Tips on Infant Equipment

General Infant Equipment Safety:

Make sure your infant equipment has NO:

• Sharp edges
• Small breakable parts
• Lead paint
• Attached cords or ribbons
• Loose screws

Car seat. An infant seat that faces backward is made for a baby up to 20 pounds. Look for a one-latch harness that is easy to install in the car and that gives comfort and room to grow. With newborns, use a specially designed headrest. Car seats designed for children 20 pounds or over should be placed in the backseat and can face forward after the baby is a year old.

Crib and mattress. Look for a Consumer Product Safety Commission standards label. Bars should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, with no splits in wood or cracks in plastic. The minimum height for the railing is 22 inches when the rail is at the lowest setting and the mattress is at the highest setting. The mattress should be made of firm, dense foam or have a pocketed-coil innerspring. It should fit with no more than two adult finger widths between mattress and frame.

Baby tub. Nonskid bottom, easy to drain and wash, roomy, portable, with support for baby's head and shoulders. Do not use non-removable sponge pads since they carry bacteria and germs.

Toy chest. Look for a lightweight lid with a mechanism that will keep the lid from slamming down on baby, with smooth corners, no splinters, no lead paint, and no latch. As an alternative, try open shelves or plastic boxes for toys.

Stroller. Look for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal. It should have a broad base, a seat that can recline, large wheels and good brakes. Buckles and straps should be easy-to-fasten. The stroller should be lightweight, have a sun and rain shield, have small finger-proof hinges, and a bag or rack for packages. Make sure your foldable stroller is really locked into the open position when you use it. Some strollers are a frame that accepts a car seat. Get a double stroller if you have another child under 5.

Changing table. You can use table specially designed for babies. But a dresser top at a comfortable height is okay too. Use washable padding and a restraining strap. Don't rely on the strap to hold the baby. Never leave her alone on the changing table. Have diapers, wipes, and lotions nearby and out of baby's reach. Use a diaper pail that is easy to wash and has a tight-fitting top.

Playpen. Wooden slats should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart. The pad on the bottom should be heavy and easy-to-wash pad with no cracks or broken places. Never leave the mesh pen sides down or use an accordion style playpen.

High chair or feeding chair. A high chair should have a comfortable seat with restraining straps and a crotch guard. This will stop baby from slipping or climbing out. The tray should be washable and removable. The back of the seat should be high enough to support baby's head. Other features to look for are an adjustable footrest and a locking device if the chair folds.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development through Primary Care 2011