What are the Dangers of Babies Playing With Cell Phones?
As any parent can tell you, cell phones are a magnet for babies and small children. Use your cell phone around your baby at all, and he's sure to grab for it. Some cell-phone applications even encourage parents to use cell phones as toys, offering such things as baby rattle, white noise and learning-the-ABCs apps. But is using a cell phone as a toy safe?
-
Radiation Dangers
-
Although the science isn't yet strong enough for a ban, many studies indicate radiation from cell phones handsets and their antennas may lead to brain tumors, genetic damage, leukemia, headaches, anxiety, depression, attention span problems and sleep disorders. Children are considered more prone to damage due to cell-phone use because they have thinner skulls.
It's important to note these studies looked at humans who used cell phones for phone calls on a regular basis.
Are Levels of Radiation Safe?
-
On the other hand, many other studies indicate the radiation from cell phones is perfectly safe.
Experts in cell-phone technology often argue as Ruth Douglas-Miller, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University and chair for the Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR) for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, does: "Microwave ovens were met with fear when they were introduced, but they are not dangerous. We have not seen cancer develop from microwaves, and there is no measurable leakage from microwave ovens. Digital cell phones operate on close to the same frequency as microwave ovens, and there is no health concern with cell phones, either." Indeed, Douglas-Miller says, microwaves actually heat, while cell phones don't give out enough energy to do even that.
Choking Hazards
-
Even if you choose not to allow your baby or child to use a cell phone for applications or calls, you may still allow her to play with the phone while it's turned off. Many babies love to chew on cell phones; the rubber parts feel good on their gums while they are teething. Others love opening and closing cell phones or pushing the buttons.
Is this safe? Probably not. Cell phones are made of small parts, and while it might seem your baby can't break your cell phone to get to those small parts, it is possible.
BPA Dangers
-
Another concern is that almost all hard plastics, such as those found on a cell phone, have a chemical in them called bisphenol A (BPA). In animal studies, BPA seems to lead to poor brain development, certain types of cancers and early puberty in females.
Or Is BPA Safe?
-
As with the topic of potential harm from cell-phone radiation, there isn't clear science on BPA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says BPA is safe and points out the chemical has been used for more than 50 years.
Use Caution
-
So while science cannot absolutely say cell phones are dangerous for babies, most parents choose to use caution. Particularly if your baby or toddler likes to put things in his mouth, playing with a cell phone is probably not the best idea.
-
-
Your precious little bundle is growing up and no longer needs sponge baths. She has outgrown her baby tub and is ready to sit in the big tub. Most babies are ready to sit independently around six months of age. Even though she sits independently, she
-
Teething can create a lot of sleepless nights for everyone. Parents will scramble to find any remedy to soothe their babys aching gums, helping everyone to get more rest. Hylands Teething Tablets promise to give that relief with a safe homeopathic re
-
There are many products available for newborns and infants, but determining their necessity can sometimes be difficult. Safety is a major concern in a market flooded with items for your new baby. Creating a pleasant sleep environment is important for
