Easter Gifts That Aren't Good for Baby (and What to Give Instead)
The March of Dimes recommends keeping baby away from sweets because they can cause tooth decay and add unnecessary calories to baby’s diet. With more tots getting root canals and cavities, it’s a good reason to ditch the sweets for now. Plus, chocolate has a little bit of caffeine in it, which can affect your baby or toddler—he or she may have a sugar high or get a little wired from the caffeine.
What to get instead: Fill baby’s Easter eggs with Cheerios or put a jar of pureed carrots in the basket.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned about the flammability of plastic Easter grass in the past, and although many fake grasses are deemed “nonflammable,” what’s the point in having it in a basket anyway? Baby might end up putting it in his or her mouth, presenting a choking hazard.
What to get instead: To fill the basket, why not put a onesie or blanket in the bottom?
Little trinkets and toys can also pose a choking hazard for baby. If the toy is small enough to fit inside a paper towel roll, it’s probably too small to give to baby right now. And you’ll want to stay away from putting tiny goodies inside those little plastic Easter eggs until your child is older.
What to get instead: You can still use an Easter egg, but instead of smaller items, put some socks or hair accessories inside for baby.
Baby’s room is probably already filled with tons of stuffed animals. Is another plush bunny or chick really necessary?
What to get instead: Fill baby’s basket with a new bedtime story or coloring book.
Those marshmallow puffs are a little too sweet for baby. Plus, marshmallows can be a choking hazard because they’re a soft and round food product that can easily get stuck in baby’s throat. Stay away from them and other products like popcorn, nuts, whole grapes and other easily ingestible foods that could get lodged in baby’s throat.
What to get instead: Get baby some crackers or other healthy snacks, like pureed fruit or some yogurt. If you don’t want to give baby food, how about a fun toy like a set of building blocks, a set of stackable cups in pastel colors or a pair of adorable bunny ears (cute photo op alert!)?
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