Child Advocates: Toys "R" Us Great Trade-In Event Protects Child and Saves Money

By: Dianne Derby | News Channel 7
Published: August 26, 2009

"So is it a cash for clunkers for strollers on Friday," asked shopper George Stout.

Stout is waiting until Friday for a deal he just can't pass up. Starting August 28th, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us customers nationwide can save 20 percent if they turn in a used crib, car seat or other baby product.

"If I can save 20% I can get a pretty good deal," said Stout.

And deals are just what the Lemon family wants, especially with four kids. So they'll be bringing back their loot in exchange for some savings.

"We have a couple of car seats, strollers, diaper bags, all kinds of stuff," said Julie Lemon.

Child safety groups like Safe Kids Upstate, which is led by Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, said " The Great Trade-In Event" at the toy retailer is a lifesaver.

"Like the milk jug car seats expire," said Safe Kids Upstate Coordinator Teri Mitchell. "Especially in a place like South Carolina where we have soaring temperatures and cars are sitting and baking in car seats, the components break down after several years."

So how long is too long to hang on to that car seat?

"The rule of thumb is after 6 years get rid of them," said Mitchell. "You don't want to pass it down to your next child and next child because like anything else it wears out."

What about cribs?

"Parents need to know that if they can stick a coke can in there then it's too big, the slats are too far apart, and the baby's arm leg or head could get caught in it," Mitchell said.

Kids In Danger, a national child product safety group, said in the last two years nearly 7 million products have been recalled and many consumers don't even know. For a list of recalled products click here.

"At least half of those are still in use so we have millions of babies out there sleeping in unsafe products that have been recalled," said Kids in Danger Executive Director Nancy Cowles.

That's why child advocacy groups are saying this event is one parents shouldn't pass up.

"It's keeping our precious cargo as safe as you can possibly get," Mitchell said.

"The Great Trade in Event" begins this Friday, August 28th and lasts through September 20th. For more information click here.

News Channel 7 wants to make sure your precious cargo is safe when your child is traveling in a vehicle. Safe Kids Upstate tells us many parents don't know how to properly install a car seat. They say on a recent car seat check of more than 230 cars only 9 parents did it correctly.

You can have your car seat checked at Greer Fire Department, Saturn of Greenville, and Medshore Ambulance Service. You can reserve an appointment time by clicking here.