5 Tips to Zzz for New Parents: Products to Avoid when Designing a Safe Baby Sleep Setting
It can be difficult to determine which products sold in stores are safe and which may be more… questionable. In regards to safety, it’s imperative that some products are avoided at all costs — especially when you’re purchasing the item for your newborn baby. In addition to some harmful products to avoid, below are safe alternatives to keep in mind.
Bumpers that line the edges of cribs
These cushy bumpers are intended to stop a baby from hitting his or her head, but they are actually causing a much more serious problem: suffocation. Since these products are also linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), parents should leave the crib bare with a fitted sheet only.
Foam baby sleep positioners
While these were initially put on the market for babies who struggle with acid reflux, they can also increase the risk of suffocation and cause infant death. The CPSC and the FDA have even banned these products, but the positioners can still be found in stores. Discuss methods for treating congestion or reflux with your pediatrician, but the AAP suggests lying babies on their backs in order to lower the likelihood of SIDS.
Pillows and blankets in a crib
Parents have good intentions, but infants can suffocate under pillows or in blankets and quilts. Even sleep positioners, recliners, carrying wraps, stuffed pillow animals, or other oversized toys. Since death can occur from the use of pillows and blankets in cribs (and even in adult bedding), experts recommend putting babies in footed pajamas or a sleep sack. Blankets can be used for floor time or as decoration on the wall.
Pillow use for adults and babies are different because an infant’s mouth and nose can be entirely obstructed by a pillow and can cause suffocation. At 1½ years of age, it becomes safe for a child to begin using a pillow.
Drop-side cribs
These cribs become hazardous when the changeable height side drops down, crushing or suffocating an infant. “While countless parents have finally realized how dangerous drop-side and lead-painted cribs are that cause fatalities and harm to innocent children, these have been recalled but there are likely other cribs still available in stores that are equally dangerous,” explained Jason Chalik, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale.
Basic crib designs that don’t convert are recommended instead. Standards for drop-side cribs were increased in June 2011, so it’s important that your crib was made by then or more recently if it’s a drop side crib. These types of cribs can also be disabled with hardware.
Bedside sleepers, or co-sleepers
These smaller beds are located right next to the parent’s bed but are not recommended by safety authorities. Co-sleeping can increase the likelihood of suffocation, and parents have rolled onto babies, both causing fatality. Instead of co-sleeping or utilizing a harmful product that brings the baby closer to your bed, consider a standard-sized crib with permanent sides.
