to introduce your baby to a full-sized crib from the onset, traditionally parents use a bassinet for the first few weeks or months of a baby’s life.

Tips for Selecting Product

• Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.

• Mattress or mattress pad should fit snugly and be firm and smooth.

• Swinging cradles should have a way to keep them from swinging once a baby is asleep.

• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Tips for Use

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.

• Check screws and bolts periodically to ensure they are tight.

• If the product has legs that fold for storage, make sure that effective locks are provided to ensure that the legs do not accidentally fold while in use.

• Only use the mattress provided by the manufacturer. Never use pillows or add extra padding.

• Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.

BATH SEATS
A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub, but it will not protect him or her from injury or drowning. Keep the following in mind while using a bath seat or bath ring:

Tips for Selecting Product

• Before leaving home, check your tub for smooth, textured or non-skid surfaces as this can affect your purchase selection.
   
• Bath seats and bath rings should be used with children who are capable of sitting upright unassisted. Discontinue use when a child can pull to a standing position.
   
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Tips for Use

• NEVER leave baby unattended. If you need to leave the bathroom, take the baby with you. Do not rely on older children to watch the baby for you.
   
• Collect all bathing materials before bringing baby into the bathroom.

• Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid tub 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 the faucet or spout.
   
• After running a minimum amount of warm water in the tub, carefully place baby into the bath seat.
   
• If bath seat moves or tips while your child is in it, discontinue use.

CARRIAGES & STROLLERS
Carriages and strollers perform a tremendous service to parents and child caregivers. These vehicles make it easier to safely transport a child. Now more than ever, there are so many to choose from. Whichever style you decide on, be sure you follow these easy tips for safe use:

Tips for Selecting Product

• Check for adjustments that reduce the size of seat openings in the front to prevent your baby from falling out when seat back is reclined into the flat position.
   
• Choose a carriage or stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping, even when your baby leans over the side.
   
• If the seat adjusts to a reclining position, make sure the carriage or stroller doesn’t tip backwards when the child lies down.
   
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Tips for Use

• ALWAYS secure the baby by using the restraint straps.
   
• Don’t hang pocketbooks or shopping bags over the handles of the carriage or stroller. If your stroller has a shopping basket for carrying packages, it should be low on the back of the stroller or directly over the rear wheels.
   
• Use the locking device to prevent accidental folding.
   
• Apply the brakes to limit rotation of the wheels when stroller is stationary.
   
• When you fold or unfold the stroller, keep the baby’s hands away from the areas that could pinch tiny fingers.

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