A UK-based health visitor has issued an urgent warning to parents: "do not buy" a baby product advertised on social media, calling it "unsafe" for infants. Ruth Watts, who posts as @ahealthvisitor on TikTok with almost 150,000 followers, spotted the item in an AI-generated video on the platform.
AI-generated video shows unsafe product
The video showed a mother placing her infant into a "pocket" attached to the front of her hooded jumper, with no extra support or straps. The mother then walked outside holding only the hood of the jacket, leaving the baby completely unsupported. The video described the item as something parents could use to "cuddle" their baby while walking and claimed it was from a popular high street retailer.
Ruth pleaded with parents not to fall for the advert. She said: "Not only is that video AI, it’s fake. They are unsafe products to use. It is a classic example of baby products making it to the market that are very unsafe for parents. You are the most vulnerable consumer out there."
Babywearing advocacy and safety warnings
Ruth, who describes herself as a huge advocate for babywearing and baby carrying, stressed that her warning is not against the practice itself. She said: "It looks like a gorgeous idea, and I am one who baby wore my babies for as long as I possibly could. I'm going to get into this video on how to do it as safely as you can. I am a huge advocate for babywearing and baby carrying as long as we are doing it as safely as possible. So it's not to bash babywearing; it's to bash companies who are creating products that are unsafe for parents."
She added: "Babywearing is such a fantastic way for hands-free. We are carry mammals. Babies are designed to be held upright. It gives us so much more freedom, flexibility, if you can do it, and you must do it as safely as possible."
Although similar items to the one in the AI video are on the market, they are designed to be worn by parents who already have a baby carrier. The jacket, which often includes a detachable baby panel, is designed as an extra layer of warmth during the winter - not as a baby product on its own.
TICKS acronym for safe babywearing
Ruth urged parents to remember the acronym TICKS to keep their babies safe while wearing them in a carrier or sling:
- T - Tight: Babies should be tight enough that they're not slumped, and there should not be any loose fabric. All of these things are going to increase risks.
- I - In view at all times: Parents should be able to see their baby's face when they glance down. Babies should be looking slightly up to be able to see that the airway is nice and clear, that they are breathing, and everything is okay.
- C - Close enough to kiss: Babies should be high enough on your chest to kiss them on the head. That's the safest place.
- K - Keep chin off chest: Parents should be able to fit at least one finger in between their chin and their chest. Their breathing should not be restricted in any way, shape, or form.
- S - Supported back: The child's tummy should be comfortably up against the parent. This can be tested by pushing your hand against them. If they uncurl, then they are too slumped.
Ruth continued: "Something else to consider when we are putting our babies in their slings is we want their legs to be like an 'M'. This is what's going to be safest for hip development. It's not very comfortable and not very good for their hips for their legs to be dropped down as if they're set on a saddle, as if their legs are just down like that. We want to see their legs up in an 'M' position."
