Consumer Product Safety Commission
The Safe Nursery
A booklet to help avoid
injuries from nursery
furniture and equipment
CPSC Publication #202
NOTE: This is a text version of "The Safe Nursery". A copy with graphics and illustrations, is available on our website.
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Contents Section
I Introduction
II Major Hazards
Cribs/Crib Toys 1
Bathing Aids, Buckets & Pails 2
Gates & Enclosures 3
High Chairs 4
Play Pens 5
Rattles/Squeeze Toys/Teethers 6
Toy Chests 7
Walkers 8
II Other Hazards
Back Carriers 1
Bassinets & Cradles 2
Carrier Seats 3
Hook-on Chairs 4
Changing Tables 5
Pacifiers 6
Strollers & Carriages 7
III General Household Tips
IV Safe Nursery Checklist
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I Introduction
A is for Awareness . . . of parents and caretakers about
potential hazards in the child's environment, including
nursery products.
B is for Baby.
C is for Caution . . . in selecting and maintaining
products for the child's environment, including nursery
products.
S is for Safety . . . the sum of the A B C's.
From the beginning of a child's life, products intended for
a child must be selected with safety in mind. Parents and
caretakers of babies and young children need to be aware of many
potential hazards in the child's environment hazards from
incorrect use of products or with products not well designed for
their intended purpose. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
hopes this booklet, with its selected safety hints, will be your
ABC primer helping you buy nursery products, using them, keeping
them in good repair, and properly disposing of a product if it
becomes a hazard. The Commission has several ways to keep you
informed. The Commission publishes Safety Alerts and recall
notices, has a Hotline service (1-800-638-2772, TTY:
1-800-638-8270) and has a Website page (www.cpsc.gov). CPSC can
also send you information for hosting a Baby Safety Shower, a
great way to inform new parents how to protect their babies from
harm in their own homes.
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II Major Hazards
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1. Cribs
More infants die every year in accidents involving cribs
than with any other nursery product. Thousands of infants are
injured seriously enough to require treatment in hospital
emergency rooms.
If You're Buying a New Full-Size Crib
1. Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 inch (1
1/2 mm) above the top of the end panel. Corner posts can be
catchpoints for items placed around a child's neck or clothing
worn by the child.
2. Mattress support hangers should be secured by bolts or
closed hooks. All crib hardware should be securely tightened and
checked frequently.
3. Bumper pads, if used, should (a) fit around the entire
crib, (b) tie or snap into place, and (c) have straps or ties at
least in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on
both the top and the bottom edges. To prevent your baby from
becoming entangled in the ties, trim off excess length after
tying. Use the bumpers until the baby can pull up to a standing
position, then remove them so that the baby will not use them to
try to climb out of the crib. 4. Remove and destroy all plastic
wrapping materials. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers.
The plastic film may cling to a baby's face and cause
suffocation.
If You Already Have a Crib
1. CPSC discourages the use of used cribs. Use a crib that
meets Federal safety regulations and industry voluntary standards
(ASTM) and make sure it has a tight fitting mattress. Check the
labeling on these products to make sure they meet safety
requirements.
2. Check the crib and replace any missing parts, such as
screws, bolts or mattress support hangers, before placing your
child in it. Make sure all screws or bolts are securely
tightened. Any screw inserted into a wood component that cannot
be tightened securely should be replaced by one that fits. On
cribs where the mattress support is suspended by hangers attached
to hooks on the end panels, check frequently to be sure they have
not become disconnected. Never use a crib with broken or missing
parts.
3. Use a mattress that fits tightly. If you can fit more
than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and crib side,
the mattress is too small. An infant can suffocate if its head or
body becomes wedged between the mattress and the crib sides.
4. Avoid older cribs with headboard and footboard designs
that may allow an infant's head to become caught in the openings
between the corner post and the top rail, or in other openings in
the top edge of the headboard structure. These openings may lead
to strangulation.
5. Corner posts should be less than 1/16 inches high.
(1-1/2 mm) unless the crib has a canopy. Do not use a crib that
has decorative knobs on corner posts. If you already have a crib
with such knobs, the knobs should be unscrewed or sawed off flush
with the headboard or footboard. Sand off splinters and sharp
corners.
6. Never use a crib that has loose or missing slats. Be
sure that all slats are securely fastened in place and the space
between slats is no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) to avoid head
entrapment/strangulation.
7. If you paint or refinish the crib, use only high quality
household lead-free enamel paint and let it dry thoroughly so
there are no residual fumes. Check the label on the paint can to
make sure the manufacturer does not recommend against using the
paint on items such as cribs.
