Toys for cribs are a terrific way to calm and assist the baby to sleep better as they grow older. Crib toys that aid in baby sleep are becoming increasingly popular among parents.
According to studies, you should keep blankets, stuffed animals, and other soft objects away from where an infant sleeps until they are a year old. These materials can cause strangulation, suffocation, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Most first-time parents worry about allowing their children to sleep with stuffed toys in their cribs at any age! Allowing a baby to sleep with their stuffed toy at their side could be a dangerous option.
Keeping your baby’s crib clutter-free, such as stuffed toys, is the safest option.
The child’s risk of dying from SIDS drops drastically after his first birthday. Because most 1-year-olds can sit up, roll over, and move objects away from their faces, the risk of suffocation is reduced.
Why is it not acceptable before the age of one year?
After one year, it’s fine for your baby to bring a particular blanket or toy to bed for comfort. However, it is still best to keep the child’s cot fairly empty, so don’t give the child a pillow until they move from the crib to a bed.
To prevent death by suffocation and SIDS, you should not permit children to sleep with anything other than their minimal needs (cotton blanket) until they are one year old. SIDS claims the lives of thousands of babies every year.
Many more die from suffocation as a result of getting tangled in blankets, changing positions to a position where they can’t move, and burying their faces in blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. To ensure that you keep stuffed toys safe, it is best to avoid them at this time.
What kinds of stuffed animals/toys are acceptable?
Babies can sleep with stuffed toys after their first birthday (1 year). But, aside from those linked to sleep-related newborn mortality, what kinds of stuffed toys pose likely hazards or shouldn’t be allowed in the crib?
Go for natural materials whenever possible.
Choose fabrics and materials created from sustainable and organic hemp, wool, cotton, and bamboo instead of chemicals. You can also find safer options that also help the environment.
Look for well-made toys.
Check to see how it’s created and what it’s made of before bringing that stuffed toy home from the shop. Low-cost toys can tear and spill stuffing all over the place, posing a choking hazard in addition to making a mess.
Avoid phthalates.
Phthalates are chemicals used in everything from detergents to raincoats. This is to help make plastic more bendable and textiles softer. They can, however, be hazardous, particularly to young kids.
To be clear, research has yet to discover a relationship between phthalates and human health. Still, it’s possible that it’s preferable to play things safe.
Stay away from vinyl and PVC.
Some stuffed toy parts, such as eyes, might feature these materials. On the other hand, PVC can contain toxins such as heavy metals, lead, and chlorine.
Look for Natural colors and dyes.
Colors and plant-based dyes are also being used by a lot of manufacturers. These are usually non-toxic choices.
Toys should be hypoallergenic and nontoxic on both the inside and outside.
Safely Tips on the use of stuffed toys.
- Consider the child’s age, abilities, and interests when purchasing toys.
- Look for safety warnings and age ranges on toy or box labels.
- When choosing toys for kids under the age of 3, be extremely cautious. Choose those that have no small, easy-to-break bits and are non-toxic. They should not have sharp points or edges, and are lightweight.
- Read the directions for assembly and use. Have the product material nearby in case you have any problems later on, and fill out the warranty cards.
- Before giving a toy to an infant or small child, remove and throw all the packing away.
- Take into account the house environment in which a baby will be playing with a toy, as well as any other kids who might be there. In the hands of a smaller child, a toy meant for an older kid might be harmful.
- Remember to provide toys together with appropriate supervision. When kids are playing, keep an eye on them and set a good example of safe play.
- Always remind caregivers, particularly grandparents, of the dangers of play.
- Never leave toys in the stairwell. You should store toys in a secure location.
- Inspect toys for safety at least once every 3 months. Dispose of any damaged toys, or make any necessary repairs right away.
Toy purchasing pointers:
- Take a look at the label
- Stay away from toys that shoot objects into the air
- Protect your little one’s hearing by avoiding loud toys
- Get high-quality stuffed toys
- Purchase durable plastic toys.
- Stay away from toys with toxic ingredients.
Baby safety: When is it okay?
When it comes to their kids sleeping with stuffed toys, one of the most common questions parents have is when it is safe to allow their little one to sleep with a stuffed toy. At what age should you let your baby sleep with their favorite toy?
A pediatrician’s usual response is one year to ensure your child’s safety.
- When your child reaches the age of one, the risk of SIDS passes.
- Your little one is able to roll over and move objects out of the way.
Conclusion
It’s simple to choose the best-stuffed toy for your child. You only have to think about a few simple things. For babies, small and lightweight stuffed toys will be ideal. If the toy falls, your little one will be able to move away from it effortlessly.
Similarly, no sharp materials should be in infant toys. The finest ones come with soft materials like fabrics. Examining the packaging is the simplest way to determine whether or not the toy you’ve picked is appropriate. Soft toys should have a label with a recommended age range.
Choosing a toy for your baby within the specified age range can keep the little one safe with the new stuffed toys. At the end of the day, choose what best suits your circumstances.
Keep an eye on your baby’s sleeping area and playthings. This is to ensure maximum safety and minimize unnecessary hazards.