The ZoyaB Blog

A New Era in Crib Standards

We at Rooms by Zoya B are happy to help expecting parents go through the major change in the baby furniture industry easily and comfortably by assisting them in making the best decision for their nursery. Today, June 28^th, marks the day that consumers will have access to the safest cribs that have ever been manufactured and sold to date. The US Product Safety Commission stated that they have “voted unanimously to approve new mandatory crib standards, establishing the most stringent crib safety standards in the world… all importers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers must offer only cribs that meet the CPSC's new and improved full-size and non-full-size crib standards.” We at Rooms by Zoya B support the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in their constant effort to make cribs safer, because we believe that nurseries should not only be beautiful, but most importantly safe.
CNN’s Eric Marrapodi, states that “cribs made and sold in the United States will face the toughest safety standards in the world.” We at Rooms by Zoya B, along side our vendors have been making changes to ensure quality and safety assurance in the months approaching the crib standards change and we are confident that all of our products meet all code requirements. James Covert of the New York Post writes that “the stricter standards have raised the bar for a new generation of cribs on the market. Scrambling to get current with the first tightening of federal standards since the early 1970s, retailers and manufacturers have been clearing out outdated cribs that don't pass muster.”  Although the standards are strict we have made certain that our cribs are of the highest quality and are as safe as possible.

Safer cribs means a safer sleeping environment for babies and that is definitely something that we at Rooms by Zoya B care most about. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call us or come to our showroom located in the New York Design Center located on Lexington Avenue between 32^nd and 33^rd Streets.

CPSC Approves Strong New Crib Safety Standards To Ensure a Safe Sleep for Babies and Toddlers

CPSC Approves Strong New Crib Safety Standards To Ensure a Safe Sleep for Babies and Toddlers.

The Lovely Bassinet - A Safe Alternative

For the first 3 month of your baby's life having a bassinet will save you a lot of sleepless nights. I remember, when my daughter was born and she was a big baby 8lb 11oz, I placed her in the crib and she looked so tiny - I new it right there, I needed a bassinet!!! Having several alternatives to put your baby to sleep in at home or while you travel is a convenience many parents truly appreciate. Bassinets can be a wonderful combination of style and function.        

As you make your decision on which bassinet style you'll choose - perhaps the frilly and lacey one for your little girl or the ornate and regal one for your little boy, always keep in mind that the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) recommends you follow these safety standards.

• Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.

• Mattresses and padding should fit snugly and be firm and smooth. Never use pillows.

• Decorative bows and ribbons should be outside of the basket.

• Infants should always sleep in a crib which meets current Federal and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and has received certification from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

As I look around my showroom at the lovely bassinets all decked out, each with their own personality, I can recall many happy, expectant parents choosing the one that gives them joy and completes their space. I am also reminded that with education and instruction where safety is concerned, parents can have the peace of mind knowing that they are prepared and are doing the best for their infant.

Is Your Drop-Side Crib Safe?

If you own a crib or are in the market for one, chances are you've heard about the recall on drop-side cribs. To alleviate some of the confusion, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) reassures the public regarding the safety of properly used drop-side cribs.

• When using a drop-side crib check to make sure the drop side or any other parts are not missing or damaged and that they operate properly.

• Be sure that hardware is installed properly

• When assembling and disassembling drop-side cribs always confirm that the crib is reassembled following the manufacturer's instructions. Instructions are attached to all cribs when sold; if they are missing, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy.

• As long as your crib was properly assembled, fully functional and not subject to recall, drop-side cribs can be safely used.

For further information on crib safety guidelines please visit my blog on Crib Safety.

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list.

Crib Safety - Rules To Follow For A Safe Night's Sleep

I'm frequently asked questions regarding the safety of children's furniture.

Many questions are about crib safety and choosing a safe crib. I've compiled a list of safety essentials based on guidance from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA.org) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC.gov).

• Make certain that your crib is JPMA certified to ensure all safety standards were met when it was manufactured. Please check JPMA for a list of certified products.

• Whether you have a new or used crib, parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy.

• Make sure the crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can). This will prevent the baby's head from fitting through the slats. Also be certain that there are no loose or missing slats.

• Do not try to repair any side of the crib without manufacturers approved hardware. Putting a broken side of a crib up against the wall does not solve the problem and can often make it worse. Infants can strangle when their head and neck become entrapped in gaps created by missing, loose or broken hardware or broken slats.

• Check all sides and corners of the crib to assure proper assembly with no openings to entrap a child.

• Avoid older cribs with headboard and footboard designs that may allow an infant's head to become caught in the openings between the corner post and the top rail. These openings may lead to strangulation.

