Day: April 23, 2023

If there’s one constant in parenting, it’s that the parental landscape is ever changing. Things that were listed as A-Okay with your first kid can become a big no-no by the time your second is born (here’s looking at you, Rock ‘N Play).

While having an “oh wow, I had no idea about that!” moment is a parental right of passage, it’s kind of nice having a heads up about some of the most common controversial products so you can make an informed choice when considering what items to buy. Here are some products that some swear by and some hate – and what the concerns are.

Crib Bumpers

Designed to keep little bodies safe from the bars, crib bumpers have been a staple in nurseries since before we were babies.

The issue: The long and short of it is they are a suffocation and entrapment risk. What’s confusing though is that mesh bumpers are still allowed, and fabric bumpers are still being sold, regardless of being labeled a ‘banned, hazardous product,’ which makes this one tricky.

Crib Decor

A quick Insta search of ‘crib decor’ brings up all kinds of adorable ideas. Pictures, canopies, and shelves hung over cribs, and pillows, blankets, and loungers placed inside cribs.

The issue: Safety experts want us to keep the crib clear of falling objects (like pictures) and free of suffocation hazards (like canopies, curtains, cords, or anything else a baby might pull into their crib). Here’s a whole post on safe sleep guidelines if you want to know the nitty gritty.

Sleep Positioners

Wedges, anti-roll pillows, side sleeping pillows – there are all kinds of sleep positioners out there that claim to help your baby get better sleep by keeping them in a certain position or help with conditions like reflux. (There are medical devices that can be prescribed by your pediatrician, but this specifically refers to non-medical devices.)

The issue: Safety experts and the FDA (they make the rules about medical devices, hence the jurisdiction here) agree they aren’t safe. There’s also no evidence that they reduce conditions like GERD – check out What is the safest sleep solution for my baby with reflux? from the AAP. Some hardcore safe sleep people even consider the coveted Snoo a sleep positioner because of the built in swaddle. (Here’s what Snoo says about that.)

Baby Loungers

Dock-A-Tots and similar baby “loungers” have taken Instagram and Pinterest by storm with pictures of babies sleeping in these adorable ‘baby nests.’

The issue: Even though they are marketed as a lounger, many parents inevitably use them for sleep (I mean, it’s a cozy nest). They, and similar products, have been implicated in at least 120 deaths and are loathed by child sleep and safety experts worldwide. Here’s a post about the Dock-A-Tot safety warning to give you a bit more background.

The Snoo

The Snoo is a ‘smart’ bassinet that claims to give parents 2 extra hours of sleep each night by automatically soothing fussy babies back to sleep with a combo of swaddling, sound and gentle motion.

The issue: The Snoo is spendy, with a base model costing almost $1,700. A few have voiced concerns about the volume of the white noise, the speed/intensity of the rocking, and the built in swaddle as they feel it counts as a sleep positioner (here’s what Snoo says about that)

It has also recently been approved by the FDA as a Class II medical device because it keeps babies on their backs, which has been proven to reduce the chances of SIDS/SUID. However, the FDA isn’t stating the Snoo will prevent SIDS/SUID, nor can the Snoo be marketed this way, but the FDA has verified it doesn’t increase the odds of SIDS/SUID. (Sort of like verifying that a bathing suit won’t increase your risk of drowning.) Critics feel like this impressive sounding verification is just another way to get worried new parents to drop a ton of cash on something they’ll only use for a short period of time.

Pacifiers with Stuffed Animals

There are a handful of brands offering pacifiers that have a small stuffed animal attached, including Wubbanub and Avent. The stuffy makes it easy for little hands to hold and position their pacifier, even with their less-than-great coordination.

The issue: Soothers help kids fall asleep, so many parents wouldn’t think twice about popping one of these in a crib with their sleeping baby. Safe sleep experts and Wubbanub agree the safest way to sleep for extended periods of time is without any plush toys in the crib, even ones attached to a pacifier, to reduce a suffocation risk.

Weighted Sleep Sacks

Weighted blankets, swaddles and ‘swaddle transition’ products like the Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit have really blown up over the last few years, with users claiming the extra weight helps calm them down and promote deeper sleep.

The issue: Safe sleep experts worry about these due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating (another thing linked to an elevated SIDS risk). While the Merlin Sleep Suit isn’t truly weighted, its multiple layers do make it heavier than most other swaddles and make it more difficult for babies to roll over, which is something safe sleep experts take issue with.

