Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be both exciting and expensive. There are many items your baby will need such as clothing, diapers, a car seat, and baby furniture. All these new purchases can be fun to shop for but can easily become very costly. Many families look for ways to reduce the cost of having a baby by asking family and friends for hand-me-downs or by purchasing second-hand baby items. While some items are safe to buy or use as second-hand, other baby items are not.
Some second-hand or used baby items such as baby furniture can put your baby at risk for injury, especially if it does not meet current safety standards or has missing parts. During the month of September, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) sponsors Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of products. Before deciding to use a second-hand crib, bassinet, or pack and play consider the following safety tips:
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Make sure the manufacturer’s instructions and labeling are intact and easy to read. This will help you use the product safely and look up recalls.
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Determine the right fit. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight and height to confirm the product will meet your baby’s needs and will be safe to use.
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Snug mattress. Make sure the mattress fits snugly with no more than two fingers or 1-inch width between the edge of the mattress and side of the crib. This will minimize gaps that a baby could roll into and suffocate.
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Keep drop sides up. When using a pack and play or play yard, make sure the drop-side is up and latches securely.
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Safety before price. Do not buy any product if it has missing or loose parts, is broken, has tears in the mesh, is moldy or rusted.
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Keep additional items out of the baby’s sleep area. Do not put pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, loose bedding, or toys in your baby’s new or used sleep area to minimize suffocation and strangulation.
Always have your baby sleep in a safety-approved crib or pack and play. Do not place your baby on an adult bed, couch, chair or product that is not meant for sleep.
