| We all want to give baby gifts in the form of | | | | because of dust mites and fluffs. If you insist on a |
| supplies and toys that will provide for the safety and | | | | crib gift, ensure that it has a firm mattress, a fitted |
| comfort of the baby and mother. The fact that | | | | mattress pad, and a crib sheet only. |
| these gifts will stimulate the physical and mental | | | | Do not give baby gifts like sleep positioners either. |
| development of the child is an added bonus. | | | | They are as much a suffocation hazard as soft |
| However, we can make mistakes regarding how safe | | | | beddings. Just let the expectant mother know that |
| some toys are. | | | | babies need to sleep without pillows and other sleep |
| What to Buy | | | | supports. |
| Let us start with the qualities that we must look for | | | | Baby bath seats are not safe either. To date, these |
| when purchasing baby gifts. First, the gift must be | | | | have been linked to hundreds of cases of drowning |
| age-appropriate. Toy manufacturers generally put | | | | and injuries. You would be better off giving the |
| warning labels about small parts that can cause | | | | expectant mother a baby bath tub with accessories. |
| choking and other hazards, including the age bracket | | | | Do not purchase for gift purposes diaper changing |
| for the toy; pay attention to them and follow | | | | tables with only three guard rails. Go for four guard |
| accordingly. | | | | rails and test the stability of the table itself. |
| Second, look for durable materials like molded plastic | | | | Do not buy baby gifts made of flimsy plastic, ever. |
| and wood. You might pay more, but the quality will | | | | These can easily bend and break, which can cause |
| be worth it. Third, make sure that the materials used | | | | cuts, injuries, and choking in small children. If you |
| are non-toxic. You can ask other buyers about their | | | | must buy anything made of plastic, be sure that it is |
| experience with the toy, particularly about allergic | | | | high-quality plastic. |
| reactions. Fourth, ensure that the toy stimulates the | | | | Basically, you should use your prior experience with a |
| mind and body at a particular stage of development. | | | | baby product before actually giving it as a gift. Or, if |
| Again, go for age-appropriate toys. | | | | you are not a parent, ask other parents. Referrals |
| What Not to Buy | | | | are always a good way to gauge quality and |
| Not all baby gifts are as safe as they purport to be; | | | | dependability. |
| that is just heavy advertisement. There are baby | | | | Also, actually testing the product's features like |
| accessories that consumer groups have declared | | | | foldability, locking mechanisms, rough edges, and small |
| unsafe and unfit for baby's use. | | | | parts is good practice. Just do not sit on the high |
| Most doctors now recommend that soft beddings, | | | | chair or lie in the crib yourself. |
| stuffed toys, quilts, and pillows be removed from | | | | In the end, you would want to give baby gifts that |
| cribs. They are definitely cute, but can be fatal - they | | | | you would like to receive when it is your turn to be |
| are suffocating and choking hazards. In some | | | | the honoree of a baby shower. |
| instances, they can produce asthma in small children | | | | |