• Check the corner posts of the crib. Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16th of an inch above the top of the end panels (unless they're over 16 inches high, such as for a canopy).

• Place a baby on her back in a crib with a firm, tight fitting mattress.

• A crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width (1 inch) between the edge of the mattress and the crib side.

• Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

• Never place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

• Make sure crib sheets fit snugly on a crib mattress and overlap the mattress so that they cannot become dislodged by pulling on the corner of the sheet. Never use an adult sheet on a crib mattress; it can come loose and present an entanglement hazard to young children.

• Remove any pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads or pillow-like stuffed toys from baby cribs when your baby is sleeping. Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.

• Always check for properly mounted crib gyms and mobiles. Be sure to remove them when baby begins to push up on hands and knees. Strings or cords should never dangle into the crib.

The JPMA reminds parents and care givers that when you assemble a crib to the manufacturer's instructions and use it properly, a crib provides the safest sleeping environment for baby.

For mesh-sided cribs and playpens, look for:

• Mesh less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's clothing.

• Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle a baby.

• Mesh securely attached to the top rail and floor plate.

• Top rail cover with no tears or holes.

• If staples are used, make certain they are not missing, loose or exposed.

If I haven't addressed your concerns, please let me know and I'll be more than happy to post the information.

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list.

Antique Crib or New Crib? - A Safe Crib is the Answer!

Many parents dream of the day they can put their new baby to sleep in the crib that they, or even their parents, slept in as an infant. There is no doubt that these antique cribs have their charm and beauty but they also may pose many hidden dangers to your infant. Read carefully the recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and take heed – this is very important!

Before you put your baby to sleep in a used crib, check to be sure

it's safe. If it is not safe, don’t use it, destroy it. It could save your baby’s life!

 

 Rules for a safe crib are:

 

• That is has a firm, tight-fitting mattress.

• It does not have any loose, missing, or broken hardware or slats.

• The slats are no more than 2 3/8" between them (about the width of a soda can).

• It does not have corner posts over 1/16” high.

• It does not have cutout designs in the headboard or footboard.

 

If you are concerned that a crib you own or are in the market for has been recalled, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site for a complete list. http://www.cpsc.gov/cribs.html

Newport Cottages responds to CPSC largest drop-side cribs recall in US history.

Dear Customers,

 

As many of you know the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs. This being announced as the largest recall in US history has caused some concerns about the safety of our cribs. We have received numerous calls from both retailers and consumers and we have assured everyone that all Newport Cottages’ crib are safe to use. The CPSC visited our facility, tested our cribs and all of them met or exceeded their standards. In addition to this, we also had an independent laboratory conduct strength testing, check for paint toxins, etc.  Although this recall is for Stork Craft Inc., which manufactures lower end cribs overseas, the CPSC is considering changing the mandatory crib standards for drop-sides in 2010.

 

Newport Cottages switched to duel fixed gates back in August of this year due to growing concerns about drop gates. If you have a drop gate model, we recommend that you regularly check your crib and tighten any loose parts that may result from the moving gate. 

 

Again we emphasize that we have never had a recall however we wanted to address any safety concerns in regards to our cribs. 

Crib Safety News from Newport Cottages.

More and more manufacturers are changing their Crib Gates to the fixed position.  Below is an excerpt from a Newport Cottages email we just recieved:

"Effective August 1^st, all cribs ordered will come equipped with fixed gates.  

We know that consumers have become concerned over safety issues with adjustable gates, and that the CPSC may be requiring manufacturers to eliminate adjustable gates altogether.  It is important to point out that Newport Cottages has never had an issue with its gates, and many of you had some very nice things to say in regards to our gate mechanism.  Our decision is a proactive measure that will not only satisfy the new proposed regulation, but will also simplify the assembly of the crib.  We also want our consumers to know that nursery safety is one of our highest priorities.

Dual Position Fixed Gates.

We are aware of the concerns parents will have when it comes to fixed gates, and after reading your responses, you helped us come up with a great solution.  The fixed gates will have 2 different levels at which they can be set at.  Both gates can be set at either the lower position (same height as our adjustable gate in the current lowered position, 36” from floor), or at the upper position (same height as our adjustable gate in the current raised position, 42” from floor).  It will look very similar to our current fixed gate with the 2 bolts.  There will be no visible holes and changing the gates from one level to another should be fairly simple.

Three Level Mattress Height.

We will continue to use the same mattress spring with the 3 different height settings."

I, personally am greatfull to all our vendors to stay on top and ahead of all regulations.

Thank you all.