September is Baby Safety Month-Our Comprehensive Guide

Since 1983, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has been promoting Baby Safety Month. Curious about what JPMA does and its role in helping ensure child safety?  Victoria Cuomo, a nursing faculty member at the New York Institute of Technology, explains that the organization certifies products for infants and children to ensure they meet safety standards.

"The JPMA certification process is essential for ensuring baby products are safe, reducing injury risks and providing parents with peace of mind," she says. "This certification includes rigorous testing to ensure products comply with or exceed ASTM International safety standards. JPMA-certified products undergo third-party testing to check for hazards like sharp edges, small parts, flammability and toxic chemicals."

Evolution of safety standards and recommendations

Since 1983, Baby Safety Month has seen significant improvements in protecting our little ones. Dr. Joel' Gator' Warsh, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, explains that product standards have become much stricter.

"We're now more aware of new dangers and have developed safer designs, like cribs with fixed sides," he explains. "There's also been a big push for better safety education and stronger enforcement of regulations, including more product recalls when needed."

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has also stepped up its game. According to information published on the JPMA website, the association tests over 2,500 products in 29 different categories (including changing tables, crib mattresses, etc.) to ensure they're as safe as possible for our children. This rigorous certification process helps ensure that baby products meet the highest safety standards.

Comprehensive babyproofing: The most important concerns

Babyproofing is an essential focus during Baby Safety Month. As babies grow and begin to discover their environment, their inquisitive nature can sometimes lead them toward household risks. To help you baby-proof your space, here are some helpful tips tailored for each stage of your child's development.

First six months

During the first six months of your baby's life, Dr. Michelle Bennett, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, says that your biggest priorities for babyproofing should be creating a safe sleeping environment and ensuring that your basic home safety measures are up to date. "These include things like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and a fire escape plan," she says.

Another critical thing to keep in mind is parents and caregivers falling on the stairs with their babies. Dr. Bennet says,  "Sometimes, when we're moving around our homes in the dimness of night tending to the baby, our hands are occupied, and our center of gravity is different. As a result, it's incredibly easy to slip on steps. This is why it's important to remember that anytime you're walking with a baby either up or down stairs, hold onto the handrail and require that any grandparents, babysitters, or nannies do the same."

6 to 12 months old

Once your baby reaches six months, Bennett says you should focus on baby-proofing stairs, cabinets, outlets, and furniture.

"Anything your baby can crawl to, open up or grab becomes fair game," she explains. "Once your baby starts getting mobile, it happens fast — one day they're sitting happily playing with toys, and the next day, they're crawling towards the stairs the moment you turn your back."

Additionally, as babies start to pull up or climb on furniture, the risk of furniture tipping becomes important. To remedy this, Bennett advises ensuring furniture is secured to the walls with furniture or safety straps.

12 months and beyond

Even when your child is a year old, it's important not to relax your babyproofing efforts. Bennett says many falls are still involved, so make sure that furniture corners and any hard edges your child could fall into are padded.

"Fireplaces, space heaters, and ovens can be especially dangerous to little hands that are eager to reach out and touch everything," she advises. "Get down on your own hands and knees and crawl around yourself to see the world as your baby sees it —you'll be surprised at the things you notice at that level that you've not noticed before."

Swimming pools and other water sources (such as garden ponds, bathtubs, and even toilet bowls and cleaning buckets) are other dangers for children at this age. "Toddlers love water, and drowning happens incredibly quickly and almost always without sound," adds Bennett. "Pools should always be secured with multiple layers of childproofing, and be especially vigilant when children are visiting grandparents or other homes with pools."

Car seat safety: Current best practices and regulations

During Baby Safety Month, Cuomo highlights the importance of car seat safety, pointing out that car accidents are a leading cause of death among children. Here are some key safety tips and best practices for car seat use that she recommends considering before placing your child in the car:

Use rear and forward-facing car seats

Rear-facing car seats play a vital role in keeping children safe during car rides, as they provide better protection for young ones in case of an accident. According to Cuomo, "It is advisable to keep children in rear-facing seats for as long as possible until they surpass the height or weight limits specified by the seat."

Once your child has outgrown their rear-facing seat, Cuomo recommends moving them to a forward-facing seat equipped with a harness. She also suggests considering the use of a booster seat until the regular seat belt fits properly, which typically happens when children reach around 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Install car seats carefully

No matter which car seat you use for your child, installing it correctly in your vehicle is essential, as it helps reduce the risk of fatal injuries. To do that, Cuomo advises, "Ensure the car seat is installed correctly using either the seat belt or the LATCH system but not both simultaneously unless specified by the car seat manufacturer."

