Babies seem to instinctively love the water. It always fun to watch them splashing and enjoying the kiddie pool . Keeping them safe while they have fun is always a top priority.

With that in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents and caregivers babies to stop using them. One child has died and another has been hospitalized.

Photo: Fruugo
Photo: Fruugo
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These inflatable rings are marketed as a safe way for babies as young as 2 weeks old to float freely in the water. According to the FDA press release

"The FDA is aware that some manufacturers are claiming these products support water therapy interventions in babies with developmental delays or special needs and that the benefits of these products include increased muscle tone, greater flexibility and range of motion, increased lung capacity, better sleep quality, and increased brain and nervous system stimulation. . “The safety and effectiveness of neck floats to build strength, to promote motor development or as a physical therapy tool, have not been established.”

The FDA says the rings are especially dangerous for babies born with special needs requiring water therapy such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy type 1 or cerebral palsy.

Photo by rajat sarki on Unsplash
Photo by rajat sarki on Unsplash
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These neck rings are commonly sold at major retailers like Walmart and Target stores and wherever water toys are available. While death and injuries are rare, when it come to our precious little ones, it is never a good idea to take chances.

It has been a deadly summer for drownings nationwide and water safety issues are getting a fresh look nationwide. Keep your kids safe this summer and enjoy the water.  There's still a lot of hot sweltering weather to come.

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