Bargain Hunters - Be aware!

Published: http://www.yash.ca/
At: Toronto, Canada
On: August 25th, 2008

The thrill of having a baby and going for shopping is alike. Both are exciting experiences, and the excitement lasts till you see the bills!! Now is the time to start my shopping before I am too tired. As I browse around the shops and websites for my little baby, I am overwhelmed at the sight of the myriad products on display. It is impossible to resist buying those pint sized stretch suits with Disney characters all over or the booties and the adorable little knit cap. Ohh! The fuzzy blanket will surely keep my baby warm. And, what about the baby's crib and changing table with lots of storage space? Woefully I lament, wont I need all of these for my adorable munchkin?

Disappointed that I can't have it all; I am looking out for various options. My friend suggests that I look for garage sales and classifieds. At times, you do find great deals with gently used products. The classified site that pleases me the most, and is popular is the http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/ and http://www.kijiji.ca/.

I am amazed at the great bargains I can find here. A monitor for $60, Evenflo Exersaucer is for $40, and, a stroller for $30. Wow! That's quite a saving. Now before I get too excited let me recall Health Canada's guide to be careful about buying (and selling) used baby gear.So if I am buying a Baby Gate, Crib or a Playpen it must be accompanied by the name of the manufacturer, model no. and the date of manufacture and assembly instructions. Oh, Baby Walkers, they are illegal to sell in Canada since April 2004. I wasn't aware of it at all. I did a little more research and discovered that most injuries are caused by falls when the baby walker tips and the baby is thrown downstairs or crashes into furniture. That's scary!

Car Seats must meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. (Oh, I need to buy this right away as the hospital will not allow me to take my baby without a car seat). Playpens must have all locking mechanisms working and set-up instructions included. Strollers must come with a safety harness that is solidly attached to the seat or frame. The brakes, as well as locking mechanisms on folding models, should be in working order. The wheels need to be securely attached. Recently, there has been an increased number of recalls on toys with paint containing lead. I have to check that toys have not been recalled before buying them in the Health Canada Web site, http://www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls

Buying Infant Bath Seats and Bath Rings is not recommended because the suction cups or other means to attach the product to a tub can be ineffective. These products are NOT safety devices.
For more information, contact Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666, email cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca ,or visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps.Now that's quite an exhaustive list from Health Canada. Nevertheless useful if I choose to go for mildly used products for my baby. Think Shopping, Think Safety!