Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most joyful moments, filled with hope, anticipation, and love. For new parents, ensuring their child’s safety is a top priority. From bassinets and cribs to strollers and highchairs, families put their trust in baby products designed to protect and nurture. But what happens when those products fail? A product liability lawyer sees firsthand the devastating consequences that defective baby products can have on both children and their families.
Defective baby products aren’t just a nuisance — they can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Whether it’s a recalled infant sleeper that fails to meet federal safety standards or a choking hazard hidden in a toddler toy, parents are left picking up the pieces when something goes wrong.
The Emotional Toll Of A Defective Product Injury
Especially for parents, there’s no pain like watching your child suffer. The emotional trauma of witnessing a product-related injury can leave lasting scars. From hospital visits to months of follow-up care, the journey can be overwhelming and isolating. That’s why it’s crucial for families to have compassionate, knowledgeable legal advocates on their side as our friends at Ketterer, Browne & Associates, LLC can attest.
Common Types Of Defective Baby Products
Many of these cases involve everyday baby items that are meant to keep children safe. Unfortunately, not all products on the market meet safety standards. Some of the most dangerous include:
- Cribs and playpens with unsafe gaps or structural issues
- Highchairs with defective harnesses
- Baby walkers that tip over easily
- Baby sleepers with suffocation hazards
- Toys with small parts that pose choking hazards
- Changing tables or dressers that lack secure anchoring
Let us go more in depth about the dangers of these specific products.
Cribs And Playpens With Unsafe Gaps Or Structural Issues
Cribs and playpens are meant to be safe havens for babies, but when they’re poorly designed or improperly manufactured, they can become death traps. Gaps between slats that are too wide can allow a baby’s head to become trapped, leading to strangulation. Weak frames or faulty latches can cause sudden collapse, injuring a child inside. For example, millions of drop-side cribs were recalled in recent years after dozens of infants died due to suffocation or entrapment.
Highchairs With Defective Harnesses
Highchairs are designed to keep babies secure during mealtimes, but when the harness system fails, children are at risk of falling or slipping out. Harnesses that break, loosen over time, or don’t lock properly can’t prevent a baby from toppling to the ground. The CPSC has recalled several highchairs over the past few years for exactly these reasons, including models where the legs detached or the seat tipped. Falls from highchairs can cause head injuries, broken bones, or worse.
Baby Walkers That Tip Over Easily
Baby walkers may seem like fun developmental tools, but in reality, they can be incredibly dangerous. Poorly designed walkers can tip over on uneven surfaces or stairs, causing severe head trauma, concussions, or even fatal injuries. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has long warned against their use, and some countries have banned them entirely.
Baby Sleepers With Suffocation Hazards
Inclined baby sleepers have been linked to dozens of infant deaths due to suffocation. These products allow babies to sleep at an angle, which can cause their heads to slump forward and restrict airflow. A prominent example is the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, which was recalled after being tied to over 30 infant deaths. Despite these dangers, similar products remain on the market.
Toys With Small Parts That Pose Choking Hazards
Toys intended for babies and toddlers must adhere to strict safety standards, especially regarding small parts. Unfortunately, some products bypass these regulations or fail to label their products correctly, exposing children to choking hazards. For example, magnetic building toys, water beads or small plastic pieces that break off can easily be swallowed. Choking is one of the leading causes of injury and death in infants, making proper toy design and labeling absolutely critical.
Changing Tables Or Dressers That Lack Secure Anchoring
Tip-over injuries are a serious risk with dressers and changing tables, especially when children begin to climb. If these furniture pieces aren’t designed to be anchored securely to the wall — or lack anchoring hardware altogether — they can fall onto a child with deadly force. The Ikea MALM dresser recall, involving multiple child fatalities, is just one example of how design flaws and lack of adequate warnings can lead to tragedy.
Dangerous Products Sold Online
Even shopping with trusted online retailers like Amazon doesn’t guarantee product safety. Several dangerous baby products have been sold exclusively online, bypassing safety checks or being marketed with misleading claims. Recently, the CPSC recalled toddler tower stools sold by Blissful-Time under the Onasti brand after reports of tipping, collapse, and injury — including a traumatic brain injury to a toddler.
Why Legal Support Matters
Legal cases involving product liability are complex. They require a firm with the resources, knowledge, and dedication to uncover the root cause of the defect and prove liability. An attorney will conduct in-depth investigations, collaborate with safety experts, and build compelling cases for compensation.
Contact a lawyer near you for help immediately if your child has been injured by a defective product.