Dangerous Baby and Kids' Products Laws

Some children’s products and baby toys come with risks. Depending on your injury, your personal injury lawyer must pursue the manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or retailer.

This article discusses the types of toys and children’s products that can pose a risk. It also explains how product recalls work for dangerous toys and other products. Finally, you’ll learn what to do if your child is hurt while playing with a hazardous product.

Seeing your child hurt is a parent’s nightmare. If your child or baby has been harmed by a defective product, legal help is available. Contact a product liability attorney near you to understand your legal rights and next steps.

What Are Some of the Most Dangerous Products for Kids and Babies?

Certain toys and products are more dangerous than others. If you have kids, you know how much equipment you need. The same is true if you have babies. For example, you likely have to buy cribs, strollers, baby food, and other products.

Some of these products are inherently dangerous. Others are only dangerous if they are they are defective.

Some of the more dangerous baby products include:

• Drop-side cribs
• Car seats
• Bath seats
• Crib bumpers
• Baby walkers
• Sleep positioners
• Changing tables
• Car seat toys
• Bumbo seats

There are also ordinary products that you buy for your family. You likely assume these items are safe for your children. Some of the everyday goods  parents need that pose a danger include:

• Fitted sheets
• Baby carriers
• Jumpers
• Changing pads
• Bassinets
• Crib tents
• High chairs

Parents should be able to count on manufacturers to make safe products. If your child or baby suffers an injury due to an unsafe product, you may have a legal claim.

What Is a Recall?

A product recall occurs when a manufacturer or retailer calls for consumers to return specific products due to a defect or safety risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) works with manufacturers and retailers to have risky products recalled voluntarily.

If the manufacturer or retailer fails to recall the product, the CPSC may sue the company, requesting that the judge order a recall. If the product is so dangerous that the manufacturer can’t fix it, they may ask the manufacturer or retailer to take it off the market.

The purpose of a recall is to notify consumers, such as parents, that a particular product is dangerous. For example, if a baby toy presents a choking hazard, you may receive a notice in the mail alerting you to the danger.

Once a manufacturer issues a recall, it will tell the consumer the remedy. For instance, the company may offer a replacement product if there is a safer alternative. If there are no other options, they may refund customers.

It depends on the nature of the danger and the type of product the recall is for. One problem is that it’s challenging to identify and locate all the customers who bought these dangerous products.

What Are the Dangers Posed by These Products?

Almost any product can be dangerous if you look hard enough. However, some risks are much more common regarding children and babies. For example, different types of bedding and crib products pose a suffocation risk.

Some of the other common risks include:

• Choking hazards
• Suffocation
• Skull fractures
• Burn injuries
• Strangulation
• Blocked airway

For more information, any new parent can visit:

• The Child Safety Guide by Consumer Reports
• The Safety and Prevention section of the American Academy of Pediatrics website

This is the best way to avoid serious injury to your child. These sites also provide you with safety standards manufacturers must follow when making products for little ones.

Lead in Toys and Lead Poisoning in Children

Another danger parents should be aware of is lead in toys and other children’s products. Lead is dangerous. Many people assume that companies can no longer use lead in their products, but many products for children and babies contain lead.

Manufacturers recall toys yearly for containing lead levels exceeding the legal standard of 600 parts per million. Children can also encounter lead in many other consumer products, such as candy wrappers, jewelry, public playground equipment, toys, and products made of vinyl.

How a Products Liability Attorney Can Help

If your child is injured while using a dangerous product, contact a product liability lawyer immediately. They’ll review your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If so, they will advocate zealously for your child and fight for fair compensation.

Visit our product liability attorney directory to find a lawyer near you. Many attorneys offer free consultations.