The Safety Concerns With Free of Charge Baby Stuff
The Safety Concerns With Free of Charge Baby Stuff
Babies grow so fast, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on clothes and equipment that will only be used a few short weeks or months. Every mum wants only the best for her baby, but there is nothing wrong with accepting freebies and hand-me-downs. Those will free up your money to be spent elsewhere. And as every parent knows, there will be plenty of places to spend it, as caring for a baby costs a lot of money.
If you come from a large family with brothers, sisters, and cousins, you probably have a built-in supply of free second hand baby items that you can use for a while and then pass on to the next family member that needs them. Furniture like cribs and changing tables can last for years and even be passed down for generations. Plus, keeping those items in your family makes them all the more meaningful.
While you are sure to appreciate free baby stuff, keep safety in mind too. Older cribs may have been built when safety standards were more lax. These could pose a danger to your baby. In addition, years of wear and tear can take a toll on furniture and make it less sturdy.
Before putting used furniture to use, give it a check up and tighten loose bolts and check it for stability. Look for any sharp points or wood splinters that may have developed over the years. Clean it thoroughly to remove any mould or grime that might have accumulated during prolonged storage.
Choose the products carefully that you use to clean baby equipment so you don't leave behind toxic chemicals that will come in contact with your baby. If you paint the furniture, choose non-toxic paint and allow plenty of time for it to air out before placing it in your baby's room.
Free baby stuff like high chairs and car seats will be very useful to you as well but these also need close inspection to make sure restraining belts are not worn, and that they will still work as intended. Keep in mind that manufacturers of baby equipment are always improving safety standards. High chairs made today are quite different from the ones made a couple of decades ago where babies could slip through the bottom. Any time you accept older equipment look at it closely to figure out its potential dangers so you can be alert for them and prevent accidents.
Used toys should be given a careful eye as well. Of course, you even want to check brand new toys to make sure they are well-constructed and don't pose a safety hazard, but older toys are of special concern. They may have been perfectly safe at one time but wear and tear can weaken them so they come apart and pose a choking risk, or they could pinch or cut tiny fingers.
As a new mum, you will get all kinds of free baby stuff from family members and friends. Your loved ones are well-meaning but the safety of your baby is your responsibility so if a freebie looks worn out or unsafe, go with your instincts, and retire it rather than risking your baby's safety.
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