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Monday, June 24, 2013

Graco Pack & Play Safety

Graco Pack & Play Safety

Pack 'n plays (also called play pens or play yards) provide a portable, convenient and largely safe area for your baby to play and sleep. However, there are certainly many safety precautions a parent needs to take with this item, as with all baby gear. Graco explicitly details safety precautions in product manuals and in safety notices on its website.

Safety During Setup

    Before using the pack 'n play (also called play yard), be sure that all four top rails are latched on securely, the mattress pad is laying flat and attached to the mattress loops and that the play yard floor is pushed down all the way. Remember to always consult the instruction pamphlet during assembly. If any loops or parts are broken or loose, do not use the pack 'n play. You can call Graco at 1-800-345-4109 for replacement parts. Never substitute parts.

Safety During Use

    According to its pamphlet, the Graco pack 'n play is only for playing and sleeping. Parents should keep close watch of their child while she is playing and still provide adequate supervision while she sleeps in the play yard. When your child can pull himself to standing position, take large toys and objects out that can be used as a step to get out of the yard. When your child has reached 30 pounds or 35 inches tall, do not use the play yard anymore. Under no circumstances should you leave your baby in the pack 'n play with the side down. All top rails should be pulled up and latched securely.

Suffocation Hazards

    You can rest assured that Graco's factory pack 'n play mattress is measured to a certain length, width and is only 1 inch thick, so it meets safety regulations. Using a different mattress, including a thicker one, can allow your baby's head to slip between the mattress and mesh sides of the yard. This can result in suffocation. Also avoid adding another mattress, comforter or other soft bedding that your baby can suffocate in. Only use mattress pads specifically sold as pack 'n play or play yard mattress pads. Do not use a water mattress with a pack 'n play. To reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), lay your baby flat on her back to sleep.

Strangulation Hazards

    Since cords and string are strangulation hazards, do not place these items in or near the pack 'n play. Do not place the play yard near a window or door where baby can reach window blinds or chords. Do not attach strings to toys and other items such as pacifiers, and do not tie strings around your baby's neck. This poses a strangulation risk while baby is playing or sleeping.

Changing Table Safety

    In 2003, Graco updated its pack 'n play safety instructions to warn parents about the strangulation risk pack 'n play changing tables (on certain play yards) pose to children. A baby can crawl under and lift up the table, getting her head and neck stuck between the table and side rail. For this reason, the changing table should be removed when not in use. As always, supervise your baby when he is in the play yard.

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