There comes a time when the baby wants to bite everything. His teeth are coming out and at the same time he wants to explore with his mouth. Therefore, bites are widely used when they are small, but are they safe? This question has been asked by a group of researchers and the results place baby bites under suspicion.
The main reason is that most are manufactured with components that could be toxic, such as bisphenol-A, which has already been banned in many countries because it is related to diseases such as cancer, childhood obesity, diabetes, endocrine problems and alterations. in the organism
Recall that Bisphenol-A is a dangerous component that is released in small quantities after heating the polycarbonate and is ingested by the baby, next to the liquids of the bottle or in the case of a hot teether.
But This is not the only risk that has been found in baby bites. The study, conducted by researchers from the American Chemical Society of the United States analyzing different products and childcare, warns that these types of objects are not free of other worrisome chemicals, such as bisphenol-S (also under suspicion) or Bisephenol-F .
According to an analysis carried out on 59 of these articles in different presentations (gel, filled with water or solids) 26 contained these types of chemicals and most also contained parabens, and antimicrobials whose health effects are still being investigated, such as triclosan and triclocarban These compounds, endocrine disruptors, can cause problems to the development, reproductive, neurological and immune system of babies.
And although the levels found in baby bites were lower than the current regulatory limits, it should be borne in mind that these margins are not established specifically for babies, whose organism is much more vulnerable to the possible adverse effects of those components.
Do bites calm the pain of teething?
Researchers have expressed concern about this fact and point out that, as alternatives to the bites, other "methods" can be used, such as hard and cold foods (apple, carrot) or cold gauze. Gels to relieve the discomfort of teething are also not recommended.
Anyway, remember that teething baby does not hurt, although it may bother the baby. According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, the small inflammation that occurs with the exit of the teeth is normal and physiological, and we can sometimes observe redness of the gums. Some children seem to be more irritable and others do not notice the exit of the teeth.
According to pediatricians, offering children who are biting their teeth to relieve pain does not make much sense, since we all avoid contact with painful areas, so if the gum is inflamed and it hurts, press on it with the bites it would not relieve the pain.
Another thing is that babies explore with their mouths, and this can be done with teethers, pacifiers or any object that can be carried in the mouth. That is why we must be aware that they do not have dangerous objects, small parts ... and The issue of baby bites may also have to be raised, under suspicion.
