The Most Dangerous Products for Babies
The products we buy to keep our kids safe may actually pose real threats to them. The Delaware product liability attorneys of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman can help you if your child has been hurt. Call us for a free consultation at one of our offices in Newark, Wilmington or Seaford.
A recent recall issued by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleepers informed parents that the rocking sleepers have been linked to multiple infant fatalities. The product was introduced in 2009 and since then, more than 30 infants have died due to rolling over while being unrestrained, causing suffocation.
Sadly, this is not the only well-known, popular product that poses a real risk to children. We have compiled a list of the most dangerous products for kids so you can make an informed decision prior to making a purchase for your child’s next household item.
Crib bumpers
Crib bumpers are fabric liners that many parents install in their child’s crib. You’d think these products would be safe, especially since they prevent your baby from rolling over and hitting their head on the wooden rails of the crib. However, your baby can easily suffocate if he or she rolls over and gets stuck along the wall of the crib.
Walkers
Walkers might seem like the best invention ever for a baby product because they help babies learn how to balance and walk. Walkers also help parents occupy their children while doing chores, cooking, taking a shower or doing other household activities. But, there have been 21,300 injuries reported every year to babies in walkers because they have fallen down steps or banged into furniture that has fallen over on them.
Bathtub seats
Another baby invention that seems like it would be very convenient, but is instead quite dangerous, is the infant bathtub seat. This seat provides parents with a false sense of security as the baby can easily tip over and wind up with their head underwater. Bathtub seats have been linked to more than 175 infant deaths over the past 16 years.
Bumbo seats
The Bumbo seat became an instant success when it hit the market as millions flew off the shelves of stores all over the country. But, recalls were issued once the CPSC learned that babies were tipping over due to issues with balance, rocking, leaning and arching their backs. The Bumbo is back on the market ever since it added a restraining strap, but babies can still topple over in the seat.
Co-sleepers
For a nursing mother, a bedside sleeper might sound like a god-send. After all, your baby is right there beside you, allowing you to nurse easily and quickly. Co-sleepers, however, have extra fabric padding, increasing the risk of suffocation. They can also fall, causing injury to you child.
We know that you want your baby to stay safe. We also know that accidents happen. Dangerous products, though, can increase the risks of injury or death, even when they are used correctly. If your child sustained a serious injury because of a defective product, Silverman, McDonald & Friedman can help. Please call us at 302-888-2900 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment in Newark, Wilmington, or Seaford today.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.