Recalls & Registration Cards

Recalls happen for a number of reasons, but essentially, a recalled product has been deemed no longer safe. It is important as a parent or caregiver to stay on top of recent recalls so that you can ensure you are using products that meet the highest safety standards. This especially goes for secondhand product purchases.

Who recalls juvenile products?

In the U.S., the government recalls juvenile products through the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and car seats are recalled through the CPSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The most up to date information can be found through the CPSC, NHTSA and recalls.gov.

Why do recalls occur?

In general, recalls occur when the CPSC, working with a manufacturer, determines that a product may pose an unexpected safety risk. For instance, you won’t see a recall on a bicycle because your child might fall off (expected), but you might see a recall on a bicycle where the brakes fail (unexpected). This is an example of an unexpected risk due to a defect. Other problems might include things like parts that break unexpectedly or sharp edges being where they shouldn’t be.

Unexpected risks can also occur when there is a violation of a safety standard, rule or law. Some examples include missing warning labels, excessive levels of lead, or drawstrings on children’s clothing. Programs like JPMA’s Certification Program go a long way to protecting against these types of recalls on baby gear because they ensure the manufacturer is aware of all the rules and is following them. Mistakes can occur, but this type of recall is much less likely for products that are certified.

Lastly, sometimes products are recalled for risks that are so unexpected that they were completely unforeseen, sometimes even by those who write the safety standards. This can happen when parents do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions or use the product in a way that was never intended. In these cases, manufacturers may conduct a recall “out of an abundance of caution,” despite following all the rules and testing their products thoroughly. It is a good reminder to us all that we need to follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary risks.

What should I do if a product I own is recalled?

The product manufacturer will provide you with instruction if your product goes through a recall. You may need additional parts or you may receive an entirely new product.

It's Not Hard! Fill Out Your Card!

The best way to make sure the items you own have not been recalled is to register them.

Why register your baby products?

• Through product registration, parents can establish a direct line of communication with the manufacturer should a problem arise with a product purchased.
• If there is a safety announcement or recall associated with that product, the manufacturer can contact you directly, to provide further details on what to do with the recalled product.
• Although recalls are announced and promoted in various ways, parents can miss public announcements. Product registration cards are an easy way for information to be provided to parents directly and efficiently.

What juvenile products have registration cards?

The CPSC features a list of durable infant and toddler products, which are all required by law to include a postage-paid product registration card. Companies are required to maintain a record of the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and other contact information of consumers who register their products.

Additionally, each of these products should come with information permanently marked on the product itself. The product should have the manufacturer’s name and contact information, including their mailing address and a toll-free phone number if available. The information should be applied to the product in such a way that it does not become illegible over the life of the product, and it must be located somewhere on the product the parent can be expected to notice it.

2 Easy Ways to Register