Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida-based pediatric emergency medicine doctor, took to TikTok to share her professional insight on five products she would never recommend for children. Here’s the breakdown of her no-go list and why you might want to think twice before reaching for these items.
1. Cough and Cold Medications for Kids Under 6
Dr. Martin didn’t mince words: “These are not recommended, they’re expensive, they generally do nothing, and they have a lot of side effects.” Instead of over-the-counter meds, she suggests:
- For fever and discomfort: Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
- For hydration: Pedialyte or Gatorade.
- For congestion: Saline nasal spray and a cool mist humidifier.
2. Neosporin
Surprisingly, this first-aid staple didn’t make the cut. Dr. Martin recommends skipping the antibiotic ointment and sticking with the basics: “Wash the area with soap and water, then apply Vaseline or Aquaphor.” These alternatives are less likely to irritate and still help wounds heal effectively.
3. Fragranced Soaps, Lotions, and Detergents for Babies
Dr. Martin cautioned against anything with added fragrance for infants, saying it can lead to contact dermatitis or exacerbate eczema symptoms: “They’re super rashy. Just get rid of all the fragranced products.” Opt for fragrance-free alternatives designed for sensitive skin instead.
4. Toddler Formula
While convenient, Dr. Martin labels toddler formulas as unnecessary and costly: “They teach kids to drink their calories rather than eat their nutrition.” Instead, she emphasizes transitioning toddlers to table foods, milk, and water for hydration.
5. Gummy Vitamins
Gummy vitamins might look fun, but Dr. Martin doesn’t buy them: “These are candies with vitamins sprayed on top. The doses can be inconsistent or inaccurate.” She encourages parents to consult their pediatrician for better nutritional options rather than relying on these cleverly marketed products.
Breakfast Tips for Kids: What to Skip and What to Serve
Dr. Federica Amati, a leading U.K. nutritionist, echoes the importance of thoughtful food choices—especially at breakfast.
Skip: Processed Meats
Ham, sausage, and chicken nuggets can pack a double punch of high sodium and harmful preservatives. Excess sodium can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and high blood pressure in kids, while preservatives and compounds like N-nitroso and PAHs (from food processing) may disrupt gut health and increase long-term cancer risks.
Be Wary of Ultra-Processed Foods
Think beyond obvious culprits like frozen meals and fast food. Some cereals and breads fall into the ultra-processed category, loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. These items often spike blood sugar and offer little nutritional value.
Serve: Whole Grains and Protein
Dr. Amati recommends a breakfast rich in low-GI carbs paired with protein for balanced energy. Good examples include:
- Carbs: Brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain toast.
- Protein: Fish or chicken instead of processed meats.
A Harvard study of 81,000 participants found that swapping processed meats for fish reduced mortality by 25% and 17% when substituted with chicken.
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