Baby in car seat

Baby Safety Month
September 2008

This September marks the 25th anniversary of Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This year, JPMA is helping educate parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of child restraint seats by providing valuable information for keeping baby safe in the car.

An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and using it properly from the moment you bring the baby home to every car ride after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a car seat. All car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet stringent safety standards set by the Federal government. In fact, child restraints sold in the United States are required to satisfy the rigorous performance standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and are certified by their manufacturers as compliant before they can be offered for sale.

From rear-facing infant seats to forward-facing car seats to booster seats, there are more options available than ever before. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for you, your baby and your vehicle.

There is an abundance of material available today for parents and caregivers looking for safety information regarding child restraint seats. This year's Baby Safety Month campaign and the information contained on this Web site provide insight into selecting and using the right car seat to make every car ride with your little one enjoyable.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read through the safety tips, and a special section just for retailers provides ideas and helpful hints for promoting Baby Safety Month in-store. We invite you to celebrate Baby Safety Month 2008.

JPMA is proud to support Child Passenger Safety Week (September 21-27, 2008). Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by NHTSA as a reminder to all parents to use a child safety seat in the back of their vehicles, restrain their child properly and in accordance with their size and age. The National Seat Check Saturday takes place on September 20, 2008 to educate parents and ensure that all child seats are installed properly.

NHTSA Logo For more information on CPS Week, please visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/childps/planner/index.cfm and en espanol, go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/childps/planner/Spanish/index.cfm.