12 baby products to avoid buying

It is every parent's instinct to go above and beyond for the well-being of their children. As a result, many parents invest in high-quality baby products to ensure their little one's comfort. However, the dangers of certain baby products are difficult to foresee and often end up causing unexpected mishaps. According to a 2019 report, injury remains the leading cause of death among children and teens nationwide. Here are some baby products that may pose safety hazards: Sling carriers Sling carriers are often popular choices among parents, particularly when traveling long distances. However, cases of suffocation caused by babies’ faces pressing against their parents’ bodies on sling carriers have increased. Thus, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises parents to be careful in their use of sling carriers. Drop-side cribs Drop-side cribs are illegal in the country, as they drop sideways and can injure and even kill infants. Traditional cribs are always better choices to avoid such accidents. Bathtub seats Bathtub seats can introduce some fun to babies’ bath time but may pose serious safety issues. The suction cups at the bottom of these seats may get detached while the child is seated, which may cause fatal injuries. There are also chances of the child falling off the seat and drowning in the bathtub if left unsupervised. Bedside co-sleepers Bedside sleepers are gaining increasing appeal among parents, as they consist of only three sides and can be easily attached to parents’ beds. However, babies may get trapped between the co-sleeper and the bed if the former moves from its original position when parents get into the bed. Thus, bassinets, cribs, and cradles are better alternatives to bedside co-sleepers. Bumbo seats Bumbo seats are highly effective in supporting babies while they try to sit. However, these seats may topple over babies and cause several accidents. Although bumbo seats with straps are now available, they do not offer sufficient protection against such mishaps. Therefore, it is best to avoid such products and opt for simple but sturdy ones. Crib tents Crib tents are intended to prevent babies from escaping their cribs, but they can get entangled around babies if they tear open the tent mesh. For this reason, parents should invest in toddler beds instead of crib tents. Bumper pads Children may press their faces against these pads, leading to suffocation. As a result, bumper pads can act as risk factors for babies and should be avoided. Warm-mist humidifiers Warm-mist humidifiers purify the air and increase moisture levels in rooms. They can also destroy bacteria and may be used with essential oils to soothe babies and help them sleep better. However, these humidifiers’ cords are extremely hot and may burn babies’ hands if they touch them. They may easily be placed out of the reach of babies in bigger rooms. But these humidifiers should not be used if the baby’s room is tiny. Baby walkers Baby walkers support babies trying to “gain a firm foothold” in their journeys. While these are safe products in apartments and homes with no stairways or stories, they can be dangerous if there is a flight of stairs in the home, as babies may walk to the edge of the stairs and lose their balance. Products containing synthetic fragrances If the product information behind any personal care baby products reads “fragrance,” it should be a red flag for parents. These are likely synthetic fragrances, such as aldehydes and benzene derivatives, which are harmful to babies. Hence, parents should read through the product details carefully and avoid products with “fragrance” listed as one of the ingredients. Sleep positioners Sleep positioners are widely used to help babies maintain their postures while sleeping in cribs. However, babies may suffocate if they press their faces against sleep positioners or accidentally roll into the crib bedding. Thus, it is advisable to avoid sleep positioners, especially if babies are left unsupervised while asleep. Crib bumpers Crib bumpers are designed to keep babies from hitting their heads on the crib railings or slats. However, it's important to note that babies may press their faces against the bumper paddings, so parents should be cautious of this. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid using too much bedding in the crib to prevent the risk of suffocation.