Lead paint was banned in the US in 1978, but it's still in older homes, vintage furniture, and some imported products. Lead poisoning causes developmental delays and learning problems. If your home was built before 1978, get it tested, especially window sills and door frames that a teething baby might chew on.
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The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 set stricter rules for children's products, including lead limits, phthalate bans, and mandatory third-party testing. It also created the requirement for tracking labels on children's products so recalls can be more targeted.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is the federal agency that regulates the safety of consumer products including cribs, car seats, toys, and furniture. They issue recalls, set safety standards, and maintain a database of product-related injuries and deaths.
When babies' teeth start pushing through the gums, usually between 4 and 7 months. Teething babies chew on everything, including crib rails, furniture edges, and anything they can reach. Use teething toys and check for lead-free paint on cribs. Avoid teething necklaces, which are a strangulation and choking risk.