Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience. However, it can also be overwhelming and often harrowing. After all, there are so many decisions you have to make, including choosing the right products for your child.
This can be especially challenging given that there’s a sea of baby products that you have to navigate to find the best one for your child. At the same time, you also have to ensure that the products you choose are child safe.
Thus, before you decide to use a baby product for your child, there are a few essential details you must ensure. Keep reading to understand these details and why it’s important to know about them.
#1 Is the Product Safe
The safety of your child should be your top priority when choosing a baby product. Check if it’s badly made or has harmful chemical ingredients in it.
You can also check for safety certifications such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines.
Alongside all this, you should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the product according to its intended purpose. Using a product incorrectly can be dangerous for your child. The last thing you’d want is to use a product in the wrong way and end up harming your kid.
#2 Is the Product Facing Any Legal Action
In many cases, a product, although called safe by its manufacturers, is really unsafe, and this fact only comes to light when a lawsuit is filed against the manufacturer.
Before the Johnson And Johnson talcum powder lawsuit, people had little to no idea that Johnson and Johnson’s talc products, which include their baby powder, were unsafe. It was only after the lawsuits were filed and court records were brought to light that people got to know that these talc products could lead to ovarian cancer.
One of the law firms working with the victims of the J&J talcum powder lawsuit, TorHoerman Law, says that back in 2020, J&J paid a settlement worth nearly $100 million for around a thousand talcum powder lawsuits. However, the battle against this company is still ongoing, which is why victims are teaming up with these law firms to take on J&J.
Knowing that J&J is facing legal action, you won’t buy baby products from them for a while, at least not their talc powder. Thus, it helps to know if the product or brand in question is facing any legal action and why.
#3 Is the Product Age Appropriate
Baby products are designed for different age groups, and it is essential to use products that are age-appropriate for your child.
Using a product that is not intended for your child’s age group can be dangerous. For example, using a baby formula intended for a one-year-old on a six-month-old can cause stomach and other health problems. Therefore, the age appropriateness of the product must be checked before use.
#4 Is the Product of a High Quality
The quality of a baby product is crucial. You want to choose products that are durable and will last for a long time. If it’s a food or medical item, the quality also needs to be determined based on the brand’s reputation and reviews from other parents.
Look for products that are well-made and have passed all the necessary quality checks. For medical or food items, you can consult a children’s doctor or childcare specialist and ask their opinion regarding the product.
#5 Does the Product Ensure Comfort for Your Child
Babies are sensitive, and you want to ensure that they are comfortable while using a product. For instance, if you’re getting a car seat for the baby, it should be comfortable, with enough padding and head support to protect your child’s head and neck in the event of an accident.
#6 Is the Product’s Functionality Guaranteed
Before purchasing a baby product, consider its functionality. You want to choose products that are easy to use and make your life as a parent easier. Thus, if the baby product you choose doesn’t serve the purpose you bought it for, there’s no point in having it.
Also, talk to other parents who have used the product before. Listening to their personal experience with the product will help you decide whether or not you actually want to buy that product.
As a parent, your child’s well-being is your first priority. Therefore, before you buy or use any baby product on them, make these checks and confirm that they are safe, good to use, and can serve the purpose they’ve been made for.
