Think Baby’s Bottle, Binky and Sippy Are Safe? Not Necessarily
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You’d think these baby products would be all clear for baby’s use, but a new study in Pediatrics, “Injuries Associated with Bottles, Pacifiers and Sippy Cups” suggests that babies moving around while carrying a bottle, pacifier or sippy cup might be prone to serious injuries. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (which is a survey of about 100 hospitals nationwide), over 45,000 children under the age of three were treated in the emergency room between 1991-2010 — that’s one child every four hours. Of these injuries, 86 percent occurred from falls while using the products and 83 percent of the falls resulted in injuries to the mouth and face. Two-thirds of these injuries happened among one-year-olds, who are most unstable while walking. Injuries included bruising and minor dental damage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making the transition from bottle cup by the time baby’s one year old to prevent injuries and help baby get used to them more quickly. The AAP also recommends weaning babies off pacifiers between six to 12 months old. Parents can prevent injuries by keeping a close eye on their babies while they’re using bottles, pacifiers or sippy cups. Also, if possible, parents should keep their child seated when drinking.
Do you monitor your baby when he’s using a pacifier, sippy cup or bottle? Are you worried about baby injuring himself while using these products?
Plus, more from The Bump:
When Should I Introduce Baby to a Sippy Cup?
What to Know About Feeding Baby
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
No, I don’t monitor her with a paci. I do monitor her with her bottle because she likes to “paint” with the contents. Our pediatric dentist said to let her have the paci for a while if she really likes it. He said that if we take it away too early she could transition to thumb sucking, and thumb sucking is a much more difficult habit to break.
There are so many concerns with baby and nursing products that we must all be very vigilant for the safety of our families. If you nurse, keep toxins away from you because your pillows especially are full of poisonous materials. In an article about Toxic Chemicals in Pillows
“Green Living,” September 2, 2009
in Eco-Friendly
“Pillows are often made of Styrofoam which contains polystyrene. This petroleum-based chemical has been known to cause symptoms of fatigue, difficulty sleeping, nervous disorders, menstrual cycle problems, alterations in blood cells, chromosome and lymphatic abnormalities and possibly has carcinogenic effects on humans.
NURSING MOMS
It has been shown that in subjects tested for styrene, a full 100% were found to have styrene in their fat cells and they couldn’t find a single lactating mother who didn’t test positive for these chemicals in her breast milk.”
The report, “Hidden Hazards In the Nursery,” found toxic flame retardants in 85 percent, or 17 out of 20, new baby and children’s products tested. Bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats were among the items.”
Today a newborn baby, just hours old, already has over 200 pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pollutants detectable in his blood.I
His/her parents have over 500 chemicals in their bodies.II
Pesticide residues are detectable in the urine of over 90% of people tested.III
Toxic chemicals are used widely in the mattress industry today, and their long-term effects are worrisome. Scientists have particular concerns about their effects on the developing brains of children. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have described toxic chemicals in the environment as a “silent pandemic.”
If you change only one thing to make your lives healthier it should be your pillow.
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