Juvenile furniture grows up.

JUVENILE FURNITURE GROWS UP

An estimated 4.2 million babies were born in the United States last year, the highest number since 1964, the end of the Baby Boom era. It is not surprising then to hear from Maura Davis of the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Assn. that "the market for infant

According to JPMA estimates, cribs alone accounted for $300 million in sales in 1990; dressing tables, $32 million; tables and chairs, $28 million. Sales of children's wood furniture are expected to top $400 million in 1991.

JPMA annually sponsors what is considered to be the world's premiere juvenile (infant to age 5) product show at the Dallas Market Center. This year's event will be held Oct. 8-11, with 300 exhibitors expected. (For information, phone (609) 985-2878.)

Also noteworthy is the association's safety certification program which is open to all manufacturers. Consumers chewing on furniture does not worry most furniture makers, but it is a serious consideration for the crib manufacturer, as are side latches. mattress support systems, corner post extensions and impact testing of the crib side rail. Each product category has its own safety requirements.

Manufacturers test their products quarterly and submit results to an independent testing laboratory retained by JPMA. The lab retests products annually to ensure American Society of Testing Materials standards are met and issues a consumer directory of certified products twice annually.

Youth-teen market growing

The JPMA has conducted annual surveys of its members since 1986. The surveys define furniture as juvenile if a crib is part of the format, and as youth furniture when youth beds, bunk beds or trundle beds are included. "It is not a purely scientific study," Davis said. "How manufacturers quality their lines is very subjective. Their use of categories may simply be a marketing tool."

However, more manufacturers are apparently diversifying and getting into the youth-teen category, Davis said. For 1986, manufacturers reported a total $3 million sales in beds for this age bracket. Total bed sales for 1990 more than tripled to over $10 million. Sales of case goods in both juvenile and youth groups have increased yearly from $92 million in 1986 to 1990's $120 million, with the biggest gain (12 percent) in 1988.