What Happened:
One recent report lists a variety of measures parents can employ to reduce safety risks associated with the use of gear for their children. The following are some important tips to keep in mind when purchasing various products for your kids:
Strollers – Unfortunately consumer product safety recalls all too commonly involve strollers. One current issue that consumers should be on the lookout for involves strollers with a big gap between the grab bar or tray and the seat bottom. This can be dangerous for small babies all the way up to one year olds. If a small child is improperly harnessed, he or she can slide down through the opening and get their head or neck trapped.
Some companies have recalled their older models and other companies are offering repair kits to remedy the issue. For more information concerning children’s recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website here.
Cribs – Thankfully the government has issued new rules requiring manufacturers of cribs to make products with sturdier materials and more stringent testing. That being said, those that are already made can still have problems. First things first, check to make sure that there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress. Infants can strangle if their bodies pass through such gaps while their heads remain trapped. A good rule of thumb is not to use cribs older than 10 years or any that have been broken or altered. Check here to see if your crib has been recalled.
Play yards – The most important advice when it comes to playpens is to following the manufacturer’s directions to the letter. Use only the mattress pad provided and do not add any extra padding as this can create risks for your children. The danger is not insignificant either, as there have been more than 2,100 play yard incidents reported to the CPSC in the past five years, including 60 deaths and 170 injuries.
Baby seats – Finally, recent reports involving the recall of Bumbo baby seats should have parents on alert. Millions of the seats manufactured between 2003 and 2012 have been recalled after more than 75 babies suffered head injuries from rocking or arching their backs while in the seats. Parents should immediately stop using the seats until they have installed a new restraint belt which is available at the following website: www.recall.bumbousa.com.
About the Editors: The Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, which has offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC). The attorneys publish articles and edit the Legal Examiner for the Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Northeast North Carolina regions as pro bono service.
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