Some Safety Tips
1. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS) and prevent suffocation, put your baby to sleep on his/her
back in a crib on a firm, flat mattress. Make sure there is no
soft bedding underneath your baby.
2. Temporary beds: Never place your infant to sleep on an
adult bed, water bed, or bunk bed. Infants up to 18 months can
suffocate in their sleep when their bodies or faces become wedged
between the mattress and bed frame or the mattress and wall.
3. Never put a crib, child bed, or furniture near window
blinds or drapery. Children can strangle on window cords or can
fall through screens. If local fire codes permit window guards,
install them. Make sure that all drapery or window blind cords
are out of the child's reach. CPSC has received numerous reports
of strangulation deaths on window blind cords over the years. To
keep cords out of reach of children, use tie-down devices or take the
cord loop and cut it in half to make two separate cords. Consumers
should call toll-free (800) 506-4636 or visit the Window Covering
Safety Council web site at windowcoverings.org
to receive a free repair kit for each set of blinds in their home.
4. Never use strings to hang any object, such as a mobile
or a toy or a diaper bag, on or near the crib where a child could
become caught in it and strangle. If you have toys with cords or
elastic for hanging, cut the strings/cords off.
5. To prevent strangulation, NEVER tie pacifiers/teethers
around your child's neck. Remove bibs and necklaces whenever you
put your baby in crib or playpen.
6. Always lock the side rail in its raised position
whenever you place your child in the crib. As soon as your child
can stand up, adjust the mattress to its lowest position and
remove the bumper pads. Also, remove any large toys-an active
toddler will use anything for climbing out of the crib.
7. When your child reaches 35 inches (890 mm) in height,
he/she has outgrown the crib and should sleep in a bed.
8. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic
film may cause suffocation.
9. Check all crib hardware; tighten all nuts, bolts, and
screws frequently. After a crib is moved, be sure all mattress
support hangers are secure. Check hooks regularly to be sure none
are broken or bent. Open hooks may allow the mattress to fall.
10. Secure bumper pads around the entire crib and snap or
tie in place at least in each corner, in the middle of each long
side, and on both the top and the bottom edges. Cut off any
excess string length.
Crib Toys
Crib gyms and other toys that stretch across the crib with
strings, cords or ribbons can be a hazard for older or more
active babies. The Commission knows of cases in which infants
strangled or became entangled in crib gyms or other toys
stretched across their cribs.
[] Make sure that crib gyms are installed securely at both ends
so they cannot be pulled down into the crib.
[] Make sure that you remove crib gyms and mobiles from the
crib when your baby is 5 months old or begins to push up on hands
and knees.
[] Mobiles and any other toys that hang over a crib or playpen
should be out of reach of a child.
[] Do not use crib toys with catch points that can hook
clothing.
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2. Bathing Aids, Buckets & Pails
Bathing Aids
Water presents a real danger: NEVER, even for a moment,
leave your child alone or under sibling supervision in the
bathtub, even when the child is in a bath ring or seat. Bath
rings are intended for use as bath aids, but they are NOT SAFETY
DEVICES! Keep children away from buckets, toilets, pools and
other containers of water. Young children can drown quickly in
small amounts of water. Hot water can scald. To prevent skin
burns always check bath water temperature with your wrist or
elbow before bathing your baby.
Safety Tips
1. Never, even for a moment, rely on bath rings or seats
to keep baby safe in the bath. Never leave a baby alone in a
bath ring or seat in the tub. Never rely on a sibling to
supervise a baby in a bath tub. Turning away to get a towel,
answer the doorbell or telephone could result in the baby
drowning.
2. All necessary bathing items (soap, washcloths, towels,
etc.) should be placed by the tub before your baby goes in.
3. Only fill the tub with enough water to cover the baby's
legs. This amount of water is sufficient to bathe the baby.
However, be aware that babies can drown in a very small amount of
water. All it takes is enough water to cover the nose and mouth.
4. Securely attach bath seats and rings to a SMOOTH
SURFACE. Suction cups will NOT stick to textured, ridged,
appliqued, or factory designed non-skid bathtub surfaces.
Suction cups will not stick to scratched, chipped, or repainted
tub surfaces.
5. Parents and caregivers should be trained in basic
CPR techniques.
Buckets & Pails
Young children will get into everything! The Commission has
many reports of children who were able to pull themselves to a
standing position (around 7 months), fall head first into an open
pail and drown.
Safety Tips
[] Keep diaper pails tightly closed, and out of the reach of
young children.
