It can be difficult to get babies to sleep. Newborn children are especially sensitive, so even the slightest irritants such as bright lights, changes in temperature and unchanged diapers can disturb their slumber.
One method for parents to get their babies to calm down and sleep is to use white noise-emitting devices. Supposedly, the noise emitted by these devices mimics the sounds babies hear while they were still in their mother’s wombs. However, a new report has warned that these devices – specifically, “smart” bassinets that emit white noise – can damage babies’ hearing.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), its research found that several infant sound machines (ISMs) produce very loud sounds. The group also cited an earlier study, which found that white noise machines can play loud sounds more than 85 decibels. The sound level, equivalent to a loud blender, exceeds occupational limits for adults and can permanently damage hearing if played for more than eight hours. If the sound can damage an adult’s hearing, experts fear how much more it can affect a vulnerable baby’s ears.
Parents and caregivers have been recommended to keep ISMs far away from the infant and play at the lowest volume settings for a short time. The AAP also called for the federal government to regulate the noise produced by children’s products by setting new standards that consider children’s ears more sensitive than adults.
Essential baby products can be dangerous
Some baby products are just unavoidable because parents and their children need them for daily life. Things like bassinets, baby carriers, fitted sheets and high chairs are all essential for raising a baby, yet there’s no guarantee they’re completely safe to use.
Suppose your baby suffers an injury or medical complication due to a baby product, such as hearing loss from a white noise emitter. In that case, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer. Consider contacting a legal professional with experience in product liability. An attorney can review your case and help you pursue your lawsuit.
