Germs in children's toys are more than in toilets? Here is the full truth.

A recent study has revealed shocking results that might completely change our perception of children's most innocent possessions... "Teddy bears" or stuffed cotton toys, which accompany kids in their sleep and play, may actually be more contaminated than toilet seats!

The study, published in the British newspaper "Daily Mail" and conducted by MattressNextDay, showed that these stuffed toys could become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, as the results indicated that a single teddy bear doll could contain twice the amount of germs found on a toilet seat.

The investigation didn't stop there, but underwent detailed testing, where researchers used "Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing" technology to measure the amount of ATP molecules, indicating the presence of living cells and thus microbial contamination.

Samples were taken from four household items: a blanket, a stuffed toy, a trash basket, and a toilet seat, from seven different locations.

The biggest surprise came when the examination results showed that 43% of blankets and 29% of teddy bears exceeded 1000 ATP units, a very high contamination rate.

On the other hand, trash baskets and toilet seats showed lower contamination levels, averaging 294 and 864 units respectively.

What's concerning is that these toys harbor dangerous bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which can cause serious infections, especially in children or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Sinegul Gige, a pediatrician involved in the study, warned of the hidden risks that parents may not easily notice, saying:

"We are not just dealing with dirt, but with potential sources of diseases that threaten the health of children and the entire family." She added:

"Children's toys, despite their apparent innocence, provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, fungi, and allergens, and should be cleaned regularly."

The results have raised many questions about how much parents care about the cleanliness of items their children interact with daily, ultimately emphasizing that health safety starts with paying attention to small details, including the cleanliness of toys and blankets that are mistakenly believed to be clean enough.

The message conveyed by the study to parents is clear:

Do not underestimate the innocence of toys... hidden dangers may lurk within.