After a warning was issued on Facebook about thousands of unsafe cots for sale, parents may be wondering what is really safe for their child’s crib.
Health officials have unveiled a list of five items that can kill a baby if left in their sleeping area — from a seemingly innocuous pillow to blankets and even stuffed toys.
They warned that the items could suffocate a baby by covering their face and blocking airways or putting children at risk of dangerous overheating.
But up to 38 percent of American parents are still estimated to put at least one item in their crib that could prove deadly to their baby.
Pictured above are the health risks for a baby in his crib. The wall of this crib at the bottom has been lowered for the photo, when that would normally also have to be raised to protect a baby
The Consumer Product Safety Commission – a government watchdog – has unveiled a list of five things that should not be in a baby’s crib.
They warn that babies can’t move their heads as well as adults or regulate their body temperature, putting them at greater risk from bedding.
For a safe sleeping environment, babies under 12 months should always be placed on a firm, flat mattress with a well-fitting sheet and nothing else.
It is estimated that about 3,500 babies die of sleep-related causes each year in the US, with the decline in this number having recently slowed as risks to babies persist.
It comes after the agency issued a warning about highchairs yesterday following two more infant deaths. The items – Boppy Newborn Loungers – were initially recalled in 2021, but thousands remain for sale online.
Below is the list of hazardous items in cribs for children under 12 months:
Pillows
It can be tempting to give your baby a pillow, just like an adult would. But health experts warn parents not to.
They say that if a baby leans their head against a pillow, it can fall forward, blocking their airways and causing them to suffocate.
There is also a risk of a baby rolling their face into a pillow in a crib, which can also cause breathing problems.
In general, experts do not recommend giving a child a pillow before they are at least two years old.
Cuddly toys
With a new baby, many friends and relatives are likely to come with gifts of stuffed animals in the form of elephants, giraffes, and bears.
But health experts warn parents to keep these out of babies’ cribs, saying if a child puts one that covers their face, it could block and suffocate their airways.
Any toy with a cord, ribbon or string attached also poses a risk of strangulation if wrapped around a baby’s neck.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says stuffed animals should never be placed in or near a sleeping crib for a baby.
Blankets
To prevent a baby from getting cold, it can also be tempting to wrap him in a warm blanket while sleeping.
This sounds alarming to health officials, who warn that, like stuffed animals and pillows, they can also pose a risk of suffocation.
A baby may roll their face into a blanket or try to swallow one, which can block their airways and lead to suffocation.
There is also a risk of a baby overheating from a blanket because youngsters cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults.
Blankets are not considered safe for babies until they are at least 12 months old.
Padded bassinet bumpers
Some parents may be tempted to put padded crib bumpers around a crib to create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
However, health officials have warned against this – saying that when a baby presses their face against them, they can have trouble breathing, especially if they can’t turn their head to move it away.
As babies grow, they also pose a risk of helping a youngster climb out of their crib, which can lead to dangerous falls and injuries.
Cords within a meter
Surprisingly, babies and toddlers can reach up to a meter through the bars of their crib.
This means that all cords within this range pose a risk to young people and could put them at risk of electrocution or suffocation by strangulation.
Health officials also warn that it’s best to keep protectors on electrical outlets in the home if you have babies to avoid electrocution.