4. Hand-me-down Toys
Phthalates are a group of common chemicals that help give plastic its flexibility. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned many types of phthalates from toys as well as childcare items such as teethers and bottles in 2009, but many products before that contained these chemicals. So, if you can’t track what’s in your hand-me-downs, throw them away.
Button batteries — the flat, round batteries found in small everyday electronics like garage door openers, keychains and watches — are quite dangerous. If ingested, they can burn through a child’s esophagus in two hours, according to Poison Control. Check battery compartments to ensure they’re closed and don’t let small children play with remotes.
6. Teething Gels
Many topical anesthetics like teething gels contain benzocaine which can cause seizures and a condition called methemoglobinemia, which prevents blood from carrying oxygen through the body. These shouldn’t be used on children under the age of 2 and should be locked up when not in use.
7. Adult Vitamins with Iron
Adult-strength vitamins and iron pills are extremely dangerous for kids. Too much iron corrodes tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamins should be treated with the same care as prescription medicines and secured out of reach properly.
Child Proof Better: 7 Common But Dangerous Products You’ve Probably Forgotten was originally published on blackdoctor.org
