Accessory Safety for Babies and Toddlers: What to Avoid and What to Look For

The first time you put your baby in something “cute,” you don’t realize that the parents of 2020 are not just choosing aesthetic.

It could be a small hat with bear ears. A large-headed bow headband, larger than the baby’s face. An adorable bib with a pattern so cute it looks like it came out of a storybook. You take a photo, smile and enjoy that little moment of happiness that comes from seeing your kid be the most adorable thing in the world.

But then later in the day you start to notice something.

The baby is pulling at it. Tugging it. Chewing on the edge. Drooling all over the fabric. Looking off to one side while shifting the accessory.

And then, out of nowhere, comes the thought — the one every parent eventually thinks:

“Wait… is this actually safe?”

It’s something many people ask after they buy a car, not before. And it’s not for lack of parental concern. It’s because this world of baby accoutrements is full of stuff that seems innocuous but that wasn’t engineered with safety in mind.

Newborn babies and toddlers are inquisitive, active and unpredictable. They use their mouths and hands to explore the world. They grasp, tug, more info, bite and squirm. Accessories, then, have to measure up to a higher standard than adult fashion.

You see, with the little ones, cute is not enough.

Baby Care Accessories That Need Extra Care

Adults wear accessories for style. We put them on babies for comfort or warmth, we use them for function — but babies don’t understand how to “wear” something safely.

A baby can’t tell when something is too tight. A toddler will keep pulling on a string even if it’s dangerous. And little kids like to do the exact opposite of what you think they’ll do.

What accessories come with risks as a result?

• choking hazards

• strangulation hazards

• skin irritation

• overheating

• discomfort that leads to fussiness

Most of these threats don’t arise from dramatic accidents — they stem from small oversights. A loose button. A long tie. An attractive ornament that shatters. An irritable fabric very sensitive to skin.

The bright side is that most of these dangers are avoidable if you know what to look for.

Baby Toddler Accessories That Parents Commonly Use

There are more accessories for little kids than just jewelry or bows. A lot of everyday accessories for babies also include:

• drool bibs and bandanas

• hats and beanies

• headbands

• mittens

• socks and booties

• clips, bows, and hair ties

• scarves or neckwear

• costume pieces for photos

• decorative clothing add-ons

A few of these can be helpful, particularly during teething, cold weather or when you’re on the go. Yet each of them has to be carefully designed and monitored.

Parents: Here Are the Biggest Safety Risks You Should Know About

Choking Hazards

Choking risks are the most prevalent among baby gear. Babies introduce chew as a verb by putting pretty much everything into their mouths, including things that aren’t supposed to be chewed.

Red flags include:

• beads

• buttons

• decorative charms

• loose snaps

• rhinestones

• glued-on pieces

Even when an accessory appears well made, a baby’s grip has more power than one might expect.

Strangulation Hazards

Any accessory with long ties, strings or cords can be hazardous, particularly when worn around the neck.”

This includes:

• scarves

• bandanas tied in knots

• hoodie strings

• decorative ribbons

The problem isn’t just the accessory itself, though: It’s what a child does when they get caught in it accidentally.

Skin Irritation and Allergies

Baby skin is delicate. A material that’s fine for an adult can feel rough for a baby.

Common triggers include:

• rough seams

• stiff fabric edges

• synthetic materials that trap heat

• harsh dyes or chemical finishes

• detergent residue from previous washing

Eczema- or rash-prone babies can respond quickly, especially around the neck and cheeks where drool pools.

Overheating

Newborn babies are not as good at controlling their body temperature. Overdressing with more layers or heavy accessories can cause overheating indoors.

Thick hats heavy scarves or layered neckwear can go from great to unbearable pretty quickly.

Poor Fit and Slipping

Accessories that are too loose can shift to dangerous locations. Neck accessories that have a tendency to move upward and toward the mouth or face could be dangerous, for example.

A quality baby hip seat should stay securely in place without having to constantly readjust.

Things About Baby Accessories to Avoid

The best way to protect your child is easy — knowing what the most common “red flags” are before you buy.

