Beware the Dangers of Recalled Baby Products
As a parent or caregiver outfitting your baby’s nursery, your list of essentials easily multiplies by the day. You may have considered shopping online at places like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and LetGo or checking local consignment stores for your must-have items. Stretching your dollar is important, especially when your baby will outgrow many must-haves so quickly. That said, with so much on your plate, you may not be aware that not all secondhand items for sale are safe for your baby. Being an informed consumer and doing your research before you buy makes a world of difference.
Are Recalled Products Being Sold Online?
A recent article in Consumer Reports highlights that although it is against the law to sell recalled products secondhand, many people are unaware of the recall and list the products online in places like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Another way these products find new homes is when they are given from one family to another, secondhand. One product example in the article is the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, which is linked to over 30 infant fatalities at the time of this post. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports “infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.”
When Consumer Reports conducted an online search for the dangerous sleepers, hundreds of listings were available. One possible reason unsafe products are making their way through vetting systems is described as follows: “CR found that while some posts list the model’s full name, many others are listed generically, so even if the website has a system to flag recalled items, they may fly under the radar.”
Being an Informed Consumer
We recommend checking the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website to be sure there isn’t a recall on a product you’re considering buying secondhand. This holds true for gently used items that may have been gifted to you from a friend or family member as well. Their searchable database is a helpful tool you’ll want to bookmark.
What Next? **
** If you unknowingly purchased or received a recalled item secondhand, follow the recall recommendations carefully. Baby Safety Zone reports “Historically, 80% of recalled products are never returned or fixed. Many of those items continue to be used and are later passed on – often via yard sales, thrift stores and online marketplaces.” Stay informed about product recalls by signing up for email alerts and registering your products.
We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if your child has been injured due to a defective product in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 604-3814.
Additional Resources:
https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/recalled-products-are-being-sold-on-craigslist-facebook-marketplace/
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/fisher-price-recalls-rock-n-play-sleepers-due-to-reports-of-deaths
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
https://babysafetyzone.org/abcs-recall-response