The last time Toys 'R' Us sponsored a trade-in of unsafe baby products, it ended up with a warehouse full of broken buggies, crippled cribs and busted bassinets. Now the retailer is ready to fill up another one.

The chain's "Great Trade-in" is in full swing at stores across the nation. From now until February 20 they are accepting trade-ins of used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, high chairs and toddler beds. And what do consumers get in exchange? A 25 percent discount on the purchase of new baby items from participating manufacturers.

Granted it's a good way to get customers in the door but it's also a good way to get damaged and unsafe products out of homes and off the secondhand market. During the store's first event in September, it got many items that were decades old and definitely not compliant with today's stricter product safety standards.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises against buying used children's products that have a history of safety issues such as some cribs, play yards and bassinets. Hand-me-down car seats are also problematic and may not offer the protection that parents expect. Even if you don't plan to trade in your baby products, it's a good time to check them for wear and tear and to double check the CPSC's recall database.

—Mary H.J. Farrell