By Lauren HollandWhen you are shopping for baby gear, safety checks are just as important as the features you see on the shelf. Whether you are buying a car seat, crib, stroller, or high chair, knowing what to look for can help you avoid products that pose risks. This guide walks through the key safety checks recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Recalls: The First Step in Baby Gear Safety
Before you buy any baby product, check whether it has been recalled. The CPSC maintains a searchable database of recalled products on its website. You can search by product name, brand, or type to see if a specific item has been flagged for safety issues. Recalls can happen for many reasons, including choking hazards, sharp edges, tip-over risks, or faulty harnesses.
If you are considering a used item, ask the seller whether they have checked for recalls. Many secondhand products are older and may have been recalled after they were originally sold. You can also sign up for recall alerts from the CPSC to stay informed about products you already own.
For car seats specifically, NHTSA also maintains a recall database. Always check both the CPSC and NHTSA databases when evaluating a car seat. Taking a few minutes to verify a product’s recall status can prevent a serious injury.
Car Seats: Expiration, Crash History, and Registration
Car seats are one of the most important safety purchases you will make for your child. Before buying a car seat, whether new or used, check the expiration date. Car seat manufacturers set expiration dates because materials can degrade over time due to temperature changes and wear. The expiration date is usually molded into the plastic or printed on a label on the seat. Do not use a seat past this date.
If you are considering a used car seat, ask about its crash history. A car seat that has been in a moderate or severe crash should not be reused, even if it looks undamaged. NHTSA recommends replacing a car seat after a moderate or severe crash; after a minor one, follow the seat manufacturer’s instructions. You can find more details on NHTSA’s car seat safety guidance at NHTSA’s car seat and booster seat page.
Register your car seat with the manufacturer after purchase. Registration allows the manufacturer to contact you directly if a recall is issued. Most new car seats come with a registration card, or you can register online. If you buy a used seat and cannot verify its registration, consider whether the risk is worth it.
Also check that the car seat has not been recalled. Even new seats can be recalled after they are sold, so registration is essential. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the plastic, frayed harness straps, or missing parts. A car seat with any of these issues should not be used.
Cribs and Safe Sleep Practices
Safe sleep is a top priority for infants. When buying a crib, look for a design that meets current safety standards. Drop-side cribs have been banned in the United States due to entrapment and fall risks. Make sure the crib you choose has a fixed side.
Check the slat spacing. Federal crib standards limit slat spacing to no more than 2 3/8 inches. This prevents a baby’s head or body from getting stuck. Also check that the mattress fits snugly. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the crib side, the mattress is too small.
Keep the crib bare. Do not add pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, or thick bedding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and nothing else in the crib. This reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If you are buying a used crib, verify that it meets current safety standards. Older cribs may have lead paint, missing hardware, or slats that are too wide. Check for any recalls on the specific model. Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts or corner posts that could catch clothing.
As your child grows and becomes mobile, you can use baby gates to block off stairs and unsafe areas, and outlet covers to protect curious fingers from electrical outlets.
Strollers, High Chairs, and Carriers
Strollers, high chairs, and baby carriers each have their own safety considerations. When buying a stroller, check that it has a five-point harness and that the brakes work properly. Test the stability by gently pushing from the side to see if it tips easily. Make sure the stroller folds and locks securely to prevent accidental collapse.
For high chairs, look for a wide base for stability and a harness that secures the child at the shoulders and waist. Choose one with a crotch strap or post so the child cannot slide down under the tray. Check that the tray is secure and does not have sharp edges.
Baby carriers, including soft-structured carriers and wraps, should support the baby’s head and neck. Make sure the baby’s face is visible and not pressed against fabric. Check weight limits and ensure the carrier is appropriate for your child’s size and developmental stage.
For all of these items, check for recalls before buying. Used strollers, high chairs, and carriers may have missing parts or wear that compromises safety. Look for frayed straps, broken buckles, rust, or cracks in plastic components.
Buying Secondhand Baby Gear
Buying secondhand baby gear can save money, but it comes with important safety caveats. Some items are best bought new, while others can be safely purchased used if you verify their condition and history.
Car seats should generally be bought new unless you can verify the seat’s full history, including that it has never been in a crash, has not expired, and has not been recalled. Many experts recommend against using a secondhand car seat unless it comes from a trusted source.
Cribs can be bought used if they meet current safety standards, have no missing hardware, and have not been recalled. Avoid cribs made before June 2011, when the current federal crib standards took effect.
Strollers, high chairs, and carriers can be bought used if they are in good condition, have all parts intact, and have not been recalled. Check for frayed straps, broken buckles, or rust.
When shopping online for secondhand baby gear, follow general online shopping safety tips. The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance on online shopping and evaluating online reviews to help you avoid scams and make informed decisions. You can also read more about online shopping safety tips for additional guidance.
For more general advice on comparing products before committing to a purchase, see how to compare products before you buy.
Labels and Certifications
Certification labels can help you identify baby gear that meets recognized safety standards. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal on products like cribs, high chairs, and strollers. JPMA certification means the product has been tested to meet ASTM International safety standards.
| Certification | Product Type | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| JPMA | Cribs, strollers, high chairs | Tested to ASTM safety standards |
| FMVSS 213 | Car seats | Meets federal motor vehicle safety standard |
| ASTM F406 | Play yards, non-full-size cribs | Meets the ASTM standard for play yards and non-full-size cribs |
| ASTM F963 | Toys | Meets ASTM safety standard for toys |
For car seats, look for a label indicating that the seat meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. This is required for all car seats sold in the United States. The seat’s labels also show the model number and date of manufacture, and the expiration date is printed on a label or molded into the shell.
Other certifications to look for include ASTM F1169 for full-size cribs, ASTM F406 for play yards, and ASTM F963 for toys. While not every product will have a certification label, the presence of one indicates that the manufacturer has submitted the product for independent testing.
Be cautious of products that claim to meet safety standards but do not have a certification label. You can verify whether a product is certified by checking the manufacturer’s website or contacting the certifying organization.
FAQ
How do I check for recalls on baby gear?
Visit the CPSC website and search for the product name, brand, or model number. For car seats, also check the NHTSA recall database. You can sign up for email alerts from both agencies to stay informed about future recalls.
Can I buy a used car seat?
Used car seats are risky unless you can verify that the seat has never been in a crash, has not expired, and has not been recalled. If you cannot confirm the seat’s full history, it is safer to buy new. Check the expiration date and look for any signs of damage.
What should I look for in a safe crib?
Look for a fixed-side crib with slats spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. The mattress should fit snugly, and the crib should have no missing hardware. Avoid drop-side cribs and any crib that has been recalled. Keep the crib bare with only a fitted sheet.
What certifications should I look for on baby gear?
Look for JPMA certification on cribs, strollers, and high chairs. For car seats, check for FMVSS 213 compliance. ASTM certifications indicate that products have been tested for safety. These labels help you identify products that meet recognized standards.
Taking the time to perform safety checks before buying baby gear can help you avoid products that pose risks to your child. Whether you are shopping new or secondhand, checking for recalls, verifying expiration dates, and looking for certification labels are essential steps. Use the resources mentioned in this guide, including CPSC and NHTSA databases, to make informed decisions. Your child’s safety is worth the extra effort.
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday shopping calendar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
