The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is pleased to announce Baby Safety Month 2010 – Make Every Night A Safe Night.

Baby Safety Month exists to increase consumer awareness of safety issues surrounding the safe use and selection of juvenile products. This September, JPMA is helping educate parents and caregivers on the importance of creating a safe sleep environment from naptime to nighttime.

Each year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed in a sleep environment that is not specifically designed for children. The safest place for a baby and child is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib, cradle, bassinet, portable play yard, or toddler bed.

All new cribs on the market today must meet minimum government requirements. In addition, there are consensus performance standards, which are established by ASTM International with involvement of the government and recognized experts, to which JPMA certifies cribs, cradles/bassinets, portable play yards, toddler beds, bed rails and other durable infant products.

Recent recalls of juvenile products highlight the importance of proper assembly and use of cribs. Cribs are intended to last for years (or multiple births) when properly cared for. So, with some careful planning, naptime and nighttime can be a pleasant and safe experience for parents and baby.

There is an abundance of material available today for parents and caregivers looking for safety information regarding juvenile products. This year’s Baby Safety Month campaign and the information contained on the special microsite, www.babysafetymonth.org provide insight into safe sleep practices. P

arents 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 2010 and make every night a safe night.

Baby Safety Month started in 1983 when JPMA initiated "Expectant Mother’s Day." In 1986, it was extended to a week long celebration, until 1991, when JPMA sponsored the first "Baby Safety Awareness Month." Since then, every September has been designated as Baby Safety Month.