September is Baby Safety Month, an annual awareness campaign hosted by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Choosing safe baby products and using them according to the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial.
Only Use Products for Manufacturer Designated Purposes
Products that are designed and marketed for activities like nursing, playing, or lounging should only be used for those activities with adult supervision and when the baby is awake. Infant products such as the popular Boppy nursing pillow are not safe sleep surfaces and have been linked to infant deaths.
However, the pillow is intended to be used for nursing and is not meant to be used as a sleep surface. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for using a product safely is essential.
Always be sure to read and follow product information and assembly instructions. Follow any weight and height restrictions as outlined by the manufacturer. If there are restraints, make sure they are snugly secured. Never leave a baby unattended in a bouncer or similar device. Only use products like this on a flat surface, keeping it away from stairs and making sure hazardous items like cords, blankets, and choking hazards are out of the baby’s reach.
Don’t add or attach products or other items to baby products. If the baby falls asleep, move them to a safe sleep surface as soon as possible.
Secondhand Baby Products
You can snag great deals on Facebook Marketplace or by getting hand me downs from friends and family. However, it’s important to ensure that any used baby products in your home meet federal safety standards. For example, the Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper (which was recalled) was a popular product not long ago and an unsuspecting parent may give it away without knowing about the recall. Do your research and make sure that any secondhand products are fully functional, unbroken, and not recalled. Register your baby’s items so you’ll be notified if a problem arises. Note that product registration information is not used for marketing purposes. The company will only contact you if there is an issue with a product you’ve registered.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
