Dangerous Products for Newborns and Alternatives Pediatricians Recommend

The Doctor Recommended Product Series

Are you a new parent worried you may buy a product that puts your child in danger? Then this is a good article for you!  We looked through the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), and The European Society for the Care of Newborn Infants (ESCNI) to find which sleeping aids may seem helpful but are actually harmful to your child. We then looked at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to show you recently recalled examples of products warned against by the above Pediatric associations. And finally, when you're convinced all products on the market are secretly death traps for your newborn, we compiled and compared Pediatrician recommended product alternatives so you and your baby can sleep soundly… and safely.

Number 1: Inclined Sleepers

RECALLED: Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers

Number one on our list is inclined sleepers - recommended against by the AAP and CPS, inclined sleepers can cause babies to inadvertently roll over and become trapped in an unsafe position. An example of an inclined sleeper no longer on the market is the Fisher-Price Rck ‘n Play Sleeper which was linked to 8 infant deaths and recalled in the United States in January 9, 2023. Additionally the Jool Baby Nova Baby Infant Swing was recalled in March of 2024 and Honey Joy Infant Swing was recalled in September of 2023 for having an incline angle greater than 10 degrees in violation of the CPSC’s Infant Sleep Products Regulation and the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021.

Number 2: Crib Bumpers

RECALLED: Henan Ouchang Trading and Xinxiang Junshun Trading on AliExpress and Recalled by AliExpress

Number two on our list of dangerous products for infant sleeping is crib bumpers.  Though intended to protect infants from injury, these products have been shown to increase the risk of entrapment keeping infants in an unsafe position which inhibits their breathing.  These risks have led to the legislative action banning their sale under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 but as seen on the Consumer Product Safety Administration’s website, crib bumpers were still being pulled off the market as recent as 5/30/2024.

Number 3: Sleep Positioners

RECALLED: Grão de Gente Baby Nests

Number three on our list of products not to buy to help your infant sleep are sleep positioners.  Also known as nests or anti-roll products, infants can roll onto their stomachs in this pillow which increases the chance of suffocation.  While these nests claim to reduce the chance of flattening the back of your baby’s head, all three Pediatric Associations agree the risk is not worth the reward

Number 4 and Number 5: Weighted Blankets and Weighted Sleep Sacks

Number four and five on our list are weighted blankets and weighted sleep sacks.  Again these products, while meant to calm infants at bedtime unfortunately can potentially limit infant mobility which puts infant’s safety at risk according to the AAP.  While there is no definition on what constitutes a weighted vs unweighted sleep sack or swaddle by the AAP or CPSC, these products typically contain sewn-in beads or weights that apply pressure on a baby's body.  Two products that use this technology are Nested Bean (https://www.nestedbean.com/pages/zen-sleepwear ) and Dreamland Baby (https://dreamlandbabyco.com/collections/sleep-sacks-swaddles-and-blankets ).  Again neither of these companies have had official recalls of their products and maintain the safety of their swaddles and sacs.

So now that we've covered the dangerous products, how can we protect our newborns?

Recommendations from AAP, CPS, and ESCNI:

While the three associations above generally agreed with each other on the safest sleeping practices, these four points were specifically addressed in each of their guidelines:

• Placing your baby on their back on a firm, non-inclined, flat sleeping surface with a tightly fitted sheet without toys, pillows, comforters, or loose bedding until at least 12 months of age.  
  

• Avoiding places where people smoke.
  

• Ensuring the temperature of the room does not get too high in the room your infant is sleeping in.
  

• And offering a pacifier to your infant if breastfeeding is going well but do not attach the pacifier to their clothing.

Now that we’ve made you never want to close your eyes again because you’re convinced every product out on the market is trying to kill your baby - we at The Doctor Recommended compiled and compared the Pediatrician recommended products in 2024 and found 7 articles written by or medically reviewed by a Board Certified Pediatrician to give you safe products you can purchase with peace of mind.

Cribs:

While multiple cribs met the safety standards parents can trust, the two articles written or medically reviewed by Pediatricians in 2024 both chose the Delta 4-in-1 Convertible Crib as a top pick. Pediatricians approved of the three adjustable mattress heights and easy conversion to a toddler bed making it an option that can last for years to come (https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursery/best-cribs/#best-overall-baby-crib).

Bassinets

Of the three articles written or reviewed by a Pediatrician, four bassinets stood out for the doctor reviewers.

The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 showed up in multiple articles, praised by doctors for its compact design, ability to swivel 360 degrees, and mesh breathable sides that can be lowered without having to get out of bed. The bed is also detachable and can be used in any room of the house making it a safe option for when your newborn falls asleep outside of the bedroom (https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursery/best-baby-bassinets).

Chicco LullaGo Nest Portable Bassinet was also recommended by multiple Pediatricians for its safety, portability (weighing only 12lbs) and price! The Bassinet comes with a fitted sheet reducing the chance of purchasing loose bedding and the mesh sides again allow breathability for your newborn (https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-bassinets).

BabyBjörn Baby Cradle was recognized by multiple Pediatricians for its gentle swaying motion that allows you to gently sooth your baby while again having breathable mesh sides for added safety. At just 13lbs this bassinet is easily movable and its washable mesh fabric is great for babies with reflux (https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursery/best-baby-bassinets#best-rocking-baby-bassinet).