[] Never use open buckets as diaper pails or leave open buckets
containing liquids where children can reach them. They pose a
drowning hazard.
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3. Baby Gates
Baby gates are used at the top and bottom of stairs or in
open doorways to prevent toddlers from falling or entering unsafe
areas. But some baby gates themselves are dangerous. The
Commission warns parents and others who care for children that an
entrapment and strangulation hazard exists with accordion-style
baby gates that have large V-shaped openings along the top edge
and diamond-shaped openings between the slats. CPSC knows of
deaths that occurred when children's heads were entrapped
in the V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings when they attempted to
crawl through or over the gates. Although these hazardous
accordion-style baby gates have not been sold since 1985, you may
still find them at yard sales or in thrift stores.
If You Will Be Using a Baby Gate
[] Choose a gate with a straight top edge and rigid
bars or mesh screen, or an accordion-style gate with small
V-shapes and diamond-shaped openings. Entrances to V-shapes
should be no more than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) in width to prevent
head entrapment.
[] Be sure the baby gate is securely anchored in the doorway or
stairway it is blocking. Children have pushed gates over and
fallen down stairs.
[] Gates that are retained with an expanding pressure
bar should be installed with this bar on the side away from the
child. A pressure bar may be used as a toehold by a child to
climb over a gate. Pressure gates are not recommended at the top
of stairways. CPSC is aware of a number of incidents where
pressure gates have popped out of openings at the top of stairs
resulting in children falling down stairs.
Expandable Enclosures
Circular wooden enclosures that expand, accordion-style, can
present the same entrapment/strangulation hazards as the
accordion-style gates. The Commission knows of deaths that
occurred when children caught their necks in the V-shaped
openings along the top edge of the enclosure, apparently as they
were attempting to climb out. CPSC recommends that you DO NOT USE
ACCORDION-STYLE EXPANDABLE ENCLOSURES with V-shaped or
diamond-shaped openings.
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4. High Chairs
Each year, thousands of children are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries associated with high chairs. Deaths
also occur. The majority of the injuries result from falls when
restraining straps are not used and when children are not closely
supervised. The majority of deaths occurred when children slipped
down under the tray and strangled. Most often, these children
were either unrestrained or were restrained only by a waist belt.
To help prevent injuries and deaths, high chairs should have
a waist strap and a strap that runs between the legs. While in
the high chair, children should ALWAYS be restrained by both
straps. The tray should not be used as a restraining device in
place of the straps.
Without these two straps, children can stand in the chair
seat and topple from the chair, or slide under the tray and
strangle on the waist strap or when their heads become trapped
between the tray and the chair seat.
Other accidents occur when the chair tips over. High chairs
may tip if an active child pushes off from a table or wall,
stands up in the high chair, or rocks it back and forth.
If You Are Buying a New High Chair
1. Select one that has a wide base for stability.
2. Examine the restraining straps to ensure that
the waist belt has a buckle that cannot be fastened unless the
crotch strap is also used.
3. Since the restraining straps must be used every time a
child is placed in the chair, look for straps that are easy to
use. If the straps are difficult to fasten, you might not use
them.
4. Consider a high chair that has a post between the
child's legs to prevent the child from slipping down and becoming
trapped under the tray.
If You Already Have a High Chair or Are Buying One
Secondhand
1. Check the condition of straps and their attachments to
make sure they are securely attached and work properly.
2. If the high chair does not have adequate safety straps,
contact the manufacturer for replacement.
Safety Tips
1. ALWAYS USE ALL RESTRAINING STRAPS PROVIDED. The crotch
strap and belt around the waist should be fastened as soon as a
child is placed in the chair and unfastened only when the child
is removed. Remember, the feeding tray is not a restraint. Only
safety straps keep the child from climbing out or sliding down
and strangling.
2. Be sure that the locking device on a folding high chair
is locked each time you set up the chair.
3. Never allow a child to stand up in a high chair.
4. Don't stray too far from the high chair - especially if
the child has shown an ability to unfasten safety straps.
5. Keep the high chair far enough away from a table,
counter, wall, or other surface so that a child can't use them to
push off.
6. Don't let children play around a high chair or climb
into it unassisted.
7. Don't let older children hang on to a high chair
while a baby is in it. The high chair could tip over.
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5. Playpens
Deaths have occurred when the drop-sides of mesh playpens
and cribs were left in the down position. When a mesh side is
left down, the mesh hangs loosely, forming a pocket or gap
between the edge of the floor panel and the side. Young infants,
even a few weeks old can move to the edge and fall into the loose
mesh pocket where they can be trapped and suffocate.
