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Your Baby Gear Shopping Checklist

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Cribs

[ ] Slats are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.

[ ] No slats are missing, loose or cracked.

[ ] Mattress fits snugly — no more than two fingers' width between edge of mattress and crib side.

[ ] Mattress support is securely attached to the headboard and footboard.

[ ] Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 of an inch (1 1/2 mm).

[ ] 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 label warning 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, which can stay on the crib, and the mobile itself, which 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.

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-inch 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 inches (60 mm) apart.

Rattles/Squeeze Toys/Teethers

[ ] 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.

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.

Back Carriers

[ ] Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping out.

[ ] Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.

[ ] Frame joints in the folding mechanism.

[ ] Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near baby's face.

Bassinets and 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 inches (60 mm) apart.

Carrier Seats

[ ] Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.

[ ] Carrier has non-skid 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 leaving the baby unattended.

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 a 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 your child's mouth.

[ ] Guard or shield has ventilation holes so baby can breath if shield goes into mouth.

[ ] Pacifier nipple has no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in baby's mouth.

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 hole openings can be closed.

For further information, write:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207




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Picture: DCI |
Adapted from "The Safe Nursery" by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
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