Hand-Me-Down Baby Gear? Watch for These Dangerous Products

For tiny people, babies need a lot of stuff—and, that stuff isn’t cheap. New parents on a budget often take advantage of hand-me-downs, Craig’s List, yard-sale finds, and eBay to purchase baby products.
The good news is that parents save money; the bad news is that some of these products have been recalled or discontinued because they are dangerous. Our Dallas product-liability attorneys have put together a list of products that should not be used by parents.

1. Cribs with drop sides: The sale of drop-side cribs was banned in 2010 after more than 30 infants were smothered or strangled.  If you have one of these unsafe cribs, replace it immediately.
2. Bumper pads: Crib bumper pads look cute, but they are unsafe. Bumper pads have been linked to suffocation deaths and possible cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
3. Soft bedding: Pillows, thick quilts, and cushions pose the same suffocation risks as bumper pads.
4. Older Bumbo seats: Moms love Bumbo seats, but more than 25 infants have suffered fractured skulls after falling out of the seats.  Newer seats come with a seatbelt. If you have an older seat, you can request a repair kit from the manufacturer.
5. Strollers: Check the manufacturer website for stroller recalls. A number of older strollers were recalled because they pose a strangulation risk or have hinges that can chop off little fingers.
6. Sleep positioners: There is no evidence that sleep positioners protect babies. However, there have been 12 suffocation deaths that occurred when babies caught their heads after turning on their sides.
7. Baby slings: Avoid heavily padded baby slings. They look comfortable, but at least 14 suffocation deaths have been reported.
8. Baby bath seats: The infant can slip through the leg opening and drown.

This is by no means a complete list of dangerous children’s products. Anytime you buy used children’s gear, be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for recalls. Chances are good that it is safe, but you want to be certain.
If your child is injured by a defective children’s product, please contact the Dallas product-liability lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 651-6100. You may have a Texas product liability case.