CPSC Tightens The Reins On Baby Furniture By Implementing Periodic Testing

Seeing all of the sad cases of baby injuries and deaths due to faulty children's products makes me sick to my stomach. As a parent, I carelessly thought it was a universal rule to protect babies and children. I assumed that it was in the best interest of manufacturers to morally produce children's products that were safe. Sorry folks, that's just not the case anymore.

Whether it is due to ignorance, neglect or greed, it seems children's products are recalled constantly. And usually it is brought to everyone's attention after terrible incidents have already occurred. Luckily, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), an unsung hero, has tightened the reigns in the last several years on baby furniture and children's products, regulating production process, material and testing. It's scary to know how vulnerable children were to hazardous products before safety standards were implemented, but comforting to know that the U.S. has one of the most astringent safety standards for children products in the world.

Effective February 8th, 2013, the latest directive by the CPSC is to implement Periodic Testing in addition to the safety standards already in place. What does that mean? It means manufacturers are required to test their products at least once a year with a 3rd party, CPSC-accepted laboratory. Manufacturers are also required to keep all records of periodic testing plans and test results for 5 years. On an international scale, the CPSC holds importers responsible for bringing in children's products that must comply with the new periodic testing standards. That raises my comfort level as well because when you are shopping at a toy store, inexpensively priced toys are always tempting to purchase. But if you look carefully, it is made in a different country and who knows what safety standards are put in place. It's good to know that importers are held responsible and upholds U.S. standards for safer children's products.

On a personal note, the fact that the CPSC has to implement stricter guidelines for the production of children's products is invaluable, but also makes me more concerned and thorough about the products I choose for my baby. Take for example href="https://www.simplybabyfurniture.com/" target="_blank">baby furniture. Just in the last few years, there was a massive recall on drop-side cribs. Luckily I purchased my baby crib shortly after the recall, but I did have one when I was a baby and am flabbergasted that it took such a long time to be recognized as a hazard. Another notable risk is for large baby furniture, such as 3-5 drawer dressers or bookcases. Unfortunately incidents have caused parents to install Wall Anchor Kits to prevent tipping hazards that can seriously injure your child. Because we rely on the many uses of baby furniture to help care for our baby, staying abreast of safety precautions is the best way to execute preventative measures.

With today's recognized risks of baby furniture and children's products, it brings childproofing to a whole new level. Sure it may seem like a short stretch from extreme paranoia, but I am more than willing to be exceptionally cautious than to pay the ultimate price of harm to my baby. I give special thanks to the CPSC for taking measurable steps to ensure the baby furniture and children's products I purchase are manufactured safely and periodically tested. Caring for my baby is the most important task and ensuring all baby products in the nursery are safe is a top priority. At least I know that I am doing the best I can to protect my child, and thank goodness for the CPSC for helping me achieve that.