The birth of a child can be a truly life-changing experience. The only thing people want to do after the first time they lay their eyes on the newest member of their family is to keep them safe and provide them with everything they ever need. But did you know that these two goals can be contradictory?

Many products that babies commonly use are either not entirely safe or are downright dangerous for them. In this article, we will cover 5 such items so you can have a better understanding of what exactly you should be looking for when you buy a product for your child.

Cribs & Sleep Products

Baby cribs and sleep products are a critical part of a newborn’s daily routine, but they can also pose significant safety risks if used improperly or designed poorly. In recent years, many parents have raised concerns about the safety of cribs, bassinets, and other sleep products, citing reports of infants getting trapped, suffocating, or suffering from other injuries.

Some of the most common dangers associated with baby sleep products include improper assembly, loose screws or hardware, missing or broken parts, and subpar materials.

The Cleveland Clinic also recommends not using hand-me-down or heirloom cribs. While they may hold significant emotional value in our minds, the clinic points out that they do not match the increased safety standards put in place for baby cribs in 2011. From lead paint and bad parts to drop-down sides, they can be truly unsafe for a child.

Carriers & Slings

Baby carriers and slings are popular among parents for their convenience and versatility, but they can also pose risks if used improperly. One of the most common concerns is improper positioning, which can restrict the baby’s airway or cause physical harm if they put too much pressure on the baby’s hips, neck, or spine.

Stanford Medicine writes that since babies do not have enough neck strength to hold up their heads, they might curl their heads into their chests, cutting off the supply of Oxygen. To avoid that scenario, make sure you hold her in such a way that her mouth and nose are always visible to you, and also avoid holding her too close to your chest.

Baby Formula

Baby formula is an essential source of nutrition for many newborns, but there are growing concerns about the safety and quality of some formulas on the market. One of the most controversial issues is the use of ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in formula production.

Baby formulas can be especially dangerous for premature babies. Several studies have demonstrated that the rate of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NCE), a serious intestinal disease, increases noticeably among premature babies that use cow milk-based baby formula. Unfortunately, many manufacturers also do not disclose the side effects of their products, so the consumers often remain in the dark.

Luckily, a growing number of toxic baby formula lawsuits have helped bring this issue into the limelight. Many parents have sued manufacturers who knowingly manufactured these dangerous products or misled people into believing their product was completely safe. Many infants use baby formulas without any problem, but it is always better to consult a doctor before doing so.

Bath Products

Bath time is an important part of a newborn’s daily routine, but it can also pose some potential dangers. One of the most common concerns is the use of bath products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes, which can irritate the baby’s skin and cause rashes or allergic reactions.

Additionally, some baby bath products may contain toxic or hazardous ingredients to infants, such as phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Another concern is the risk of drowning during bath time. To minimize these risks, it’s important to use a baby bathtub that is safe and stable and to supervise the baby at all times while they are in the bath.

Another product the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently cautioned parents against is a neck float. They say that neck floats have not been proven to benefit water therapy interventions in any way. However, using a neck float can lead to serious injuries, suffocation, and even death, especially for children with special needs.

Toys & Playthings

Baby toys and play products are important to a newborn’s development and entertainment, but they can also pose some serious dangers. One of the most common concerns is the risk of choking, which can occur when small parts of a toy or product become detached and are swallowed by the baby. Therefore, any toy with small pieces that can break off should be kept out of a baby’s reach.

Another concern is using toxic materials in baby toys and other products, such as lead, cadmium, and phthalates, which can harm a baby’s health if ingested or inhaled. If you are buying art supplies, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh recommends looking for the tag ‘ASTM D-4236’, which signifies that a toxicologist has reviewed the products.

Raising a child can be scary, but it is truly a worthwhile experience. If you follow the advice offered in this article and remember to apply your common sense at every step, you can make the most of your time without constantly worrying about your child’s safety.