Happy Baby Safety Month! Here's How to Shop for Safer Baby Gear

As parents, our top priority is ensuring our little ones are safe, happy, and healthy. With September being Baby Safety Month, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the baby gear and products you use every day. From cribs to car seats and everything in between, the right choices can make all the difference. 

We've teamed up with our friends at Ergobaby, Nanit, BOB Gear and Britax to walk you through essential tips on how to shop for safer baby gear, so you can confidently navigate the aisles and online stores, knowing you're making the best decisions for your baby. 

Registry building, planning your nursery and shopping for cute designs is an exciting time, but we can’t overstate the importance of researching safety first when shopping for baby products. The baby products you choose directly impact your child's health and long-term development. 

Babies are more vulnerable to toxins and accidents due to their developing immune systems and bodies. Harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional baby gear can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially affecting neurological development, hormone regulation and respiratory health. Furthermore, babies spend significant time in gear like cribs, strollers and car seats, so exposure to toxic materials in these products can add up quickly.

In addition to chemical safety, physical safety features – such as sturdy construction, proper padding, and designs that reduce the risk of suffocation or injury – are critical in preventing accidents. Choosing safer gear reduces the chance of harm from poorly made or non-compliant products that may break or fail. 

When parents invest in quality baby gear, you’re not just ensuring comfort, functionality and aesthetics – you’re also promoting a safer environment for your baby to grow and thrive. 

What's on your shopping list? No matter what baby products you're looking for, we've got you covered with these tips.

Safety is paramount when it comes to buying a crib mattress. After all, your baby could spend up to 16 hours asleep in their early days! First and foremost, ensure the mattress is extra firm and fits snugly in the crib to prevent gaps where a baby could become trapped. 

Look for mattresses that avoid harmful chemicals and materials like flame retardants, fiberglass, phthalates, vinyl/PVC and polyurethane foam, as babies are particularly vulnerable to toxins. Certified organic materials, such as GOTS-certified cotton, offer peace of mind. 

Additionally, many parents seek out breathability as an added safety bonus, especially as babies start to roll over – you want a mattress they can breathe through. Waterproofing is also important to prevent mold and bacterial growth from moisture. 

Finally, check for certifications like GOTS, EWG VERIFIED®, MADE SAFE® and GREENGUARD® Gold, which ensure the mattress meets strict health, safety and environmental standards. By prioritizing these crib safety features, parents can create a secure and healthy sleeping space for their little one.

When it comes to carrying your precious cargo, compromise is not an option – so here are some shopping tips from Ergobaby! 

Look for baby carriers that support both your baby’s body and yours with an ergonomic design that allows their back to remain in a natural curved position and their hips in an “M” shape or frog position.  

Babywearing should be comfortable for both you and baby! Position your baby high enough so the top of their head is kissable, and their airways are always visible. Adjust the shoulder straps and waistband so they sit comfortably on your body and make sure all clasps are secured.  

Many carriers will have adjustments for your growing baby or different carry positions. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for age, height and weight requirements so your baby’s body is supported for their stage of development. 

Your baby monitor should give you peace of mind, not keep you up at night worrying. And yet many baby monitors on the market come up short when it comes to safety and security. Here are Nanit’s tips for finding a safer baby monitor. 

A baby monitor should provide you with an unobstructed, top-down, bird’s eye view of Baby in the crib. Many parents will jerry-rig a stand in order to get a similar view, leading to unstable setups that could easily tip over. You should choose a monitor that provides the optimal view while remaining firmly in place behind the crib, ensuring a secure monitoring setup.

Additionally, cords are a known strangulation risk for babies and toddlers. Some baby monitors are designed with an ASTM-certified cord management system that keeps wires under control and stored away from Baby. Otherwise, parents should consider purchasing “cable concealers,” adhesive plastic cable management channels, to fix cables safely to the wall and reduce the risk of strangulation. 

Many parents can’t help but also wonder, “Are WiFi baby monitors safe?” Your camera features and data should be yours to control – you decide who has permission to be on your parenting team, and what they are able to see, when.  Make sure your baby monitor’s servers are protected by top-notch physical and digital security measures and constantly audited for compliance. 

When shopping for a car seat, Britax has all the safety tips you need!

Ensuring the right fit for both your child and your vehicle is essential. The seat should be appropriate for your child’s weight, height and developmental stage, with options that allow them to stay rear facing for as long as possible, as this is the safest position for infants and young children.

Equally important is making sure the car seat fits properly in your vehicle. Check the seat’s dimensions and test how it installs in your car. Some retailers allow you to try fitting the seat before you buy. A car seat that fits securely without moving more than an inch when testing the installation at the belt path will provide the best protection.

Ease of installation is another critical factor. Look for models with user-friendly installation features to help ensure you can install the seat correctly every time. 

By prioritizing fit for both your child and your car, along with ease of installation, you can confidently choose a car seat that maximizes safety and convenience.

According to BOB Gear, a leader in the jogging stroller market, these are the key safety features to look for to help ensure both you and your little one can enjoy safe, smooth runs together.

First, a 5-point harness system is essential for securing your child in place during jogs. Make sure the harness is easy to adjust and keeps your child snug without restricting movement. Additionally, ensure the stroller has large, air-filled tires to provide stability on various terrains, and check that it includes an adjustable handlebar to help you maintain control while running, no matter your height.

A front-wheel lock is another must-have feature, as it helps prevent the stroller from wobbling or tipping during fast-paced activities. Don't forget to look for a wrist strap to help stay connected to the stroller, especially when jogging downhill.

Finally, always check that the stroller offers features like a parking brake to help ensure full control and security during stops. Regularly inspect the stroller for wear and tear to keep it in top condition. And complete the registration card and return it to the manufacturer for important safety updates! 

Prioritizing safer baby gear helps mitigate health risks and gives you confidence that your child is well-protected during crucial stages of development. Special thanks to our friends at BOB Gear, Britax, Ergobaby and Nanit for helping us to help you choose the safest products for your baby – it takes a village!