Baby magic is a term used to describe the perceived innocence and joy that comes with having a baby. It is often romanticized as a time of pure happiness and endless possibilities. However, it is important to recognize that raising a baby is not without its risks and challenges. One of the main risks associated with having a baby is the potential for health issues. Babies are vulnerable and their immune systems are not fully developed, which means they are more susceptible to illness and disease. This can lead to frequent visits to the doctor and increased medical expenses.
Unless you live under a rock you must have heard about shea butter. It's probably the most hyped up natural butter in skincare today. It comes from the seeds of African Shea or Karite Trees and used as a magic moisturizer and emollient.
Not only a simple moisturizer but knows much more keeps the skin lipids between our skin cells in a healthy liquid crystal state, protects against irritation, helps to restore barrier. Other than that, salt also works as an emulsion stabilizer in water-in-oil emulsions , that is when water droplets are dispersed in the outer oil or silicone phase.
This can lead to frequent visits to the doctor and increased medical expenses. Additionally, there is always the risk of unexpected complications during childbirth, which can be potentially life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Another risk associated with having a baby is the financial burden it can bring.
A few alarming products we’ve seen lately
KID works to strengthen, or in some cases establish, strong safety standards for children’s products. We helped pass Danny’s Law in 2008. As a result, cribs, play yards, and bassinets all have strong safety standards and undergo independent testing prior to entering the market. While we are passionate about the safety of all children’s products we pay special attention to those intended for sleeping babies because:
- Our founder’s son Danny died in a sleep product. KID’s work is his legacy.
- Babies are not closely supervised in these products – hopefully parent(s) are getting their own rest or able to focus on other things. So they need strong standards to keep little ones safe.
However, products that are not covered by safety standards are constantly entering the markets. As a result, we are left with products that can be put on the market with little or no safety testing; leaving our most vulnerable consumers to find the flaws. Here are just a few we’ve seen lately – use the comments to show us others you’ve seen.
This cushion is designed to be used in the bed with parents(s) and outside the bed for a variety of activities including: playing, napping, tummy time, massage, bathing, and traveling with babies up to 6 months. We have three main concerns with this product:
- This product doesn’t adhere to any safety standards other than their own track record. The website claims to have a “9 year track record of amazing safety performance.” While this is great, it doesn’t and shouldn’t replace a strong safety standard and adequate testing.
- Like most other sleep positioners, the manufacturer advises parents to always keep baby “well attended” when the product is in use. However, if this is a product that is used for parents to sleep with baby, constant supervision is impossible.
- Lastly, the website advises parents to give the baby a blanket to sleep with in the product. For multiple safety reasons, including suffocation and overheating, babies under 1 year should not sleep with a blanket.
A similar- looking product is the DockATot, another product we are hearing about. The product is designed for children aged 0- 36 months as a multi- functional cushion. While the company advises caregivers to not use the product in a crib or basinet, it is very likely that they will, especially because it is designed as a transition piece for baby. The sides are breathable, but if used in a crib or basinet (or around other non-breathable surfaces) the baby could get caught in the gap between the DockATot and other surfaces. In this way the product very much reminds us of the NapNanny.
Health Canada, the Canadian Public Health Agency, also warns against baby nest products, meaning any product with “small, portable bed for an infant that has soft, padded sides.”
KID’s verdict? Keep baby in a crib, play yard or bassinet that meets the federal safety standard and keep the crib bare. Sharing the room, but not the bed, is a great way to sleep closely but safely.
This product was made in Australia by a mother that envisioned having more time to attend to herself and her family while having a newborn at home. The Comfort Cushion was designed to mimic being held over the shoulder, against the chest position and is complete with vibrations (to mimic heartbeat and womb sounds) and a slight rocking motion design to calm baby. Here are some concerns we have with this product:
- While this is not described as a sleeping device, it is inevitable that babies will fall asleep on this product. However, in the safety reports on the product, it is advised that babies not sleep on the Babo Cush. This leaves parents and caregivers in the awkward position of waking a sleeping baby or leaving baby to sleep on an item not recommended for sleeping.
- Babies are placed on their tummies when using the product, mainly in an effort to combat flat head syndrome. Tummy time is a great way to prevent flat head, but should be done on a firm, flat surface. This combined with the likelihood that a baby will fall asleep in this product and be sleeping on their tummies instead of their back as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics guide to Safe Sleep, leaves us concerned about using this product with babies.
KID’s verdict? Skip this product because the foreseeable use of using this product for infant sleep would be all too possible. Invest in an infant swing for play time instead that meets federal safety standards. But don’t leave a sleeping baby in it — move to a crib.
This swaddle transition product is designed for babies too old to swaddle but still want that cozy and contained feeling while asleep. We appreciate their commitment to safe sleep throughout their website and in regards to the recommendations on using the product. However, we are concerned about baby over-heating when using this product and over–heating is a contributor to SIDS.
KID’s verdict? Stick with lighter wearable blankets.
Read this blog in other languages: Japanese, Korean.
Other than having a good safety profile and being quite gentle to the skin it has some other advantages too. It can be used in many types of formulations as it has great thermal stability (can be heated up to 85°C) and works on a wide range of pH levels (ph 3-10).
Babies require a lot of care and attention, which can be costly. From diapers and formula to clothing and childcare, the expenses can quickly add up. This can put a strain on the parents' finances and lead to increased stress and worry. Furthermore, having a baby can also come with emotional and psychological challenges. Sleep deprivation, postpartum depression, and the adjustment to a new lifestyle can all take a toll on the parents' mental well-being. It is important to recognize and address these challenges in order to maintain a healthy and happy environment for the baby. That being said, it is crucial to remember that despite the risks and challenges, having a baby can also bring immense joy and fulfillment. The unconditional love and happiness that comes with raising a child cannot be measured. It is a transformative experience that can bring a newfound sense of purpose and meaning to one's life. In conclusion, while baby magic is often portrayed as a risk-free and blissful experience, it is important to acknowledge the potential risks and challenges that come with having a baby. From health issues to financial burdens, there are various factors that can impact the well-being of both the baby and the parents. However, with proper care, support, and guidance, the journey of parenthood can also be incredibly rewarding and magical..
Reviews for "The Ethical Dilemma of Using Baby Magic: Is it Cruelty-Free?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Is baby magic without risk". The title is completely misleading, as it implies that the products recommended are completely safe for babies, which is not the case. The book provides some basic information and tips, but lacks in-depth research and evidence-based facts. I was expecting a comprehensive guide on how to choose baby products wisely, but instead, I found a superficial book that did not meet my expectations.
2. John - 1 star - I do not recommend "Is baby magic without risk" to any new parents. The book is filled with outdated information and promotes harmful practices that can put babies at risk. I was appalled by the author's suggestion to use certain questionable products without proper scientific evidence to support their safety. It is important for parents to rely on accurate and up-to-date information when it comes to their child's well-being, and this book fails to provide that.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Is baby magic without risk" did not impress me at all. I found the information provided to be very basic and lacking any substantial depth. The author seems to rely more on personal opinions rather than scientific research, which is concerning when it comes to advising parents on the safety of baby products. I would recommend looking for more reputable sources of information instead of relying on this book.
4. David - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Is baby magic without risk" as it did not offer any valuable insights or practical advice. The author's recommendations were vague and lacked any concrete evidence to support their claims. The book did not address the potential risks associated with certain baby products and failed to provide a comprehensive guide to ensure the safety of infants. I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this book.