JPMA's Safe Sleep initiative kicked off June 21with the launch of a Safe Sleep website, www.cribsafety.org. Through this portal, parents and caregivers can easily access a range of information pertaining to how to create a safe sleep environment, as well as a series of informative videos demonstrating safe sleep practices. The Safe Sleep website also offers a repository of information that links consumers directly to the parts, hardware and assembly instruction sections on several crib manufacturers’ websites, all accessible from one convenient location. Other resources on the website include a comprehensive listing of all infant sleep related product recalls since the 1970s, as well as background on SIDS/SUID and facts and prevention recommendations from First Candle, a group that promotes safe pregnancies and the survival of babies through the first years of life.
JPMA will highlight its ongoing commitment to safe sleep through a month-long initiative during Baby Safety Month, observed annually in September. For Baby Safety Month 2010, JPMA will expand its Safe Sleep Campaign by embarking on a five-city education and sleep product donation tour. In each city, JPMA will work with Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) to facilitate donations of cribs and other safe sleep environments to children most in need. As part of the donation program, JPMA will provide Safe Sleep education materials to those receiving the products. The month-long donation tour will kick off in Chicago, with stops following in Milwaukee; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia. JPMA will team up with industry leaders and collaborative partners to help disseminate safe sleep information in each city.
Throughout the Safe Sleep campaign, JPMA will communicate with the public through social media outlets, including a soon-to-be-launched blog on a portion of the JPMA website dedicated to parents and caregivers called “The ParentHood.” It will provide perspectives from pediatric medical representatives, moms and dads with varied parenting experiences and other organizations focusing on pediatrics. It will also be available on Facebook and Twitter.
Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the stores each year. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child's development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths.
Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is to supervise play.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely monitors and regulates toys. Any toys made in — or imported into — the United States after 1995 must comply with CPSC standards.
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