We seem to get instantaneous information about food recalls on the news, but when it comes to children’s toys and products, it’s harder to discover. You must pay attention and know where to look. As a parent, you want to keep your little ones safe from defective merchandise or dangerous toys. Keep reading and we will provide some ideas about secondhand products and recalls: safety tips parents should know.
Avoid Accepting Secondhand Products
Thoughtful neighbors, friends, and relatives will often “gift” you with their child’s hand-me-down toys or useful products. Always check to see if the item has been recalled for safety reasons. There are approximately 80% of recalled products that remain in homes, so don’t be swayed by thinking if your friend used it, it’s safe.
You can check the item at recalls.gov
Commonly Recalled Products
Baby items and child products are typically recalled.
Some examples include the following items:
- In 2021, multiple newborn loungers were recalled due to the risk of suffocation
- In 2019 almost twelve thousand children suffered an injury associated with a dresser and were taken to an ER. Regardless whether the dresser is for a child or adult, it should be anchored to the wall in back to prevent tip overs.
- All inclined sleepers for infants are now banned due to the Safe Sleep For Babies Act signed in 2022. 4.7 million Rock n Play sleepers from Fisher Price have been recalled.
- Child cribs should only be used if they have been manufactured since 2011.
- Portable playpens and cribs should be discarded if they were manufactured before 2013 due to safety issues.
- Avoid using any type of baby walker. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports their total ban.
What Parents Can Do
Don’t forget to register any new product with the manufacturer. That way you will be sure to receive an alert should it be recalled.
This link is a great way for parents to remain updated on any recalled or dangerous products.
This government link from the Consumer Product Safety Commission is another way to stay up to date on recalled merchandise.
Use these links to remain knowledgeable, and keep your children safe with product recalls.
Contact Plymouth Pediatric Associates at 508-746-5900 if you have concerns about a product your child uses or to schedule an appointment in Plymouth, MA.
