In a world of apprehension and indecision, purchasing products for your baby can be overwhelming. Babies are so delicate and sensitive that making the wrong choices can cause adverse reactions in a blink. However, the complex process of selecting baby care items can be draining, particularly for first-time parents.
Media reports don’t help make this situation any less burdensome. In 2023-24, many US cities like San Diego and New York experienced product recalls due to dangerous defects.
NPR notes that recalls of children’s products like strollers and clothing have risen dramatically. Parents may find it hard to trust marketing communication when every other brand claims to be the best choice for infants.
So, how can you make a considered, low-risk decision that will keep your little one protected? We have some tips to help you chart this confusing territory of parenthood.
Book a Consultation With the Pediatrician
Before you become a parent, you may find it ridiculous how some mums and dads rush to the pediatrician each time their baby sneezes. But once you have a little person in your life, the anxiety and paranoia are very much real. The desire to get everything vetted by the doctor – from the baby lotion to the rocker – is overwhelming.
That said, consulting with a child specialist is usually the most reliable way to ascertain the safety of baby products. They will offer neutral, balanced judgment based on medically proven facts, not brand communication. Moreover, the pediatrician can prescribe suitable products based on your baby’s unique needs.
For example, sensitive, eczema-prone skin will need more moisturization and hair care. Healthline advises parents to look for noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic products that don’t have any scent. The doctor can suggest optimal bath time soap and routines if your baby develops eczema.
You can ask the pediatrician or nurse to recommend suitable products during the baby’s periodic wellness checks. Another advantage of doing this is getting advice tailored to the season and associated triggers, like pollen or the seasonal flu.
Scrutinize the Product Labels
Researching the manufacturer is imperative before selecting items for your baby. It goes beyond their advertising campaigns or the messaging on their website. Instead, parents can refer to the product information labels and check for missing details.
For example, some skincare products may claim to be paraben-free. However, the expanded list of ingredients will show you the broader picture. Chemicals like methylparaben and butylparaben are essentially parabens for preserving the formula. Allure notes that while parabens have faced maligning due to a perceived link with cancer, the basis of this belief is ambiguous.
Misinformation and misleading marketing have troubled the skincare market for a long time. In fact, improper labels are a prime reason for product liability cases. In 2024, the Guardian reported how the health halo effect can lead parents to make suboptimal product choices for their babies. It warned against labels like “contains vegetables” and “aids a child’s development” — claims that the WHO is also skeptical toward.
If your child is injured by a defective product, proactive action can help you receive financial compensation for treatment and care. Frantz Law Group recommends that parents voice their concerns against any items defectively designed, made, or advertised. These could be nutritional supplements, toys, safety seats, or other products.
Stick to In-Person Recommendations
The internet abounds with product reviews for everything a consumer can imagine. Some media outlets observe that over 70% of consumers use reviews for their shopping decisions. At the same time, Google reportedly removes around 180,000 fake reviews daily.
Fake reviews are lucrative for the companies that incentivize people to post them. They also improve search rankings for a brand, a crucial aspect in this age of online shopping.
Parents will face this challenge when searching the internet for product recommendations. It isn’t a situation “verified” purchases can address; many companies have found workarounds. The people asked to publish inauthentic reviews may search and buy the products. Detecting fake reviews becomes difficult as standard detection tools cannot flag this situation.
Why not consider the old-fashioned route and seek recommendations from family and loved ones? Playgroups and activity centers are a great avenue to find like-minded parents with similar challenges, from a colicky baby to a flaky scalp. Products that trusted parents have successfully tried for their children may be safer than strangers’ recommendations on the web.
Avoid Getting “Optional” Baby Products
Parents can tackle some risks by minimizing the products they buy for their babies. No, this isn’t about budgeting our love for our offspring but staying away from controversial items children can do without.
For example, the AAP strictly advises against baby walkers since they can cause injuries in children. Historically, they have been responsible for many emergency trips to the hospital for babies who suffered head and neck injuries. However, Parents magazine notes that many families still use walkers because they mistakenly believe it helps babies learn to walk faster.
Part of the risk emanates from the easy availability of unsafe baby items. Recently, USA Today reported that some foreign companies are still selling items like padded crib bumpers. Medical experts have proved bumpers to be unnecessary. But what’s worse is that they are an established suffocation hazard for babies.
Parents should stay updated with children’s product recalls and advisories to avoid buying unsafe items. CDC publishes helpful lists, such as kids’ items that contain lead. Popular sippy cups and candies with plastic wrappers may also be problematic.
As parents, we give our babies unconditional love and attention. We try to make safe choices, getting them age-appropriate nutrition, entertainment, and gear. But what if a product is defective or just plain poor? Your best intentions may go awry.
Having faith in one’s gut can be a lifesaver. If you are unsure about a product, it is worth checking with an expert, a fellow parent, and credible online sources. They say our instincts become sharper when we become parents. Let’s use them to their fullest.
