WASHINGTON — A new report shows that injuries related to nursery products such as cribs and baby carriers are on the rise, and that the items are recalled more than any other children’s product category.
Researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that in the past eight years, nursery product-related injuries increased by around 25 percent. The most common injuries were associated with baby carriers, cribs, mattresses and strollers.
Every year, the study found, more than 66,000 children under the age of three are treated for nursery product-related injuries — about one child every eight minutes.
“Most of the injuries happen when the kids fall from the products, ” said Tracy Mehan with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “And 80 percent of the injuries are to the head, face or neck, so these can be pretty serious.”
The report also stated that a new recall for nursery products is issued about every two weeks.
“Up to 80 percent of children’s products remain in consumer households after a recall,” added Dr. Gary Smith of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “That’s simply unacceptable, and we can do a lot better.”
The study urges parents to take a few precautionary steps to ensure their children’s safety: Research the product, check for recalls, register the product and read the manual.
