WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT…

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Playpens, Exercisers & Swings

A playpen, exerciser and swing are some of the most frequently purchased nursery items during a baby's first year. They make caring for your new baby easier and help create a playful, stimulating environment. In the last ten years, baby equipment has gone through a series of changes which have made them more functional and safe than previous models. Be cautious about accepting used or hand-me-down items.

Playpens

• The hinges on a playpen should be easy for an adult to use, but impossible for a child. Those with a sliding plastic cover that must be moved to operate the hinge are excellent. Also, spring-loaded mechanisms work easily for adults, but are difficult for a small child to manage.
  
• The mesh siding of the playpen should be fine enough to prevent even the tiniest finger from poking through, no larger than 1/4" in diameter.
  
• Many models have built-in activity boards and toys. Be sure to check toys for safety.
  
• A removable, vinyl floor pad has a number of advantages. It is easy to clean, can be reversed for longer wear and is easier to repair. At the first sign of any rip or puncture, repair or replace the pad immediately. A small child can pick out pieces of the foam cushion and choke.
  
• The padding and upholstery on most playpens is made of vinyl. The top rail should be soft enough to prevent a bumped head and the vinyl should be reinforced because teething babies will chew on it.
  
• WARNING: Make sure the drop-side is in the "up" position on a mesh and vinyl playpen. An infant or very young child can inadvertently slip down into the pocket that is created between the side and the floor, and may suffocate. Never leave the side down.

Exercisers

Stationary exercisers provide plenty of playtime activity and eliminate the dangers posed by older walkers on wheels.

• Choose an exerciser that will allow your baby to sit upright, pushing his or her legs against the floor. As always, heed the warnings which are listed on most models and always provide close supervision.
  
• Many of the new exercisers offer actions that allow babies to swivel, bounce, rock, stand, sit and play.
  
• Choose a model with a seat adjustment which will allow you to change the height of the seat as your baby grows.

Baby Swings

All babies love the rhythmic motion of a swing. Even a fussy baby is often calmed by the swaying back and forth motion and the freedom to look at the world around him or her. Remember to stay with your baby when using a swing.

• Both rubber and silicone nipples are available for bottles and pacifiers. Rubber nipples will last on average two to three months. Discard them when they show signs of deteriorating. Silicone nipples are clear and less porous than rubber. Though they tend to last longer, they should still be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. Always check the nipple opening for size and additional punctures.
  
• Standard bell-shaped nipples and orthodontic nipples are on the market today. Your baby will determine which nipple is best. Both styles will vary with different brands. Give a number of them a try until your baby feels comfortable with one.
  
• To prevent accidental strangulation, never use the pacifier's ring to hang it from a ribbon or string around the baby's neck. Also never tie a pacifier to a crib rail.

Feeding Accessories

• Today's models come with sufficient battery power to sustain the swings motion for babies up to 16-25 pounds.
  
• A typical swing is on an A-frame construction. If space is limited, look for a swing with a flat plastic base or a U-shaped base which occupies less room.
  
• Check for sharp edges and any pieces small enough to choke a baby. Small openings can trap baby's fingers, and peeling chrome and labels can be hazardous.
  
• Follow assembly and operating instructions carefully. Discontinue use when your baby is over the weight limit or active enough to tip the swing.

Baby Walkers

For more information on nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.