Hi there! Expecting a new addition to your family? Then one of the first things you are probably dreaming of is creating a special space for your baby. As the center of a nursery and the safest place for a baby to be during the first few years of life – a crib – usually is the starting point where new parents research options. To make the “how to choose a crib” process easier, we list out the most common safety standards and certifications baby cribs should or are recommended follow.
CPSC
Cribs sold in the U.S. have to meet and pass some stringent safety regulations. As of 2011, all cribs manufactured are required to meet the standards put forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
While some certifications and regulations are compulsory, some are voluntary. The two most important certifications to look out for are the JPMA seal and the Greenguard Gold seal.
JPMA
JPMA or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a leading and trusted independent organization that is viewed as an authority on safety and quality baby and children’s products. The JPMA Certification seal indicates that the product meets or exceeds ASTM standards, federal and state law, and some retail requirements. To become certified, each product is sample-tested at an independent laboratory to verify it meets the highest standards for safety, performance and functionality.
JPMA Certification is voluntary, and based on adherence to ASTM standards, federal and state laws and some retail requirements. The program is designed to provide peace of mind to parents that these products have been independently tested to the most stringent standards.
GreenGuard Gold Certified
A Greenguard Gold certification, on the other hand, certifies that a product has been tested for thousands of chemicals and VOCs and helps in providing a safe and healthy environment for your baby and family.
Would like to learn more about GreenGuard Gold Certification? Below Q&As will help you understand what this certification is about and why it is so important.
What is VOCs? It is short for Volatile organic compounds. These are organic chemical compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature. VOCs can be present in everything from building materials to nursery furniture and from cleaning products to electronic devices. Exposure to a small amount or in cases of limited time is not considered harmful. However, over time, consistent exposure to VOCs can lead to a host of adverse health issues.
Who is GreenGuard? GreenGuard is short for Greenguard Environment Institute, who is part of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). It is an independent, non-profit organization that tests for chemical emissions in consumer products.
What is A GREENGUARD Certification? A product with this cert means that both the item and its manufacturing process were tested and reviewed for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. GREENGUARD Certified products meet all industry standards for low emissions.
What is GREENGUARD Gold Certification? In order for a product to receive a GREENGUARD Gold Certification, it must meet even stricter chemical and VOC emissions standards. Gold Certification was established to meet the indoor air quality needs of sensitive environments like schools, daycares, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, so it’s especially relevant when you’re shopping for baby products.
Here is a list of baby products you may want to consider having GreenGuard Gold Certification when you shop.
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Other nursery furniture like dressers, changing table/topper, nursery chair
- Nursing pillow
- Stroller
- Car Seat
It is important to have GreenGuard Gold Certified baby gear in your nursery because you spend most of your time indoors and the VOCs are about 10 times higher in enclosed spaces than outside. GREENGUARD Gold Certified products can help to minimize your child’s exposure to chemical emissions.
Sum Up
While parents should still take the time to do their homework, knowing that a brand has one or both of these certifications provides a certain amount of confidence and peace of mind.
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