Having a baby is an exciting time for parents, especially those who have never had children. While parenthood can be overwhelming, there are many things you need to purchase all essential items and prepare in advance to help make sure your little one will travel safely. However, many products on the market that appear to make life easier for new parents can put babies at risk. Below are five baby products for parents to avoid:

1. Crib tents

Crib tents are a type of netting designed to be placed over a crib to contain an infant within the bed, supposedly making it easier for parents to manage their baby’s sleep and nap time. Despite their popularity, tents can be dangerous because they can trap a baby inside, making it difficult for them to move or breathe. Furthermore, the tents may be too small for a baby’s head and arms, leading to suffocation. For these reasons, it is safest to avoid them altogether.

2. Crib bumpers

Crib bumpers are another type of baby product meant to protect your infant from banging their head against the crib’s sides. However, these bumpers can be hazardous. Bumpers can cause suffocation if a baby’s face is wedged between them and the mattress or wall. Additionally, cot bumpers have been linked to increased Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk. To ensure the safest sleep environment for your baby, opt for a breathable crib bumper or go without it.

3. Walkers

Baby walkers are infant products designed to help babies learn how to walk earlier than usual. These products can be dangerous because they allow babies to move around freely while still being unable to control their movements. This can result in babies going downstairs, reaching hazardous objects, and falling into areas where they could drown. It’s best to avoid using a walker and opt for an activity center instead to keep your baby safe.

4. Car seat add on toys

Car seat add-on toys are designed to make car trips more fun and entertaining for babies. Unfortunately, these items can be dangerous because they can also interfere with the straps of a car seat and cause it to become loose in an accident, putting your baby at risk. Also, the Automobile Association of America (AAA) claims that loose toys can become “dangerous projectiles” during a crash and interfere with how a car seat is designed to perform in an accident. Therefore, it is safest to avoid these products and look for other ways to entertain your little one during long trips.

5. Co-sleepers

Co-sleepers allow babies to sleep close to their parents while in their beds. While this may sound like an ideal solution, it can be hazardous if misused. If a baby is too close to the edge of an adult’s bed, it can roll off and become injured. The safest option to prevent this is to place babies in their crib with the safest baby crib mattress, such as the Newton baby mattress.

Knowing the potential dangers of products marketed toward babies and young children is essential. While some of these items may appear to make life easier or more enjoyable for parents, they can put infants at risk. For this reason, it is safest to avoid using crib tents, crib bumpers, walkers, co-sleepers, and car seat add-ons to provide your baby with a safe sleep environment that will keep them healthy and happy.