Sunday, October 9, 2016

Top 10 Items NOT to Get For Your Baby

I've been focusing a lot on what you need for your baby - but there are several things your should NOT get. First and foremost, I want to keep your baby safe. Secondly, I want to save you money. Put those two things together, and here’s your list.

Before diving in, take a moment to bookmark safekids.org so that you can keep track of product recalls. You’d be amazed at the safety hazards that exist - from dangerous baby monitor batteries, to malfunctioning cribs. You can even sign up to receive recall notices by email.

Top 10 Items NOT to Get For Your Baby



  1. Used car seats. Simply put, you can never trust a used car seat. They are specially constructed, and even one minor accident can render the car seat unsafe for future use.
  2. Used cribs. This falls into the ‘better safe than sorry’ category. You never know if the crib is missing an important part that affects safety. Cribs are also frequently recalled for safety concerns - without specific purchase information (like brand, model, date purchased, etc) you may not know if your crib is safe.
    1. Drop side cribs are also not recommended.
  3. Pillows. Keep the pillows away from babies until they are at least 18 months, according to the CPSC.
  4. Sleep positioners. These are marketed to keep your baby in-place and safe, but it’s the same risk as pillows.
  5. Mattress padding - another SIDS risk. Mattresses should be firm, and bedding tight fitting.
  6. Car seat toy bars. These seem like a great idea - but can be a terrible safety risk if you have an accident.
  7. Walkers. It’s great to give your baby a chance to exercise those legs, but instead get a stationary activity center or stationary jumper. They’ll love them just as much! Our kids loved the Exersaucer type, which can be converted to an activity table when they outgrow the first stage of its use.
  8. Better Bumbo - has a strap
    Old Bumbo seats. Bumbo seats allow very young babies to sit up - and they love it! Unfortunately, active babies can rock their way right out and fall over. Worse yet, there were many cases of parents placing the bumbo - baby and all - on counter tops leading to dangerous falls. If you use a Bumbo, get one with a strap, and keep it on the floor at all times. In fact, Bumbo even markets these as 'floor seats' now - hopefully parents can follow the rules!
  9. Bath seats. These often secure to a tub with suction cups, and can tip over. An infant tub is still the best way to go.
  10. And a couple other crib items to think twice about - crib bumpers (SIDS risk) and crib tents are both considered dangerous.

Also, in addition to safekids.org and the CPSC, you may wish to read this fine article on dangerous baby products from Consumer Reports, outlining some of the risks I mention above, but in more detail.

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