New parents tend to be overly cautious. They are understandably concerned about germs that might get their babies sick, food that might cause allergic reactions and anything around the house that might cause their babies injury. However, one of the most pressing hazards affecting infants and young children today is not being effectively communicated to parents, nor are parents effectively responding to this hazard.

According to data compiled by the children’s safety advocacy group Kids in Danger, only 10 percent of recalled infant and children’s products are either fixed or returned in the wake of related recalls. It is important for parents to understand that recall efforts should not be taken lightly. Oftentimes, dangerous and defective products are only recalled after they have caused babies and/or children harm or death in a number of different cases.

In 2013 alone, 113 infant and children’s products were recalled due to defects or other potential hazards. It is certainly understandable that parents tend to tune out recalls when there are so many being reported. However, it is critical that parents remain educated about recall efforts occurring while their children are young.

Kids in Danger also insists that companies need to more fully embrace social media as a mechanism by which they can relay information about which products are currently being recalled. Companies need to understand that parents can certainly not be expected to act on recall efforts if those efforts are not adequately publicized.

Both businesses and parents alike need to take recall efforts more seriously. Failure to do so may result in additional preventable injuries to babies and children nationwide.

Source: USA Today, “Child safety report: Recalls ineffective,” Alicia McElhaney, Feb. 18, 2014