There are thousands of baby products worldwide. Many love these products because of their effectiveness and because they make taking care of babies easier. As parents or caretakers, we must ensure that the products we use for our babies are safe and do not cause them any harm. Many products used globally have now been banned because it has been discovered that they may not be safe for babies. These are 20 once-popular baby products that are now banned for safety concerns:
Baby Swings
Baby swings are commonly used because they allow parents and caretakers to leave their babies on the swing if they have specific tasks to complete without worrying about their safety. For safe sleep, babies require a firm, flat surface that is secure and cannot move around. Pediatricians have advised against using baby swings, especially when leaving babies to sleep on them. They say these swings can be used only if the babies are awake and supervised.
Rock ‘n Play Soothing Seat
This product is often used similarly to baby swings. It is an inclined seat that babies can rest on while awake and supervised. However, the product has often been used as a place where babies are put to sleep, which is different from its intended use. The inclination in the seat put the sleeping babies at risk for suffocation and even asphyxiation. This led to the product being recalled and banned in the US in 2019.
Walkers
Walkers are one of the most common baby products used worldwide. They help babies learn to walk and usually have wheels at the bottom. However, walkers with wheels have now been banned in many countries due to safety concerns. These walkers have led to many accidents, such as babies falling down stairs or the walkers tipping over, which could cause injuries.
Bath Seats
Bath seats are commonly used when bathing babies. They provide support for the baby during bath time, making it easier to bathe them. However, parents or caretakers may believe the seats allow them to leave the babies unattended, even briefly. This can lead to dangerous accidents that could otherwise be avoidable.
Bumper Pads
Bumper pads have been used to prevent babies from hurting themselves when bumping against their cribs. However, evidence shows these pads do more harm than good. The pads increase the risk of babies getting caught in the ties or using them for support to climb out of the cribs. Pediatricians have, therefore, strongly recommended parents against bumper pads, with some even banning parents from doing so.
Drop-side Cribs
Drop-side cribs have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier for parents or caretakers to lift their babies from the crib, put them to sleep in the crib, or change diapers. However, there have been instances when the movable side can unexpectedly fall without the parents’ or caretakers’ knowledge. This is extremely dangerous for babies, and these kinds of cribs have, therefore, been taken off the market due to safety concerns.
Bedside Co-sleepers
Bedside co-sleepers are crib-like beds with a barricade on only three sides. This is a convenient way to place babies to sleep, especially if they require feeding in the middle of the night. However, although these beds are convenient, they can be quite unsafe for babies who could fall through the gap between the mattresses, leading to injuries.
BPA-containing Baby Bottles
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a common compound in plastic products, including baby bottles and sippy cups. This compound can negatively affect babies’ health and, more particularly, hormone levels and development. Therefore, products containing this compound have been banned in many countries because of the health and safety concerns it raises, especially for babies.
Baby Teething Products
Teething products typically help babies during their teething phase. Some baby teething products are made with substances like benzocaine, which is used to help relieve teething pain. However, there is evidence that this substance can reduce the blood oxygen content in the baby’s bloodstream. Therefore, teething products that specifically contain benzocaine have been banned because of safety and health concerns.
Sleep Positioners
Baby sleep positioners come in all shapes and sizes and are generally used to keep babies propped up while sleeping to reduce reflux issues from the position the baby sleeps in. However, these products have been found to increase the risk of suffocation in the baby caused by the baby rolling over and having airflow restricted from the sleep positioner.
Talc-based Baby Powder
Baby powder is a very common baby product used on babies worldwide. In the past, some of the biggest baby powder brands used talc in their formula. Multiple health and safety concerns regarding talc eventually led to talc-based baby powder being banned. These concerns include potential contamination with asbestos, and studies even showed links to ovarian cancer and respiratory issues.
Baby Formula with Melamine
Baby formula is one of the most common baby products worldwide. Millions of babies grow up on formula, so the formula fed to babies must be safe and healthy. However, a scandal emerged when melamine, a toxic chemical, was found in baby formula produced in some countries. This led to the formation of strict regulations that all baby formula companies must follow to ensure the safety of their products.
Baby Slings
Baby slings were invented to help carry babies easier and allow the carriers to have their hands free and perform other tasks when necessary. Many baby slings include unstructured pouches and too many folds and ties, making them quite complicated to use. If the slings are not used properly, the risk of suffocation increases.
Play Seats
Play seats offer parents and caretakers a convenient place to put babies down where they do not have to be held. Although these seats offer convenience, falls and accidents are likely to occur if they are placed on top of high surfaces like tables or countertops. Additionally, if babies are left unattended on play seats, even when on the floor, they might get a hold of hazardous items.
Swaddles or Sleep Sacks
Some parents or caretakers use swaddles or sleep sacks because they offer babies, particularly infants, the warmth and feel they require to feel comfortable. However, these products tend to put gentle pressure on the baby’s chest, which can hamper their breathing and lead to suffocation.
Water Beads
Water beads are toys that many toddlers like to play with because they are fascinated with how the beads expand when they come in contact with water. However, as toddlers often tend to put things into their mouths, these beads can be very dangerous. They may remain small when put into their mouth but expand once they reach the digestive tract, potentially causing many health issues. Therefore, these toys have been banned from being played by toddlers and babies who cannot understand the threats they pose.
Humidifiers
Water-mist humidifiers are commonly used in many households, especially in the baby’s room, to ensure that there is enough humidity for a baby to be comfortable. Although the appliances have been made with good intentions, placing them in a baby’s room can lead to many safety concerns. Babies old enough to crawl and move around may get burns if they touch the humidifier or play with the cord and get tangled in it.
Baby Rattles With Small Parts
Baby rattles are one of the best products to keep babies entertained. They come in various shapes and sizes and sometimes include small parts. The baby rattles with small parts attached to them have led to many safety concerns because of the choking hazards they present if the parts detach from the central part of the rattle. Therefore, baby toy companies must ensure that the baby rattles and other toys meant for babies do not contain any small parts that can easily fit into the baby’s mouth.
Baby Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important product that helps to protect individuals from the sun’s UV rays while also lowering the risk of sunburns and sun cancer. It is important that babies also have protection from the sun. However, some baby sunscreen products contain chemicals that harm or irritate a baby’s soft and delicate skin. These chemicals have, therefore, been banned.
Folding Baby Strollers
Baby strollers often take up a lot of space when not in use. Many strollers come with folding mechanisms that help to make them smaller and easier to transport. However, these folding mechanisms can potentially cause injuries to babies if they are not locked properly or faulty. Therefore, many folding baby strollers that do not meet safety standards have been banned.
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Alanna Rosen is an experienced content writer that focuses on many finance and educational content. Her articles are regularly published on Web3Tribe and syndicated on large publications.