Photo: ANNA GRANT/Shutterstock
Whether it’s a teddy bear or a fluffy dinosaur, stuffed animals aren’t the safe bet for cribs, especially when placed near a sleeping baby.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) explains that A stuffed animal falls into the category of dangerous items that new parents and caregivers should never place near a sleeping baby in a crib or stroller.
And as harmless as they may seem to you, other items in this category include pillow-shaped toys, blankets, comforters, crib bumpers, and other bedding. This is because these items may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and death by suffocation or strangulation.
There are experts say that a baby You should never sleep with soft objects for the first 12 months of life. This also includes pillows that should not be given to a child until they are sleeping in a bed.
SIDS risk decreases significantly after 12 monthsat which point parents may want to add a special toy or comforting blanket to the crib.
There is much that parents can do to ensure the ownership of babies
For example, parents can put their baby in an empty crib without covers, pillows, bumper pads, or positioning devices. In addition, the recommendations ensure that the baby, both day and night, should be placed on her back when she sleeps.
Photo: Impremedia
Cribs are safe Most cribs are safe, but you should use a firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
You should keep in mind that you should not leave, including stuffed animals, in your baby’s crib. Also, do not cover the baby’s face or head while he is sleeping. Do not overdress your baby or keep the room warm as heat stroke can be very dangerous.
How to choose a good stuffed animal
Stuffed toys are like full bedding, so they can harbor dust mites and other allergens. They may even contain dyes that could irritate your child’s sensitivity.
Manufacturers make many claims about their products. But Only asthma and allergy certified toys are scientifically proven to reduce your exposure to allergens and irritants. The certification process tests stuffed toys to strict standards to ensure they do not have properties that could trigger your child’s symptoms.
The stuffed animal must:
- Be easy to clean to remove allergen buildup.
- Resists wear from recommended cleaning techniques.
- Keep the color and do not bleed from rubbing or saliva.
- Contains no chemicals known to trigger asthma and allergy symptoms or irritant responses.
Keep reading:
• Protect your skin against “Daisy burn”: what it is and how to treat it
• Using psychedelics for depression is allowed in Australia: what you need to know
• What is “water fasting” and how it influences weight loss