“Don’t Hand-Me-Down These Three Things to Your Children, No Matter What.”

In today’s fast-paced modern life, the cost of living is rising, and so are the expenses of raising a child. Financial pressure on couples is already heavy, and it is further increased by the need to pay off car and house loans. After having a child, many parents want to save money, but sometimes these savings are not the smartest choices.

Nowadays, children need proper nutrition to grow healthily, leading to the quick consumption and frequent stock-outs of various food items. Many parents choose to gift these items to their children or happily accept hand-me-downs from friends and family.

However, it’s important to note that using second-hand items can pose safety risks, especially with certain types of products. In the following sections, we will discuss these items in detail and hope that everyone can draw useful lessons from them.

Toys

Toys are an important and indispensable companion in a child’s life, with various types and price ranges available in the market.

If you frequently buy new toys, the cost can add up significantly over a year. Many families tend to give away toys that their children have outgrown. While this may seem like a kind gesture, I advise against accepting these used toys.

Some toys can support a child’s intellectual development, but careful selection is necessary to avoid exposing children to potentially harmful items. It only takes a moment of negligence to endanger a child’s health.

For instance, I once heard of a case where a relative’s child accidentally swallowed a small bead while playing. Fortunately, the bead wasn’t too large, and the child was eventually discharged from the hospital. Therefore, when caring for children, always be vigilant to prevent them from accessing hazardous objects.

Mouth-Related Items

When young, children often use items such as pacifiers or chew toys. For these items, ensure you choose new products and avoid pre-owned ones. Even if the surface of a used item appears clean, bacteria and dirt may still linger, posing health risks to the child who uses it.

Additionally, some items made from food-grade plastic cannot be sterilized at high temperatures, as this may lead to deformation or aging. Moreover, it’s not advisable to give away items you’ve used frequently to others.

I’ve noticed that many families hand down items from their first child to their second, which isn’t advisable. For these items, in addition to buying new ones, you should also develop the habit of regular sterilization to ensure safety.

Old Clothing

You shouldn’t readily accept second-hand clothes for your child. It’s common for families to pass on their children’s old clothes to others, but this isn’t a wise choice. Even if the clothes have been washed, there may still be chemical detergent residue present.

Children’s skin is sensitive and their resistance is weak, so wearing these clothes could lead to infections or allergies. When choosing clothing for children, avoid items with overly bright colors or intricate patterns, as they may contain formaldehyde. After washing, it’s best to sun-dry the clothes to sterilize them.

Shoes

Each child has unique walking habits and applies different pressure on their shoes, resulting in varying wear and tear. Therefore, you shouldn’t accept hand-me-down shoes to avoid potential risks.

If you let your child wear someone else’s old shoes, it could affect their gait. For example, some shoes with a flared design can cause walking issues, and in severe cases, lead to foot deformities. When your child starts walking, choose appropriate shoes to protect their feet and provide traction.

Conclusion

Children should not directly use the aforementioned second-hand items. Don’t let small details cause significant harm to your child’s health.