Always pay attention to expiration dates and regulations

You may not have known this, but many car seats have expiration dates, making it important to check them regularly. Cuomo advises, "Make sure to check the expiration date of your car seat and replace it if it has been in an accident. Also, remember that regulations vary by state, but all US states generally require children to be in suitable car seats or booster seats based on age, weight or height."

Baby carrier and stroller safety: Current best practices and regulations

Baby carriers and strollers are essential tools for parents and require proper care and use. Cuomo recommends keeping in mind some key practices and regulations when purchasing these items.

Baby carrier safeness

Baby carriers can be a great way to promote bonding and attachment. However, Cuomo states that parents need to make sure that the baby carrier they choose is suitable for their baby's weight and size, following the manufacturer's instructions.

"Most carriers have weight limits, and using one outside these limits can be unsafe," she points out. "It's important to position the baby so that their face is always visible and their chin is not resting on their chest, which helps keep their airflow clear. Additionally, the baby's legs should be in an 'M' shape, with their knees positioned higher than their bottom to support healthy hip development."

Stroller safety

While strollers are a common choice for many parents, selecting one that suits your child's age and weight is crucial, according to Cuomo. Cuomo says it is important to buy one that is appropriate for your child's age and weight. She also emphasizes the importance of a five-point harness system, which includes straps over the shoulders, around the waist, and between the legs to ensure your child's safety and security.

Smart home technologies for enhanced baby safety

It might sound surprising, but technological advancements have significantly improved babies' safety. As noted by Cuomo, smart home devices provide parents with essential tools to monitor and manage their baby's environment, allowing them to receive alerts that help protect their little ones while they sleep. Here are some recommended smart devices that can ensure your child's safety during the night:

Smart baby monitors

Baby monitors have been a must-have for parents for years, but smart monitors take things to the next level. "These innovative devices can keep an eye on a baby's breathing, movement and sleep habits, sending notifications to parents' smartphones if there are any concerns," explains Cuomo.

Cuomo also suggests checking out video monitors with AIAI features, noting, "High-tech video monitors can study your baby's sleep habits and give you insights to help them sleep better."

Smart cameras

Cuomo suggests that smart cameras can also be helpful to new parents. Many units offer different safety features, including motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio that allows parents to monitor their baby's room from anywhere.

Connected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

If you haven't done so yet, think about getting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure your baby's safety. According to Cuomo, "These connected detectors provide immediate alerts to smartphones when smoke or COCO levels increase, delivering a vital warning that could potentially save lives."

Smart thermostats and environmental sensors

"Smart thermostats and environmental sensors can maintain a safe and comfortable temperature in the baby's room and alert parents to potential hazards like extreme temperature fluctuations or humidity levels," explains Cuomo. "The benefits of these technologies are that they allow for real-time monitoring and immediate response to potential hazards."

Wearable devices

Wearable devices can also be a great tool for helping new parents track their baby's health as they sleep. According to Cuomo, "These devices can monitor a baby's heart rate, oxygen levels and temperature, often in the form of a sock, band or onesie."

Creating a non-toxic environment for your baby

Dr. Warsh says that Baby Safety Month is also a good time for parents to focus on reducing their baby's contact with harmful chemicals in the environment.

He explains, "This can be accomplished by selecting non-toxic paints and finishes for the nursery, using organic bedding and clothing, steering clear of synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals in skincare products, and ensuring that toys and other baby items are devoid of hazardous substances such as BPA, phthalates and lead. You'll also want to steer clear of items containing BPA, phthalates, formaldehyde, flame retardants and heavy metals typically found in plastics, furniture, or toys."

It's equally important to make sure you implement a non-toxic cleaning routine in your home. According to Dr. Warsh, "It is advisable to avoid conventional cleaners that contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia alongside artificial fragrances, which may leave behind toxic residues contributing to indoor air pollution. Parents can create a non-toxic cleaning regimen by utilizing natural eco-friendly cleaning solutions or concocting their own using simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. However, you won't want to overlook the importance of storing cleaning products properly."

Emergency preparedness and child safety education

Baby Safety Month isn't just about childproofing your home. According to Dr. Warsh, it's also an excellent opportunity for parents to brush up on emergency preparedness and child safety basics. "Familiarity with basic first aid techniques, including CPR, along with understanding how to childproof one's home, can avert accidents while potentially saving lives," he says.