New mesh-sided playpens with drop-sides have warning labels
that alert parents and others never to leave infants in playpens
with sides in the down position. Be aware that older mesh
playpens or cribs do not have these warning labels. Many of these
products are still in use.
Deaths have also occurred in playpens or travel cribs that
have a rotating hinge in the center of each top rail to enable
the product to be folded into a compact package. These deaths
resulted when the top rails collapsed and formed an acute 'V'
shape that entrapped the child's neck. In the entrapment
incidents, the hinges were either not turned inward and
down or they somehow rotated during use to the unlocked position.
CPSC has recalled several brands of playpens with these rotating
latches in the center of the top rails.
Some playpens or travel cribs have a hinge at the center of
each top rail with a latching mechanism that locks automatically
when the rail is lifted into the normal use position. To fold
these products, a button or other release mechanism must be used
to release the latch. Such products, while similar in appearance
to those with rotating hinges, are not known to have been
involved in any fatal entrapment incidents.
If You Are Buying a New Playpen
1. For playpens with a hinge in the center of each of the
four top rails, look for a playpen or travel crib that has top
rails that automatically lock when lifted into the normal use
position.
2. Look for mesh netting with a very small weave (less
than 1/4 inch)-smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's
clothing.
3. Slat spaces on a wooden playpen should be no more than
2-3/8 inches (60 mm) in width.
If You Already Have a Playpen or Are Buying One Secondhand
1. Check the slat spacing on older, wooden playpens. The
Commission does not recommend using it if the space between slats
is more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm).
2. Check to see if it has a hinge at the center of each
top rail that must be turned toward the inside of the crib and
down to prevent folding. CPSC does not recommend that you use
this type of product.
Safety Tips
1. Always show babysitter/caregiver how to properly set up
playpen according to the manufacturer's instructions. Improper
setup can cause the playpen to collapse, resulting in injury or
death to the child.
2. Never leave an infant in a mesh playpen or crib with
the drop-side down. Infants can roll into the space between the
mattress and loose mesh side and suffocate. Even when a child is
not in a playpen, leave the drop-side up. Children may try to
climb back into a playpen and cut or pinch their fingers on the
unlocked hinge mechanism.
3. Remove large toys, bumper pads, or boxes from inside
the playpen. They can be used for climbing out.
4. Avoid tying any items across the top or corner of the
playpen; they can be a strangulation hazard.
5. Toys should not be hung from the sides with strings or
cords because they could wrap around a child's neck. Use another
method for attaching the toys to the playpen.
6. Children may use the top rail of the playpen for
teething. Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for
holes and tears. A teething child can chew off pieces and choke.
7. If staples are used to attach the mesh side to the
floor plate, make sure none are loose or missing.
8. Examine the mesh and its attachment to the top rail and
floor frequently for loose threads. There have been reports of
entanglements in threads (stitching) that unraveled.
9. Never use a playpen with holes in the mesh sides. These
could entrap a child's head and cause strangulation.
10. Never use a playpen with a hinge in the center of each
of the four top rails that fold if each top rail does not
automatically lock when the rail is lifted into the normal use
position.
11. Never use a pad that does not fit snugly and never add
a second pad or mattress. Babies have suffocated when trapped
between mattresses or between the playpen side and mattress that
was too small.
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6. Rattles/Squeeze Toys/Teethers
Because children have choked to death on baby rattles, the
Commission issued a regulation in 1978 requiring 1) that rattles
be large enough to prevent them from becoming lodged in an
infant's throat and 2) that they be sturdily constructed to
prevent them from separating into small pieces that can be
swallowed or inhaled. To date, the largest rattle known to have
lodged in an infant's mouth/throat had an end about the size of a
golf ball. Squeeze toys and teethers have been involved in
similar choking incidents. Rattles, squeeze toys and teethers
involved in incidents had handles or ends small enough to enter a
baby's mouth and lodge in the throat, blocking the airway.
Safety Tips
1. Check all rattles, squeeze toys and teethers for small
ends that could extend into the back of the baby's mouth. If you
feel that the toy may be too small for safety, throw it away.
2. Take rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, and other small
objects out of the crib or playpen when the baby sleeps.
3. Teethers, like pacifiers, should never be fastened
around a baby's neck.
4. Avoid rattles and squeeze toys with ball-shaped ends.
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7. Toy Chests
CPSC has received reports of death and brain damage as a
result of toy chest lids falling on children's heads or necks.
