Recalls are common in baby products, and many families never hear about the one that affects them. Checking takes a few minutes, and registering your products means future notices come straight to you. Here’s how to do both in the United States.

Step 1: Find the model details

Before you search, find the product’s label. You’ll usually need:

  • the brand and model name;
  • the model number; and
  • the date of manufacture.

Labels are typically on the frame, under the seat, on the base or bottom of the product, or inside the fabric cover. For car seats, the label is usually on the side or back of the shell or base. Take a photo of it so you have it to hand.

Step 2: Search the right database

Different agencies handle different products:

  • Car seats and booster seats: search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall lookup. You can search by manufacturer and model.
  • Almost everything else (strollers, cribs, bassinets, play yards, high chairs, carriers, monitors, toys): search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recall list.

Search by brand and product type, then compare the model numbers and manufacture dates in the recall notice with your label. A recall often applies only to specific production dates.

Step 3: If your product is recalled

Stop using it unless the recall notice says otherwise, and follow the remedy in the notice. That’s usually a free repair kit, replacement or refund from the manufacturer. Don’t sell or give away a recalled product, and don’t try to improvise a fix.

Step 4: Register your products

Register new products with the manufacturer so you’re contacted directly if there’s a recall:

  • Car seats come with a registration card, and most manufacturers also offer online registration. NHTSA also lets you sign up for recall alerts.
  • Many other durable baby products, such as cribs, strollers, high chairs and play yards, also come with a registration card under federal rules. Use the card or the manufacturer’s website.

Registration information is used for safety notices; you can usually opt out of marketing.

Buying or accepting second-hand gear

Hand-me-downs can be great value, but check them carefully:

  • Check for recalls using the steps above before you use the item.
  • Car seats: be cautious. Only use a second-hand car seat if you know its full history, including that it hasn’t been in a crash. Check that it isn’t past the expiration date set by the manufacturer (usually printed on the seat or in the manual), that it has all its parts and labels, and that you have the manual.
  • Cribs: avoid older cribs that don’t meet current federal crib standards, such as drop-side cribs. Check that all hardware is present and tight and that the slats aren’t damaged.
  • Missing instructions or labels are a warning sign: without them you can’t confirm the model, check recalls or use the product correctly.

Report a problem

If a product has caused an injury or you think it’s unsafe, report it:

  • Car seats: to NHTSA via its website.
  • Other consumer products: to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, where you can also search reports made by other people.

Make it a habit

A quick routine keeps you up to date:

  1. Register every new product when you unpack it.
  2. Keep photos of model labels in one album on your phone.
  3. Check recalls whenever you buy or receive second-hand gear, and every few months for the products you use most.

For more safety guidance, see our safe sleep guide and our guide to how long to keep your child rear-facing.