Bath toys undoubtedly help with getting children into the tub, but they’re also magnets for mold. If you’ve ever squeezed a bath toy and it oozed black, watery gunk, then you’ve seen the evidence of mold. Here’s all you need to know about it:
Where does mold grow?
Mold has the potential to grow in almost any place that traps moisture, and this includes bath toys, humidifiers, nasal aspirators and even teething rings. An example of this is when Tommee Tippee’s sippy cups made headlines after parents discovered black mold inside the spout on the underside of the lid.
Various retailers have also struggled with mold in their products.
How dangerous is mold?
Although it gets a really bad rap, mold is generally not dangerous, especially when it’s present in very small amounts. There’s no need to panic if your child accidentally ingests mold – their body will digest it and dispose of it.
Unless your child has immune problems, you shouldn’t worry about your child accidentally ingesting a squirt of moldy bath toy water. The likelihood of them getting sick from this is almost zero. However, you should be wary if your child does have a mold allergy. This is because exposure can cause itchy eyes and skin rashes.
With regard to the above, it must be said that there is a distinction to be made between a limited amount of mold and an indoor environment that’s moldy. Exposure to mold in an indoor environment has been shown to cause upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughs, wheezing and asthma in healthy people.
How can I tell if my kids’ toys contain mold?
Mold on the outside of a toy is easy to spot and clean, but it can be a lot harder to detect mold that’s lurking on the inside. Inspect toys with holes in them by filling them with water and squeezing the water out. Dark gunk that comes out with the water is indicative of the presence of mold.
Keep in mind that there are certain toys that need to be broken apart in order for you to see inside of them, but this will most likely ruin them.
How can I get rid of mold in my kids’ toys?
If you have a suspicion that there might be mold in one of your kids’ toys or sippy cups, then you should throw them away and replace them, because it can be quite hard to get rid of. Larger toys can be cleaned by being left to soak overnight in ¾ of a cup of bleach mixed with one gallon of water.
Should you have a humidifier that’s cause for concern, you should clean it weekly to prevent mold build-up. Clean it more thoroughly with distilled vinegar or bleach once a month.
Conclusion: Prevention is better than cure
Try plugging bath toys with a dab of hot glue to prevent water from getting trapped inside. Boil them periodically, and also wash them in the aforementioned bleach and water mixture. You can also put toys in the dishwasher. Always allow them to dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Images by Deposit Photos.
Traveling with Kids? Keep These Essential Tips in Mind
Traveling with kids? Keep these essential tips in mind.
Here's Why Children's Drawings Are So Important for Us All
This informative video explains why children's drawings are so important for their own development, as well as for the advancement of society as a whole.
Cheeky, Funny, Unapologetic Children - 20 Pics
Here are 20 funny test answers, all written by children who just couldn't be bothered.
Lessons I Learned From My Father on How to Be a Parent
Although I've passed on these skills to my own children, my father also imparted 10 additional lessons that we couldn't have learned from anyone else...
Are Gummy Vitamins Good For Kids? Find Out Here
If your child is vitamin-deficient, but refuses to take their vitamin supplements, you might want to try giving them gummy vitamins instead. Learn more here.
Give Your Kids a Head Start by Creating a 'Literate Home'
In order to turn your home into a 'literate home' you need nothing but some love, dedication, and a number of inexpensive materials.
Find a Deep Reflection of the Modern World in These Images
Modern society has plenty of drawbacks. An artist has brilliantly depicted some of the stark realities of the modern world through his work.
Another Good Reason to Put the Phone Aside When With Kids
Extensive research on this topic has consistently shown the importance of giving our undivided attention to our children in order for them to learn and grow.
16 Lovely Quotes That Celebrate the Brotherly Bond
Having a brother is truly a blessing. These quotes will help you celebrate and appreciate them.
There's a Reason Why Women are Sensitive...
When a woman cries, there's always a deeper reason behind it. Sometimes she just needs to let go what's inside of her. See this beautiful story.
Nine Couples Games that Can Strengthen Relationships
Each game is designed to make you a more loving and understanding couple, whether you are just starting out or have been married for years.
The Speech EVERY Generation Should Hear...
Jack Webb Dragnet giving one of his most compelling speeches to youngsters complaining about the state of the country.
Couples Passionate About Each Other Practice These Rituals
It's amazing to think what miraculous things can happen between a couple when new positive, behavior patterns are developed.
