Bath time is typically a fun and relaxing activity for kids, and many parents stock up on bath toys to keep their children entertained. However, one Illinois mom’s tragic experience has raised a serious warning about the potential dangers of bath toys, especially ones that squirt water.
Eden Strong, a mother from Illinois, nearly lost her 2-year-old son Baylor’s eyesight after a simple bath toy caused a severe eye injury. This experience has prompted her to speak out and warn other parents about the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly harmless toys.
The Start of a Horrifying Incident
Eden was giving Baylor a bath when she noticed that his eye appeared irritated. Initially, she thought it was just water in his eye, a common occurrence during bath time. But after the bath, Baylor’s eye worsened, prompting Eden to seek medical attention. What followed was a nightmare for the young family.
Baylor developed cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly and cause significant damage. Within 12 hours, his eye went from pink to severely infected, and it quickly became clear that this was more than just a simple irritation. Eden described the condition as alarming, with Baylor’s eye becoming so swollen that it was protruding from his face. He was also running a high fever, which made things even more concerning.
“I cried the entire drive to a larger hospital, praying that he wouldn’t lose his eye,” Eden shared in a Facebook post, which later went viral. “The next week was pretty scary. He had severe cellulitis that eventually spread down his face and to both eyes. They warned me that he may lose vision in the worst eye, but thank the Lord, his eyes healed.”
The Cause of the Injury: A Squirt Toy
The cause of Baylor’s eye infection was linked to a common bath toy: a squirting bath toy. These toys are popular because they are inexpensive, fun, and easy to use, but Eden discovered that they come with hidden dangers.
Eden learned that the water inside the squirting toys doesn’t always fully expel when squeezed. This trapped water becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infections when the toy comes into contact with a child’s skin, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes.
“I came to find out later that because the water is never fully expelled from those types of toys, they can just grow bacteria that you can’t stop,” Eden explained in her post. This revelation shocked many parents who had not considered the risks associated with these types of toys.
A Call for Action: Throwing Away the Toys
Eden’s post about Baylor’s injury quickly gained traction, being shared by over 320,000 people. Other parents reached out to her, sharing their own stories of similar experiences with bath toys. This shared concern has made Eden realize just how widespread the problem is and how important it is for parents to be more vigilant.
After the incident, Eden made the decision to throw away all of Baylor’s squeezable bath toys. “I think those toys especially are cute. They’re fun. They’re cheap and easy, but it’s not worth it,” she said. Eden’s message is clear: while these toys may be tempting to buy due to their affordability and entertainment value, they can pose serious risks to children.
Eden now hopes that manufacturers will take this issue into consideration when designing and producing bath toys. She believes that safety should be a priority and urges other parents to be cautious when choosing bath toys for their children.
The Importance of Preventive Measures
Baylor’s experience serves as a reminder for all parents to take extra care when selecting toys for their little ones, especially toys that come into contact with water. Here are a few preventive measures parents can take to ensure bath time is safe:
- Choose High-Quality, Easy-to-Clean Toys: Look for bath toys that are easy to clean and dry thoroughly after use. Avoid toys with small crevices where water can get trapped.
- Inspect Toys Regularly: Before and after each bath, check toys for any signs of wear or damage. If a toy is cracked or no longer seals properly, it’s time to throw it out.
- Consider Non-Squirting Toys: If you’re concerned about the risks of squirting bath toys, consider choosing toys that don’t hold water, like foam or rubber toys, which are less likely to harbor bacteria.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene: After each bath, make sure to wash and dry the toys thoroughly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
By taking these simple precautions, parents can help ensure that bath time remains a fun and safe experience for their children.
The Hidden Dangers of Bath Toys: What Parents Need to Know
While bath time is typically a joyous occasion for children, this tragic story serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers that even seemingly harmless toys can pose. Cellulitis and other infections caused by dirty bath toys can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly. In some cases, the consequences can be life-threatening, especially when the infection spreads quickly.
It is essential for parents to stay informed about the risks associated with common bath toys and to take steps to protect their children. By being proactive and cautious, parents can prevent accidents and help ensure their children’s safety.
Eden Strong’s warning is an important reminder that we should always prioritize safety over convenience when it comes to our children’s well-being. While the majority of bath toys are designed with fun in mind, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential dangers and take the necessary precautions to keep kids safe.
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