News came out today that researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are concerned that Vicks VapoRub may cause airway inflammation that can restrict breathing. This comes after an 11-month old girl was treated for sever respiratory distress after Vicks was placed directly under her nose.
While I"m not trying to discredit the researchers, this clearly points to parents not reading labels and improperly using a product. First, Vicks VapoRub is recommended for use in children over two years of age. Second, it should never be placed under a child's nose. Also, this report is specifically addressing Vicks VapoRub not Vicks BabyRub.
In this age of massive recalls and faulty products it disturbs me when a product or brand is called on the carpet due to people who are not using it as directed. Parents - read labels and follow directions!
Great post and advice Alison. Any medication (or any parenting discipline) can be dangerous if used inappropriately.
Posted by: Brenda Nixon | January 16, 2009 at 05:41 PM
This article is so reflective of new mom's. My baby just had his first cold at 2 and a half months old. Being a first time mom I had to worry not only about my child's cold...but all the family around trying to giving him all these concoctions. After talking to my pediatrician I put everyone under a serious warning not to give or rub etc anything on the baby or the room without consulting me even IF they had done it always like that in THEIR families. They were trying to give my baby some sort of onion and garlic soup. He's not even eating solids yet!!! The vapor rub came up as well...im glad i stopped them.
Posted by: Gerry | January 17, 2009 at 05:07 PM