Research-backed
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Baby products are generally a blessing in disguise for new mommies. From diapers, feeding bottles and cradles to those soothing baby bath stuff, a mother can confidently rely on them to make her life a bit easier. And manufacturers too are constantly coming up with new ideas for baby products. However, despite extending that much-needed helping hand, some products may actually prove fatal in unimaginable ways. Reason enough for authorities to ban some of them for good measure. Here are a few such items and know why they have been banned:
1. Walkers
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Baby walkers were earlier a staple in every family. Many new parents swore that their little one learned to take those ‘baby steps’ better with the help of the walker. But soon, many cases of babies tripping over stairs or crashing into stoves or electrical items were reported. This is because babies’ legs are not sturdy enough to get a hold on the walker’s tiny wheels, making them spin out of control. This is why some countries strongly discourage the use of baby walkers. But they are completely banned in Canada (1).
2. Crib Tents
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Crib tents, also called tent mesh, were initially meant to safeguard a sleeping baby from bugs and insects. It was also used to protect them from pets who might venture inside the crib and hurt the baby. But the problem with this product are those underwires that facilitate folding of the tent for easy storage. Something that wraps up so quickly and tightly can easily wrap around your baby leading to easy suffocation or even strangulation.
3. BPA Bottles
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Known as Bisphenol A, it helps to harden plastic and was widely used earlier to produce baby bottles and sippy cups. However, it was later found that BPA could lead to serious developmental issues in babies (2). Eventually, in 2010, the use of BPA in all baby products was banned across major countries of the world (3).
4. Bumbo Baby Seats
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Bumbos were brightly colored baby seats that helped babies sit upright. However, what was initially thought to be a great idea soon brought to the fore increased incidents of serious falls and skull fractures. This used to happen each time the baby would bend over and the seat gave way, making them topple over. With such serious fatalities, no wonder that it was eventually banned (4).
5. Drop-Side Cribs
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These were cribs that came with the convenience of a movable side from where the parents could easily pick their baby without having to bend over the railing. However, this open side of the railing was not baby proof and resulted in some infant deaths due to suffocation and strangulation. It was soon banned (5).
Here are some of the products that are next in line:
1. Baby Sling Carriers
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They look cute and are an amazing way of creating a sense of close contact with your baby. However, baby sling carriers apparently lead to suffocation of the baby if carried too close. There is also the risk of an older baby slipping out through the sling while napping.
2. Crib Bumpers
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Part of a baby’s bedding set, they were meant to prevent a baby from hitting his/her head on the sides or railings of the crib. However, crib bumpers were later believed to be connected to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Thus, The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends against the use of crib bumpers (6). For all we know, they might soon be banned.
Your baby is precious to you, which is why you’d want to give him/her all the comfort and safety of the world. But, next time before purchasing any baby product, pause and think – is it safe? Just do a little bit of research from your end and make an informed purchase, and all should be fine. Good luck!
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