Children's Product Recalls in Canada
Children's products are among the most frequently recalled items in Canada. This guide helps parents understand common hazards, check for recalls, and keep their children safe.
Common Hazards in Children's Products
Children's products are recalled for various safety hazards. In Canada, Health Canada monitors and issues recalls for consumer products, including those for children. Understanding these hazards helps parents identify potential risks.
Choking Hazards
Small parts that can detach, including buttons, eyes on stuffed toys, and small toy components that fit inside a toilet paper roll.
Strangulation Risks
Drawstrings, cords, loose straps, and gaps in cribs or play structures where heads can become trapped.
Burn & Fire Hazards
Electronic toys with faulty batteries, flammable fabrics, and products that overheat during use.
Fall & Tip-Over Risks
Unstable furniture, high chairs, changing tables, and climbing toys that can tip over.
Button Battery Warning
Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. They can cause severe internal burns within 2 hours. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Most Recalled Product Types
Certain children's product categories see more recalls than others. You can browse current consumer product recalls to see what's been recalled recently.
Cribs & Sleep Products
Bassinets, cribs, inclined sleepers, and sleep positioners. Canada banned inclined sleep products in 2021 due to suffocation risks.
Strollers & Carriers
Issues include folding mechanisms that can pinch or amputate fingers, unstable designs, and harness failures.
Car Seats
Harness defects, base attachment issues, and structural problems. Car seat recalls are issued through Transport Canada as vehicle equipment.
Toys
Small parts, sharp edges, lead paint, magnets, and battery accessibility. Age recommendations exist for safety reasons, not just skill level.
Children's Clothing
Drawstrings (banned in some clothing types), flammable sleepwear, and small decorative buttons or attachments that can detach.
How to Check for Recalls
Before using any children's product—especially second-hand items—check if it has been recalled:
- 1Find the product information
Locate the brand, model name/number, and any date codes on the product or its packaging.
- 2Search recall databases
Search our recalls database or check Health Canada's official recall site.
- 3Sign up for alerts
Get free recall alerts so you're notified about new recalls automatically.
- 4Register your products
Fill out registration cards for baby gear. This ensures manufacturers can contact you directly about recalls.
Learn more in our guide on how to check for product recalls in Canada.
Second-Hand Product Safety
Used children's products can save money, but they come with risks. Here's what to consider:
Car Seats: Special Caution
Never buy a used car seat unless you know its full history. Car seats expire (check the label), and seats involved in accidents should be replaced even if they look undamaged.
Cribs & Play Yards
Canada banned drop-side cribs in 2016. Older cribs may not meet current safety standards for slat spacing, mattress fit, and corner post height.
Always Check
- • Search the product in recall databases
- • Inspect for damage, missing parts, or wear
- • Ensure all labels and instructions are present
- • Verify the product meets current Canadian standards
What to Do with a Recalled Product
- 1Stop using it immediately
Remove the product from your home or put it somewhere children cannot access it.
- 2Read the recall notice
Understand the specific hazard and what remedy is being offered (refund, replacement, repair kit).
- 3Contact the company
Follow the instructions in the recall notice to get your refund, replacement, or repair.
For detailed steps, see our guide on what to do when a product is recalled.
Common Questions
What types of children's products are most commonly recalled?
The most frequently recalled children's products include cribs and sleep products, strollers and car seats, toys with small parts or choking hazards, button battery products, and clothing with drawstrings or small attachments that pose strangulation or choking risks.
Are second-hand baby products safe?
Second-hand children's products may have been recalled. Always check the product against current recalls before use. Additionally, older cribs, car seats, and other safety equipment may not meet current safety standards even if never recalled.
What should I do if my child was injured by a product?
Seek medical attention first. Then report the incident to Health Canada through their Consumer Product Incident Report form. Keep the product and any packaging for investigation. Document the injury with photos and medical records.
Consumer product recalls are published by Health Canada. Visit Health Canada