What Parents Should Know Before Buying From The Flea Market
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Flea market season is underway and who doesn't love a deal! But parents need to be extra careful when buying used toys or other items for kids. Some of those second hand products. could be dangerous.
Buying used items for kids is anything but child's play.
This early model Bumbo seat was recalled because children were seriously injured or killed after falling out. It is just one of thousands of dangerous, even deadly kids products sold second-hand after they were recalled.
eBbay and Amazon use technology that blocks people from selling recalled items.
And sites like Craig's List have policies in place but recalled items often slip though the cracks.
Some of the most recalled items are actually things children sit, sleep or play on," said Amanda Bower with Just Between Friends.
Bower weeds out unsafe items for consignment events. She says avoid buying items children can fall out of. Also, stay away from choking hazards like small toys and wires.
Only buy cribs manufactured after June, 2011 when new safety standards went into effect. Now they're required to have a date on them.
A few simple steps to help you, and your baby, sleep easier.
And if you're considering buying a second hand car seat, make sure you look for expiration dates because they often expire after about six years. You can check to see if an item is under recall by going to the Consumer Product Safety Commissions website.
