Dangerous Baby and Kids' Products
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D. | Last reviewed November 25, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
It doesn't matter what kind of product you buy, there's always going to be a risk that it's unsafe. Children's products and babies' toys are no different. Depending on your injury, your personal injury lawyer must pursue the manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or retailer.
Here, we'll discuss the types of toys and children's products that can pose a risk. We'll also explain how product recalls work for dangerous toys and other products. Finally, we'll discuss what to do if your child is hurt while playing with a hazardous product.
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 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 have no choice but to buy. You have to hope the items you buy are safe for your child. Some of the everyday goods that people with children need that pose a danger include:
- Fitted sheets
- Baby carriers
- Jumpers
- Changing pads
- Bassinets
- Crib tents
- High chairs
You do your best to keep your children safe. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do. You should be able to count on manufacturers to make safe products. You may have a legal claim when something happens, and your child or baby suffers an injury.
What Is a Recall?
A product recall occurs when a manufacturer or retailer calls for consumers to return specific products to them 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, they'll tell the consumer the remedy. For instance, the company may offer you 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, we suggest any new parent visit sites by Consumer Reports or the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is the best way to avoid serious injury by your child. These sites will also provide you with safety standards manufacturers must follow when making products for little ones.
Lead in Toys and Lead Poisoning in Children
One other danger new parents need to 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 an experienced product liability lawyer immediately. They'll review your case and let you know if it's worth pursuing,
Visit our product liability attorney directory to find a lawyer near you.