Toys”R”Us, Inc. has announced a national program allowing customers to trade-in used baby products in exchange for savings on a new item. During the company’s “Great Trade-In” event, running August 28 through September 20, all Babies”R”Us and Toys”R”Us locations will accept used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of any new baby item from select manufacturers. The event is intended to raise awareness about the potential safety hazards associated with used baby products and to provide an opportunity to take such items out of circulation.
KID warns that less than 30% of affected items are returned when a product is recalled, and nursery product recalls have been on the rise all year. Beyond recalls, older and used products entail special problems from wear and tear and noncompliance with current safety standards. For more information, see KID’s fliers on second-hand products, safe donations, and yard sale safety. Product resellers should read CPSC’s handbook for details on safe, lawful resale.
This move by Toys”R”Us is one way to help reduce the number of unsafe products in use. The New York State Consumer Protection Board also supports the effort.