These chests include those specifically manufactured for toy
storage, as well as trunks, wicker chests, wooden storage chests,
and other similar items.
Most of the children were under two years of age. Accidents
occurred when children were reaching over and into the chest when
the lid dropped, either falling on their heads or trapping them
at the neck between the lid and the edge of the toy chest.
Another potentially fatal, but less frequent, hazard is
suffocation, which has resulted in the deaths of several
children. These accidents happened when children climbed into toy
chests to hide or sleep. Because the toy chests were not
adequately ventilated, the children suffocated in the enclosed
space.
If You Are Buying a New Toy Chest
1. Look for one that has a support that will hold the
hinged lid open in any position in which it is placed or buy one
with a detached lid or doors.
2. Look for a toy chest with ventilation holes that will
not be blocked if the chest is placed against the wall, or a
chest which, when closed, has a gap between the lid and the sides
of the chest. Many chests are ventilated by a space between the
underside of the lid and sides or front of the box.
3. Make certain that the lid of the toy chest does not have
a latch.
If you already own a toy chest or trunk with a freely
falling lid, CPSC recommends that you REMOVE THE LID to avoid
possible tragedy. Otherwise, you may wish to install a lid
support device designed to hold the lid open in any position. Buy
a spring-loaded lid support that will not require periodic
adjustment.
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8. Walkers
The Commission estimates that more children are injured in
baby walkers than with any other nursery product. The accidents
happen even when a caregiver is nearby. Almost all of the victims
are children under 15 months of age. Most of the injuries are
caused by:
[] Falling down stairs - Children in baby walkers can quickly
move to the edge of the stairs and fall. This kind of accident
frequently happens when someone forgets to close
a basement door or safety gate.
[] Tipping over - Baby walkers can tip over when children try
to cross uneven surfaces such as door thresholds or carpet edges.
[] Burns - Children in baby walkers can be burned when they
touch hot surfaces such as range doors, radiators, heaters, and
fireplaces. Children can also be burned when they reach and spill
hot liquids such as soup, coffee, or cooking oil.
You May Want to Use an Activity Center Instead of a Walker
In an activity center your child will be protected from most
injuries associated with baby walkers. Some activity centers are
stationary; others allow your child to walk within a limited
area.
If You Plan to Use a Walker
It is important to buy a new walker that has safety
features to help prevent falls down stairs. However, it is not
possible to find a product that is safe in every situation.
Therefore, it is very important to follow all safety instructions
on the warning labels.
Safety Tips
1. To prevent accidents, always keep your child within
view. A walker increases your child's mobility and his/her reach.
2. To avoid a fall down stairs or steps, make certain that
the door or gate is closed at the top of the stairs every time
you use a walker.
3. To avoid a tipover, use a walker only on smooth
surfaces. Carpet edges, thresholds, and uneven pavement can cause
a child in walkers to tip over.
4. To avoid a burn injury, keep your child in a walker
away from hot surfaces and containers with hot liquids. Beware of
dangling appliance cords.
5. To avoid a drowning, keep your child in a walker away
from swimming pools, toilets, and other sources of water.
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II Other Hazards
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1. Back Carriers
An infant back carrier can make it easier to go shopping,
walking, or hiking with a baby. However, framed back carriers
should not be used before a baby is four to five months old. By
then the baby's neck is able to withstand jolts and not sustain
an injury. Bicycle carriers should not be used before a baby is
one year old. Developmentally, children are just learning to sit
unsupported around 9 months of age. It is not until this age that
infants have developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to
enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight.
If You Are Buying a New
Back Carrier
1. Buy one to match the baby's size and weight. Try it on
with the baby in it and check for:
[] enough depth to support the baby's back.
[] leg openings small enough to prevent the baby from slipping
out.
[] leg openings big enough to avoid chafing the baby's legs.
2. Look for sturdy materials with strong stitching or
large, heavy duty fasteners to prevent the baby from slipping
out.
3. Look for a back carrier with padded covering
over the metal frame near the baby's face to protect the baby
from bumps.
Safety Tips
1. A child may stand up or try to climb out of the
carrier. If the back carrier has restraining straps, be sure
to use the restraining straps at all times.
2. Be sure the child's fingers are clear of the frame
joints when folding the carrier. Check frames for sharp points,
edges or rough surfaces.
3. Check the carrier periodically for ripped seams,
missing or loose fasteners, frayed seats, or straps. Repair them
promptly or discard the carrier.
4. If leaning over or stooping, bend from the knees rather
than the waist to prevent the baby from falling out of
the back carrier.
