Fake baby products on the market

Parents have resorted to use disposable diapers since they are friendly in keeping the baby safe

Esther Alinda a first time mother got puzzled after her son developed a rough skin with boils after applying some powder on his body. The trend continued when the baby was 3 months old.

"I thought it needed the local baby wash (kyogero) which I had not used. The situation got worse even after using it," says Alinda.

She took the boy to many children hospitals but all the medicine did not yield any hope until she visited a skin specialist along Bombo Road who analysed the baby's skin and asked her what she has been applying to the baby's skin. Alinda was advised to change the products. Unfortunately, not all baby products on the market are safe for babies. This has put many babies' lives at a risk.

Diaper use

Parents have resorted to use disposable diapers since they are friendly in keeping the baby safe for a given period of time. Many parents prefer it instead of cloth nappies because it's easy to clean up but the convenience of the product has also made it a controversial product. Dr John K Nsibambi, a dermatologist at Osler clinic, says because disposable diapers feel drier, many parents postpone diaper change. When the bacteria from urine get in contact with the skin for a long time, it causes redness and skin irritation.

Syrups

Ogwal says there are certain medicines in form of syrups that stain the teeth, gum, making them turn yellow or brown.

Baby powder

There are many types of powder on the market which can be used by any mother for the baby to sooth the skin. However, not all the powders are safe for the infant. Some parents apply more than the required amount on to the baby's skin and they tend to form particles after some time most especially around the thighs, neck and waist.

According to Dr Bainda Edward Kasirye a Paediatrician from Kampala Hospital, "Powder can cause breathing problems and serious lung damage when inhaled, and it's not always easy to keep the powder out of the air where your baby might breathe it."

 When the powder gets into the lungs, it may lead to respiratory obstruction or severe damage to the lungs.

Cosmetics and jewellery

Ogwal confirms that babies do react to the various products accordingly and it is only keen parents who can realize the change in the baby's character. They react to products like jerry, soaps because they end up being infected with Eczema which is at most times mistaken to be a normal rush.

"Mothers should always seek the Paediatrician's advice before purchasing the baby products," Ogwal advises.