Creating a family emergency plan is also crucial for everyone's safety. Dr. Warsh suggests involving your children in the process to help them feel prepared and less anxious about potential emergencies.  To create your own safety plan, he recommends following these steps:

Step one: First, grab some paper and draw your home's layout, including a safe meeting place outside.

Step two: Then post important phone numbers where everyone can see them.

Step three: Give each family member a job based on their age, and start building an emergency kit with essentials like bandages and extra batteries.

Step four: Make your plan come to life by practicing fire drills twice a year, both during the day and at night. Just remember, however, that every room should have two ways out.

Adapting safety practices for modern family structures

When multiple people (grandparents, nannies, babysitters, etc.) care for children in a home, Ilce Alexander, senior injury prevention specialist at Phoenix Children's, a prominent pediatric health system in the US, says that it's essential that all caregivers share the same idea of safety.

She proposes building a common safety understanding and setting up regular practices to get everyone on the same wavelength.  "You might want to create a safety checklist that any caregiver can easily reference," Alexander suggests. "Additionally, attending safety training (CPR, first aid and swimming can be very helpful) as a group can help ensure everyone knows how to handle emergencies."

Lastly, Alexander suggests designating an adult for supervision in a home with multiple caregivers to minimize confusion. However, always communicate when supervision is being transferred to another adult to make sure everyone is on the same playing field.

Maintaining and updating safety measures

Baby Safety Month also reminds us to keep safety measures up to date. To do that, Britney Frederic, injury prevention specialist at Phoenix Children's, recommends performing regular safety checks and maintenance on baby gear.

"Baby products can wear out over time," she points out. "Therefore, it's important to routinely check household items to make sure they remain safe for children."

Frederic recommends a few key steps to conduct proper safety checks. "First, always read and understand the manufacturer's instructions, which often include guidance on how frequently items should be inspected," she says. "Next, familiarize yourself with the recommended usage guidelines. Finally, perform visual inspections to look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, frayed material, loose or missing screws, peeling paint or rust." These checks are especially important for items like cribs, car seats, high chairs and strollers."

However, some baby items may require more than just a visual inspection. "Items like furniture straps, baby gates, and cabinet locks may benefit from a push-and-pull test to see if they are holding up or need readjustment or replacement," Frederic explains. "Baby gear also may require monthly to yearly maintenance, and corroded batteries can damage baby gear when not replaced."

It's important for parents to stay informed about the latest safety recommendations and recalls during Baby Safety Month, as Alexander suggests that some products are recalled due to risks of injury or death. "To learn more about recalled products, I suggest subscribing to the USUS Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)," she says.

Empowering families to create safe, nurturing environments

While keeping kids safe should always be a top priority any day of the year, Baby Safety Month serves as a valuable reminder to reassess your current safety measures.

There are numerous steps we can take to protect our babies, from securing furniture to ensuring safe sleep spaces. It's equally important to review car seat safety, create age-appropriate emergency plans, and maintain baby gear in excellent condition.

Staying informed about the latest safety recommendations and recalls is also crucial to safeguard your child against life-threatening injuries. Taking these proactive steps ensures your home is a safe environment where your child can thrive.

Best products to shop for Baby Safety Month

Baby Safety Month is an ideal time to ensure your home is secure for your children. Consider these products to help you feel completely at ease.

Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor

The Nanit Pro Camera is an innovative smart baby monitor that will keep your little one safe at all times. It boasts 1080p HD live video streaming, night vision, two-way audio, and split-screen functionality, so you can easily monitor different areas at the same time.

This monitor sends sound and motion detection alerts, as well as real-time updates on room temperature and humidity levels of the baby's room. It's designed to help soothe your baby to sleep with calming sounds from nature, white noise or sweet lullabies. The Nanit Pro baby monitor is available with a floor stand or wall mount.

babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

You'll get plenty of use out of this wooden convertible crib, which transforms into a toddler bed or daybed as your child grows. It features four adjustable mattress positions and is finished using a safe, non-toxic painting and staining method. It's available in nine neutral finishes, so it'll work in practically any nursery.

Stephanie W, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "This crib checks off all of our must-haves. It's GREENGUARD Gold Certified; aesthetically it goes perfectly in our little one's nursery, it was super easy to construct, and very reasonably priced; although, it looks like we spent more than we did as it's very sturdy and pleasing to look at."