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2. Bassinets & Cradles
The most frequent injury associated with bassinets and
cradles involves children falling either when the bottom of the
bassinet or cradle breaks or when it tips over or collapses.
Suffocation has also been reported in products that are not
structurally sound or when pillows or folded quilts were under
baby.
If You Are Buying a Bassinet or Cradle
1. Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable
base.
2. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the appropriate
weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or
cradle.
3. Check to make sure that spaces between spindles are no
larger than 2-3/8 in. (60 mm).
Safety Tips
1. Check screws and bolts periodically to see if they are
tight.
2. 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.
3. Mattresses and padding should fit snugly and be firm
and smooth. Never use pillows.
4. Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and
stitched securely to prevent strangulation.
5. Swinging cradles should have a way to keep them from
swinging once a baby is asleep.
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3. Carrier Seats
Most injuries associated with carrier seats result from
falls: infants falling out of carrier seats, or the carrier seat
falling with the infant still sitting in it. The movements of an
active infant can cause the carrier seat to move or tip over.
Deaths have occurred when carrier seats or bouncers were placed
on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces and then tipped over.
Safety Tips
1. The carrier should have a wide, sturdy base for
stability.
2. Stay within arm's reach of the baby when the carrier
seat is on tables, counters, or other furniture. Never turn your
back. Carrier seats slide more easily on slippery surfaces such
as glass table tops.
3. If the carrier seat does not already have non-skid
feet, attach rough surfaced adhesive strips to the underside.
4. Always use the safety belts and keep them snug.
5. If the carrier seat contains wire supporting devices
which snap on the back, check for security. These can pop out
causing the carrier seat to collapse.
6. Never place a carrier seat on soft surfaces such as
beds or sofas. The carrier seat may tip over and the baby may
strangle or suffocate.
7. REMEMBER-A carrier seat is not always an infant car
seat, and should never be used in an automobile unless it is
labeled for that purpose.
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4. Hook-on Chairs
Hook-on chairs are used as substitutes for high chairs and
are attached to the edge of a table. The Commission has reports
of children either falling out of these chairs or dislodging the
chair from the table.
Safety Tips
1. Do not place the chair where the child's feet can reach
table supports, benches, or chairs, to push off from and dislodge
the chair from the table.
2. The restraining straps should be easy to use and always
fastened around the child when in the chair.
3. After clamping the chair to the table, check its
security by pulling backwards on the chair.
4. Don't leave a child
unattended.
5. Never use hook-on chairs on glass top, single pedestal
or unstable tables.
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5. Changing Tables
Most injuries associated with changing tables occur when
children fall from the changing table to the floor.
Safety Tip
Look for a table with safety straps and always use them. In
the instant it takes to turn for diapers and pins, an active baby
can roll over and fall. Remember, just because you are using the
safety straps it does not mean that you can leave your child
unattended.
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6. Pacifiers
In 1977, the Commission issued a regulation for the safety
of pacifiers. Among other requirements, the regulation says that:
[] Pacifiers must be strong enough to not separate into small
pieces on which a baby could choke or suffocate.
[] Pacifier guards or shields must be large enough and
firm enough to prevent the pacifier from being drawn entirely
into a baby's mouth.
[] Pacifier guards or shields must have ventilation
holes.
[] Pacifiers cannot be sold with a ribbon, string, cord, or
yarn attached, and must be labeled with the statement:
"Warning-Do Not Tie Pacifier Around Child's Neck as it Presents a
Strangulation Danger."
Although the regulation has helped to reduce the number
of accidents involving pacifiers, the Commission still receives
reports of infants strangling on pacifier cords or ribbons tied
around their necks. Children have caught pacifier cords on crib
corner posts, crib toys and gyms, pieces of furniture, and even
doorknobs.
Safety Tips
1. REMEMBER, NEVER HANG ANYTHING AROUND YOUR BABY'S NECK.
2. Pacifiers may deteriorate with age, exposure to food,
sunlight, etc. Inspect them frequently and discard immediately if
you notice a change in texture, tears, holes or weakening.
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7. Strollers & Carriages
Deaths have resulted when infants were left to sleep in
strollers with the backrest reclined to the carriage position.
The infants moved (wriggled) feet first towards the front of the
stroller and, when their bodies passed through the opening
between the handrest (grab bar) and front edge of the seat, they
became trapped by the head and strangled.
If You Are Buying a Stroller or Carriage
1. If you choose a stroller that has a handrest (grab bar)
at the front of the seat, make sure the opening between grab bar
and seat can be closed when it is used in the reclined carriage
position.
2. If a stroller has a shopping basket for carrying
packages, it should be low on the back of the stroller and in
front of (or directly over) the rear wheels. Hanging pocketbooks
or shopping bags over handles may cause tipping.
3. Check the seat belt to make sure it is strong and
durable, fits snugly around your child, and can be easily
fastened and unfastened. Use the seat belt each time you place
the baby in the stroller.
4. Make sure that the brake is convenient to operate and
actually locks the wheels. Brakes on two wheels provide an extra
measure of safety.
Safety Tips
1. Close the opening between handrest (grab bar) and seat
when using a stroller in the reclined carriage position.
2. When folding or unfolding a stroller, keep your child
away from it. Children's fingers have been amputated in parts of
the folding mechanism.
3. Always secure the seat belt.
4. Never leave a child unattended in a stroller,
especially when the baby is asleep.
5. A stroller is not a toy. Never allow children to use
one as a plaything.
6. Never use a pillow, folded quilt, or blanket as a
mattress in a stroller or carriage.
=================================================================
III General Household Tips
1. Other children's products: Drawstrings on children's
clothing pose strangulation and entanglement hazards. Hood or
neck drawstrings can strangle a child if they get caught on such
items as playground equipment or cribs. Remove drawstrings from
hood and the neck area of outerwear including jackets and
sweatshirts. CPSC recommends that consumers purchase children's
outerwear with alternative closures, such as snaps, buttons, or
Velcro, instead of long, loose drawstrings.
2. Dressers and shelves: Young children can be killed when
furniture tips over. These children can climb on a lower drawer
that has been pulled out and use it as a step. This can cause the
dresser to tip over. Use latches on lower drawers to ensure that
drawers are not opened by young children or use angle braces or
anchors to secure furniture to a wall.
3. Toys: Babies use their mouths to learn about the world
around them. At two months old they can usually grip small
objects. Keep tiny objects out of reach of your baby, especially
SMALL BALLS, MARBLES and BALLOONS. Smooth round objects present
the highest risk of choking. Uninflated balloons and balloon
pieces can easily be inhaled into the lungs. Be sure to check the
labeling on the toy for the appropriate age for safe use.
4. To prevent poisoning: Children may try to eat
cake deodorizers used in pails (such as diaper pails). Keep
containers that use these deodorizers securely closed.
Child-resistant packaging is not child proof. Keep all medicines,
iron-containing vitamins and household cleaning products,
including those with child-resistant packaging, locked away from
children. Keep poisonous plants out of children's reach.
5. To prevent burns, other injuries: Use your stove's back
burners and keep pot handles turned to the back of the stove.
Lock up knives, matches, cigarette lighters and plastic bags away
from children.
6. Do not place plastic climbing equipment indoors on hard
surfaces. Falls on cement, tile, and other hard floors, even
covered with carpet, can result in serious head injury and death.
Use these only outdoors on shock-absorbing surfaces such as mulch
or sand. Grass is not considered a shock-absorbing surface.
7. Fire hazards: Install smoke detectors on each floor of
your home, especially near sleeping areas; test them on a regular
basis and change the batteries each year, or when a "chirping"
sound is heard.
8. Electric hazards: Use safety plugs to cover electrical
outlets, and keep all loose hanging wires and appliance cords out
of reach of children. Use ground fault circuit interrupters
devices to protect outlets in basement, kitchen, bathroom,
garage, and outdoor.
9. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Make sure all fuel
burning appliances are properly installed, used, and maintained
annually at the start of the heating season. Do not leave
vehicles running in garages. Install at least one CO detector
that meets the requirement of the most recent UL standard.
10. For information on children's car seats and Auto
Safety Hotline, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, 1-800-424-9393, 202-366-0123 (Washington, DC area
only). Its Website page is www.nhtsa.dot.gov
11. CPSC has many other publications that have more
information about these tips. Please see the back page of this
booklet for information on how to request other publications, or
visit our Website page (www.cpsc.gov).
================================================================
IV SAFE NURSERY CHECKLIST
After you have read the information in the Safe Nursery
Guide, use this checklist as your guide when buying new or
secondhand nursery products, or when you evaluate the product now
being used by your baby or young child. You may want to add other
features to check, or add other children's products.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cribs
[ ] Slats are spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.
[ ] No slats are missing, loose or cracked.
[ ] Mattress fits snugly - no more than two fingers width
between edge of mattress and cribside.
[ ] Mattress support is securely attached to the headboard and
footboard.
[ ] Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 of an inch (1-1/2 mm) .
[ ] No cutouts in top edge of headboard and footboard.
[ ] Drop-side latches cannot be easily released by a baby.
[ ] Drop-side latches securely hold side in raised position.
[ ] All screws, bolts and other hardware are present and tight.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Crib Toys
[ ] No strings or cords should dangle into the crib.
[ ] Crib gym or mobile has label warning to remove from crib
when child can push up on hands and knees or reaches 5
months of age, whichever comes first. Note: Some mobiles
have two parts: one without strings, like a music box, that
can stay on the crib, and the mobile that should be removed
from the crib.
[ ] Components of toys are too large to be a choking hazard.
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Gates and Enclosures
[ ] Openings in gate are too small to entrap a child's head or
neck.
[ ] Gate has a pressure bar or other fastener that will resist
forces exerted by a child.
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High Chairs
[ ] There is a "crotch" strap that must be used when restraining
a child in a high chair.
[ ] High chair has restraining straps that are independent of
the tray.
[ ] Tray locks securely.
[ ] Buckles on straps are easy to fasten and unfasten.
[ ] High chair has a wide base for stability.
[ ] Caps or plugs on tubing are firmly attached and cannot be
pulled off and choke a child.
[ ] Folding high chair has effective locking device.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Playpens
[ ] Playpens or travel cribs have top rails that will
automatically lock when lifted into the normal use position.
[ ] Playpen does NOT have a rotating hinge in the center of the
top rails.
[ ] Drop-side mesh playpen or mesh crib has warning label about
never leaving a side in the down position.
[ ] Playpen mesh has small weave (less than 1/4 inch openings).
[ ] Mesh has no tears or loose threads.
[ ] Mesh is securely attached to top rail and floorplate.
[ ] Wooden playpen has slats spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches
(60 mm) apart.
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Rattles/Squeeze Toys/Teethers
[ ] Rattles, squeeze toys and teethers have handles too large to
lodge in baby's throat.
[ ] Squeeze toys do not contain a squeaker that could detach and
choke a baby.
[ ] Avoid rattles with ball shaped ends.
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Toy Chests
[ ] Toy chest has no latch to entrap child within the chest.
[ ] Toy chest has spring-loaded lid support that will not
require periodic adjustment and will support the lid in any
position to prevent lid slam.
[ ] Chest has ventilation holes or spaces in front or sides, or
under lid.
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Walkers
[ ] Walker has safety features to help prevent a fall down
stairs.
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Back Carriers
[ ] Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping
out.
[ ] Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.
[ ] Frame joints in the folding mechanism.
[ ] Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near
baby's face.
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Bassinets and Cradles
[ ] Bassinet/cradle has a sturdy bottom and a wide base for
stability.
[ ] Bassinet/cradle has smooth surfaces - no protruding staples
or other hardware that could injure the baby.
[ ] Legs have strong, effective locks to prevent folding while
in use.
[ ] Mattress is firm and fits snugly.
[ ] Wood or metal cradles have slats spaced no more than
2-3/8 in. (60 mm) apart.
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Carrier Seats
[ ] Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.
[ ] Carrier has non-skid feet to prevent slipping.
[ ] Supporting devices lock securely.
[ ] Carrier seat has a crotch and waist strap.
[ ] Buckle or strap is easy to use.
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Changing Tables
[ ] Table has safety straps to prevent falls.
[ ] Table has drawers or shelves that are easily accessible
without leaving the baby unattended.
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Hook-on Chairs
[ ] Chair has restraining straps.
[ ] Chair has a clamp that locks onto the table for added
security.
[ ] Caps or plugs on tubing are firmly attached and cannot be
pulled off to choke child.
[ ] Hook-on chair has a warning never to place chair where child
can push off with feet.
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Pacifiers
[ ] Pacifier has no ribbons, string, cord or yarn attached.
[ ] Shield is large enough and firm enough so it cannot fit into
child's mouth.
[ ] Guard or shield has ventilation holes so baby can breath if
shield goes into mouth.
[ ] Pacifier nipple has no holes or tears that might cause it to
break off in baby's mouth.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Strollers and Carriages
[ ] Stroller has wide base to prevent tipping.
[ ] Seat belt and crotch strap are securely attached to frame.
[ ] Seat belt buckle is easy to use.
[ ] Brakes securely lock the wheel(s).
[ ] Shopping basket is low on the back and located directly over
or in front of the wheels.
[ ] When used in carriage position, leg hole openings can be
closed.
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For further information, write:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
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009709