Researchers from ASecureLife.com discovered the grossest baby products

The experts swabbed and analysed 10 common objects in nine homes with children ranging in age from newborn to 4 years old.

After an extensive study, they found that the germiest items our little ones interact with every day — all of which are riddled with far more bacteria than the bathroom floor and the toilet itself — are likely not at all what most parents would expect.

1. Strollers
2. Pacifiers and sippy cups
3. Plush toys like stuffed animals
4. Diaper bags
5. Plastic toys
6. Board books

According to ASecureLife.com, “most people store their strollers in garages, which experience more temperature and humidity variation than most other places in the house.” The garage also traps in dust, exhaust fumes, and germ-carrying pests, which create the “ideal breeding ground for large amounts of bacteria, yeast, and mold.”

Source: Top 10 Germiest Kids’ Items Lurking in Your Home (ASecureLife.com)

Top five items with the most harmful germs

1. Stroller
Most harmful germ present: Streptococcus
The stroller grew streptococci bacteria, which can cause illnesses like strep throat, pink eye, and meningitis.

2. Pacifier
Most harmful germ present: E. coli
The pacifier grew gram-negative enteric bacteria, which belong to a class of coliform-containing bacteria that include E. coli and salmonella.

3. Plush toy
Most harmful germ present: Listeria
The plush toy grew listeria, which can cause listeriosis, a rare but potentially lethal foodborne illness that can affect people with weakened immune systems.

4. Diaper bag
Most harmful germ present: Pertussis
The diaper bag grew coccobacilli, which can lead to pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

5. Board book
Most harmful germ present: Moraxella
The board book grew Moraxella, a class of gram-negative bacteria that can cause sinusitis, ear infections, or pneumonia.

They also noted homes with more boys in them were slightly more likely to have a higher number of germs than homes with mostly girls. Find the full results here.

Are you surprised at the results?

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