Bringing home a new baby is an exciting experience for any family. However, with that excitement comes the responsibility to ensure the little one is safe. Therefore, parents must invest in essential items like the safest baby crib mattress. However, certain baby products can be dangerous. Let us look at five baby products parents should avoid:

1. Car seat add-on toys
Car seat add-on toys have become increasingly popular amongst parents looking to entertain distractions for their children during long car rides. However, these toys can be dangerous for babies due to their potential to obstruct vision or become choking hazards. As the car shakes and moves, most car seat add-on toys become very distracting. They could interfere with the driver if they come loose in the seat while driving. Therefore, it is best to avoid car seat add-on toys. You can seek out other approved infant entertainment items, such as musical mobiles designed specifically for car use.

2. Crib bumpers
It’s no secret that these products are a popular baby accessory, but unfortunately, they could harm your little one. Crib bumpers are known to cause the risk of choking or suffocation due to the padding and fabric material used. Even securely attached ones can create large gaps, trapping an infant’s neck or body parts. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding any bumpers altogether. Instead, opt for breathable mesh liners alongside a Newton baby mattress. These don’t put babies at risk of entrapment or suffocation.

3. Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are devices designed to allow babies to sleep in the same bed as their parents. They are extremely popular among new parents thanks to their portability. Unfortunately, they also present multiple dangers like entanglement or suffocation risks due to the materials used on them. Furthermore, research has indicated that co-sleeping often increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The parent will need to take extra precautions and install safety features around the device if they want to co-sleep with their baby. This includes using materials such as mesh barriers that prevent infants from rolling over onto parents and getting entangled. However, it is not recommended to co-sleep with your infant due to the risks.

4. Crib tents
Crib tents are attractive to parents who intend to prevent curious babies and toddlers from escaping cribs. However, they can be dangerous in multiple ways. These products have been found to pose a suffocation hazard and an entrapment danger for infants, posing a risk of serious potential injuries. Ultimately, they risk injuring or even killing a young infant. Therefore, as a parent, you should not consider them when purchasing your child’s crib items.

5. Walkers
Parents often purchase these devices for their little ones to help them develop balance, flexibility, and endurance. However, they may cause more harm than good. Studies have shown that walkers provide an unstable support base and can even delay a baby’s motor development. This is because babies become overly dependent on the walker. Furthermore, these devices can be dangerous to babies as they provide access to dangerous items. These include sharp objects, electrical appliances that could harm the child, or staircases. Therefore, parents should avoid them when possible.

Learning about baby product safety doesn’t stop with the items mentioned here. It’s always smart to research and double-check the safety ratings of any item you are thinking of using for your baby. These items range from clothes to furniture. Remember, babies have delicate systems that require careful consideration when selecting products. Therefore, choosing appropriate products for your little one is an important decision that no parent should take lightly. After all, we want our babies to be safe and happy in their environments.