Formula Dispensers

Feeding dispensers like the Baby Brezza quickly make premixed and warmed bottles with the touch of a button. It made many ‘best of’ lists after it was released in 2013 and continues to be a popular item on many baby registries.

The issue: The concern here is improper ratios of formula and water being dispensed by the machine causing serious health implications for an infant (especially if tired parents don’t notice it). The company says proper cleaning of the machine prevents this problem, but some parents say the machine is at fault. You can read more about the controversy in a Chicago Tribune article.

Infant Flotation Rings

Infant flotation rings – like the Otteroo – fit around a baby’s neck and allows them to float around without restricting their hands or feet. With over 400k sold, many babies love to chill in them and they’ve been sold outside North America for decades.

The issue: They can deflate during use or storage, so a child can slide through the inner ring designed to keep their head above water. Safety experts also worry that caregivers might have a false sense of security and leave their children unattended when they shouldn’t. You can read more about the CPSC warning here, and you can read Otteroo’s response here.

Bumbo Seat

The Bumbo is a small foam chair designed for infants who are just learning to sit but still need a fair amount of support. Its lightweight design, fun colors, and soft material make it an extremely popular baby item.

The issue: With the seat being so light and maneuverable, it’s tempting to put it on a table or countertop as a makeshift highchair, but the CPSC and makers of the Bumbo are very clear – this seat is only meant to be used on the floor.

Teething Necklaces

Amber teething necklaces are very popular among some parenting circles, with many claiming teething benefits, including reduced pain, less drooling, and better sleep.

The issue: Choking and strangulation are the main concerns here, with many necklace makers not adhering to ASTM guidelines designed to prevent strangulation. The FDA reports multiple injuries and one death related to these products, and the AAP recommends avoiding them. We have a whole post about teething necklaces here if you want more details.

Baby Walkers

Parents love them because they keep kiddos occupied and are easy to move from point A to point B, either by a parent or a kiddo with energy to burn.

The issue: Unsupervised babies on wheels wheeling themselves into harm’s way (i.e., stairs, hot things, pools) is the main concern and even has the AAP calling for a ban on this popular baby item.

3rd Party Car Seat Accessories

This is kind of a big category, but basically, anything that didn’t come with your car seat and/or isn’t made by the same brand as your car seat is considered a 3rd party accessory. Think head supports, seat protectors (yes, even those), extra strap pads, and things like that.

The issue: Car seats go through extensive testing in order to be considered safe for use. Adding anything to them that wasn’t specifically tested means the safety of your car seat could be compromised in a crash. Follow sites like Car Seats for the Littles to get a good handle on what is considered safe and what isn’t by qualified techs.

Narrow Seat Baby Carriers

Out of the zillions of baby carriers out there, many have narrow seats. They tend to be less expensive, compact, and easy to use, making them (understandably) popular with many parents.

The issue: Certain circles of baby wearing folks believe carriers like this can aggravate a mild case of hip dysplasia and refer to them as “crotch danglers”. There isn’t a whole lot of evidence to support it but it’s also pretty hard to study it ethically. We have a full post on it here if you want a little more background.

Homeopathic Meds

Homeopathic baby meds are substances that can be found on the shelves of most stores and pharmacies for ailments ranging from teething pain to cold and cough relief. They are readily available and considered “natural” by many parents.

The issue: Homeopathic medications aren’t tested by the FDA, and many studies where their efficacy is tested are poorly designed or otherwise dubious. Although some people swear by them, there have been problems, including fatalities (Hylands Teething Tablets are an example of that). Check out our post What’s the Deal Homeopathic Medicine for Babies? for more in-depth info.

Bath Seats

These seats suction to the bottom of the tub in an attempt to keep a wiggly toddler sitting up for their bath and are especially handy if you have a baby who is too old for a bath sling but not old enough to sit without tipping over.

The issue: A combination of poorly functioning suction cups, extra wiggly kiddos, and a false sense of security make these a drowning risk. At least two models sold on Amazon have been recalled. There are other models that are more like a baby gate with a screw-like system that fastens them to the tub using counter-pressure, which are considered safer because they are less of a tipping hazard.

Wearable Baby Monitors

A few companies have come out with a wearable baby monitor that, among other things, tracks a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. This can provide serious piece of mind for parents who find this level of monitoring comforting or want to track sleep.

The issue: The worry is that they can provide a false sense of security for parents who put their babies in unsafe sleep situations thinking the device will alert them to any issues. The FDA banned Owlet’s original smart sock because they deemed it a medical device. Owlet has since released an updated sock that has kept the FDA pacified while they apply for medical device status. You can read more about their response here.

