A Shopping List For Safety

You might be thinking, "Isn't all children's furniture safe?" The answer is, it should be. But how can you be sure? Here are the important things to consider, before you buy.

We understand this is a lot of information, so to eliminate any confusion, just remember that Young America adheres to all of the safety guidelines outlined below (where applicable). So you can be confident that, with every piece of Young America furniture, you're buying the safest of products on the market today.

STEP ONE: Look for the Seals

About the JPMA
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) is a national trade association representing 95 percent of the juvenile products industry. The primary goal of JPMA is to develop consumer education programs related to product safety.
JPMA was formed in 1962 with 29 industry companies and has grown to include more than 400 member companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, lamps, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items.
JPMA works with consumers, representatives from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and ASTM International, a highly regarded non-profit organization that publishes standards for materials, products, systems and services to develop standards.
JPMA's certification seal is available only to manufacturers who voluntarily submit their products for testing. Only after the product passes rigorous testing can it display the certification seal.
By carrying JPMA certified products, retailers show their support of the program and care for their customers. The Directory of Certified Products is updated continuously on the JPMA Web site, www.jpma.org.

About the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) protects the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products including cribs and toys.
The CPSC has contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Find information on over 4,000 product recalls and sign up for recall alerts on the CPSC website.

About the ASTM
Organized in 1898, The American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM International, is one of the largest voluntary standards developing organizations in the world.
The ASTM is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates the development and publication of voluntary industry standards which promote public health and safety, and the overall quality of life; contribute to the reliability of materials, products, systems and services; and facilitate international, regional, and national commerce.

STEP TWO: Look Closely at the Product

 

Tip Restraints

Adjustable Levelers

Slat Roll Mattress Support

Hi-Lo Bed Rail Locking System

Automatic Drawer Stops

Cribs – The Three S's of Crib Safety
 

1. Space – Cribs slats or spindles should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and none should be loose, missing or broken.
2. Snug – The mattress should fit snugly, with room for no more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib. Screws, brackets and all other hardware should be properly installed (tightened and flush fitting).
3. Seal – Any crib you buy should have a safety certification seal from the JPMA. Keep in mind that older cribs, second-hand cribs and "family heirlooms," while special, may pose a safety hazard. They could have been recalled by the original manufacturer or may now be unsafe through normal wear and tear.

In addition, cribs should not have decorative finials on the top corners as they pose a strangulation risk. If you do choose to use an older crib, you should have the finials and screws removed so there are no catch-points for any items such as pajamas, blankets or purse straps and any exposed wood should be sanded smooth.

To be sure, your best bet is always a new crib.

Bunk Bed Basics
 

• Bunk Beds are not recommended for kids under 6 years of age.
• The top bunk should have guardrails on each side. The side against the wall or opposite the ladder should run the entire length of the bed.
• The other rail should be secure and sturdy, extending 5 inches above the top of the mattress and with no more than 15 inches open at each end.
• The mattress should fit properly.
• A sturdy ladder should be provided to access the top bunk.
• If you have a ceiling fan, measure to make sure there is plenty of distance from the fan blades to the top bunk before purchasing the bunk bed.
• Children should not be allowed to climb the sides of the bunk bed.
• Only one child at a time on the top bunk.

Children's Beds
 

• Children's beds should not be placed near windows that a child could fall from.
• Their bed should not be placed against or over an electrical outlet. If you must place the bed against an electrical outlet, use plug covers and avoid using the outlet.

Storage and Toy Chests
 

• Lids should feature safety latches and hinges that prevent the top from falling and slamming on a child's fingers or head.
• Avoid lids that lock – especially those that lock automatically.
• Older chests can easily be fitted with replacement hinges and latches that meet current safety standards. We recommend that you call the manufacturer for the right replacement parts, or simply remove the lid.

Dressers and Chests of Drawers
 

• Drawers should glide in and out smoothly.
• If you are buying the piece for a child, check for automatic drawer stops that will prevent the drawer from being pulled out and falling onto the child.
• Check for tip restraints. Our taller cases include a free tip restraint kit that secures the backs of cases to the wall to prevent tipping.
• Never allow children to stand on or hang on open drawers, which can cause even the sturdiest piece to tip over.

Bookcases
 

• When a bookcase or dresser is taller than it is wide, consider securely anchoring it to the floor or wall to prevent it from tipping over.
• Do not overload the top shelves.
• When possible, store heavy items on the bottom shelves.
• When a shelf unit is designed to attach to a desk or dresser, make sure it is properly and securely fastened.

Armoires and Media Centers
 

• TVs are heavy and may tip forward if they are not properly supported. Always use the correct furniture for TVs and other electronics in your child's room.
• Make sure electrical cords are bundled and concealed behind the furniture and are not easily accessible to small children. All Young America armoires and media centers have convenient cord management cutouts for cords and cables.

Any Furniture Over 40" Tall
 

• Young America includes a free tip restraint kit with any item standing over 40 inches from the floor. This kit allows consumers to anchor taller furniture to a wall preventing injury or even death caused by a child being trapped beneath a piece of furniture. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 8,000 to 10,000 victims are treated annually in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the tip over of furniture.
• How to install the tip restraint kit.