Parents need to be cautious when buying brand new items for their children, but must be extra cautious when buying used items. There aren't many stores that sell used child or baby items. Most of them can be found using online marketplaces and other methods of sale. Here are the most common items parents must be mindful of when buying used.
A 2008 law makes it illegal to sell items that have been recalled, but these items can be found at yard sales, online auction websites and in consignment shops. It's understandable that parents want to save money when purchasing big-ticket items for their children such as cribs, high chairs, large toys and playpens.
No matter what it is you are buying second hand, be sure to always check for recalls associated with the product. You can sign up for product recalls via email and find product recall information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. Never buy a second hand child or baby item without a manual. This is especially true for car seats, cribs and playpens, all items that need to be adjusted based on the child's age, height and weight.
When it comes to car seats, there are some strict guidelines you should always follow when buying second hand or receiving free hand-me-downs. These guidelines include the following:
- The car seat is more than six years old
- You cannot find out information regarding the car seat being recalled or if it has been involved in a crash
- It does not come with a manual that explains how to install the car seat in your car
When buying used toys, be sure to check for lead paint and mercury.
When parents purchase used child or baby items they need to be wary of product recalls involving those items. An experienced products liability lawyer can answer all of your questions surrounding design and manufacturing defects and child items in Nashville, Tennessee.
Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, "Kids' Stuff: Be Wary When Buying Used," accessed May 22, 2017