Taking on the role of being a new parent also means you’ll serve as a “safety manager” of sorts for your child. From cribs and car seats to strollers and toys, a big part of protecting your baby involves making sure the products you use meet current child safety standards.
With hundreds of baby products recalled each year, knowing what to look for can feel overwhelming. These three baby safety tips can help you make more confident, informed decisions when buying baby gear.
Watch for baby product recalls
Each year, manufacturers issue hundreds of recalls on products for babies, toddlers and children, including safety gear, toys, furniture and even food items. Staying on top of all the notices can be overwhelming, if not impossible. But there are simple ways to stay informed.
Make it easy on yourself and sign up to receive recall notices by email through safekids.org. You’ll receive a list of monthly child-related recalls collected from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safe Kids Worldwide also provides news and consumer concerns about children's products.
Another way to keep on top of recalls is to register your baby product online, especially your car seat. Registration allows manufacturers to contact you directly if a recall or safety issue affects your specific model.
Know that car seats expire
As a new parent, you’ll be on high alert for expiration dates on things like formula, milk and meat, but did you know your car seat comes with an expiration date too? Car seats generally are considered expired within six years of being manufactured, and there are a few good reasons why:
- Car seats get worn down over time by use and environmental conditions.
- With technological advances and product updates, there’s a chance your seat no longer meets safety requirements.
- Replacement parts may no longer be available for that product.
Also, as a parent-to-be shopping for car seats, don’t just assume that because they are sitting on a store shelf they’ve been recently manufactured. Check the side or the base of the car seat for an expiration date. If it’s not readily visible, contact the manufacturer.
Know when to buy baby products new vs used
Baby gear adds up quickly, and buying secondhand can be tempting. While some items are safe to buy used, others are better purchased new due to safety concerns.
Generally safe to buy used:
- Clothes, shoes and accessories: Kids go through clothes and shoes quickly, whether it is from use or just plain growing out of them. You can save a ton of money by shopping for gently used clothing items or graciously accepting hand-me-downs. Just make sure they don’t have drawstrings, loose buttons or broken zippers.
- Toys: Each year, hundreds of toys show up on recall lists. So whether your child is playing with toys you bought new or at a garage sale (or the toys at daycare) make sure they are clean, still in working order and don’t contain small or hazardous parts.
Items to evaluate carefully:
- Strollers: Make sure your stroller was made after 2007, as safety standards since then have addressed stability, impact and shoulder-strap safety. Just know there are several types of styles, makes and models to choose from, so consider one that meets your day-to-day needs versus one with a bunch of bells and whistles.
- Cribs: Federal safety standards now prohibit drop-side cribs and require stronger slats, hardware and mattress support. Only use cribs that meet current regulations.
- Playpens: Look for models made after 2000, ensure the mattress fits snugly and check for tears or damage.
Best to buy new:
- Car seats: Used car seats may be expired, recalled, damaged or previously involved in an accident. For this reason, buying new is generally recommended.
Having clear baby product safety guidelines can give you greater peace of mind as a new parent. From staying informed about recalls to knowing which items to buy new, small steps can make a big difference in protecting your child.