Toy and Baby Product Safety

Common hazards of children’s products:- 

• Walkers: Walkers are very dangerous for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of walkers. Contrary to popular belief, they do not keep babies safe. In fact, according to the CPSC, thousands of babies under 15 months are treated in the ER for baby walker injuries each year. The most serious injuries are caused by falling down the stairs. Research shows that walkers actually have no positive benefit for your baby and could delay motor development.
• Cribs: Take care to select a crib with safe features(link is external). Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart and no slats should be missing or cracked. The mattress should fit snugly, with no space between it and the crib walls. There should be no cutouts in the headboard or footboard. Cribs should not be placed near draperies or blinds where a child could become entangled and strangle on cords. Most crib-related deaths are due to crib defects or broken parts in older cribs. 
• Infant bathtub seats: Bathtub seats are not safety devices. These are meant to help hold a baby up while bathing, but babies can slip down, or suction cups can detach, causing the baby to tip over and be trapped under water. Children should be supervised by an adult at all times while in the tub. Never leave a baby in water unattended. It only takes a moment for a baby to drown. 
• Highchairs: Highchairs should have a wide base so they don’t tip over. When using a highchair, make sure the child is buckled in and the chair is positioned well away from anything that could be dangerous to your child (curtains, cords) 
• Strollers: Be sure your stroller has a wide base so it won’t tip over. Do not hang diaper or shopping bags on your stroller because that could make it unstable. Don’t leave your children alone in a stroller or allow them to play with it. 
• Playpens: Playpens, portable cribs, and play yards with wooden bars like cribs should have bars less than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart. Do not tie things on the sides of the pen because babies can strangle themselves. Many portable playpens have been recalled. Be sure to check whether yours is safe. Many parents use portable playpens as a crib. Like in cribs, babies can suffocate in soft bedding or added mattresses or cushions. 
• Thrift store baby equipment: Use extra caution if purchasing used baby equipment. Always check for recalls and inspect for safety. Use this thrift store safety checklist(link is external) as a starting point when buying from thrift stores, garage sales, or using hand-me-downs. Never buy a used car seat.