Avoid:

• long ties or loose strings

• glued-on decorations

• sharp or stiff materials

• heavy metal parts

• glittery fabrics that shed

• loose-cheap snaps that don't hold worth s#!t!!!!!

• strong chemical smells

• overly thick neckwear for babies

If the appearance screams decorative more than functional, it might not have been engineered for baby-safe.

Safety First in Fabrics: The Safety Equation (It’s More than Just Style)

In the case of infants and toddlers, it is not just a fashion statement: It can be a matter of safety.

The best fabrics are usually:

• soft

• breathable

• gentle on sensitive skin

• free of harsh chemical finishes

• comfortable for long wear

Most parents prefer this natural cotton fabric as it is breathable and will not cause sweating. Breathability is key, particularly near the neck region from which heat and saliva often converge to produce redness.

This is part of why so many of us parents lean toward no-fuss, fabric-based accessories like drool bandanas or bibs, and away from decorative ones. For brands that prioritize comfort-first textile design — 4inbandana makes it its M.O. — the construction is typically more practical than luxurious, but if you’re dressing a child who moves constantly, whether in their sleep or when they’re awake, cozy materials definitely trump flashy hardware.

The safety of dye and print: The hidden detail most parents overlook

Cute pastel baby gear is great, but sometimes dyes can be irritating.

Parents should watch for:

• strong chemical smells

• dye that bleeds when washed

• wet-staining fabrics – those that dye skin while it's wet

• too bright and fade badly

One easy thing you can do: Wash accessories before wearing them for the first time — even if they are brand new.

And using fragrance-free, baby-friendly detergent is again sound advice, particularly for babies with delicate skin.

Fit and design What makes an accessory safer

Safest accessory is made to be safe and comfortable.

Look for:

• snug but breathable fit

• closure points (snaps usually better than long ties)

• flat seams that don’t rub

• lightweight fabric

• no detachable decorations

Should an accessory to be worn around the neck become snagged, it will slip off of the baby’s head without catching.

How to Safely Use Bandanas and Bib-Style Cloth Face Covers

If you have a drooler on your hands, particularly during teething months, bandana-style bibs might be helpful. They help decrease the number of clothing changes, and keep baby’s chest dry.

But safety comes down to how they are used.

Best practices include:

• always monitor baby while using the items

• never let babies sleep in bibs or bandanas

• check closures regularly

• steer clear of extra-large bandanas that are folded sandwich-style

• wash regularly to help avoid irritation of skin

Many parents make the error of leaving bibs on all day, and for napping. But using accessories safely is predicated on treating them as temporary tools, not a permanent change of clothes.

Baby vs Toddler: Distinct Stages, Different Safety Protocols

For Babies (0–12 months)

• accessories should be minimal

• supervision is essential

• tuck under the chin at bedtime

• focus on soft, breathable fabrics

For Toddlers (1–3 years)

• check for wear and tear often

• avoid small detachable pieces

• opt for sturdy seams and secure fasteners

• wait for them tugging at all types of things

Accessories have to be strong and secured better because toddlers are stronger and more active.

An Easy Home Safety Test: for Any Accessory

Parents can do a quick test before using any accessory:

• tug on any decorative part

• check stitching around edges

• test snaps or closures

• feel the inside seams

• sniff the garment (chemical odors are a bad sign)

• wash before first use

inspect again after washing

If it doesn’t pass the tug test, there’s no place for in near a baby.

Simple, Sweet, and Safe Accessories

Parenting is all about making choices, and many of them are made in a moment. You buy what’s cute, or helpful, or makes your kid look like the happiest kiddo in the world.

Accessories merit extra thought, though, because babies don’t wear things the way people do. They investigate, chew, tug and twist. That’s normal. It’s how they learn.

The savviest accessories are not always the most luxurious. They’re the ones that are thoughtfully designed — not flimsy, with breathable fabric, secure closures and no loose parts; and comfortable on tender skin.

Because when it comes to babies and toddlers, the most fashion-forward look is one that keeps them safe but allows them to remain precisely what they are: inquisitive, messy, jubilant little humans.