As a parent, keeping your child out of harm's way is an utmost priority, as well as a full-time job. So, how can you trust that your child is safe from the hidden dangers – ranging from faulty cribs to recalled products – that lurk in and out of the home?
According to Julia Cartee, owner of Once Upon A Child® of Savannah, "Many parents in the Savannah area have expressed concern about the prevalence of recalled children's products. But, they should know that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has all of the recalled products listed on their website, so any parent can find comfort in knowing that the products their children use can be confirmed as safe.
"It is unlawful to buy and sell recalled products," added Cartee.  "We regularly monitor CPSC recalls and advisories to ensure that no faulty products end up in our stores."
Cartee is bringing attention to this effort in honor of Baby Safety Month, which is taking place this September. In conjunction, Cartee notes that recent research from the Toy Industry Association indicates that the total number of toy recalls during the second quarter of 2009 decreased 75 percent versus the same time period last year.
According to Cartee, these positive developments are due, in part, to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which went into effect this past winter. The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children's products made after February 10th of this year meet all standards put in place to eliminate lead and certain toxic chemicals.
Sellers of used children's products, however, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to test children's products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. But, as Cartee notes, this has not stopped Once Upon A Child® of Savannah from making a commitment to residents in the local area that the products in the store pass a rigorous safety checklist.
"Baby Safety Month is an ideal time for parents to go through their children's inventory of toys and accessories and clear out any items that may be broken or over used," says Cartee.   
Across the U.S., Once Upon A Child® leads the nation in the buying and selling of name brand, and “gently used” children’s apparel, baby equipment and furniture, books, toys, and more.  
Her store is located on Hodgson Memorial Drive, at the Kroger’s shopping center.