They’re used by parents around the world, but are prams bad for babies?
When it comes to protecting babies from toxins that affect their developing brains, baby carriers may be healthier than prams.
Research has found that babies in prams can be exposed to up to 60 percent more pollution than their parents, causing potential damage to their brain development.
This is according to a study by the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey.
Research has found that babies in prams can be exposed to up to 60 percent more pollution than their parents, causing potential damage to their brain development.
This is according to a study by the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey.
Why are babies in prams exposed to more pollution than their parents?
Babies in prams breathe in more polluted air since they are positioned between 0,55m and 0,85m above ground level and vehicle exhaust pipes usually sit within one metre above road level. This increases in-pram babies’ vulnerability to being exposed to more pollution than adults.
Researchers examined more than 160 references concerning the pollution exposure of babies in prams and investigated different types of prams based on their height, width and pollution exposure levels.
How air pollution affects babies’ brains
Air pollution has the potential to damage babies’ frontal lobes and impact on their cognitive abilities and brain development.
“We know that infants breathe in higher amounts of airborne particles relative to their lung size and body weight compared to adults. What we have proven here is that the height most children travel at while in a pram doubles the likelihood of negative impacts from air pollution when compared to an adult,” says Professor Prashant Kumar, a Chair in Air Quality and Health and the Founding Director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research.
“When you also consider how vulnerable they are because of their tissues, immune systems, and brain development at this early stage of their life, it is extremely worrying that they are being exposed to these dangerous levels of pollution.”
According to UNICEF, 17 million children under the age of one across the world live in regions where air pollution levels exceed World Health Organisation recommended guidelines.
“We know that infants breathe in higher amounts of airborne particles relative to their lung size and body weight compared to adults. What we have proven here is that the height most children travel at while in a pram doubles the likelihood of negative impacts from air pollution when compared to an adult,” says Professor Prashant Kumar, a Chair in Air Quality and Health and the Founding Director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research.
“When you also consider how vulnerable they are because of their tissues, immune systems, and brain development at this early stage of their life, it is extremely worrying that they are being exposed to these dangerous levels of pollution.”
According to UNICEF, 17 million children under the age of one across the world live in regions where air pollution levels exceed World Health Organisation recommended guidelines.
What you can do
It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to avoid walking along busy roads with your baby during peak traffic.
It also makes sense to elevate your baby, helping protect them from car exhaust fumes.
So, if you have the choice between a baby carrier, which allows you to carry your baby close to your chest, or a pram, pick the baby carrier.
Source: University of Surrey via www.sciencedaily.com
It also makes sense to elevate your baby, helping protect them from car exhaust fumes.
So, if you have the choice between a baby carrier, which allows you to carry your baby close to your chest, or a pram, pick the baby carrier.
Source: University of Surrey via www.sciencedaily.com