10 objects that can be harmful to children’s health

We all want to believe that children’s products are always safety tested, designed responsibly and created with children’s well-being in mind. However, as practice shows, it is better to be careful and choose what to buy very carefully to avoid any risk.

We, from awesome.clubwe took a close look at some kid-friendly items and found out which ones parents should keep an eye on.

Most of us probably had a rocking toy growing up, but that doesn’t mean that all of them are safe: the child can fall or squeeze a part of the body. The risks increase if the little one uses a toy that is inappropriate for his age and out of reach of the parents.

Sleeping in the same room with your baby for at least the first six months of his life is a great idea. However, it’s best for him to remain in a safe environment inside his crib. The risks of sleeping in a side crib are comparable to those of sleeping in a parent’s bed. There are certain rules that can lessen them; however, try to use this type of furniture only in an emergency.

It is not recommended to let your baby sleep in a rocking chair unless he is awake and supervised. According to experts, newborns should sleep on a hard, flat surface, without overly soft bedding. This suspended crib model does not meet the guidelines for safe sleep, which means that using it in this way involves serious risks.

These cups help keep the environment clean for longer, as they prevent small children, who have poorly developed motor coordination, from spilling the liquid. Unfortunately, they are conducive to mold growth. For the formation of mold, it is enough to have a dark, humid and warm place, and these are precisely the main characteristics of transitional glasses, which, even if washed and dried regularly, can suffer from the appearance of fungi due to their closed design.

What causes one of the biggest concerns are the flavorings used in the formulation of most baby oils which, for example, have a calming effect. The fact is that children are more sensitive to allergens and that’s what flavorings are for. Therefore, if the use of oil is still necessary, give preference to fragrance-free options.

Jumpers, on the one hand, are a salvation for parents of active children. However, the fabric seat keeps the pelvis in an incorrect position, causing muscle strain in the ankles and calves. According to some physiotherapists, it is advisable to limit the use of the device to 10–15 minutes a day. Also, as he hangs on the door, the little one can get hurt on the frame by swinging too much.

Slings are perfect for carrying your baby, allowing you to hold him close, talk to him and rock him while maintaining complete freedom of movement. However, C-shaped slings, attached to one shoulder, should be used with caution, or even avoided. In them, the little one is in a lateral position, which favors his face being pressed against the mother’s chest, impairing his breathing. In general, it pays to follow the instructions for use exactly. Make sure the child’s face is not covered by the fabric, sit instead of bending over to pick something up, and consider changing the garment when the fabric wears out.

Vinyl toys, which make bath time more fun and attractive, can be found in almost any store. However, just because toys are typically designed for children doesn’t mean they all meet safety standards. Vinyl toys are made from a toxic material and are not recommended for children. In addition, due to high humidity, they often become an ideal environment for fungus.

The teething period is exciting for both the babies themselves and their parents. The desire to alleviate your child’s discomfort by any means is understandable, and the simplest way out that many choose is to offer pacifiers and other similar toys. However, the material of these objects raises questions: for example, they may contain parabens, which affect the endocrine system. Another cause for concern is small pieces of plastic or rubber that the child may accidentally swallow. So prefer the safest options: giving a cold spoon for the little one to chew on or rubbing his gums can help.

Try not to place this car seat model on high surfaces: on tables, chairs and so on, as there is a great risk of it falling. Furthermore, most physiotherapists agree that prolonged sitting in a booster seat negatively influences a child’s hip joints, spine and major muscles.

From your experience, what other children’s products should be used more carefully or, if possible, even avoided?