Health Canada has a Consumer Product Safety section of their website that outlines things to look for when purchasing second hand baby products.

Toys are something that need extra caution. Toys are notorious for having recalls on them. If you are purchasing something that is even 3 or 4 years old - safety standards may have changed a couple times. Older plastic toys may have PVC in them or loose/broken parts.

Cribs and wooden playpens need to have the slats no more than 6cm apart. The footboard or headboard cannot have any cutouts and mattresses need to fit snug. Most crib-related deaths are due to crib defects or broken parts in older cribs.

Walkers are banned in Canada , purchasing one of these is probably not a good idea. An exersaucer is a great replacement.

Antique cribs or furniture need to be checked for lead in the paint. There is a great article at constant-content that outlines what to do if you can’t live without a certain piece that has been painted with lead-paint.

If you are planning to purchase some stuff second-hand do your research and have fun. Make sure you get a good deal. The money you save could go towards your child’s education or better yet, a great vacation.

ALEX has received a report of a 2 1/2-year-old girl who cut her foot from the broken glass from one of the lids. The cut required stitches.

This recall involves children’s Super Cooking Sets, a 12-piece stainless steel set with miniature pots that have clear glass lids. Each set comes with a pasta pot with glass lid, stockpot with glass lid, frying pan, two potholders and utensils. The cooking sets were sold in a white box with a clear plastic window. “ALEX” and “Super Cooking Set” are printed on the box. A red sticker labeled “unbreakable glass” is affixed to the pot lids. Cooking sets manufactured after April 1, 2006 have stainless steel lids and are not included in this recall.

The sets were sold at discount department and specialty toy stores nationwide from September 2005 through April 2006 for about $20.Consumers should take the glass lids away from children immediately and contact ALEX to receive a free replacement lid set.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call ALEX at (800) 666-2539 from 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at recall@alextoys.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).