September is Baby Safety Month

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Now in its 24th year, this month-long education campaign exists to increase consumer awareness of safety issues surrounding the safe use and selection of juvenile products.

This year's Baby Safety Month theme focuses on getting parents and caregivers "Out & About With Baby" by providing valuable information for keeping baby safe outside of the home. From carriers to car seats to strollers and more, there are a wide variety of products all parents and caregivers need. With more options available than ever before, there is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for baby.

Each year, JPMA relies on the cooperation of retailers to assist in spreading the word about Baby Safety Month. Again this year, JPMA provided retailers with electronic access to all Baby Safety Month materials at http://www.jpma.org.

More than ever before, the safety of juvenile products is top of mind among parents nationwide. That's why JPMA's Certification Program offers added assurance the product was built with safety in mind. Through the program, products are tested by independent laboratories to confirm compliance with the current safety standard. For example, a JPMA Certified crib must meet the U.S. standards which includes 16 CFR 1303. If it is JPMA Certified, lead testing (on surface coatings) is required annually. This is just one of the many benefits of buying JPMA certified products.

"JPMA understands the enormous task of raising a child, and constantly strives to educate the public about the safe use and selection of juvenile products," commented Kelly Mariotti, JPMA Chairperson. "This September, we're enlisting the help of retailers to spread the message of safety, so parents and caregivers can feel confident in the juvenile products they use and get baby 'out and about' safely."

Baby Safety Month started in 1983 when JPMA initiated "Expectant Mother's Day." In 1986, it was extended to a week long celebration, until 1991, when JPMA sponsored the first "Baby Safety Awareness Month." Since then, every September has been designated as Baby Safety Month.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. is an international trade organization of 325 member companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items.

For more information on JPMA, Baby Safety Month or to order the Safe and Sound for Baby brochure, contact JPMA at 856.638-0420 or visit the Web site at http://www.jpma.org.