A recent study suggests that exposure to air pollution before birth may result in lower IQ scores in children. In the study, 249 women in New York City wore backpack air monitors for 48 hours during the final months of pregnancy. The women were exposed to varying levels of air pollution, primarily from vehicle exhaust. When their children reached age 5, they were given IQ tests before starting school. The results showed that children exposed to the highest levels of air pollution in utero scored an average of 4-5 points lower on the tests. Unfortunately, clean air is not a guaranteed right, despite its crucial impact on health.
The World Health Organization recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies within the first hour of birth and continue exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and bolsters the immune system, helping to protect against diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia. However, in 2009, less than 40% of mothers globally adhered to this practice, often due to a lack of knowledge or because breastfeeding can be painful. If 90% of mothers breastfed for six months, approximately 13% of the 10 million annual deaths of children under five could be prevented. This is crucial information that pregnant women should be aware of.
A study published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” found that playing in beach sand increases the risk of diarrhoea by 44% in children under age 11, while being buried in sand raises the risk by 27%. The top eight inches of beach sand can contain high levels of E. coli and Enterococcus bacteria from storm sewer runoff and animal faeces. In fact, the bacteria levels in sand can be up to 40 times higher than in the water at the same beaches. When children put sandy hands in their mouths, they ingest these germs, leading to what might be called “sandwiches” of bacteria.
Clinical studies have shown that sugar-free gum can be effective in reducing cavities in children. Now, gum manufacturers are adding xylitol, a natural sweetener with anti-microbial properties that help prevent cavities. For the gum to be effective, xylitol must be the first ingredient listed on the package, and two pieces should be chewed three times a day. In Finland, children have been chewing xylitol gum for years as part of a successful public health initiative aimed at reducing cavities—perhaps one day leading to a future with no cavities at all.
If you have a small child or baby and expect to be in a polluted area, it’s advisable to use a travel pram with a hood to help shield your child from toxic air. For optimal protection, we recommend the Joolz Aer travel stroller.
