Why Product Safety Matters for Parents
Every year, thousands of children are injured by unsafe products. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency rooms treat approximately 150,000 children under age 15 for toy-related injuries annually. Many of these injuries could be prevented with better awareness of product recalls and safety standards.
As a parent, staying informed about product safety is one of the most important things you can do to protect your children. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying hazards, checking for recalls, and creating a safer home environment.
Age-Specific Safety Concerns
Different ages bring different risks. Understanding what hazards are most relevant to your child helps you focus your safety efforts.
Infants (0 to 12 months)
The most serious hazards for infants involve sleep environments and feeding:
Sleep Safety
- Crib mattresses that are too soft or do not fit properly
- Inclined sleepers and sleep positioners (many have been recalled)
- Loose bedding, pillows, and bumper pads
- Drop-side cribs (banned in the US since 2011)
Suffocation and Strangulation
- Blind cords and window covering cords
- Straps and harnesses that can entangle
- Plastic bags and packaging materials
Feeding Hazards
- Formula contamination recalls
- Baby food heavy metal concerns
- Bottle and nipple defects
Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
Toddlers are mobile and curious, creating new risk categories:
Choking Hazards
- Small parts that can detach from toys
- Magnets (especially high-powered magnets)
- Button batteries
- Small balls, marbles, and toy parts
Tip-Over Risks
- Unsecured furniture (dressers, bookshelves, TVs)
- Climbing on unstable items
- Heavy items stored on high shelves
Poisoning
- Medications within reach
- Cleaning products
- Plants and outdoor chemicals
- Lead paint on older products and toys
Children (4 to 12 years)
Older children face different hazards as they become more independent:
Sports and Recreation
- Bicycle helmet recalls
- Playground equipment safety
- Trampolines and bounce houses
- Scooters, hoverboards, and ride-on toys
Electronics
- Overheating devices
- Battery fires in toys and electronics
- Charging cable hazards
Online Marketplace Products
- Unregulated toys from third-party sellers
- Products that do not meet US safety standards
- Counterfeit products mimicking safe brands
How to Check Products Before Purchase
Before bringing any product into your home, especially for children, take these precautions:
Research Before Buying
- Search RecallRadar for the product name and brand
- Check the CPSC website for any recall history
- Read reviews carefully looking for safety concerns
- Verify the manufacturer is a known, reputable company
Inspect at Purchase
- Check that all packaging is intact and not tampered with
- Look for required safety labels and certifications
- Verify age recommendations match your child
- Examine for sharp edges, loose parts, or defects
Register Your Products
Many manufacturers offer product registration:
- Allows companies to contact you directly about recalls
- Often provides warranty benefits
- Takes only a few minutes per product
- Available online for most major brands
Common Hazard Types Explained
Understanding what makes a product dangerous helps you identify risks before they cause harm.
Choking Hazards
The "small parts test" uses a cylinder approximately 1.25 inches in diameter (about the size of a toilet paper tube). If a piece of a toy fits entirely inside this cylinder, it poses a choking hazard for children under 3.
Warning signs:
- Parts that pull off easily
- Deteriorating materials that create small pieces
- Toys with button eyes or decorations that can detach
Fire and Burn Hazards
Products can cause fires or burns through:
- Overheating batteries (especially lithium-ion)
- Electrical short circuits
- Flammable materials near heat sources
- Scalding from overheated liquids or steam
Check for recalls on products with heating elements, batteries, or electrical components.
Chemical Hazards
Children can be exposed to harmful chemicals through:
Lead Paint: Still found on some imported toys and older furniture. Causes developmental delays and other serious health effects.
Phthalates: Plasticizers found in some soft plastic toys. Linked to hormonal disruption.
Heavy Metals: Found in some baby foods and children's jewelry. Includes arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
Entanglement and Strangulation
Cords, straps, and strings longer than 7 inches pose strangulation risks. This includes:
- Window blind cords
- Clothing drawstrings (banned on children's outerwear)
- Toy telephone cords
- Necklaces and costume jewelry
Creating a Safety Routine
Make product safety an ongoing practice rather than a one-time effort.
Weekly Checks
- Inspect toys for damage, loose parts, or wear
- Check that batteries are secure in battery compartments
- Verify furniture anchors are still secure
- Look for recalls on recently purchased products
Monthly Reviews
- Search RecallRadar for products in your home
- Check for recalls on car seats and strollers
- Review any products purchased from online marketplaces
- Update your email alert preferences
Seasonal Safety
Before Holidays: Many toys are purchased as gifts. Check all new items before giving them to children.
Spring Cleaning: Review older items for wear and recall status.
Back to School: Check backpacks, lunch containers, and school supplies.
Outdoor Season: Inspect bikes, helmets, outdoor toys, and play equipment.
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured
If your child is injured by a product:
Immediate Steps
- Seek medical attention if needed
- Stop using the product and secure it away from other children
- Document the incident with photos and notes
- Save the product as evidence
Reporting the Incident
Report the injury to help protect other children:
CPSC SaferProducts.gov File a report at saferproducts.gov. Your report becomes part of the public database and helps identify hazard patterns.
Manufacturer Contact the company directly. They are required to report incidents to the CPSC.
Your Pediatrician Some injuries may not seem severe initially but require follow-up care.
Resources for Parents
Official Government Resources
- CPSC (cpsc.gov): Consumer product safety and recalls
- FDA (fda.gov): Food, medication, and medical device safety
- NHTSA (nhtsa.gov): Car seats and vehicle safety
Safety Organizations
- Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org): Child injury prevention
- AAP HealthyChildren (healthychildren.org): Pediatrician-reviewed safety guidance
- Kids In Danger (kidsindanger.org): Advocacy for children's product safety
Certification Labels to Trust
- JPMA Certified: Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification for baby products
- ASTM F963: Toy safety standard compliance
- UL Listed: Electrical product safety certification
Key Takeaways
- Know the hazards specific to your child's age group
- Check products before purchase using recall databases and reviews
- Register products with manufacturers for recall notifications
- Create a safety routine with regular inspections and searches
- Report injuries to help protect other children
- Stay informed through email alerts and trusted resources
Product safety is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task. By building these practices into your routine, you create a safer environment for your children and contribute to a safer marketplace for all families.