Baby Proofing: Are your safety measures really working?
You go to great lengths to keep your children safe – but are your methods actually working?
Baby Wipe Warmer
This product winds up at number ten because while it has risks, they are more general concerns. Though no baby could object to having their bottom cleaned with a warm wipe, the consequence can be less pleasant for everyone. Many wipe warmers have been recalled over the years because of the potential fire hazards or risk of being electrocuted.
Ask Yourself:
- Has my model been recalled?
- Is my wipe warmer a real necessity?
The best way to avoid scorched furniture is to just go without your warmer. Many other babies did it long before yours. Number 9
Car Seat Accessories
All parents are looking for ways to keep their baby occupied while in the car, but watch out for items that could be harmful if you were in a crash. Items like a rearview mirror could be harmful projectiles if you were ever involved in an accident.
Ask Yourself:
- What items in my car could potentially hit my baby?
- How safe are these items?
Look for light toys or accessories that are cushioned or that have rounded edges. If you go with a product like a rearview mirror, ensure that it is very securely attached. Number 8
Syrup of Ipecac
Many doctors used to recommend that parents keep a bottle of ipecac close by incase their child would swallow poison. Ipecac would induce vomiting and the intention was to try and rid the body of the toxin. Now many professionals are saying that poisons can be as harmful coming back up and they are going down. Also, a good way to prevent your child from swallowing dangerous substances such as cleaning products is to keep them high up out of reach, or keep them in a locked cupboard.
Ask Yourself:
- Is keeping Ipecac in my home worth the risk?
- Are my cleaning supplies and other poisons safely stowed away from my child?
Your best bet would be to go through your home and lock up all potentially dangerous substances. You never know what little fingers can get a hold of. If you are in a situation where you child does ingest something harmful, first call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 before taking action. Number 7
Seat Belt Positioner
Though your small child might complain that their seat belt is uncomfortable, using a seat belt positioner may not be the best alternative. Sandy Sinclair, a safety specialist with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says, "There is no safety standard for these add-on devices, and we discourage parents from using them.”
Ask Yourself:
- Why is the seat belt uncomfortable for your child?
- Is the seat belt actually secure?
Instead of opting for a positioner try using a booster seat. This will place the child up high enough to comfortably wear their seat belt. Using the booster seat is safer for children that are at the bare minimum of forty pounds, and 4 years of age. Number 6
Baby Positioner
In fear of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) parents have tried using positioners to keep their babies safely on their backs. Though this seems to be a good idea, without adult supervision a baby can be suffocated by this “safety” accessory. Once a child can roll over it decreases their chances of SIDS. Placing your child in a positioner could risk your baby’s life if they attempt to roll over for the reason of suffocating in the padding.
Ask Yourself:
- Can my baby roll over?
- How firm or soft in my positioner?
- What parts of the product could my baby possibly suffocate on?
The AAP encouraged parents to stay away from positioners all together, but if you are aware and within an arms length of your baby you might be able to use this product safely. Number 5
Outlet Covers
Worrying about your baby sticking their fingers in an electrical socket is a valid concern, but you also need to look at what you are using to protect them with. Plastic covers that “plug into” the outlet are popular, but not the safest bet. Over time the plastic can become warped and will not fit correctly. This will make it easy for baby to pull it out and could pose a chocking hazard.
Ask Yourself:
- Do my outlet covers fit snugly?
- How long have I had them?
- How easy is it for me to pull them out?
Alternative solutions include covers that screw onto the wall and slide over the unused outlets. Another handy tip if you are using the plastic covers is to only buy ones that are too big to fit through a paper towel tube. Number 4
Baby Care Products
Though this is number 4 on the list, it ranks number 1 for unknown safety hazards!!! Who doesn’t love the soft, distinct smell of a clean baby? But you should take a look at where that scent in coming from. If you are using certain types of shampoos, lotions, or powder you might be exposing your child to harmful toxins. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastic and are added to many care products to enhance the softness of your skin. In a study done, 100% of the babies tested proved to have one, if not more, types of phthalates in their system. While research is not definite, there does seem to be a link to underdeveloped reproductive organs and these chemicals
Ask Yourself:
- Am I using scented care products as phthalates are more common in these?
- Do I read the ingredients labels?
- Am I educated on the potential risked these chemicals pose to my baby?
Next time you are at the store look for products labeled "phthalate free” or try organic care products. Natural alternatives like olive oil or coco butter are usually safe alternatives as well. Make sure the products you purchase are approved for baby’s use.
Be sure to always read the ingredients and do your research. Number 3
Bed Rails
Who likes to be rudely awakened by falling out of bed? Neither a child falling nor the parents enjoy this experience and so many turn to bed rails to try and prevent other episodes. But, 18 children since 1990 have died while a bed rail was in use. Most of these children were under 2 years of age; they fell down between the mattress and rail and suffocated. Recently, CPSC introduced new safety standard for the design of the bed rails.
Ask Yourself:
- Is the gate securely positioned up against the mattress
- Is my bed rail up to new CPSC standards?
The safest way to use a bed rail is with a full sized mattress and box spring. Be sure to get a model that is up to current safety standards. It is best to use a bed rail with a child over 2 years of age who is able to get in and out of bed by them self. Number 2
Crib Bumper Pads
Though they look nice and keep baby’s head from a nasty bump, bumper pads can pose a deadly threat to your baby. In the years 1985-2005 there have been 26 deaths related to bumper pads. Eleven of these were due to suffocation, 13 deaths from being wedged between the pad and another item and 3 were strangled by the ties on the pads.
Ask Yourself:
- Are your bumper pads secure?
- How are they attached to the crib?
- What other objects in the crib could pose a safety hazard?
Look for slim, firm pads that can be securely and safely attached to your crib. If your baby is already rolling over, it may be time to say goodbye to your bumper pads and hello to potential bumps. Number 1
Bath Rings & Seats
These products make the top of the list because of the safety hazard that is evidently because of the loss of life from this seemingly harmless bath product. There are many convenient products that will help you bathe your baby with ease. Unfortunately, items like bath rings or seats that suction to the wall can not only be unsafe, but also deadly. Since 1983 there have been 123 drowning connected with these types of products. If the suction cups give way or the infant slips out of the seat and you are not close by it is very easy for them to drown.
Ask Yourself:
- How strong are the suction cups on my product?
- Is there space for the baby to slide out of the seat or to get trapped under the seat?
- Is my bath ring or seat a real necessity?
If you are willing to give up your bath seat or ring this is probably your best solution. Try to avoid using a regular tub and instead purchase a smaller, baby basin. Ultimately, all accidents can be avoided if you NEVER leave your child alone in the bath tub. You should ALWAYS be with in an arms length of your little one just in case.
Sources
Parents.com:
The online home of American Baby, Parents, and Family Circle - Make Sure Your Baby Safety Products Are Really Safe. Our Stolen Future - About Phthalates. MSNBC - Baby Shampoo Study Raises Chemical Concerns.
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