As consumers, parents hear everyday of products have been recalled. But what about the products on the shelf that haven't been declared unsafe to sell? Many of these products are just as dangerous as those that have been recalled. When shopping, avoid these five products. Each of them are dangerous for babies or toddlers.

Walker

A walker is a common purchase for busy parents. It seems like a great idea. A baby can move around and explore with little assistance. Unfortunately, this product is a lot more dangerous than it seems. Three out of four infants injured in a walker do so falling down stairs. Many of these injuries are to the head and some infants die from the fall. It only takes a second for a child to disappear from site and fall down steps. Even a fall of one step can serious injure a child.

The use of a walker does not help a child walk any earlier. In fact, studies have shown a delay in motor and mental development in infants who use walkers. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to call for a ban on all walkers in this country.

Plug Covers

When baby proofing a home, plug covers are a common purchase. They are a simple item to install; simply place the plastic piece in an outlet to prevent electrical shock. Due to the ease of use, parents often miss that this item is a choking hazard. Any item small enough to fit through a toilet paper tube is dangerous to infants. The danger is not when using a plug cover in an outlet, but removing it to plug in a vacuum or other electrical item. Instead of plug covers, replace standard outlets with those that slide closed.

Wipe Warmer

Never place these dangerous electrical items in a baby's room. The plastic basin can crack, allowing water access to the electrical circuits. In the last decade, three different companies have recalled this item due to the danger of electrical shock or fire. Use your hands to warm a wipe or use a cloth warmed with water from a faucet.

Bumbo Baby Seat

This is a newer product designed to place an infant in a seated position before he or she is able to do so. The seat has no straps for the infant and low sides surrounding the baby. It is easy for the child to arch the back and pop out of the seat. Falling backwards has led to skull fractures. In addition, while designed for the floor, many parents set their children on counters or furniture while in the seat. Allow your child to practice sitting up with an adult's assistance, but do not force he or she to do so until ready.

Sleep positioners

All parents are taught not to let their child sleep on its stomach to reduce the danger of SIDS. Designed to help alleviate this worry, a sleep positioner does not allow a child to roll over during the night. However, the soft foam used in this product is a suffocation hazard. The foam can conform to a baby's face and an infant in not strong enough to move away from the positioner.

A baby is not strong enough to roll to its stomach, making this item unnecessary. When a child is old enough to roll onto the stomach, it greatly reduces the danger of SIDS.

There are hundreds of products made for babies and children that are perfectly safe. Avoid the above five products and choose a different gift for your child or for an expectant mother.

Learn more about this author, Cathy Pearl.
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