As per our age-old Indian tradition – applying kajal on your baby’s eyes will make their eyes bright, large, and attractive. In addition, Kajal soothes, cleanses and protects the eye against infections and the sharp sun glares. And let’s not forget the belief that applying kajal will ward off the evil eye.
But applying kajal to baby’s eyes is not safe. Doctors also advice not to use it.
- Using kajal can lead to watery eyes, itchiness, and even allergies.
- When kajal is washed off during a bath, it can pass down the small and narrow opening between the eyes and the nose. This opening can get blocked, causing infections.
- Kajal mainly comprises of Galena, amorphous carbon, zincite, magnetite etc. If your baby is constantly exposed to these elements, or over a period, it will create an excessive storage of lead in his body.
- Most commercially produced kajal has high levels of lead in them. This is certainly harmful for your baby as too much of lead stored in the body can affect the brain, other organs and bone marrow, leading to anemia, low IQ, and convulsions.
- The ingredients or packaging of the kajal can be contaminated, and thus harmful for your baby’s eyes.
- Also, while applying kajal, the person’s sharp, uneven fingernails can cause discomfort to the baby and if your hands are not properly hygienic in condition, then it might be infectious to your baby.
- Even while applying germs can be transferred to the eyes if the hands were not properly washed before applying kajal.
Not only eyes, but baby’s milk teeth are also very important. Check Why it is important to take care of baby’s milk teeth ?