In this guide, Dr. Janardhan Reddy reviews ten of the most commonly purchased baby products, covering which are genuinely worth buying, what to check for before use, and which ones paediatricians recommend skipping altogether.

Are Baby Strollers Worth Buying?  

Worth Buying.
A stroller is a practical purchase for most families, as long as you choose well. Look for good stability, a secure harness, reliable brakes, and correct positioning for your baby's age and size. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming one stroller works the same way for a newborn as it does for a toddler. 

hunyhuny

Are Baby Carrier Baskets Safe? 

Buy with care. 
A carrier basket is fine to use, but only if positioning is right. Your baby's face should remain visible at all times, and their nose and mouth need to stay completely unobstructed. This isn't a minor detail. Correct positioning is the difference between a safe carrier and one that restricts breathing. If you can't get that positioning consistently, it's not the right product for you. 

Ozi

Are Baby Wraps Safe for Newborns?

Worth Buying.
As per Dr Reddy, this is a good investment, provided the baby is securely supported. Just like carrier baskets, the face should stay visible and the chin should never be pressed against the chest, since this position can compress the airway. 

All Things Baby

Are Baby Walkers Safe? Why Paediatricians Recommend Against Them

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Dr Janardhan Reddy says you don't need a baby walker. Walkers do not teach babies to walk faster. In fact, they can delay natural gait development. This isn't just one paediatrician's opinion. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been calling for a ban on baby walkers since 2018, citing over 230,000 emergency room visits for walker-related injuries between 1990 and 2014 in the US alone, most involving falls down stairs.

What to buy instead: a stationary activity centre, or simply floor play mat. Both offer the same engagement without the wheels or the risk.

Do Baby Head Protection Pillows Actually Work?

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These may look reassuring while your baby is learning to sit or walk, but they cannot replace supervision and a safe environment. Soft or bulky products should be avoided around a sleeping baby altogether, regardless of what they're marketed to do. Your money is better spent on a safe, clear floor space and your own supervision. 

Pikler Triangles: Are They Worth Buying?

Worth buying, with supervision. 
A genuine recommendation. This open-ended wooden climber builds gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and core balance for toddlers, without relying on screens or batteries. The one non-negotiable: never leave a child unsupervised around it. 

bloon toys

Are Rocker Cribs Safe for Sleep?

Optional, and not for routine sleep. 
Rocking may soothe some babies, but soothing and safe sleep are not the same thing. If you already have one, use it for calming, not as your baby's regular sleep space. For everyday sleep, stick to established safe sleep guidelines and the manufacturer's instructions. If you're deciding whether to buy one, a standard crib that meets safe sleep guidelines should come first. 

R for Rabbit

Are Wooden Teethers Safe For Babies? 

Buy with care.
Wooden teethers are fine if you maintain them. Check regularly for cracks, rough surfaces, and loose or detachable parts. If a teether is damaged, discard it. One point matters more than any other: never attach a teether around your baby's neck, given the strangulation risk. 

Amala Earth

Do You Need a Baby Bottle Steriliser?

Optional.
Convenient, but not necessary. If you have clean running water and a basic pot for boiling, or access to dishwashing at high heat, you don't need a separate countertop steriliser. Buy one only if the convenience is worth the counter space to you. 

Chicco

Are Infant Loungers Safe for Sleep?

Optional, for awake and supervised use only.

Never use cushioned loungers for unmonitored infant sleep. Soft, pillow-like surfaces are a major suffocation hazard for babies. This warning isn't hypothetical. In 2021, over 3 million Boppy newborn loungers were recalled in the US after being linked to eight infant deaths, all involving babies who rolled into a position that obstructed their breathing. If you do buy one, treat it strictly as a place for awake, fully supervised playtime, never sleep. 

How to Decide If a Baby Product Is Worth Buying

Before buying any trending baby product, ask:

• Is it necessary?

• Is it age-appropriate?

• Is it safe?

• What does the manufacturer recommend?

What Babies Actually Need (Beyond Any Product)

No product replaces the basics: a safe environment, responsive parents, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, play, and the opportunity to develop naturally. Before buying anything for your baby, think safety first.

References:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — Baby Walkers: A Dangerous Choice

2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Boppy Newborn Lounger Recall, 2021

3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Safe Sleep Guidelines for Infants