Jolly Jumpers (and Similar Bouncy Seats)

There are many varieties of these cloth seats that attach to a stand alone frame or doorframe and allow babies to bounce independently for exercise and entertainment.

The issue: The concern is that with extended use, it might reduce or delay motor development skills like learning to crawl or walk or impact musculoskeletal development because of the position of the hips and the overuse of the toes. There isn’t much evidence to support either claim.

Should you stop using these baby items?

That’s up to you. Are there products on this list that are dangerous because people are just using them incorrectly? Yep. Are there others that are a clear risk and shouldn’t be on the market at all? Probably.

The point of this list isn’t to tell you what baby items to ditch and keep but to give you a heads up on what is going on in a market that you wouldn’t necessarily know much about. Plus, never assume (like I did) that a baby item wouldn’t be on the market if it wasn’t safe. As with everything, you have to weigh the risks against the benefits, which is something only you can do.

Are there any other hot topic baby items I missed? Let me know in the comments.

Our next reco: Baby Product Safety Standards: Who Regulates What?

Pregnancy photos are one of those things you’ll be thankful you did both after your baby’s arrival and for many years down the road. If you’re looking to make a splash with your upcoming maternity photoshoot, why not take things to the beach (see what I did there)? Before booking your beach maternity session, check out these 32 maternity beach maternity photoshoot ideas for a little inspiration.

Find The Look You Love

Professional hair and makeup? Ponytail and fresh face? Choosing the perfect look for your maternity shoot really depends on what makes you feel both comfortable and beautiful. While a flowy gown and floral crown make for a fantastic photo, if you feel more you in neutral outfits or casual maxi dresses, go with those instead. Some photographers offer a client closet as part of their session packages, so be sure to ask if you’re having a hard time finding an outfit you love. There’s also Bird Style Box (our very own curated clothing subscription box) which is full of gorgeous maternity looks to try.

Channel Your Inner Swimsuit Model

It’s not a beach maternity photo shoot without at least one bathing suit pic, so throw on that bikini, tankini, one-piece – whatever you’ve got – and get ready to strut your stuff.

Accessorize With A Coverup

A coverup is a great way to take your swimwear up a notch and can also help add a bit of variety to your swimsuit photos. When they’re as pretty as this one, who needs a maternity dress?

Hunt For The Light

There really is nothing better than a beautiful portrait captured during the golden hour, which is the best time of day to shoot according to many photographers. Head to your location in the last hour before sunset or the first hour after sunrise to get a coveted magic hour shot.

Show Off Your Belly

When people say that pregnancy looks good on you, they’re not kidding. A beach photoshoot is the perfect excuse to show off your gorgeous pregnant belly.

A Maternity Shoot Staple

The only thing more perfect than a beautiful beach backdrop is the quintessential maternity shoot “cradle” pose. It’s a classic for a reason!

Get Down and Dirty

Sand is a natural exfoliant, right? You may need to get a little creative in getting the sand to stick to your belly, but it’s a photo that’ll stand out in any baby book, for sure.

Make a Splash

Take your maternity photography session to the water for a little change of scenery and maybe even an outfit swap. Just watch out for big waves!

Go for a swim

You’re probably sweating anyway, might as well go for a swim! Keep your clothes on for a photo that’ll definitely get people talking (but save this part of the photoshoot till the end!)

Underwater Baby Bump

If you’re taking a dip anyway, grab a waterproof camera to snap a mermaid’s-eye view of your bump. This is such a fun and unique idea for a maternity photo; I wish I had a time machine so I could get one for myself.

Capture the Moment

I love the idea of swapping out traditional “Baby is the size of this or that fruit” comparisons with some beach-themed critters and plants. It also gives you a great reason to visit the beach on a weekly basis!

Share Some News

Got a fun announcement to make? Let the beach be your backdrop!

A Photo You’ll Fall For

Don’t go chasing waterfalls – except in the case of your maternity photoshoot, where I definitely, definitely recommend finding one for a majestic picture like this.

Gettin’ Lacy

There are tons of beautiful patterns and styles of lace out there – find a gorgeous coverup, dress or top for an easy way to dial up the wow factor of your photoshoot.

Beachwear with a Twist

There’s something fun and unexpected about seeing a big floofy skirt worn on the beach. Add in a pregnant belly, and we’ve got what I call perfection.

Perfect Your Pose

Study those SI Swimsuit models for inspo on the perfect pose, or just do your thang. Your photographer is a pro at finding the best angles for a stunning photo, so let them do the rest.

