To help ease your nursery planning, BabyFit has reprinted with permission, this handy checklist from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Back carriers:
- Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping out.
- Leg opening are large enough to prevent chafing.
- Frame joints in the folding mechanism.
- Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near baby's face.
Bassinets/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" (60 mm) apart.
Carrier seats:
- Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.
- Carrier has nonskid feet to prevent slipping.
- Supporting devices lock securely.
- Carrier seat has a crotch and waist strap
- Buckle or strap is easy to use.
Changing tables: - Table has safety straps to prevent falls.
- Table has drawers or shelves that are easily accessible without leave the baby unattended.
Cribs:
- Slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8" apart.
- No slats are missing, loose or cracked.
- Mattress fits snugly--no more than two fingers width between edge of mattress and crib side.
- Corner posts are no higher than 1/16".
- 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 warning label 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 in the crib, and mobile that should be removed from the crib.
- Components of toys are too large to be a choking hazard.
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.
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.
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 warning never to place chair where child can push off with feet.
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 breathe if shield goes into mouth.
- Pacifier nipple has no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in baby's mouth.
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" openings).
- Mesh has no tears or loose threads.
- Mesh is securely attached to top rail and floor plate.
- Wooden playpen has slats spaced no more than 2 3/8" (60 mm) apart.
Rattles:
- 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.
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 openings can be closed.
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.
Walkers:
- Walker has safety features to help prevent a fall down stairs.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
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