JPMA Statement Regarding Lifespan of Durable Juvenile Products 

     JPMA actively promotes the safe use and selection of juvenile products and has responded to recent media reports by stating that durable products such as cribs are intended to last for years (or multiple births) when properly cared for.

     JPMA reports that all new cribs on the market today meet minimum government requirements. When assembled according to the manufacturer's instructions and used properly, a crib provides a safe and comfortable environment for an infant. JPMA states that the JPMA Certification Seal indicates a crib has gone through an extra set of rigorous testing.

     JPMA states it is pleased to note that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recognizes the importance of urging parents and caregivers to closely inspect the hardware and stability of their cribs to ensure all parts are in place and secure when assembling and re-assembling cribs.  Voluntary recalls to replace missing parts for secondhand or second use cribs highlight the importance of proper assembly and use of cribs.  Many older cribs do not meet all current safety standards.  Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down that does not meet current Federal and ASTM standards.

     The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  JPMA exists to advance the interests, growth, and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers, and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers.  It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, product performance certification, and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, children, and retailers.

     For tips on how to keep baby safe, including a list of JPMA Certified cribs, please visit www.jpma.org .