Playpen & Play Yard Safety

Standards and guidelines for playpen and playard safety

The phrase "sleep like a baby" can seem ironic to parents who've had to deal with a wailing infant at 2AM. But it also conveys a state of security and comfort that all parents desire for their children. One of the most important ways of ensuring that your baby sleeps like a baby is by following the standards and guidelines for playpen and play yard safety.

Safety Standards Playpens and play yards that have been certified as meeting the voluntary safety standards for the industry are distinguished by a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal or logo. Being aware of product recalls is also essential. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than five million cribs, bassinets, and play yards have been recalled since 2007. After purchasing a baby play yard, make sure to fill out and send in the included product registration form. This will ensure that you're notified in the event of a recall. Joining the CPSC email subscription list would also provide you with regular updates on product recalls.

Usage Guidelines
Product certification is only one aspect of play pen or yard safety. It's also critical that you follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions and the safety guidelines listed within the owner's manual, including maximum weight or size guidelines. In addition, the JPMA and CPSC have put forward a number of safety tips for proper use of play pens and baby play yards.

Following these safety guidelines will help prevent accidents or injuries when using your playard:

• Don't add pillows, thick quilts, or extra padding, as these may pose a suffocation risk. Use the provided mattress, and check that there are no gaps wider than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the play yard.
• Avoid placing your play pen or yard next to windows with long cords from curtains, blinds, etc., or other strangulation hazards. Also, toys should not be tied to or hung from play yards.
• The slats of wooden play pens should be no more than 2 3/8 inch apart. The mesh holes of playards should be no bigger than ¼ inch.
• Do not place your baby in the play yard until it is fully erected and all features are latched and/or secured.
• Check your play pen or yard regularly for damage or holes/tears. Discontinue use if there are tears, punctures, or protrusions, or if the play yard's hinges are not functioning properly.