7 Daily Habits that Cause Couples to Fights
If you've gotten into the habit of doing the following 7 things, know that they are responsible for 90% of your biggest fights, and you should learn how to curb those reactions.
5 Tools to Help You Make a Strong, Stable Family
What tools can we use to make our family stronger and less dysfunctional? This article will help you by giving 5 tools to do just that.
9 Mistakes Parents Make When Vacationing with Children
Trips, especially flights with children, are not simple. To make matters easier, avoid these nine mistakes parents make on family vacations.
Why Children Suck Their Fingers and How to Make It Stop
To aid in understanding and addressing finger sucking, this article discusses why it may happen and how to stop the behavior.
Children of the Past: Historical Photos of Kids Having Fun
19 Nostalgic photos of children having fun playing outside.
What Life Looks Like for British Royal Babies
Discover the cool and surprising facts about the Royal family's babies, the only babies in the world who are given passports at birth.
How Do We See Our Parents Throughout the Years?
From cradle to middle age, this is how we perceive our parents.
10 Worst Things to Say When Talking to Your Grandchildren
In this article, we will look at some of the things you should never say to your grandchildren.
11 Marriage Misconceptions We Should Forget About
these 11 myths demonstrate why a perfect marriage is unrealistic.
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
They May Drive You Crazy, But Family is Family!
Family can drive you crazy but at the end of the day you can't help but love them. Here are some beautiful and funny quotes and pictures to make your day.
How to Stop a Crying Baby in Just a Few Seconds
There is nothing worse than a baby that just won't stop crying. Well, thanks to Dr. Hamilton, this problem could now be a thing of the past!
Lessons I Learned From My Father on How to Be a Parent
Although I've passed on these skills to my own children, my father also imparted 10 additional lessons that we couldn't have learned from anyone else...
The Good and Bad White Lies in a Relationship
Four scenarios where it is acceptable to tell a white lie and 4 in which it is not permissible under any circumstances.
This Father Has the Cutest Way of Handling His Baby...
This father will do anything to help his baby sleep...
All About the Annoying Phenomenon of Phubbing
If you know what this phenomenon is, read on for tips to tackle it. Here are four signs that you or your partner may be "phubbing."
A Few Things About Child Obesity We All Need to Know
What causes childhood obesity, why is it getting more common, and what can be done about it?
12 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Grow up With a Dog
Dogs are incredibly beneficial to a child's development. Read this list of 12 benefits that children reap when growing up around a dog.
The Naked Truth Behind Why Men Don't Listen to Women
Have a good look at the 10 biggest reasons why men don't always appear to listen to the women in their lives.
Which Occupations Cheat the Most? The Answers are In...
Research indicates that certain professions tend to have a higher likelihood of infidelity.
10 Timeless Old Family Films You Can Enjoy With Your Kids
These family films may be old, but they can still delight children to this day.
Study: Why It's Crucial to Talk to Toddlers
This study sheds light on why it's so important to speak to toddlers and how best to go about it.
7 Ways to Encourage Executive Development in Children
This guide will provide you with the information you need to help your child develop these essential functions.
As a Baby Grows, THIS is What It Will See...
It's no secret that babies see the world differently than the rest of us do, and this video will show you just what their visual development looks like.
They Taught Us Our Multiplication Tables All Wrong!
Most multiplication tables are designed really badly, so hardly anyone can learn from them. Read on to see what a real times table looks like.
Solving 10 Food-Related Problems Some Parents Face
we have gathered 10 common problems and the best solutions to address them, assisting you to get through each family dinner or feeding the baby with ease.
7 Ways to Combat Passive Aggressive Behavior
Common passive-aggressive behaviors and the recommended responses to situations you may encounter.
8 Outdated Life Lessons We Teach Our Children
we'll explore eight ideas that you might have come to believe are correct and effective for raising children.
WARNING: Before You Buy a Rotisserie Chicken, Read This
Are rotisserie chickens bad for our health or are they just as healthy as regular chicken?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
These 40 Compliments Will Have a Lasting Effect on a Child
Every child should hear these words every once in a while.
Beautiful: What Kids Should REALLY Be Taught at School!
Children and young teens need to be taught life lessons, that will enable them to be independent and certain, yet respectful.
A Story of a Little Girl and Her Guardian Angels...
This short story will remind you that there is always someone to watch over you in this life...
Never Give a Child Under the Age of 4 These Foods!
These foods pose the biggest choking risk to children under the age of 4.