Babies and Nail Polish: When to Worry

Can newborns be around nail polish?

Newborns have a very sensitive respiratory system and it is not recommended to expose them to fumes from nail polish. The fumes from nail polish can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to a newborn’s delicate respiratory system and potentially cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other symptoms.

If you need to apply nail polish in the presence of a newborn, it’s best to do so in a well-ventilated area to minimize their exposure to fumes, or to avoid applying nail polish altogether when a newborn is around. Additionally, it’s important to always keep the nail polish and other chemicals out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Is it safe to paint your nails while breastfeeding?

While it’s possible to paint your nails while breastfeeding, it’s important to consider the potential risks to your baby. Nail polish fumes contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts. If you paint your nails while breastfeeding, it’s best to do so in a well-ventilated area, such as an open window or door, to reduce your exposure to fumes.

It’s also important to wait until the nail polish has fully dried and the fumes have dissipated before breastfeeding your baby. This will reduce the amount of chemicals that your baby is exposed to through your milk. Additionally, you should wash your hands thoroughly after applying nail polish to remove any residual chemicals that might transfer to your baby during breastfeeding.

If you are concerned about the safety of exposing your baby to nail polish fumes, you may want to avoid painting your nails while breastfeeding or choose a low-toxicity or “5-free” nail polish, which is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.

Ultimately, it’s important to take precautions to minimize your baby’s exposure to any potentially harmful chemicals. If you have any concerns or questions, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

What happens if a baby swallowed nail polish?

If a baby has swallowed nail polish, it is considered a poisoning and a medical emergency. The chemicals in nail polish can be toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Symptoms of nail polish poisoning can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect that your baby has swallowed nail polish, you should seek medical attention immediately. Call your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room. Be prepared to provide information on the type and amount of nail polish that was ingested, as well as the time of ingestion.

What happens if a 1 year old drinks nail polish remover?

Ingesting nail polish remover can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening for a 1-year-old child. Nail polish remover contains solvents such as acetone, which can be toxic if ingested.