10 Unsafe Clothing Items Parents Shouldn’t Buy

Modern parents are sure that they know everything about their kids’ clothing. If they decide to go for cotton clothing, they choose only 100% cotton, and they firmly say no to synthetics. At the same time, they want the styles to be trendy, the colors to be bright, and the overall look to be balanced. Alas, even attractive-looking items that are good quality can hide dangers that loving parents don’t have a clue about.

In pursuit of being useful, Bright Side created an anti-list of clothes that shouldn’t be there in a kid’s wardrobe.

1. Clothes with decorative buttons, sequins, and beads

Kids’ clothes shouldn’t have a bunch of decorative elements. Curious children can tear them off, put them in their nose, ear, or mouth and swallow them because these details are so appealing and shiny. Regular buttons also hide a certain danger for kids. Those buttons sewn in a manufacturing factory don’t always hold up well, so it’s always necessary to double-check how well they are sewn after each purchase.

• I was shocked recently when I found a tiny button from my baby’s shirt after a diaper change. We didn’t see how our daughter swallowed it. Had we seen it, we would have gone crazy worrying. It’s good that the button came out by itself! I still feel guilty for not watching my kid properly. © Amina / V-dome-deti

2. Long scarf

A kid’s scarf that’s often innocent at first glance, can bear a potential threat for small children. This is all because a long scarf can easily get caught on one of the play structures on a playground or other constructions that are meant for playing. It’s pretty difficult (if not impossible) to release oneself in this instance without help from an adult. Some countries even ban putting on a scarf on a kid when attending preschools or kindergartens.

• Though we live in a Northern country, I don’t put on a scarf on my toddler. My elder kid feels uncomfortable wearing it and this scarf can snag on something on the playground. It’s better to opt for outerwear in the form of a sweater-like fitted turtleneck so that the chest and throat are closed properly. When I was a child, I remember feeling quite uncomfortable wearing scarves but I wasn’t allowed to remove them! © Resident / Deti.mail

3. Turtlenecks with a neck that is too narrow

A turtleneck is a universal and practical thing but it has its disadvantages too. It’s not comfortable to put it on: the head can hardly move through the neck, which is usually irritating. As a result, you might end up with an annoyed kid as well as annoyed parents. Also, a narrow neck can cause headaches due to blood circulatory disorders and irritation due to close contact with the delicate skin around the neck, especially with low-quality synthetics.

• My kid feels scared to put on clothes over his head, especially turtlenecks. He sometimes even starts a tantrum. If he fails to do it for the first time and his head gets stuck in the clothes for a few seconds his eyes get filled with horror, he tries to furiously rip off the turtleneck, and instantly starts to cry. We have to kinda meditate every time before he starts to get dressed. © Lyolka / Otvet.mail

4. Dark clothes without light-reflecting elements

Oftentimes, parents opt for practical clothes in dark colors thus risking the safety of their kids. Not only can they lose their kid in a crowd, but also drivers might fail to see a little pedestrian in the darkness. The more light-reflecting elements kids’ clothes have, the better.

• Here in Estonia, policemen check every kid near preschools and kindergartens by directing a flashlight beam at them when it’s still dark in the morning. Those who have light-reflecting elements are praised, those who don’t have them are given these elements for free. It’s forbidden to wear clothes without light reflectors — it’s broadcast here every now and then. It gets dark early, winters are snowy, the darkness is so severe that your eyes start to hurt if you try to look into the distance for a while. © Ninaninja / Pikabu

5. Heavy “trendy” footwear or footwear with flat soles

Stylish and bright shoes can turn out to be heavy and uncomfortable. Irresponsible manufacturers often only prioritize the appearance of their products and ignore the anatomical needs of a child’s foot. It’s uncomfortable to run and play in heavy sneakers with a massive sole. Moreover, the kid will get tired quickly.

Converse and other canvas shoes on rubber soles are also in a risky group. Due to the absence of a heel and instep support, the likelihood of developing flat feet increases by several times.

• Do you know what I call shoes like this? Footkillers. I was wearing a similar pair as a teenager. I got fed up after one year. Now my feet look like flippers. © Peshkom4ever / Pikabu

6. Jackets with voluminous hoods and thick fur

Voluminous hoods make it difficult to see objects around and can become the cause of a tragedy. A kid simply can’t assess their environment in these hoods, which is extremely dangerous, especially on the road, railways, or dark corners. Besides that, just like a scarf, a hood can easily snag on something on a kids’ playground.

• I hope you all are aware of what dangers a hood on a kid’s jacket hides. A child can’t hear or see anything. Kids are inattentive and parents worsen this situation even more. I have a jacket with a hood like this and you know what, my husband helps me cross the road when I am wearing it. I can only hear things that happen in front of me. © Bella.Lestrange / Pikabu

7. “Adult” clothes

Though these clothes look stylish and showy, kids are absolutely uncomfortable when wearing them. Clothes that are too tight or too oversized, make it more difficult for kids to move, which prevents them from running and jumping to the fullest. After all, catching a friend who’s running around in a designer coat or skinny jeans is as easy as pie.

• High heels and low-cut t-shirts are in no way adorable and send a creepy vibe. Most of the tops were too low cut for any age. Personally, kids should dress like kids — practical, affordable, and easy to wear, because kids should be playing and getting dirty until at least the 6th grade. © Anne-Marie Foster / Quora

8. Hard-heeled orthopedic shoes

Back in the day, it was recommended for kids to wear shoes with a hard sole, instep support, and a beveled heel right from their first steps as a toddler and even at home. These orthopedic shoes are higher, harder, and heavier so it’s no surprise that they caused so much discomfort and torture for people in the past. Today, kids who have healthy feet don’t need these shoes, they should be bought only if a doctor prescribes them. Footwear with an anatomical structure are a totally different story: they are much lighter, more elastic, softer, and are intended to prevent the development of flat feet. Any kid can wear them.

9. Clothes that have a huge label on the inside

If your kids throw a tantrum every time they see the same T-shirt or blouse or if they feel nervous and behave strangely while wearing it, parents should inspect this item better. Perhaps the reason is not in the kid’s bad mood and not in the quality of the fabric, but in the brand label or in the label with information on how to take care of it. Oftentimes, the sizes of these elements are disproportionally huge, their material is hard, and their corners are too rough.

• I always cut off all the labels. There is no single clothing item in my house that has them. They always unpleasantly rub my body. And I don’t want my kid to feel any discomfort either. © natulika / Babyblog

• I hate labels and I don’t keep them on my clothes. I hate them manically, that’s why I always cut them off at the root and then I take tweezers and pull out all the leftovers. © Olga / Babyblog

10. Tight hats

It is better to purchase hats and any other headwear strictly in accordance with a kid’s size. A hat that is too big can cause discomfort — it slips down and obstructs the kid’s view. A hat that is too tight can dig into delicate skin, leaving marks on the forehead which can cause headaches. A tight hat made of synthetics will make the kid’s head sweat, which will result in itching and irritation.

• My kid had a hat made of synthetics and he would always sweat. It all resulted in a greenhouse effect. That’s why it’s better to buy hats made of natural fabrics that let the air through. © Mother / Baby

What clothes do your kids hate wearing and why?