Dangerous baby products / accessories to avoid

Find out what baby products and accessories are dangerous and to be avoided, no matter how cute it looks. We have also listed safer alternatives.

There are lot of baby products available in the market, most of them do look adorable, and they all claim to be useful and safe to use. However, its not really true. Lot of baby products have been associated with injuries (and in some cases even deaths).

Products for children undergo strict testing and recall guidelines, overseen in the United States by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, there are some items which are not used correctly, some are “aftermarket” and not really subjected to the same safety standards.

So do check out this list to see which products can be hazardous, and which are the safer alternatives.

Car Seat Accessories

Car seats are thoroughly tested to ensure they are crash resistant and flame retardant. But is you replace a factory part with a custom accessory you are compromising the safety features of the seat.

As far as possible, use padding, straps, harnesses and accessories that come with your car seat or that ship directly from the manufacturer.

Using aftermarket accessories such as harnesses and padding designed to either replace or go over the top of existing car seat cushions can be dangerous, and it can also void car seat warranty.

Other things that are commonly attached to car seats, including snap-on toys or cold-weather blanket enclosures also should be avoided.

Toys

Be it in the car or while stroller, most parents don’t mind taking a few toys along so that the little one stays busy.

The only problem with toys is that it could pose choking hazards, especially if small parts break off. so make sure the toys are safe for infants.

Avoid toys that baby could bite through (over time the teeth get stronger).

If you see a dangerous item sold locally or online, give the vendor the benefit of a doubt and make them see your perspective (product being dangerous) in a courteous manner.

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers are great for parents leading an active lifestyle. While some manufacturers suggest that a child as young as a few months can ride in a jogging stroller, most medical consultants suggest the baby should be at least a year old.

Most of them do not have a well developed back until then, and infants who cannot hold their head up risks asphyxia – if not properly reclined the head could fall forward, restricting the breathing.

Besides, all the jostling isn’t good for an infant and that you or your child could fall.

As far as possible, opt for a stroller in which the seat can go flat that lets him lie on his back or in an inserted infant car seat.

Unfastened Harnesses / Belts

Unfastened harnesses on car seats, strollers, high chairs, and other products can also be potentially dangerous for obvious reasons.

For very young kids, a fall from even a feet can be very dangerous.

So get into the habit of fastening the harness on any baby product, and keep it fastened until you’re ready to remove the baby from the product. Some products have three-point harness while some have five-point harness. Always opt for a product with a five-point harness as they’re much safer.

Sling Carriers

There are some moms who use a sling carrier as they find the stroller inconvenient (at times). While carrying the baby in front of your body keeps her close, in the past there have been instances of injuries and even deaths associated with sling-type front baby carriers. The CPSC has documented a risk of death from “positional asphyxia,” or suffocation, particularly in infants younger than 4 months.

Safer options include strollers, handheld baby carriers or car seats, and some strap-on carriers.

Important safety tip: Practice using a carrier before putting the baby in.

Blankets and pillows

Blankets can be really dangerous in hot weather. You should not cover a stroller completely with a blanket to protect from the sun. At home, a baby can become tangled in a blanket and suffocate, or be smothered by a pillow.

At home, you can keep your baby comfortable in her bare crib by dressing her in a sleep sack or footed pajamas.