Every change of season makes it seem as if the kids all need new items at the same time: field hockey or bike helmets, playpens, strollers, clothes! Buying second-hand is one way to get a good deal. Summer is also the season for garage sales. See what Santé-Canada has to say.

However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with buying second-hand products from garage sales, flea markets, second-hand stores, online, or when borrowing items from family or friends.

In Canada, it is the seller's responsibility to ensure that their products are safe, meet current regulatory requirements, and have not been recalled. However, an informed buyer will take into account the following advice:

Do not buy products if they are banned or damaged; for example if the product is cracked or if parts are broken, loose or missing.

Look for labels on products. Some products, such as cribs and car seats, need to have information stating the manufacturer, the model number, and the date of manufacture.

Ask questions. Ask the seller about the history of the product, for example: How old is it? How much use has it had? Have any repairs been made to it?

Certain products are banned from sale or donation in Canada because they may pose an unreasonable danger to human health and safety as a result of their normal or foreseeable use. This category includes baby walkers; infant self-feeding devices, jequirity seeds (or any products made with them), lawn darts with elongated tips and polycarbonate baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).

Other products are not prohibited but must absolutely meet the requirements of Canadian law, such as safety gates and playpens, cradles and bassinets, strollers and carriages. For a complete list of products in this category, please consult Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products.

Be aware of product recalls!

Before buying, selling or donating a second-hand product, check with the manufacturer and Health Canada if it has been recalled. To do so, visit recalls.canada.ca. If you discover that a product you bought has been recalled and the problem has not been corrected, destroy the product and throw it away so it cannot be used by someone