Check, Check, and Check Again

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a bit paranoid about safety. So I got a bit of a shock today when I was casually looking up the instructions for the Kelty K.I.D.S. Trek backpack I had bought at a neighbor's garage sale. I had used the backpack a few times but could never quite get Catcher strapped in comfortably. I figured I could quickly find the right way on-line before heading out for a hike.

What I found was that the backpack had been recalled because of a faulty seat height adjustment strap. The strap that holds the loop under his body -- and keeps him from falling out -- could slip out of its buckle.

I was practically shaking thinking that if I hadn't been a little insecure about how I had strapped him in, I would never have known -- until he slipped out! While no kids have fallen completely out, the straps have failed on two carriers and the children slipped down into the carrier. Catcher is huge and I could only imagine that he would be the one kid to put enough weight on that buckle to make it fail!

When I called Kelty, the friendly customer service representative said that the company would either send me a repair kit or a refund if I call the warranty and repair department.

We have tried to get by with all hand-me down gear from friends with this second baby (because we had him nearly six years after the first, we didn't have much stuff around anymore). This was a reminder that you should always check used items for recall.

Excuse me while I go hunt down the serial numbers on everything I own!