I was skimming my friend’s baby registry list, chuckling. She’s about to be a first-time mom, while I have four kids between the ages of 5 and 13. Her registry was chock-full of baby safety gear, like toilet locks, temperature gauges, and techy monitoring devices.
Listen, I get it. We are moms who are fiercely protective of our kids. Our number one job is to keep them safe. However, there’s tons of baby safety products on the market that we simply don’t need. I am raising four children— and though I was always aware of their safety, I never went over-the-top with babyproofing.
First, most of these baby safety products are just that — they're for babies
The safety gear only works for so long, because in many cases, kids outgrow the need for them. A walking tot is fascinated with the toilet one minute, and then moves on to the kitchen cabinets the next.
Which brings me to my next point: safety gear is expensive. Companies know there are easily-lured parents out there, so they can jack up the prices on their gear knowing they’ll have willing customers.
These companies all push the same message:
Parents, you can’t put a price on safety, (they tout). However, your budget may believe otherwise. I implore you to save your dollars for the essentials, like diapers, formula, and pediatric medical appointments.
Likewise, keep in mind that just because a baby safety item is expensive, it doesn’t make it necessary or effective. A lot of baby safety products bank on the fact that you are a new and anxious parent, so common sense flies out the door in lieu of desperation and assurance.
I’m not advocating for parents to throw all caution to the wind
Child safety is important. But purchase wisely. Instead of racking up a hefty credit card bill on an elaborate video monitor for your baby’s nursery and locks for every single cabinet, focus on buying a quality car seat, for example. It’s very likely your baby will spend a lot of time in the car. Then make sure the seat in properly installed and know how to safely buckle your child.
Also, research that your baby’s crib, bouncy seat, and any other gear you already have are up-to-date with current safety guidelines. Do a search for any baby gear recalls. Ask experienced moms what you absolutely must have and which products are a waste of money. Parents, do your research.
Ultimately, there’s no safety gear that can substitute for supervising your child and following current guidelines. You can have all the devices in the world, but putting your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, in a safe sleeping situation, with no pillows and blankets is the winning combo.
Also, ditch the old-school parenting advice
If your toddler prefers to walk around your house barefoot in the winter, they’re not going to “catch a cold” by doing so. Did you know that research shows that barefoot is best for little ones who are learning to or are practicing their walking? Is your mind blown yet?
Again, dig deeper into the “why” behind the baby safety advice you get and the gadgets you’re pushed to purchase. You are your baby’s parent — and you will figure out what’s best for your child and your family situation. Don’t get caught up on trending safety products or unsolicited (and often inaccurate) directions. You and your child will be just fine.
