Cribs made and sold in the United States will face the toughest safety standards in the world, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

Beginning June 28, 2011, the new federal safety requirements ban drop-side cribs, where a side rail can be raised and lowered. They can no longer be manufactured or sold. Hardware, mattress support durability, and slat strength will all undergo tougher testing from the commission.

The new rules also apply to cribs currently in use at child care centers and places of public accommodation. By December 28, 2012, these facilities must use only compliant cribs that meet the new federal safety standards.

If you are considering purchasing new cribs that meet the standards, you may want to ask the manufacturer or retailer whether the crib complies with 16 CFR 1219 (the new standard for full-size cribs) or 16 CFR 1220 (the new standard for non-full-size cribs). They must provide this certification to the retailer.

CPSC will be the main agency enforcing the new crib standards. The initial focus will be on manufacturers and retailers since they must comply with the new standards by June 28, 2011.

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So with my son growing up so fast, I felt the urge to spruce up his nursery..hmm, is it still considered a nursery now that he is no longer a newborn?…anyways, since Elmo appears to be a distant memory and his love for trains, planes and automobiles are apparent, I wanted to do something special for Lil B (finally his name will be revealed below).  After browsing online for the perfect something (not sure what) I later came across a company called Graphic Spaces, they specialize in artsy creations for kids’ room with reasonable prices.

My new friends over at Graphic Spaces was not informed of my mommy blog nor is aware of this post, but I just had to give them some Internet love. The creator of Graphic Spaces, Christy Wernet creates such cool vinyl wall decals, room accessories and furniture for kids of all ages. So thanks to the Airplane Boy Skywriter wall decal sticker, his bedroom (yep, no longer a nursery) is perfect for my little man.  The decal set includes the plane, clouds, birds, and everything you need to apply it to your wall – including a surprise gift and how-to instructions. But you must be sure to read the instructions before installing cause once its positioned onto your wall then its there for good.

There’s more than airplanes in the shop, Check out Graphic Spaces for a wide selection of removable wall decals.

Here’s a pic of my son’s wall decal

 

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In looking to spruce up my toddler’s room, I came across this colorful organic bedding line created by actress/comedian Jenny McCarthy called Too Good by Jenny.

McCarthy is an advocate for a holistic approach to child development after her son Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2005. She has been vocal about such causes as staggering immunizations, adhering to a gluten-free diet and eliminating chemicals in everyday products, such as lead paint in toys or BPA plastic in baby bottles. She is also a spokesperson for an organization called Talk About Curing Autism.

Traditionally, organic products are usually sold at pricey specialty boutiques however I came across this hidden gem at BuyBuy Baby (a single crib sheet can run you about $16.99 and/or a crib set can you anywhere between $99-$200).  The line will include non-toxic bedding, apparel, feeding products, toys/activity sets, cleaning products, bathroom textiles, gluten-free food and beverages, and other categories.

 

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Give your own radiant baby her first piece of Pop Art with this lacquered-wood Keith Haring chair by French toy company Vilac ($155 at Opening Ceremony, 212-219-2688).

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The Little Seed just got affordable – Yippee!  the eco-friendly baby clothing and accessories line teamed up with Target to create a fantastic line.

Founders Soleil Moon Frye (“Punky Brewster”) and Paige Goldberg Tolmach are taking this LA based line nationwide by making it easily accessible to parents everywhere.

The Little Seed for Target debuted in Target on July 4.  The collection features everything for babies sizes 0 to 12 months.

The Little Seed for Target collection will be available on target.com and in select Target stores from July 4 through Oct. 14.

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