Play Yards
Choose a play yard with the correct recommended height and weight of the child. The play yard, including side rails, should be fully erected prior to use. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions (Remember to apply the same rules to portable play yards.)
- Do not add padding or other objects inside the play yard, which permit your child to climb out.
- Make sure all latching features of the play yard are in place and secure.
- NEVER leave baby in a mesh play yard if its drop side is in the down position. The baby could roll into the space between the pad and loose mesh, causing suffocation.
- Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4”. Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8” apart.
- Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
- Don’t tie items across the top of the play yard as they can entangle baby and cause strangulation.
- Infants can suffocate in gaps between a mattress too small or too thick and product sides, or on soft bedding. Never add a mattress, pillow, comforter, or padding.
- Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.
Proper Maintenance and Storage of Play Yards
- Make sure all latching features of the play yard are in place and secure.
- Check vinyl or fabric-covered rails frequently for holes and tears.
- When storing your play yard for future use, save the instructions and keep them with the play yard. Often manufacturers post or attach instructions to the mattress platform so that they are easy to find when the play yard is re-assembled for later use. Instructions can often be found on manufacturers website. Click here to find a listing of all JPMA Certified play yard websites.
- When storing your play yard, keep all parts, together and labeled for future assembly.
