By: Baby Safety Alliance (info@babysafetyalliance.org) 

Ensuring baby product safety and reliability comes first, whether you buy a brand-new dream stroller or find a great deal on a used one. Beyond checking for obvious issues like strange odors, mold, or damage, here are three things to keep in mind when it comes to baby product safety:

• Register all new products with the manufacturer. This is the quickest and easiest way to identify recalls. Fill out your information on the included manufacturer’s mail-in registration card or online to be alerted directly if recalls arise. 
• Check for recalls and expiration dates on all used or secondhand products. Safety standards change over time, and a quick search on gov/recalls can mitigate serious accidents. Look up the item’s name or model number to check for recalls and safety details. For car seats, don’t forget to check and follow car seat expiration dates — materials can degrade over time, especially in extreme temperatures.
• Choose tested and trusted products by looking for the Baby Safety Alliance Verified Seal. When you see this seal on products such as cribs, high chairs, crib mattresses, play yards, swings, and car seats, you can rest assured the product has been tested to meet the highest federal, state, and voluntary safety standards for its category. 

“New parents may often overlook registration and recall searches,” says Baby Safety Alliance’s Lisa Trofe. “These are crucial first steps to protecting your baby during play, travel, and sleep.”

 Learn more at BabySafetyUniversity.org.