Used furniture not always safe
July 30th, 2008
Yard and garage sales are quite popular.
Today with the Internet there are many more opportunities to shop for good deals on a whole range of used items including children’s furniture. However, older items may not be safe, as they might not meet local and/or current safety regulations. Theses items include:
Car seats
Experts do not recommend buying used car seats. Used car seats usually do not come with instructions; it is essential that car seats be installed and used properly and as directed. If the seat is more than 10
years old it is considered unsafe. Are all the parts in perfect working order? Is it the right size and fit for your child? A seat that has been in a collision must not be used again. Buyers cannot tell how old the seat is or what has happened to it. All car seats must meet current safety standards and carry a compliance label (stating the size of the child for which the seat is designed) on the side, rear or bottom of the seat.
Cribs
Cribs made before September 1986 don’t meet current safety standards. The mattress support in them, suspended by hooks, is not secure and can collapse easily. These cribs cannot be fixed to meet the standard and must not be sold or given away.
Strollers
Strollers manufactured before 1985 may not meet current standards. Choose one that is both sturdy and safe. The stroller must match the size and age of the child and be sturdy enough to support the child and not be easily tipped.
Walkers
WALKERS ARE VERY DANGEROUS and should not be used, they actually have been banned in Canada.
