UPDATED: Those popular baby neck floats are 'potential death traps'
Experts say they pose a major drowning risk
Experts say they pose a major drowning risk
Original, August 11, 2017: Babies look cute doing pretty much everything, but think twice before trying one seemingly-adorable summer activity. "Baby neck floats" may be popping up , but the pint-sized swim aids shouldn't go anywhere near infants' necks, experts say. Any air-filled floatie can potentially deflate, putting kids at risk of drowning.
"Neck floats for babies scare me to death, and I hope they scare parents," says Kyran Quinlan, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center and former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. "These are potential death traps ... To have your precious baby one poorly sealed seam away from going under at the pool is frightening."
Baby neck floats first started gaining popularity a few years ago, and parents now regularly use them in bathtubs, pools and even "baby spas." Manufacturers claim that getting children in the water at a young age allows them to move freely and explore. While others agree that infants can enjoy water activities, they're not convinced this is the way to do it.
"While disengaging from the world in floating tanks can be wonderfully relaxing for stressed adults, this is not what babies want or need – physically or emotionally," said Kaylë Burgham of the Swimming Teachers' Association in a . "This isolated activity completely goes against the very essence of baby swimming, which is human contact: bonding with your child so they can explore the water in a safe, relaxed, fun environment."
Even if the neck rings do what they claim, the potential risk is one experts can't get behind. The cautions against any air-filled swimming aids at all (including arm bands or "water wings") because any deflation immediately takes away their buoyancy.
Recent recalls seem to support that sentiment. Two versions sold on eBay were in Australia for failing to meet safety standards, and the more well-known brand called after 54 reports of burst seams.
You don't have to avoid the pool altogether this summer though. While the does not recommend formal infant swimming programs, you can safely enjoy water activities with your baby by staying in direct contact them at all times and avoiding any distractions that may draw away your focus. With that in mind, baby neck floats are one viral trend parents should feel safe to skip.
Update, August 15, 2017: Baby float maker Otteroo reached out to GoodHousekeeping.com with a statement on their products and reaffirmed their commitment to keeping consumers safe.
"As a company of mothers and aunties, we place safety as the number one priority that trumps all other goals, and have always ensured that our products, unlike those found on eBay, Walmart and Amazon, have met U.S. regulations and safety standards," said founder Tiffany Chiu. "Since the recall, our Otteroo floaties feature design updates and thickness for safety and comfort."
The company is also working with multiple universities on research the devices' potential for pediatric aquatic therapy, but no research has been published yet.