April 2007
Activity-center safety tips
- Keep an eye out. Even though a stationary activity center can give you a chance to grab a bite (without a baby in your lap), take a quick
shower, or check your e-mail, always keep your baby in view while he's in it.
- Resist the urge to routinely park your baby. Keeping your child in a stationary activity center for more than 30 minutes at a time can tax her naturally weak back and
leg muscles.
- Keep the activity center away from hot surfaces, dangling appliance cords, window blind and curtain cords, stairs, sources of water such as a swimming pool,
and anything else that might injure a child. Even though it is technically stationary, this play space can creep across the
floor as your baby plays. Watch for movement and make sure your baby stays away from hazards.
- Don't carry an activity center with your child in it.
- Place the product on level ground and make sure the legs are the same height. The tray should be level. That's the best way to avoid tip-overs.
- Follow the manufacturer's age or weight or height recommendations. Don't use the activity center before your baby can sit up unassisted, and stop using it when your baby reaches the height or weight maximum. And, as a general rule, if your child can tip over the activity center by just leaning over the edge or can climb out of it, it's time to retire it.
