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You would think that products made for use by the tiniest, most helpless (and most adorable) of creatures would be put through rigorous tests by the government before they hit the stores. You would think. And you would be wrong.
Believe it or not, companies are not required to test most children's products for safety before they are sold. The government only sets safety standards for four types of children's products: car seats, pacifiers, toys and cribs. Everything else - highchairs, strollers, monitors, etc - can be placed on the market with no safety testing at all.
The juvenile products industry does issue voluntary safety standards, but they are indeed voluntary. And while most manufacturers do test their own products, many times the tests take place in a controlled laboratory environment. Safety issues or product defects frequently aren't discovered until children actually begin using the products.
During the 1990s alone, more than a million portable cribs and playpens were recalled. In 2000, two children's products were recalled every week, resulting in the recall of 37 million individual items. And sadly, every year over 200,000 children are treated for injuries resulting from unsafe children's products.
So what's a mother to do?
Go for the New
Many parents mistakenly believe that baby gear that's purchased second-hand or handed down, especially from an older sibling, is safer than a new product because it was "kid tested." Your older daughter used it and was just fine, so it must be safe. Not true. More likely you were lucky.
Not only do the mechanical parts of baby products, like all products, deteriorate over time, but safety standards are raised each year, more stringent policies are constantly being put into place, and manufacturers do actually learn from their mistakes on past design flaws.
Historical product recall information is harder to find, and just because you see a second-hand product for sale, doesn't mean it hasn't been recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates there are currently 69 million recalled products on the shelves in second hand stores.
And while new products are still recalled, you have a better chance of hearing about the safety problem, and getting a retrofit, refund or replacement.
Because of the vast number of historical recalls and frequency with which you will use (and abuse!) certain products, we highly suggest you buy the following baby products new:
Car Seats
Infant Carrier Car Seats
Cribs
Play Yards/Play Pens
Changing Tables
Baby Carriers, Slings and Backpacks
Baby Gates
Keep On Top of Recalls
We know it's a pain, and yes, we too figure if it's a biggie, eventually we'll hear about it. But then we look at our tiny angels and remember that we'd never forgive ourselves if we had the power to keep them out of harm's way.
Here are some tips on how to be diligent:
1. Check Your Inventory For Recalled Products
Make a list of every product your baby uses or you are considering buying and make sure it hasn't been recalled. For the most complete and up-to-date list, visit: www.cpsc.gov.
2. Check Products Your Baby Uses Outside Your House
You know your playpen is safe, but what about the one at your day care center? Babysitter's? Gym? Hotel? Grandma's House? Write down and research all products your baby uses wherever they are. Don't assume because it's a licensed or respectable facility that they are on top of recalls. It's ultimately your job to protect your baby.
3. Stay on Top of Recalls… Really!
It's really much easier than you think to stay informed. You can sign up to receive email updates on recalls relating only to children's products at the CPSC's website (www.recalls.gov). When you hear news, share the love and tell your friends.
4. Use Common Sense
If the buckle frequently comes undone or the handle seems shaky, don't wait for an accident to report or retire your product. If it seems unsafe to you, it probably is.
5. Maintain Your Products
Young children are masters of perpetual and repetitive motion. Their constant use can compromise even the safest product. Check your baby gear regularly for loose screws, rickety rails, fraying cords, etc.
6. Don't Blindly Trust Brand Names
As brand conscious as we all are, even the most well respected companies shouldn't be blindly trusted. It's easy to distrust a cheap-looking toy from overseas, but know that almost every brand-name manufacturer has had multiple recalls. Don't give blind trust to any brand.
7. Don't Assume More Expensive Means Safer
Many times more expensive products are better made and can be safer, but that is not the rule. One of the most popular and expensive brands of baby carriers has recalled their famous carrier three times in the last six years for a variety of reasons that resulted in babies falling and fracturing their skulls. Keep on top of all your products, even the expensive, designer ones.
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