Baby and Toddler Safety Awareness

Introduction

Introducing Principal Lisa our Parent and Community Educator, Lisa will be sharing her 33 years of experience as an early year’s educator with families in store at Momstore in our family play areas for workshops and community gatherings over the coming months so stay tuned and be sure to book a place.

Lisa works daily with families all over the UAE offering reassurance, advice, and support in all areas of baby and toddlerhood. We will be joining Lisa at her Popular Happy Families events each month which are free and highly supportive. They are held at Bounty Beets in Mina Seyahi Le Meriden Hotel for families to learn, meet, and play. Here is the link to book in and we will see you there. Come and say hi.

Booking link:

Baby and Toddler Safety Awareness

Potential Hidden Dangers Lurking in Playtime

Written by Lisa Sherrington-Boyd, Community Educator for Mom Store (affectionately known as Principal Lisa, The Potty Queen)

In the world of parenting, nothing is more paramount than the safety of our little ones. As an ex- Nursery Principal, I've always been on the lookout for potential hazards that could compromise the well-being of the babies and toddlers in my care. I have learned to be hyper-vigilant, especially with new toys on the market. I have heard about many accidents in the home from my families in the nurseries over the years and seen some very narrow misses as well.

May I bring to your attention two concerning products that have recently raised safety concerns among parents in the UK. I have been sharing these on my Instagram page Principal lisa to raise awareness.

Magnetic Water Balloons - A Potential Threat to Tiny Tots

In a recent product safety recall, reusable magnetic water balloons have come under scrutiny for posing a significant risk, even though they are not explicitly designed for vulnerable infants under the age of 3. Whilst magnets, in general, can be hazardous if swallowed, the small magnets in these water balloons can cause serious internal injuries and, in extreme cases, lead to death.

Please be vigilant for signs of ingestion in children, such as vomiting and stomach pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect a magnet has been swallowed. Always supervise very young children when using magnetic water balloons and be aware that varying levels of quality exist in the market.

As someone who once patrolled a nursery school like an army major, I understand the importance of maintaining a hawk eye for potential risks. Let's work together to spread awareness and ensure the safety of our little ones.

Water Beads - Deceptively Harmless, but Potentially Lethal

Water beads, those colourful and squishy sensory toys that have gained popularity, may seem harmless, but they pose a multitude of risks to toddlers. These small polymer crystals, when ingested, inhaled, or inserted into ears or noses, can lead to choking, airway blockage, intestinal blockage, and even neurological damage. I see them in messy play set-ups, and they worry me. It just takes a second for a small child to get one caught between their fingers and put their hands in their mouth and swallow.

The appeal of water beads lies in their bright colours and squishy texture, making them especially attractive to young children. When dry, these beads are tiny and can easily be swallowed without detection. Once inside the body, they absorb fluids and expand, potentially causing severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, and life-threatening injuries.

Share this information with others, and let's work collectively to keep our little ones safe during playtime.

While it's natural to seek out fun and engaging toys for our children, it's equally important to be aware of the potential risks associated with them. By staying vigilant and sharing crucial information, we can create a safer environment for our precious toddlers.

I am delighted to have joined the Mom Store Team as a Parenting and Family Educator in the community.

Warm wishes

Lisa

Baby and Toddler Safety Awareness

They are held at Bounty Beets in Mina Seyahi Le Meridien Hotel for families to learn, meet, and play. Here is the link to book in, and we will see you there. Come and say hi.

Booking link:

Baby and Toddler Safety Awareness

Potential Hidden Dangers Lurking in Playtime

Written by Lisa Sherrington-Boyd, Community Educator for Mom Store (affectionately known as Principal Lisa, The Potty Queen)

In the world of parenting, nothing is more paramount than the safety of our little ones. As an ex-Nursery Principal, I've always been on the lookout for potential hazards that could compromise the well-being of the babies and toddlers in my care. I have learned to be hyper-vigilant, especially with new toys on the market. I have heard about many accidents in the home from my families in the nurseries over the years and seen some very narrow misses as well.

May I bring to your attention two concerning products that have recently raised safety concerns among parents in the UK? I have been sharing these on my Instagram page, Principal Lisa, to raise awareness.

Magnetic Water Balloons - A Potential Threat to Tiny Tots

In a recent product safety recall, reusable magnetic water balloons have come under scrutiny for posing a significant risk, even though they are not explicitly designed for vulnerable infants under the age of 3. Whilst magnets, in general, can be hazardous if swallowed, the small magnets in these water balloons can cause serious internal injuries and, in extreme cases, lead to death.

Please be vigilant for signs of ingestion in children, such as vomiting and stomach pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect a magnet has been swallowed. Always supervise very young children when using magnetic water balloons and be aware that varying levels of quality exist in the market.

As someone who once patrolled a nursery school like an army major, I understand the importance of maintaining a hawk eye for potential risks. Let's work together to spread awareness and ensure the safety of our little ones.

Water Beads - Deceptively Harmless, but Potentially Lethal

Water beads, those colourful and squishy sensory toys that have gained popularity, may seem harmless, but they pose a multitude of risks to toddlers. These small polymer crystals, when ingested, inhaled, or inserted into ears or noses, can lead to choking, airway blockage, intestinal blockage, and even neurological damage. I see them in messy play set-ups, and they worry me. It just takes a second for a small child to get one caught between their fingers and put their hands in their mouth and swallow.

The appeal of water beads lies in their bright colours and squishy texture, making them especially attractive to young children. When dry, these beads are tiny and can easily be swallowed without detection. Once inside the body, they absorb fluids and expand, potentially causing severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, and life-threatening injuries.

Share this information with others, and let's work collectively to keep our little ones safe during playtime.

While it's natural to seek out fun and engaging toys for our children, it's equally important to be aware of the potential risks associated with them. By staying vigilant and sharing crucial information, we can create a safer environment for our precious toddlers.

I am delighted to have joined the Mom Store Team as a Parenting and Family Educator in the community.

Warm wishes,

Lisa