KIDS

Every claim we’ve checked

67 kids’ health claims, each checked against published research and official guidance.

The flu vaccine can give children the fluNot supported Toddler scribbling reflects real cognitive developmentMixed Too many vaccines at once overload a baby's immune systemNot supported Vaccines cause autismNot supported Chickenpox parties are a safe way to build immunityNot supported Green snot means a child needs antibioticsNot supported Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen is better for feversMixed Newborn screening prevents disability in babiesSupported A high fever can cause brain damage in childrenMixed Honey soothes children's coughsSupported Antibiotics help children's ear infections get better fasterMixed Gripe water relieves colicNot supported Ice cream and sugary drinks cause tooth decay faster than other foodsMixed Probiotics prevent colic in babiesNot supported Picky eating in toddlers means a nutrient deficiencyNot supported Kids need vitamin supplements to stay healthyNot supported Organic food is healthier for childrenMixed Toddlers need cow's milk to grow strong bonesMixed GLP-1 medicines can treat obesity in some children.Supported Too much screen time hurts kids' grades and behaviour.Mixed Maternal flu during pregnancy causes neuropsychiatric disorders in children.Mixed Childhood chickenpox vaccine reduces later shingles risk.Supported Walking more reduces teenagers' mental health problems.Mixed Fruit juice is a healthy drink for toddlersNot supported Drinking milk increases mucus when kids have a coldNot supported Carrots improve children's eyesightMixed Dummies reduce the risk of SIDSMixed Eating chocolate causes acne in teenagersMixed Baby walkers help babies learn to walk soonerNot supported Breastfed babies have higher IQsMixed Eating healthy foods in pregnancy improves your baby's healthSupported Picking up a crying baby too often spoils themNot supported Babies should sleep on their backs to reduce SIDS riskSupported Waking a sleepwalking child is dangerousMixed Putting cereal in a baby's bottle helps them sleep through the nightNot supported Unsafe sleep environments can cause infant deathsSupported Raw milk is healthier for kids than pasteurised milkNot supported Screen time before age 2 delays language developmentMixed Melatonin gummies are a safe sleep aid for kidsNot supported Sugar makes kids hyperactiveNot supported Fluoride in tap water lowers children’s IQMixed Giving babies peanut early helps prevent peanut allergySupported Going out with wet hair makes kids catch a coldNot supported Halloween costumes can be unsafe for childrenSupported Chatbots like ChatGPT are unsafe for children to useMixed Reading in dim light ruins children's eyesightNot supported Extreme heat threatens pregnant women and newbornsSupported Teething causes fever in babiesNot supported Vaccinating in pregnancy protects babies from RSVSupported Screens are not the problem for children's mental healthNot supported Children with sports pain should stop playing until checkedSupported Interactive screen time causes brain damage in young childrenNot supported Horse riding therapy reduces hyperactivity in autistic childrenMixed Positive parenting improves children's mental healthSupported Social media and smartphones harm children's mental healthMixed More screen time improves teenagers' cognitive processingNot supported Public pre-K improves children's grades through high schoolMixed Childhood trauma leaves lasting changes in children's brainsMixed CMV in pregnancy can cause lifelong disabilities in babiesSupported Everyday chemicals in the body cause autism in childrenMixed Sugar in early childhood causes lasting health harmMixed Strollers can overheat babies in hot weatherSupported Cutting sugary drinks reduces childhood obesityMixed A healthy pregnancy diet reduces infant colic and eczemaMixed Snow plough parenting harms children's developmentMixed Vitamin D in infancy prevents childhood food allergyNot supported Apologising to kids makes parents look weakNot supported

Browse by topic

SleepNutritionAllergiesScreensVaccinesIllnessMedicinesDevelopmentBehaviourMental healthSafetyPregnancyWaterSkin