Snap a Silhouette

Silhouette pictures are such a visually interesting way to photograph the beauty of pregnancy, and the ocean in the background makes the photo even more breathtaking.

Get Flirty

A little laughter and a kiss or two goes a long way in capturing a sweet moment and the perfect couple’s photo.

Bring the Whole Family

Maternity photos are the perfect excuse to book a family session to capture the days before your crew welcomed a new member (or more than one!) It’s always special and sentimental to look at how your family has grown over the years, so be sure to book family photos after your pregnancy, too.

Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends

There’s a good chance your pup would never forgive you if they found out you didn’t bring them along for a day at the beach, and they do make a pretty sweet addition to a classic maternity photo, so this one is pretty much a must.

Make it a Beach Day

Candid photos often make some of the best, so bring a towel, a great book and your favorite beach attire and let your photographer get snappin’ while you try a few different poses to kick back and relax.

Sunrise or Sunset Glow

There’s no need for any filters when your maternity beach photoshoot takes place during the most magical time of day.

Just Add Flowers

They look good, they smell good, why not? Crowns made of flowers and foliage represent love, fertility, and celebration throughout history and around the world. They really are the perfect fit for a stunning maternity portrait.

Surf’s Up

In case your baby ever grows up to be a kid who needs a reminder of how cool their parents were (and still are), a photo like this can serve as everlasting proof.

A “Reely” Great Alternative

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to live close to the beach, lakeside photos of your favorite hobby are a great alternative.

Pack a Picnic

Because you’ll probably need a snack (or two) anyway, picnic photos can add a fun and candid feel to your photoshoot.

Take A Stroll In The Surf

If going for long walks on the beach was what led to this whole pregnancy thing in the first place, you might as well give it the tribute it deserves with a photo *wink*.

Give Your Belly All The Glory

A close up of your belly anywhere is beautiful; in the water, it’s *chef’s kiss*.

Go With the Flow(y) Fabric

There aren’t a ton of times in life when you get to really get gussied up, so if getting a little fancy is your thing, a flowy gown can make for some really eye-catching maternity photos.

Write a Message in the Sand

Share a sweet message or your baby’s name as part of your shoot. This could make a super cute birth announcement or front page in a photo album.

Play with the Theme

Get a little artsy with your maternity photos by collecting some special items from the beach to feature in a creative way. If you’re able to bring a few souvenirs with you after the shoot, they’ll look pretty spectacular alongside your favorite framed pictures from the day.

Your Favorite Maternity Shoot Ideas?

If you’ve been looking for a fresh and fun twist on traditional pregnancy photography, I think you’ll agree that a beach setting makes a pretty fantastic backdrop for your pictures. Whether you want to be one with the water or would rather keep your toes in the sand, there are a ton of poses, outfits and props that can make your beach maternity pictures truly unique to you and your family. Oh – and if the cost of hiring a photographer is a factor that’s got you on the photoshoot fence, grab a tripod or hand your partner a camera phone – you’ll be glad you took time to capture the moment after it’s gone.

You might also like: Where to Find the Best Maternity Swimwear

Whether you scored some hand me down treasures, hit the jackpot at a garage sale, or just had a chewed goldfish cracker incident, you may be wondering how to clean a board book. I know you’re not about to load your story collection in the top rack of the dishwasher with the plastic toys, but board books can definitely be cleaned and disinfected by hand without risking any wrecked pages.

What Are Board Books?

Board books are pretty much exactly what they sound like – books with cardboard pages. These heavy-duty books stand up better to the destructive nature of babies and toddlers who tend to have a preference for ripping and eating paper pages over gently thumbing through them. Board books are perfect for baby paws because they’re usually small in size and have rounded page edges, lest your little get any big ideas about poking themselves in the eye with their storybook (and you know they will).

If you’ve got a favorite children’s book that you’d love to share with your baby but worry they’re not old enough for the real deal, take a peek around. Many board book adaptations of popular books can be found floating around in bookstores and online; these books are often condensed versions of the originals.

How To Clean Board Books

As it turns out, there’s more than one way to clean a board book. It just depends on exactly what kind of cleaning you need to do.  

How To Clean Scribbles And Mystery Gunk

It’s just a matter of time before your sweet little angel takes a pencil crayon, unsupervised sticker set or jam-covered hands to the pages of their board book. You may not get the book back to its former glory, but there are a few things you can try.

Removing Sticky Messes

For sticky stuff on your book covers or pages, a slightly damp cloth with a little bit of dish detergent may be a good place to start. Just make sure you dry everything with a cloth or paper towel, or air dry with the pages spread apart when you’re done. Having a fan nearby can speed up the process. If you skip this step, you’re likely to find the pages stuck together the next time you go to read your book.

