JPMA Helps Parents with Baby Outdoor Safety as They Eagerly Head Outdoors

Follow these tips for baby outdoor safety and you’ll enjoy your time outside even more! When it comes to young children and older children and peace of mind, there are some simple tips to make sure kids can stay safe while outdoors on hot summer days and during all times of the year.

JPMA offers the latest “Spring into Baby Safety” tips for outdoor family adventures. This post is sponsored by JPMA. All opinions are my own.

Spring is almost here, and warmer weather will bring welcome options for families eager to get back outside after a long winter of limited activities and social distancing.

JPMA, the voice of the industry on quality and safety for baby and children’s products, surveyed 150 parents and 93% said they are just as eager, or more, to get outside with their kids this Spring than any previous one.

I know that is certainly true for the Fagan family!

As the snow is now melted (see our latest Youtube vlog) and we have warmer weather, we’re busting out the kids’ outdoor play toys, playing through some classic backyard games for kids, looking over our list of experience gifts for kids, and dreaming of heading to the beach so we can play some kids’ beach games again.

If nothing else, we want to help extend outdoor fun for kids in whatever way we can!

Maybe we’ll even go on a camping trip this spring, as we know the benefits of camping with kids.

**If you are looking for kid-friendly stops along your route, be sure to download the GoWhee app the best app for traveling families.**

Of course, with baby twins, we need to be aware of baby safety outdoors!

Baby Outdoor Safety

To support parents as they gear up for outdoor adventures with little ones and babies, JPMA is sharing its latest guidance for families to safely use on-the-go products with a new campaign called, “Spring into Baby Safety.”

“While following COVID protocols is still top of mind for parents, we also urge caregivers to be mindful of how to choose and use baby products for trips outside of the home,” said Kelly Mariotti, executive director of JPMA. “‘On-the-go’ products like strollers and infant carriers make family outings easier and more enjoyable for everyone, but they must be used correctly each time to ensure baby stays safe.”

Here are some outdoor baby safety tips for parents and caregivers:

Stroller Safety Tips

Buckle up baby every time — even just for short strolls — and use restraints properly.
Keep baby’s hands clear when unfolding and folding strollers.
Use storage baskets and keep handles free of purses and bags so the stroller doesn’t tip over.
Apply brakes when stationary to prevent a stroller from rolling away.
Be mindful about what you put in the parent accessory trays, such as hot coffee, so it doesn’t accidentally spill onto the baby and cause burns or bruises.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, warning labels, and recommendations for age, height, and weight requirements.

Baby Carriers Safety

Choose a sling or soft carrier for bonding, breastfeeding, or babywearing when the baby is very young. (see my recommendations for best newborn baby carriers)
Choose a framed back carrier for hiking or other outdoor activities.
Keep baby’s face Visible and Kissable*. Make sure you can always see the baby’s face.
Make sure all attachments are secured, tighten everything, and don’t forget to hook clasps.
Never cook over a hot surface with a child in a carrier because it puts them at risk for accidental burns.

As a reminder to parents when they’re out and about, always follow manufacturer instructions for age, weight, and wearing instructions and, whenever possible, look for JPMA Certified products to ensure your baby gear is tested and trusted.

For more tips on keeping baby safe, visit www.jpma.org/parents.

Temperature Safety Outdoors for Baby

Bring extra layers and blankets for the baby so you can dress them up or down as the temperature fluctuates.
Keep them out of direct sunlight.
If baby is in a covered stroller or infant car seat, make sure baby isn’t getting too warm as the sun heats it up.
Apply baby sunblock to the baby if you can’t keep them out of the sun (only if 6+ months old)
Have the baby wear a hat, sunglasses, and use sun visors on carriers and strollers.
Long pants and long-sleeved shirts, preferably with SPF protection, are ideal.
Keep baby hydrated with extra fluid intake.
Feel baby periodically and see if they are feeling flushed or overheated.

In addition to the above outdoor safety tips for babies, I like bringing a large blanket for the babies to crawl on. This protects them from bugs (like fire ants), dirt, trash, and other things they may put into their mouths.

twin babies crawling on a blanket with toys outside as a means to discuss outdoor safety for babies

Sun safety tips for kids

Children of all ages need to make sure that they’re protecting their kids from the summer heat. Sunburns can happen in a short time and extra precautions are needed from the sun, even on cloudy days. Long sleeves are a great option as long as it’s not too hot so that is a good preventative during cold weather, but on a sunny day, you’ll need to think of other ways for sun protection. Sun exposure in hot weather happens quickly so bring along a sun hat and make a good habit of using sunscreen, too.

Once they are more mobile, things like portable playpens are also a great idea to keep them safe as you head outdoors to parks or other gatherings!

I hope you’ll enjoy getting out as the weather warms up this spring with your babies! Be sure to keep baby safe outdoors with these tips!

*“Visible and Kissable“ is a trademark of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance

ABOUT JPMA
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is the voice of the industry on quality and safety for baby and children’s products in North America. We do this by:

Advocating for safety through product certification programs and legislative and regulatory involvement;
Supporting a broad and diverse membership through member-only programming and industry promotion;
And by acting as a comprehensive source for baby product information and education.

JPMA members represent 95% of the prenatal to preschool products sold in North America. To find out more about JPMA, our Certification Program, and Certified products, and for a complete listing of JPMA Members, please visit https://www.jpma.org. Follow JPMA on Twitter @JPMA and connect with us on Facebook to learn about additional safety tips and JPMA initiatives.

MT. LAUREL, N.J. March 15, 2021

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JPMA Helps Parents with Baby Outdoor Safety as They Eagerly Head Outdoors