Clearing up the confusion: What is a safe sleep space?

Thanksgiving is just a week away and that means the start of the holiday season right around the corner. During this time of year, many families travel to see loved ones near and far. Whether you will be traveling or staying close to home, it’s important to make sure your youngest children have a safe place to play. With new mandatory safety standards going into effect for play yards, bassinets and cradles, it can be hard to determine what a safe space is for baby. However, KID is here to clear up the confusion and get you on your way to having a safe holiday.

Bassinets and Cradles

CPSC just adopted a tough new standard for bassinet and cradles.  Read about the increased safety standards here. But manufacturers have until April 23, 2014 to meet the new standard.  Until then, look to see that the bassinet you purchase meets the ASTM International Standard for bassinets, F15-2194 (with a 12 or higher after the standard number).

Remember to keep this space free of heavy blankets, pillows, and toys. Read more about safe sleep practices here.

Play Yards

Beginning February 28, 2013, manufacturers and importers of infant and toddler play yards are required to test their play yards to ensure that they meet new federal safety standards. Read about what the new standards include here.

However, older play yards, manufactured before that date, can still be sold, even if they don’t meet the new standards.  When choosing a product, ask the retailer or manufacturer if the product meets 16 CFR 1221, the federal rule or if it meets ASTM International standard F15-406-12a (the voluntary standard that forms the basis for the federal standard).  You can also check the manufacture date – if it is after February 28, 2013, it has to meet the standard.

Lastly, be aware that there are some new products that show up on the market that don’t fit the definition of a play yard even though they serve the same purpose.  An example is the Peapod Travel Bed, a pop-up tent structure, but with a mattress and intended for sleeping.  It was recalled in 2012 after one death and several near misses.  This highlights a big problem: sleep products can still be sold, even if they don’t meet any standards.  While these new designs might be tempting – smaller, more portable or lighter – it isn’t safe to let your baby sleep in any untested product.  Look for information that shows the product meets either the play yard standard or the bassinet standard for younger babies.