8 Baby Safety Myths Busted by Pediatricians

When it comes to keeping baby safe, all the dos and don’ts can be overwhelming. Between viral TikToks, parenting books and advice from family and friends, it can be hard to weed out what you really need to worry about. To help you discern fact from fiction and sleep a little easier, we’ve consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on baby safety and recruited help from accredited pediatricians to bust some of the most popular baby safety myths.

Myth 1: Crib bumpers protect baby

While it may seem intuitive to put something soft between baby and the side of a hard wooden crib, there is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injury. In fact, they have been documented to present life-threatening dangers. In May 2022, the AAP and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) successfully pushed for the Safe Sleep for Babies Act to be signed into law, effectively banning the sale of crib bumpers due to a risk of suffocation, strangulation and entrapment.

Fact 1: Crib bumpers present suffocation and strangulation hazards to infants and are now banned by the Safe Sleep for Babies Act.

Myth 2: Amber teething necklaces can relieve teething pain

Amber teething necklaces have been popularized on social media by parents who believe they can soothe tough teething pains. Supporters claim the necklaces contain succinic acid that helps release anti-inflammatory properties, but according to S. Amna Husain, MD, these claims haven’t been proven. “The use of amber teething necklaces is strongly discouraged. In general, they pose a major strangulation risk whether worn during the day or at night,” Husain notes. Instead, try one of these 19 Teething Toys to manage baby’s pain.

Fact 2: Amber Teething Necklaces present a strangulation risk whether worn night or day.

Myth 3: Co-sleeping is the best way to keep an eye on baby

Multiple risks and benefits make co-sleeping a hot-button issue. Some moms swear by it, attesting to the increased bond they feel with baby and, above all, the easier nighttime feedings. But the AAP says sharing a bed boosts the risk of SIDS and suffocation, and should be avoided.

Room sharing, however, is highly encouraged through baby’s first year and helps decrease the risk of SIDS up to 50 percent. Products like the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper bridge the gap between the two, bringing baby right to your bed while still in his or her own protected space.

Fact 3: The AAP says sharing a bed boosts the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Instead, use a bedside bassinet to keep baby close without the risk.

Myth 4: Avoid touching baby’s soft spot at all costs

That soft spot on top of baby’s head is the result of gaps between bones in the skull that haven’t grown together yet, says Vicki Papadeas, MD. There are actually two, but the anterior one on top is the main one people refer to as the soft spot.

Since the area pulses with baby’s heartbeat, we know it looks super-fragile, but it’s actually protected by a strong and sturdy membrane. Does that mean you should head-butt baby anytime soon? Of course not. But touching the area is okay, and actually necessary during bath time—you need to wash it to remove flake buildup, otherwise baby could end up with cradle cap.

Fact 4: Baby’s soft spot is actually protected by a strong membrane. While you should be gentle, it is necessary to wash and remove flake buildup from baby’s soft spot to avoid cradle cap.

Myth 5: Winter coats and blankets provide baby extra padding and safety while in a car seat

While these cozy additions keep baby safe and warm while outside, they can have the opposite effect when worn under car seat straps. According to Jaime Friedman, MD, thick clothing, coats and blankets put too much space between car seat straps and baby. Even if you have tightened the straps to fit baby snugly, the compression of these soft materials in the event of a crash makes it easier for a baby to slip through and potentially be injured.

Fact 5: Thick clothing and blankets leave too much space between baby and car seat straps. In the event of a crash, this makes it easier for baby to slip through and be injured.

Myth 6: Walkers are a safe way to give baby independence

The AAP disagrees with this one so strongly, they actually advocate the ban of baby walker production altogether. In 2012 they pointed to studies that suggest infants who use walkers demonstrate abnormal gaits by the time they can walk on their own. Even scarier, walkers can lead baby into some very dangerous situations. Stairs are to blame in 75 percent of walker incidents, while burns make up 2 to 5 percent of accidents. A better choice to keep baby entertained on their own is a stationary activity center or baby bouncer.

Fact 6: Walkers present several safety hazards and can actually delay when a child starts to walk.

Myth 7: You can give baby cough and cold medicine

With an abundance of little medicine droppers out there, it seems like you should be able to administer a small dosage of children’s cold medicine to baby. But parents should steer clear of over-the-counter cough and cold medicine until children are at least 4 years old, per the AAP. Not only does the FDA note that typically cold medicine just isn’t effective for babies, they’ve also cited dangerous side effects, including convulsions, increased heart rate, decreased levels of consciousness and even death. When baby has a cold, try keeping the air moist with a humidifier, making sure baby’s hydrated and clearing their nose with a bulb syringe.

Fact 7: The AAP says parents should steer clear of cough and cold medicine until baby is at least 4 years old due to dangerous side effects.

Myth 8: Weighted blankets or swaddles can help soothe baby to sleep

The popularity of weighted blankets has exploded over the last few years. People of all ages have jumped on the trend, finding comfort in the feeling of light pressure that has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and soothe you to sleep. But what works for parents isn’t recommended for baby. In the AAP’s 2022 update to its safe sleep guidelines, pediatricians recommend against the presence of weighted blankets or swaddles on or near infants due to the increased risk of suffocation. Across the board, the AAP is adamant that “bare is best” when it comes to baby’s crib.

Fact 8: There is no conclusive evidence that weighted blankets and swaddles can soothe baby to sleep. The AAP recommends against their use due to the risk of suffocation.

Looking for more expert safety advice? Peruse this Baby Proofing Checklist to make sure you have everything covered.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.