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We're not sure what we would do without the existence of the play yard. You know, the modern-day version of the playpen, made famous by Graco's uber-popular Pack 'n Play. This essential folding enclosure functions as a portable crib (at Grandma's), as a bassinet (for nursing newborns who are sleeping in your bedroom) or a safe, shady place at the beach.
That's why it's key that moms are aware of new safety standards passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as part of "Danny's Law," an act created in the name of Danny Keysar, a child killed in 1998, after a recalled play yard collapsed on the napping boy, suffocating him. To meet the new standards, which go into effect on February 28, 2013 according to the CPSC, play yards must feature:
--Side rails that do not form a sharp V when the product is folded, in order to prevent a child from strangling in the side rail.
--Stronger corner brackets to prevent sharp-edged cracks and to prevent a side-rail collapse.
--Sturdier mattress attachments to the play yard floor to prevent children from getting trapped or hurt.
While the group hasn't recalled current play yards, it's important to keep the new standards in mind when considering hand-me-down baby gear -- and always check that an older model hasn't been recalled.
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