Choosing Baby And Toddler Products

Summertime brings lots of adventure and may mean spending more time together as a family-and maybe spending money on seasonal items like pool toys or camping gear.  Mum Mum’s talks a lot about how to ensure a healthy start for your little ones through a healthy diet – but what about non-food items?  How do parents go about becoming child safety savvy? Here are 7 tips for shopping for safe baby and toddler products:

1. Choose Age-Appropriate

   
   

   As a basic rule, be sure that any products you buy (especially toys) are age appropriate to avoid any accidents, physical harm, or choking hazards.

2. Keep Up With Recalls

   
   

   Stay on top of product recalls by both searching the web and visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website for the most up to date child product recall information.

3. Follow The Guidelines

   
   

   Follow the safety guidelines, also published by the CPSC, as well as individual product recommendations for assembly and use.

4. Research & Review

   
   

   The internet can be a valuable place for new parents, especially before purchasing some of the bigger ticket items like cribs, highchairs, and car seats.  If you have a particular product in mind, search through blogs, opinions, or other reviews before you buy.

5. Seek Independence

   
   

   Look for independent reviews or testing/evaluation on a product provided by a third party company.  Consumer Reports is a great resource and has a whole section dedicated to babies and children.

6. Go To the Source

   
   

   The most reputable product manufacturers or even their vendors will provide public statements about product content, manufacturing procedures, materials, and quality assurance testing.

7. Keep A Watchful Eye

   
   

   The best way to keep kids safe is to keep an eye on them at all times. In addition, periodically perform random product checks of your own on the items you or your child use frequently to make sure nothing is broken, poses a potential injury, or has any paint, coating, or small parts that could pose a safety risk.