Finally Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet was again recommended by multiple Pediatricians for its mesh siding, stable design, and most of all its soothing rocking technology that can be very helpful to certain babies. Although it is the most expensive and heaviest bassinet on the list, the Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet has attachable Sleep Sacks that ensure your baby stays in a supine position despite its rocking motion (https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/nursery-furniture/best-bassinet).

Sleep Sacks

And finally of the two articles written or reviewed by a Pediatrician, three sleep sacks were endorsed as safe and effective for your newborn's health.

Burt's Bees Baby Unisex-Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket was noted to be made from breethable, organic cotton with extra leg room for your newborn to move there legs without fabric bunching up and leading to harm. One downside noted, however, was the one way zipper. Other brands with two way zippers may make night time diaper changes slightly easier (https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/sleep/best-sleep-sacks/#best-organic-sleep-sack).

Halo SleepSack Swaddle also made the list with multiple Pediatrician endorsements due to its ease of use, two way zipper, and ability to swaddle arms in or out. Only downside noted was the loud velcro but otherwise a top pick for safety with its breathable fabric (https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/activity-soothing/best-swaddle-and-sleep-sack).

And finally the sleep sack recommended by multiple Pediatricians is Woolino 4-Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Bag Sack. Pediatricians liked Woolino's use of wool for temperature regulation, durability, and easy size adjustments. However, the laundry requirements are slightly stricter for this sleep sack compared to other brands on this list (https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/activity-soothing/best-swaddle-and-sleep-sack).

Conclusion

So there you have the top five dangerous products for infants at bedtime, the safe sleep recommendations from three well respected Pediatric associations from around the world, and finally products endorsed by multiple Pediatricians in 2024 for your newborn's safety. We hope you found this article helpful and gives you the peace of mind when it comes to the best products for your child's safety.

Sources

1. https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article/doi/10.1542/peo_document088/79989/Safe-Sleep-and-Your-Baby-How-Parents-Can-Reduce?autologincheck=redirected. Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation Pediatric Patient Education (2022). 6/29/2022. American Academy of Pediatrics.

2. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/safe_sleep_for_babies. Safe Sleep for Babies. 10/2021. Canadian Pediatrics Society.

3. https://www.efcni.org/health-topics/going-home/safe-sleep/. Safe Sleep. European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants.

4. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Fisher-Price-Reannounces-Recall-of-4-7-Million-Rock-n-Play-Sleepers-At-Least-Eight-Deaths-Occurred-After-Recall. Fisher-Price Reannounces Recall of 4.7 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers; At Least Eight Deaths Occurred After Recall. January 09, 2023.

5. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Jool-Baby-Recalls-Nova-Baby-Infant-Swings-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulations. Jool Baby Recalls Nova Baby Infant Swings Due to Suffocation Hazard; Violation of the Federal Safety Regulations. March 07, 2024.

6. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/HONEY-JOY-Recalls-Infant-Swings-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Safety-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com. HONEY JOY Recalls Infant Swings Due to Suffocation Hazard and Violation of Federal Safety Standards; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com. September 21, 2023.

7. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Crib-Bumpers-Recalled-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Crib-Bumper-Ban-Sold-by-Henan-Ouchang-Trading-and-Xinxiang-Junshun-Trading-on-AliExpress-and-Recalled-by-AliExpress, Crib Bumpers Recalled Due to Suffocation Hazard; Violation of Federal Crib Bumper Ban; Sold by Henan Ouchang Trading and Xinxiang Junshun Trading on AliExpress and Recalled by AliExpress. May 30, 2024.

8. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Zazaba-International-Recalls-Grao-de-Gente-Crib-Bumpers-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Crib-Bumper-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Zazaba-com. Zazaba International Recalls Grão de Gente Crib Bumpers Due to Suffocation Hazard; Violation of Federal Crib Bumper Ban; Sold Exclusively on Zazaba.com. April 04, 2024.

9. https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursery/best-cribs/ What To Expect. Written by Kathleen Felton. Medically Reviewed by Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P. 6/6/2024.

10. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-cribs BabyList By Jen LaBracio | Medically Reviewed by Brittany DiBardino DO. Updated 4/5/2024.

11. https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursery/best-baby-bassinets What To Expect. Written by Brigitt Earley, Medically Reviewed by Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P. 1/12/2024.

12. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-bassinets Babylist. Written by Jen LaBracio | Medically Reviewed by Brittany DiBardino DO. 4/5/2024.

13. https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/nursery-furniture/best-bassinet Written by Juliet Spurrier, MD. 4/16/2024.

14. https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/sleep/best-sleep-sacks/ Written by Kathleen Felton. Medically Reviewed by Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P. 2/9/2024.

15. https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/activity-soothing/best-swaddle-and-sleep-sack Written By Juliet Spurrier, MD. 4/17/2024.
    

Disclaimer:

Links in the article are affiliate links and the authors of this article as well as the authors of the articles and videos sited may receive compensation from the products featured. This article is not personalized healthcare. You should always speak with your healthcare provider to ensure any products you purchase are right for you.