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Many parents still use potentially dangerous baby products

According to a recent survey, the majority of Canadian parents are using potentially dangerous hand-me-down baby products.

Seventy-one per cent of Canadian parents are currently using or have once used hand-me-down or used baby products, a study by Toys “R” Us Canada found.

Additionally, more than half say they used the products without first checking to see if they had been subject to a manufacturer’s recall and three in five Canadian parents admit to being not fully educated on all the Canadian regulations surrounding baby product safety.

Some of the more common products that are potentially dangerous include:


Car seats

Many parents don’t realize that car seats have an expiry date with 20 per cent of survey respondents saying they weren’t aware of this fact. Additionally, 28 per cent didn’t know that all child seats in the Canadian market must bear the National Safety Mark.  Nearly a third of those surveyed admitted to using or having previously used a hand-me-down car seat. Parents should be extra careful when trying to snag a deal on an item from across the border, as American guidelines vary from Health Canada’s.

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Strollers

All strollers in Canada must come with a safety harness or lap belt, as well as complete manufacturer’s information. Carriages and strollers made prior to 1985 might not meet the government’s current safety standards, and with 31 per cent of parents surveyed saying they currently use or have once used a hand-me-down or previously owned stroller, there is still the potential for danger. Giving your stroller a monthly once-over to ensure all parts are still working properly and nuts and bolts are tightened will help keep your little one safe.

Baby Walkers


Once touted as a great way to get your little one to safely play and get around, baby walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004 because of their potential to cause serious head injuries, but 30 per cent of respondents were not aware of the ban.

Cribs

Forty per cent of Canadian parents say they currently use or have once used a hand-me-down or previously owned crib, and 31 per cent were not aware that cribs made before September 1986 do not meet current safety regulations and should not be used.

To ensure the products your child uses have not been subjected to a recall or advisory, you can visit the Health Canada website.  Health Canada also offers a fact sheet for parents and caregivers who wish to learn more about second-hand products or those that have special safety requirements in Canada.
You don’t have to throw out every baby item just because it’s used, as long as it still meets the government's safety standards.

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