It’s a disturbing trend: recalled baby products, including dangerous cribs, high chairs, inclined sleepers, and toys, continue to surface on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Despite government recalls and consumer alerts, these products still make their way into the hands of unsuspecting parents. Here’s what every parent should know—and how to keep your child safe as shared by a product liability lawyer.
The Problem With Recalled Baby Products On Amazon And Other Online Retailers
Amazon has faced repeated criticism for allowing third-party sellers to list recalled or dangerous baby products. While the company has taken steps to flag some items and improve product safety measures, many problematic listings still fall through the cracks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has investigated and warned about this issue. In one notable case, Amazon agreed to recall over 400,000 hazardous products but many more continue to be sold.
Other online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace pose similar risks. These platforms rely heavily on user-generated listings and often lack the oversight necessary to enforce safety recalls. As a result, parents shopping for baby essentials may unknowingly purchase recalled or banned items.
Common Recalled Baby Products That Still Show Up Online
According to our friends at KBA Attorneys, some of the most frequently resurfacing recalled baby products include:
● Inclined sleepers, such as the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play, linked to dozens of infant deaths
● Drop-side cribs, banned due to the risk of entrapment and suffocation
● Sleep positioners and wedges, which can restrict breathing
● Toys with small parts or high lead content, violating federal safety standards
● Portable bassinets and play yards with unstable or collapsing frames
These products may be used, out of box, or even falsely labeled as “new” by sellers unaware of (or ignoring) safety issues.
Many Baby Products Are Unnecessary Or Unsafe Even If Not Recalled
It’s not just recalled products that pose risks. Many popular baby items on the market today are poorly tested, unregulated, or simply unnecessary. Despite slick marketing, not every product labeled “baby-safe” truly is.
Some pediatricians and safety experts argue that items like crib bumpers, infant loungers, and overly padded carriers should be avoided entirely. These products may not violate current regulations, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe.
Parents should research each item thoroughly before using it with a child. Look beyond customer reviews and consult reliable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics, CPSC alerts, and independent safety testers.
Dangers Aren’t Limited To Online Marketplaces
Brick-and-mortar retailers, in other words, retail establishments with physical locations are not immune from these problems. Discount stores, liquidation outlets, and even big-name chains have been caught selling recalled or defective baby items. Inventory systems may miss recall notices, and some stores fail to remove dangerous products from shelves quickly enough.
Always check the recall status of any baby product before purchase, no matter where you buy it.
What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Children
To keep your child safe from recalled or hazardous baby products:
- Register all new baby products with the manufacturer so you receive recall notices directly.
- Check recall databases at cpsc.gov or saferproducts.gov before purchasing second hand or discounted baby gear.
- Avoid buying baby gear from third-party sellers on online marketplaces unless the brand and product are verifiably new and safe.
- Stay updated on child product safety news from trusted resources like HealthyChildren.org and nonprofit watchdog groups.
- Be wary of “must-have” product lists pushed by influencers or ads. Focus on essential, safety-tested gear.
The Bottom Line Is To Research, Verify, And Advocate
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce world, parents must act as their own safety watchdogs. Do not assume that a product is safe simply because it’s sold by a major retailer or backed by glowing reviews. Take the time to:
● Research every baby product
● Check for recalls
● Be cautious with used or secondhand items
And remember: your voice matters. Report unsafe products, spread awareness, and support legal efforts to hold negligent sellers accountable.
If a defective or recalled baby product has harmed your child, an attorney is ready to fight for your family. Contact a lawyer near you immediately.