Cribs
Slats of the crib should not be spaced more than 2-3/8 inches apart.Make sure that no slats are loose, cracked, or missing.The mattress should fit the crib snugly; you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the side of the crib.The mattress support should be firmly attached to the headboard and the footboard of the crib.Make sure that all bolts, screws, and other hardware are present and tightly attached to the crib.The drop-side latches should securely hold the side of the crib in a raised position. A baby should not be able to easily release them.Make sure there is no old peeling paint on the crib if you are using a crib that is more than 30 years old.There should be no cutouts in the headboard or footboard of the crib.Keep the sides fully raised (up) whenever your infant is in the crib.Corner posts should be no more than 1/16 inch high.
Crib toys
There should be no strings or cords dangling into the crib.Make sure that all parts of toys are too large to be a choking hazard.Crib gyms or mobiles should be removed from the crib when your child can push up on hands and knees or when your child is 5 months old (whichever comes first).
Gates and enclosures
Gate openings should be too small to entrap a child's head or neck.Gates should have a pressure bar or other fastener that is too strong for the child to release.
High chairs
Make sure that your high chair has a 'crotch strap' to keep your child from sliding out of the chair.The chair's tray should lock securely.Make sure that the buckles on the straps are not too difficult to fasten and unfasten.The high chair should have a wide base for stability.Caps or plugs on ends of tubing should be firmly attached to the chair so that the child cannot pull them off and choke.The locking device on a folding chair should be secure so that the chair does not collapse.
Playpens
The top rails should automatically lock when placed in the normal use position.The playpen should not have a rotating hinge in the center of the top rails.A mesh playpen or mesh crib with a drop-side should never be left with the side down.A mesh playpen should have weave of no more than 1/4 inch.The mesh should have no loose threads or tears.The mesh should be securely attached to the frame, top rail, and floorplate.The slats of a wooden playpen should not be more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
Rattles, squeeze toys, and teethers
These items should have handles that are too large to become lodged in a baby's throat.Squeeze toys should not have a squeeker that may choke a baby if it detaches.
Toy chests
The toy chest should not have a latch because a child could get trapped inside.The chest should have a lid support that will prevent the lid from slamming shut. The toy chest should have ventilation holes in the front, sides, or lid.
Back carriers
Leg openings should be small enough that the child will not slip out.Leg openings should be large enough that they will not chafe the child's legs.The carrier should have padded covering in the portion of the metal frame that is near the baby's face.
Bassinets and cradles
Bassinets or cradles should have a wide base and a sturdy bottom.Bassinets or cradles should not have any protruding staples or hardware that could injure the baby.Legs should have strong locks so the bassinet or cradle does not fold during use.The mattress should be firm and snugly fit the bassinet or cradle.Wooden or metal cradles should have slats that are not more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
Carrier seats
Seats should have a wide and sturdy base for stability.To prevent slipping, the carrier should have non-skid feet.The carrier's supporting devices should lock securely.
Always buckle your baby into the seat when you use it.
The seat should have both a crotch and waist strap.Do not leave the baby strapped in the seat up on a table or shelf.The buckle or strap on the carrier should be easy to use.
Changing tables
The table should have safety straps to prevent your baby from falling.The table should have shelves or drawers that are easily accessible so the baby is not left unattended.Always keep one hand on your child when he is on a high surface. Children begin to roll over between 2-4 months of age.
Hook-on chairs
The chair should have restraining straps.The chair should have a clamp that locks onto the table for added security.Caps or plugs on the ends of tubing should be firmly attached so the child will not choke on them.The chair should have a warning label: never place the chair where the child can push off with his feet.
Pacifiers
NEVER tie a pacifier around your child's neck with a ribbon or string.The shield of the pacifier should be large enough that it cannot fit into the baby's mouth.The shield should have ventilation holes so that the baby can breathe if the shield goes into the baby's mouth.The nipple should be free of holes or tears that could cause it to break off in the baby's mouth and cause choking.
Infant walkers
Infant walkers that allow the infant to move around freely, in the past, have been the leading cause of head injury in children under 1 year of age.
Strollers and carriages
The stroller should have a wide base for stability.The stroller should have a seat belt and crotch strap, and they should be attached securely to the frame. Always buckle your infant in when you use the stroller.The seat belt buckle should be easy to use.The brakes should firmly lock the wheels.For stability, any extra basket or pocket should be low on the back and located directly over or in front of the rear wheels.
