4 tips for returning baby products

Now that the holidays are over, if your baby ended up with duplicate gifts, a malfunctioning or unsafe product, or something you're sure they won't use, don't hesitate to return or exchange it. Here's how to get that refund or store credit with less hassle.

1. In-store return policies should be clearly spelled out on the gift receipt. Any reputable Web site should also have a section that explains return procedures. You'll need to return the item before the retailer's return period runs out (usually 30 to 45 days from the date of purchase but sometimes longer). But if the return clock has run out, don't feel defeated. Persistence and politeness will often get you into overtime.

2. Save your gift receipt, or packing slip, and the original packaging. Some retailers won't let you return an item or make an exchange without a receipt. Online retailers may let you return an item at their retail stores, unless the packing slip or the Web site terms state: "Not returnable in stores." When returning a product through the mail, send it back in its original package by certified mail so the item can be tracked if it gets lost.

3. If the baby product you buy is defective or damaged, contact the customer service department at the retailer before returning it or contacting the manufacturer. If the first representative you speak with denies you a refund, ask to speak with the manager. By selling you an item, a store gives an implied warranty of merchantability. That means that if the product you bought doesn't do what it's supposed to, or if it malfunctions or fails within an unreasonably short time for that type of product and price, the retailer is obligated to correct the problem, no matter what its return policy says. If you're told that you'll have to take your complaint to the manufacturer, stand firm. Tell the manager you're prepared to keep going—to the company's head office, the local Better Business Bureau and, if necessary, your state's attorney general. Keep records of all telephone conversations and the original paperwork, such as receipts, warranties, and e-mail correspondence; make copies if you need to send anything to the retailer's corporate headquarters.

4. If all else fails, contact the manufacturer. Many baby products are under manufacturer warranty. Send in the registration card and hold onto warranty information so you can refer to it. That small step can also help the manufacturer contact you in the event of a recall.