If you are a first-time parent, it’s important to do some research before the baby arrives. New parents often face the daunting task of finding a variety of baby products online to buy for their new baby. It can be especially hard to track which products are safe and which are not, as there is limited information about such products. Mentioned below is a list of baby products to avoid:
1. Crib tents
The crib tent is an enclosed box that covers the entire crib causing your little one to lie in a very deep sleep. These crib tents are not only a hazard, but they can also negatively impact your baby’s development and cause them to get tangled up in the wires, which could be dangerous as well. Many kids get tangled up in the wires while inside their crib tent, which can cause many issues like paralysis, loss of vision, and even death. This is such an issue that a warning has been put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics on this matter.
2. Crib bumpers
Crib bumpers are non-toxic fabrics or foam inserts that attach to a crib mattress, so babies fall asleep cuddled up with their daddies or mamas. Doctors no longer recommend these because they pose a suffocation hazard for infants and toddlers who might use them as a play area during tummy time. A Crib bumper is one of the most hazardous baby items on the market. This is because they’ve been linked to deaths, injuries, and near-deaths, with infants getting caught under them and unable to free themselves from suffocation.
3. Walkers
Walkers are small and lightweight frames that allow babies to walk using their strength. They are best avoided because they can cause falls down stairs, entrapment in furniture or walls, strangulation by plastic cords that wrap around a neck while restrained, or lead to other serious injuries in the event of a fall.
4. Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are another sleep accessory for babies and children, presenting suffocation and entrapment risks. They originally intended to help new parents learn how to safely co-sleep with their baby while still getting the rest they need. Sadly, many co-sleepers are poorly designed or even dangerous, with unsafe slats and oddly placed handles or hinges that can trap fingers.
Parents should never allow their infants to sleep alone in bed with them. This can put the child and the adult at unnecessary risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
5. Car seat add on toys
Another product to avoid would be car seat add on toys. These are designed to keep the child distracted while in their car seat, and many parents think this is a good idea because it keeps them from crying so much or getting bored during long car rides. Car seats have warning labels stating that these products should not be used as they pose a suffocation hazard and other risks for both baby and child.
Crib bumpers, walkers, car seats, add on toys, and other types of baby products can cause stress for new parents. New parents often want to do the best for their baby. Still, with all of the new products on the market and different opinions by experts, it can be confusing to know exactly what to avoid based on current legislation and what may seem like a safe alternative.
