There’s no shortage of great mom and baby products out there. But not everything on the shelves is of the same quality and usefulness, and some products can be dangerous for your little one’s health. What your parents raised you and your siblings with might have turned out okay – but research and standards are constantly upgraded as we collectively discover more. It’s important to educate yourself on some of the products and designs to watch out for and avoid when purchasing for yourself or for a loved one.
Hand-me-downs are a great way to save money, but new products that follow proper safety standards with the latest designs and innovations are best for safety reasons. A wonderful place to find everything for babies under one roof is a local trade show like The Baby Show in Toronto that happens semi-annually. You can find hundreds of new, certified products vetted by regulators and demoed for proper use. There will be seminars and workshops to learn from experts, vendors to ask your safety concerns and usage questions, as well as other parents to meet and chat about everything baby.
Sleep Positioners are meant to hold an infant in-place so they don’t roll over, and to help with acid reflux. However, babies can suffocate if they hold their face against a positioner. A baby can also roll out of the positioner and become wedged downward by its side. For bed time, simply place your baby on their back or within a comfortable sleep sack, instead.
Sleep sacks are also a good option to replace blankets and pillows. Your baby could get tangled in blankets or suffocate with a pillow. Keep baby warm with a snug but non-restrictive sleep sack or footie pajamas. Baby blankets can be used when babies are being monitored and for extra padding during playtime on a mat.
Bumper Pads are part of some bedding sets that can be used in cribs to keep babies from hitting their heads on the bars, but experts say they pose a risk of death. Babies can become caught or tangled in them or the ties can choke them. Infants can also press their faces into them and this restricts breathing. The pads can also potentially assist babies with climbing out of the crib once they’re bigger. It’s not necessary to use them – so don’t.
Open Changing Tables – ones with fewer than four sides – pose a risk if baby rolls over the open edge. Look for changing tables that also have a safety strap for extra protection.
Sling Carriers can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Babies who aren’t properly strapped in can fall out or the straps can tangle. An improper wrap can also position your infant in an awkward way that places too much stress on their necks and heads. Look for the newest models that meet safety standards if you want a sling that allows for front carriage.
Walkers are a baby classic, but their ability to help your child be mobile at an early age also enables them to potentially fall down stairs or head into dangerous situations before they can be stopped. They’re already prohibited in Canada but not in the US.
Remember, even when you have products that meet proper safety standards, if you’re not using them correctly and according to instructions, this can pose a danger as well. Do your research before you buy, check labels, and always follow the tutorial and written instructions when using.
Avoid These Unsafe Baby Products
There’s no shortage of great mom and baby products out there. But not everything on the shelves is of the same quality and usefulness, and some products can be dangerous for your little one’s health. What your parents raised you and your siblings with might have turned out okay – but research and standards are constantly upgraded as we collectively discover more. It’s important to educate yourself on some of the products and designs to watch out for and avoid when purchasing for yourself or for a loved one.
Hand-me-downs are a great way to save money, but new products that follow proper safety standards with the latest designs and innovations are best for safety reasons. A wonderful place to find everything for babies under one roof is a local trade show like The Baby Show in Toronto that happens semi-annually. You can find hundreds of new, certified products vetted by regulators and demoed for proper use. There will be seminars and workshops to learn from experts, vendors to ask your safety concerns and usage questions, as well as other parents to meet and chat about everything baby.
Sleep Positioners are meant to hold an infant in-place so they don’t roll over, and to help with acid reflux. However, babies can suffocate if they hold their face against a positioner. A baby can also roll out of the positioner and become wedged downward by its side. For bed time, simply place your baby on their back or within a comfortable sleep sack, instead.
Sleep sacks are also a good option to replace blankets and pillows. Your baby could get tangled in blankets or suffocate with a pillow. Keep baby warm with a snug but non-restrictive sleep sack or footie pajamas. Baby blankets can be used when babies are being monitored and for extra padding during playtime on a mat.
Bumper Pads are part of some bedding sets that can be used in cribs to keep babies from hitting their heads on the bars, but experts say they pose a risk of death. Babies can become caught or tangled in them or the ties can choke them. Infants can also press their faces into them and this restricts breathing. The pads can also potentially assist babies with climbing out of the crib once they’re bigger. It’s not necessary to use them – so don’t.
Open Changing Tables – ones with fewer than four sides – pose a risk if baby rolls over the open edge. Look for changing tables that also have a safety strap for extra protection.
Sling Carriers can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Babies who aren’t properly strapped in can fall out or the straps can tangle. An improper wrap can also position your infant in an awkward way that places too much stress on their necks and heads. Look for the newest models that meet safety standards if you want a sling that allows for front carriage.
Walkers are a baby classic, but their ability to help your child be mobile at an early age also enables them to potentially fall down stairs or head into dangerous situations before they can be stopped. They’re already prohibited in Canada but not in the US.
Remember, even when you have products that meet proper safety standards, if you’re not using them correctly and according to instructions, this can pose a danger as well. Do your research before you buy, check labels, and always follow the tutorial and written instructions when using.
