MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To alleviate confusion that is in the media regarding the recently announced recall of certain drop side cribs, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the not-for-profit trade association that promotes infant safety and the development of recognized ASTM International product safety standards, provides answers to some frequently asked questions by parents and caregivers.

Question 1 of 3:

As a parent or caregiver, should I discontinue use of my drop side crib?

Answer:

As long as they are properly assembled, full functional and not subject to a recall, drop side cribs can be safely used.

If you own a Stork Craft crib that is part of the recall announced on November 24, 2009, we strongly recommend that parents follow corrective action of the company (Stork Craft) and the CPSC relative to this recall. For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 or log on to www.storkcraft.com.

Parents can be confident that properly assembled, fully functional cribs, that are not part of a recall, that are in good condition are safe for use and provide the safest sleep environment for children. This recall highlights the importance of periodically checking the hardware on your crib for any loose or broken parts and to make sure all fasteners and screws are tight. Parents are also urged to closely inspect the hardware and stability of their cribs to ensure all parts are in place and secure when assembling and re-assembling cribs.

Question 2 of 3:

What should I inspect on my drop side crib?

Answer:

When using a drop side crib parents and caregivers should check to make sure the drop side or any other parts are not missing or damaged and that they operate properly. Parents should be sure that hardware is installed properly. When assembling and disassembling drop side cribs, parents should always confirm that the crib is reassembled following the manufacturer's instructions. Instructions are attached to all cribs when sold; if they are missing, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy.

Question 3 of 3:

Should I stop using a properly working drop side crib?

Answer:

No. The safest place for a child is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib that is not part of a recall that is in good condition as it provides the safest sleep environment for children. This is true for ALL cribs. Each year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed to sleep in an environment that is not specifically designed for them. Many times more infants die each year when they are placed in unsafe sleep environments.

NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep. NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

JPMA reminds parents and caregivers, that when you assemble a crib to the manufacturer's instructions and use it properly, a crib provides the safest sleeping environment for baby.

About JPMA

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association 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. JPMA initiated Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products.

For more information, please visit www.jpma.org. For additional information regarding product recalls, please visit www.cpsc.gov.

SOURCE Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.jpma.org
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.storkcraft.com