Michigan Internet Marketing Club: Play Yard Safety Tips for Traveling Families

Play Yard Safety Tips for Traveling Families

With the holidays upon us, many families will be heading off to visit relatives or friends. For parents of a new baby, the trip can be even more exciting—perhaps it’ll be the first time your relatives get to meet the little one. But remember, when you’re traveling, don’t leave good sleep habits at home. Hand-me-down play yards may not be the safest place for your youngster to sleep. Here’s what to know about play yard safety.

Safety standards for play yards were strengthened by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2013 so models made before then may not meet the mandatory standards. That’s why you should be especially wary of a play yard that you borrow or rent. No matter what the age of the play yard, always check www.recalls.gov to make sure it hasn’t been involved in a safety recall.

Safety check
Take a good look at the play yard you plan to use. It should be in good condition, with a sturdy frame and side rails, and strong corner brackets. A safe play yard will have a mattress that is thin, firm, and securely attached to the floor of the play yard. Well-attached mattresses help prevent entrapment and injuries. If you can easily lift or pull the mattress up by hand, don’t use that play yard.

Never buy or use a mattress that’s sold separately from the play yard, and never add a second pad on top of the mattress for comfort—it isn’t necessary. Remember, for safe sleep in a play yard, just as in a crib, bare is best. That means you shouldn’t place pillows, quilts, comforters, stuffed animals, or other extraneous items in the play yard with your little one. Dress your baby in footed pajamas to keep him warm without unnecessary blankets, and place him on his back to sleep.

Finally, be sure your baby is within the weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer, typically less than 35 inches tall. A child who’s able to climb out, or even one who’s beginning to have interest in trying to climb, is not a good candidate for a play yard.

More gear for the road
To find the safest baby equipment, check the results of Consumer Reports’ tests of car seats, high chairs, and strollers.