Baby Product Safety 101

Knowing what baby products you should be looking for can be a hard and stressful experience for any parent. Everyday we hear about recalls and new safety recommendations while being bombarded by ads in parenting magazines, websites and stores telling us to buy this and that.
How is a new parent supposed to know if a product is safe or not?

First, we recommend buying or using products that meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) safety standards, if ones exist.

Keep in mind that not all children’s products have standards regulating their design and safety performance. Be an informed consumer by examining the product carefully!

Be proactive! Check www.recalls.gov to see if a product, especially if it was used before, has been recalled and remove all recalled products from your home immediately.

Sign up to receive e-mail recall notifications at www.cpsc.gov. When you buy a new product like a car seat, mail in the registration card to receive important recall information.

Finally, make sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when setting up, installing and using a product.

For more safety advice, visit Safe Start Baby.