Toddlers put everything in their mouths, not least their cuddly stuffed animals. But these may harbour bacteria, viruses or dust mites and can even transfer head lice and scabies from one child to another. There’s no need, however, to trash her toys, says Montreal pediatrician Dr. Denis Leduc. Without a human host, lice survive just a couple of days, and dust mites and scabies three or four days. While dust mites don’t cause serious health problems, they are sensitizing factors in asthma and eczema. “In these cases you might keep only the child’s favourite toy and toss the more decorative ones,” Leduc says. Bacteria and viruses live on toys from a few hours to a few weeks. Lessen the chance of transmitting colds by washing stuffed animals in hot water and mild detergent once a week or if soiled.
Health News Hotline has been reviewed by physicians in the division of pediatric medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. The goal is to provide readers with reliable information based on substantiated research. The information given here is generic and not intended to be a substitute for medical help in a specific situation. Readers should seek such advice from their own family doctor or pediatrician.
The Hospital for Sick Children has been a pioneer in children’s health care for over 125 years. Today, it is an international referral centre at the forefront of pediatric medicine, research and teaching.
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