HALO DreamWave Baby Crib Mattress

Safe sleep standards indicate that babies should always lie on their backs on a firm surface. This exceptional crib mattress provides the ideal firmness and is made from hypoallergenic materials, earning the GREENGUARD Gold certification. It's dual-sided for extended use through the toddler years, machine washable, and designed for breathability.

HALO SleepSack SuperSoft Wearable Blanket

This award-winning wearable blanket is a true lifesaver for parents, offering comfort to babies and promoting better sleep with fewer interruptions. The practical two-zipper design makes diaper changes a breeze, and the breathable blend of viscose and bamboo helps your baby stay cool during the night. This blanket is available in four colours and sizes, so it's easy to find the right fit.

Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Baby Gate

Watching your baby discover crawling is exciting, but it also means your home is now their personal playground. This sturdy baby gate can help you create safe zones for your little one. It's adaptable, fitting openings from 29 to 38.5 inches, and its 30-inch height is just right to keep babies safe. Made entirely of steel, this gate is built to last. It's JPMA-certified and ASTM compliant, meaning it meets rigorous safety standards.

4our Kiddies 14 Pack Baby Proof Cabinet Latches

These baby-proof latches are another essential safety item, offering effective childproofing capabilities and convenience for parents. They're easy to install, with a strong 3M adhesive for a quick, tool-free setup. When you're done using them, these latches are also easy to remove without damaging furniture.

4our Kiddies Baby Proofing Outlet Covers

This pack of 60 Child Safety Electric Plug Protectors is a cost-effective and practical solution for baby-proofing your home. They effectively prevent small children from inserting their fingers into electrical outlets and fit most standard outlets and appliance plugs.

Made from sturdy ABS plastic, these protectors offer excellent insulation against electricity. They're also flame retardant, providing an added layer of safety. Their clever hidden handle design blends in with your decor, ensuring they don't catch the eye of curious babies.

Safety 1st Clear View Stove Knob Covers

As your curious baby begins their exploration phase, make sure you have these clear-view plastic stove knob covers on hand. They keep little hands from accidentally turning gas and electric stove knobs, featuring an easy, universal design that fits most modern appliances. They come in packs of five.

Amazon customers highly recommend these covers, especially for little ones who always manage to bypass locks. One Amazon Customer, writes, "Our toddler will try to get these but all he does is spin it a little. He cleverly gets through lots of child locks but not these. And from the adult perspective, it’s very easy and not annoying at all."

Komfortology Furniture Edge and Corner Guards

For parents wanting to make their homes safer for babies, edge and corner guards like these are a great investment. They help soften sharp corners, minimizing the risk of injuries like bumps and scrapes while your baby is learning to crawl and walk. These guards are versatile enough to fit on different surfaces such as tables, countertops, and even fireplaces. They’re constructed from non-toxic rubber foam, so there’s no cause for concern if your child manages to put one in their mouth.

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Baby Car Seat

Keep your baby secure on every journey with the Graco baby car seat, which combines vital safety features with an easy-to-use design. It safely supports children from 4 to 50 pounds with an extended rear-facing option that enhances safety during travel. ProtectPlus Engineering is at the core of this car seat, providing protection against multiple types of crashes.

This car seat is also straightforward to install, equipped with a high LATCH weight limit and a handy No-Rethread Harness. And with six adjustable recline settings, it effortlessly transitions from baby to toddler, providing comfort and security along the way.

Angelcare Baby Bath Support

Bathroom standards are an essential part of Baby Safety Month, making this bathtub accessory a can't-miss item. It provides a secure space to wash and engage with your baby hands-free, with a non-slip base for added stability. The soft-touch material warms up quickly in water, keeping your baby calm and comfortable throughout their bath. Plus, this practical accessory is available for less than $20.

Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection

Parents will love the baby-safe design of these ear protectors. They feature an elastic headband and plush ear cushions, providing a snug fit without exerting pressure on your baby’s head. They have a noise reduction rating of 23 dB SNR to shield your little one’s ears from harmful noises and to prevent overstimulation. These ear protectors comply with US and EU safety standards and are free from silicone and BPA materials.

Experts

• Victoria Cuomo, a nursing faculty member at the New York Institute of Technology
• Dr. Michelle Bennett, MD, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician
• Ilce Alexander, is the Senior Injury Prevention Specialist at Phoenix Children’s, one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States
• Britney Frederic, is a injury prevention specialist at Phoenix Children’s
• Dr. Joel 'Gator' Warsh, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician