Buying Baby Products and Gifts
One rule of thumb - Safety Comes First when buying baby products!
When people buy products for a baby, this is one area where people are/should be very picky about the products. Regardless of where you buy these products, from a brick and mortar retail store or on the internet at an online shopping mall, if the basic safety tips are not available to read, purchase from another store. Buying baby products can make you dizzy when it comes to product safety and options. It is important to do your homework when it comes to purchasing items such as baby car seats , baby cribs, and baby strollers because there are so many different manufacturers with a their own definition for each of these products. Whether you are buying cribs, car seats, strollers, or clothing, one size DOES NOT fit all! Please, do your homework!
This article presents several issues about purchasing baby products, along with mandated safety guidelines which are no doubt repeated in several other sources. However, these safety issues are worth repeating, if for nothing else but to serve as a reminder for parents. That?s how important this subject matter.
CRIBS
The following is quoted from the Consumer Product Safety Commission for crib safety, which as they state, may be reproduced by an individual or organization without permission:
Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.
Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket. If a blanket is used, place baby with feet to foot of the crib, tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering baby only as high as his/her chest.
Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.
Check the Physical Structure of the Crib for Safety
A firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib.
Make sure that cribs are assembled correctly.
No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slates.
No corner posts over 1/16th inch high so a baby’s clothing cannot catch.
No cutouts in the headboard or foot board so a baby’s head cannot get trapped.
And, there are many more safety tips, however, when shopping for baby cribs, at least know the basics, as presented here.
CAR SEATS
Not that one baby product is more important than another, but one of the most important products that parents purchase are baby car seats. With safety regulations changing frequently to make sure that the littlest passengers on the road are safe, you need to do your research to make sure that the car seat you purchase meets current legal requirements. Car seats come with so many options that it?s like buying a car. You may want to buy car seat accessories for your car with holders for toys, crayons and books, emergency diapers, an extra change of clothes, snacks, etc. If you are a parent, and this is for parents to hopefully cut down on the frustration factor when installing a car seat, at least make sure that the following basics are provided:
? Easy installation
? Adequate restraints
? Belt adjustments
? Tethers
? Wash-ability
? Comfort
Government and state regulations for child car seat safety laws vary by state and country for infants and children, so make sure you understand the regulations of your area before buying a car seat for your child. Following are general guidelines issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
?REAR-FACING SEATS in the back seat from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
?FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS in the back seat from age 1 and 20 pounds to about age 4 and 40 pounds.
?BOOSTER SEATS in the back seat from about age 4 to at least age 8, unless 4′ 9″ tall.
?SAFETY BELTS at age 8 and older or taller than 4′ 9″. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.
STROLLERS
Just what are the basic safety guidelines for strollers? I will venture to say that most parents do not even consider these basics when buying this product. Most parents simple find a stroller that suits their needs and lifestyle. However, strollers that meet the basic safety standards should have the following:
?Safety harness securely attached to the stroller frame to properly restrain the child.
?Locking device that prevents the accidental collapse of the stroller or stop it from rolling.
?No exposed coil springs that could pinch or injure a child.
?Never leave a child unattended in a stroller.
?Good stability even when the stroller is placed on an inclined surface.
These are the basic safety standards that all baby strollers should meet; however, many manufacturers voluntarily meet several other safety guidelines that are recognized by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
So, to restate, whether you purchase these products from a brick and mortar retail store or on the internet at an online shopping mall, please, do your homework!
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