5 Baby Products I Would Love to Deinfluence You On
Let’s be real: the baby gear market is overflowing. It’s adorable, it’s convenient, and it promises to make our lives easier as new moms.
But sometimes? The cutest or trendiest products aren’t the safest — or even necessary.
As a perinatal nurse, certified breastfeeding specialist, and mom of four, I’ve seen (and bought!) my fair share of baby gadgets. And today, I want to share 5 baby items I would personally steer clear of — and exactly why.
❗This isn’t about shaming. It’s about safety. Let’s talk facts, not fear.
1. Baby Walkers 🚷
They seem harmless — even helpful — but baby walkers send thousands of children to the ER each year.
Here’s why:
Stair tumbles are the #1 injury — often resulting in broken bones or head trauma.
Drowning and burns are common, as babies in walkers can reach danger zones fast.
Most accidents happen with adults nearby — walkers give a false sense of security.
They don’t help babies walk sooner. In fact, they may delay development.
🇨🇦 Already banned in Canada under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has called for a ban in the U.S. too.
2. Jolly Jumpers & Baby Jumpers 🪂
You’ve probably heard jumpers help with muscle strength, coordination, and balance. But there’s more to the story.
Jumpers only allow for repetitive, vertical movement — no rolling, crawling, or core-building activity. What babies really need is multi-directional movement like tummy time, rocking, or spinning to develop coordination and strength.
Potential issues:
Delayed milestones — jumping doesn’t support crawling or rolling.
Decreased core strength — the harness does too much of the work.
Muscle asymmetries — can cause toe-walking or leg tightness.
The American Physical Therapy Association warns against "Container Baby Syndrome," where too much time in restrictive devices leads to flat heads, weak muscles, and delayed development.
3. Baby Loungers (a.k.a. Nests) 💤
They’re cute. They’re cozy. But they are not safe for unsupervised sleep.
Soft sides and plush padding increase the risk of suffocation and positional asphyxia. They’re convenient for playtime or diaper changes, but when it comes to sleep:
Baby’s surface must be firm, flat, and non-inclined.
No plush padding or soft borders should be present.
⚠️ Health Canada and the U.S. CPSC have both issued warnings to stop using baby loungers due to safety concerns.
4. Weighted Sleep Sacks or Blankets ⚖️
We love a cozy weighted blanket — but not for babies.
Even light pressure on an infant’s chest can lead to:
Suffocation if it shifts over the mouth or nose.
Restricted breathing, especially dangerous as baby rib cages are still cartilage.
Lower oxygen levels — a major concern for brain development.
Weighted sleepwear may seem like a miracle for longer stretches of sleep, but waking is a biological safety mechanism. Suppressing it isn’t just risky — it can be harmful.
The AAP and leading pediatric experts now strongly recommend against any weighted products for infants.
5. Aftermarket Car Seat Accessories 🚗
Those cozy strap covers, headrests, mirrors, and toys may look cute — but if they didn’t come with your car seat, don’t use them.
Why?
They aren’t crash-tested with your seat, which means performance is unknown.
They may affect harness placement or push baby’s head forward, increasing the risk of positional asphyxia.
Toys and mirrors can become dangerous projectiles during a collision.
✅ Only use accessories made by your car seat’s manufacturer and listed as compatible with your specific model.
For more peace of mind, consult a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in your area. They’re trained to help you keep baby safe and snug.
Final Thoughts 💬
Listen — I’ve been there. I’ve used some of these before I knew better (can you guess which ones?). But knowledge is power, and I hope this helps you make safer, more informed decisions for your baby.
