Although the voluntary standard for play yards has been revised and toughened a number of times since requirements were added in 1997 for automatically locking top rails and in 1999 for latch-strength, this equipment was still responsible for 1,300 injuries to children under the age of 5 in 2005, according to the CPSC. So you still need to be vigilant when using a play yard. To keep your baby safe, here's what you can do:

• Read and follow all safety precautions in the owner's manual (and on the play yard itself).
  
  
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly, and double check that all latching features and hinges on the play yard are in place and secure. Never leave your baby in a play yard with the sides down.
  
  
• Don't put two or more babies in a play yard that's designed only for one.
  
  
• Stop using the bassinet feature when your baby either reaches the manufacturer's recommended weight limit, or can sit up, pull up, or roll over (at about 3 months old and 15 pounds).
  
  
• Stop using the play yard once your baby has reached the maximum height and weight recommendations, usually 35 inches and 30 pounds.
  
  
• Choose a play yard with mesh holes smaller than one-quarter inch. Those that are JPMA certified will meet this recommendation.
  
  
• Inspect your play yard regularly and stop using it if the mesh sides or vinyl- or fabric-covered rails get torn or punctured, or any rivets on the rails begin to protrude. Don't use a play yard with broken hinges.
  
  
• Remove the changing-station or bassinet insert when your baby is playing in the play yard. A baby's neck can get trapped between the side rail and the insert.
  
  
• Don't tie any items across the top or corner of the play yard or hang toys from the sides with strings or cords. These can be a strangulation hazard.
  
  
• Don't add a second mattress to the bassinet, or pillows, comforters, or toys.
  
  
• Buy a portable bassinet sheet that's tight-fitting--in other words, one that's designed for play yards. Never use a sheet made for a crib mattress or twin or other size bed.
  
  
• If you use the bassinet, place your baby to sleep on her back, as you would in a full-size crib (See our full report on cribs.).
  
  
• Never leave your baby unattended in a play yard, which means your baby should always be in view, even when she's sleeping in the bassinet.
  
  
• When you're using a play yard's changing table, always keep a hand on your baby and use the safety harness.
  
  
• Don't place a play yard near stoves, fireplaces, campfires, or sources of heat and wind.
  
  
• Stop using a play yard if it is damaged. Don't try to patch holes in the mesh with tape, for example.
  
  
• Don't place a play yard near a window where your baby can reach cords from window blinds or curtains. They're a strangulation hazard.
  
  
• When your baby can pull to a standing position, remove large toys and other objects that can serve as a stepping stool for climbing out of the play yard.