Getting Rid of Sticker Residue

If your kiddo decides to repurpose their board book into a sticker album, you can try peeling them off and removing leftover residue with a rubber eraser. If the adhesive is a stubborn mf’er, try heating the leftover glue and paper with a hair dryer and gently scraping it off with the flat edge of a knife.

Removing Gum

If the sticky mess was left by chewing gum, popping the book in the freezer for a bit before scraping off the leftovers is recommended.

Eliminating Artwork

Erasers can also remove unwanted pencil marks but don’t scrub too hard or there’s a chance you could discolor your book’s pages. Unfortunately, if your kiddo has marked up their book’s pages with ink, you’re gonna have to learn to love their creative additions. I’d skip the Magic Eraser as it’ll probably remove the finish and ruin the colors in your book.

How To Eliminate Viruses, Bacteria and Mystery Illness (Fingers Crossed)

Before you reach for the nearest bottle of cleaner, it’s important to recognize that some products out there are intended for cleaning, while others are meant to disinfect (and yep, there is a difference). According to the CDC, while disinfectants kill germs like viruses and bacteria on contact, cleaners physically remove dirt and some germs, but don’t actually kill them. Here are a few popular ways to go to war against any nastiness that may be festering on your kid’s book collection.

Bleach and Ammonium

(Disinfects)
Clorox or Lysol wipes are one option for giving board books a quick wipe to disinfect them. If you’d rather save some dough and mix your own bleach solution, open a window and throw on some gloves and clothes you don’t have an attachment to. Start with 2 cups of cold water in a bucket and add 2 teaspoons of bleach (do it in this order to limit splash back from the bleach). Pour your mixture into a spray bottle and sponge the bleach solution onto your books. Make sure the sponge is damp, but not wet. Then wipe with a damp (water only) cloth and wipe dry or let air dry. It’s important to remember that after 24 hours, bleach and water solutions lose their disinfectant properties, so only make as much as you need and use a fresh batch every time.

Rubbing Alcohol

(Disinfects)
Rubbing alcohol is another option for getting your board books clean again. Squirt a little on a cotton ball or paper towel and rub gently. Books with glossy surfaces are safe to clean with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which does a way better job of eliminating any virus or bacteria lingering on surfaces than 90% isopropyl rubbing alcohol does (I had no idea until now.)

Chemical Alternatives

(Disinfects)
If you’re feeling hesitant to hand over books you’ve wiped down with traditional cleaning products to your baby, there are also products out there that don’t contain harsh chemicals such these sanitizing alcohol wipes and multi-surface cleaner from The Honest Company.

Vinegar

(Cleans but doesn’t disinfect)
If you want to use vinegar to clean your board books, it’s important to recognize that it acts as a cleaner but not a disinfectant. Vinegar does have the ability to kill some pathogens like E.Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, so if you’re just worried about grime and foodborne illness, spray away with a vinegar/water solution that’s equal parts of both ingredients.

Help! My Kid’s Book Got Wet And Now It’s Growing Mold!

Sometimes board books get wet and don’t dry properly, making them a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. If the book has sentimental value, use 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe it down and then allow it to dry. If the book can be replaced because it’s not a first edition from your grandma’s pile of antique books, I’d probably just toss it, knowing that there’s a good chance your baby will use it as a chew toy at some point.

Can Board Books Be Recycled?

Wondering what to do with old books that you can’t donate or pass along to another family because they’re in rough shape? Although paperback and regular hardcover books (with the covers removed) can usually be tossed into the mixed paper bin, board books sometimes aren’t recyclable because of their hard, coated cardboard. It’s best to check with your city’s recycling program to find out what they’ll accept.

Alternatives To Board Books

There are a couple of book alternatives you may want to check out if cleaning board books seems like too much of a pain in the butt to deal with. Cloth books are soft, easy for babies to hold and snuggle with, and can be thrown in the washing machine to eliminate stains and germs.

Indestructibles are printed on a 100% nontoxic, paperlike material that falls into the category of rare books that are totally chew, rip and drool-proof and can also be washed with water and soap. They can even go in the tub! These books have fun illustrations and very few words to encourage natural conversations and observations between parents and their kiddos.

Do you have any recommendations for cleaning board books?

Do you want to share some of your favorites? I’d love to hear all of your thoughts in the comments!

You might also like: Best Books for Babies (Including Some Hidden Gems)