MOUNT LAUREL, NJ June 10, 2010—The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a non-profit association dedicated to promoting the industry and the safe use of juvenile products, provides parents and caregivers safety tips when using any wearable infant products including slings, wraps and soft infant carriers.

The JPMA recognizes the important bonding role of wearable infant products. Parents are reminded to take extra precaution wearing a baby that is at risk including those that have health conditions, are born prematurely or are younger than four months old. In these instances, parents should consult a physician prior to using any baby carrier.

Below are additional safety tips to follow when using any wearable infant product:

• Make sure baby’s face is visible at all times.
• Baby’s head should not be covered by any fabric.
• Parents and caregivers should be able to look at baby’s entire face when they are wearing the child and should be close enough to kiss the top of baby’s head.
• Be sure that baby is not hunched with chin touching chest.
• Baby’s face should not be pressed tight against wearer.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, babies positioned correctly in a sling should have their chin up, face visible and nose and mouth free at all times. Parents and caregivers should also be vigilant about frequently checking on their baby while the child is in any wearable product.

“Raising your bundle of joy takes care and knowledge to ensure the first years are happy and healthy,” said Lauren Pfeiffer, JPMA Assistant Executive Director and mom-to-be. “The JPMA is a resource for parents and caregivers who are looking for safety information, helpful reminders and answers to tough questions regarding the safe use of baby gear.”

It is important to note that JPMA does not certify slings and currently there is no ASTM standard covering slings. The ASTM subcommittee on infant slings recently met to review a draft standard for sling carriers and is actively working to develop a voluntary standard. 

JPMA recommends that parents and caregivers cautiously follow product instructions and use their experience and keenly attuned instincts when caring for babies at all times.

If you are looking for a list for JPMA Certified soft infant carriers, please visit http://www.jpma.org/content/safety/certified-products.

About the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is a national trade organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. JPMA exists to advance the interests, growth and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, product performance certification and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, children and retailers. Each year, JPMA sponsors Baby Safety Month in September, and in 2010, JPMA is dedicating Baby Safety Month to safe sleep practices. JPMA initiated Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products.

To find out more information about the JPMA Certification Program, the products certified and for a complete listing of JPMA members, please visit www.jpma.org. Follow JPMA on Twitter @JPMA, connect with JPMA on Facebook.com/jpma.org or visit www.jpma.org to learn more about additional safety tips and other JPMA initiatives.

Contact:

Linda Woody,

JPMA Communications Manager

lwoody@ahint.com

856-642-4420