What Are The Dangers Of Babies Playing With Cell Phones?

A 2009 Associated Press article calls cell phones the new baby rattles. Since their invention, the buttons and beeps of cell phones make an amusing distraction, and with the advent of smart phones some developers have released baby-friendly applications that turn the cell phone into a child's toy. However, some reports say there is potential harm in letting baby play with your cell phone. Some of these reports are backed by research. Others are not.

Radiation

Cellular phones release trace radiation. It's part of what makes the machine work. An article at Child's Genius warns parents of cancer and other risks associated with exposure to radiation. As of 2010, however, there has been insufficient study on cell phones and radiation to determine whether cell phones generate enough radiation to be dangerous. With no definitive data, Ari Brown of "Baby 411" recommends erring on the side of caution.

BPAs

Bisphenol A is a chemical found in many hard plastics, including those used to build cell phones. Research reported at MayoClinic.com says the Food and Drug Administration is concerned about the effects of BPA on brain development in infants. MayoClinic.com recommends BPA-free bottles, plates and food storage for babies. Though the article speaks specifically to the subject of food containers, the BPAs in cell phones pose similar dangers.

Physical Dangers

Brown warns against many adult tools and child toys because they present a choking hazard to babies. Many cell phones are too large to fit in baby's mouth, let alone choke her. However, cell phones have smaller parts that may be removed and broken off. These might choke baby, or cut baby on jagged edges.

Danger to Phone

Babies are not the easiest creatures on objects they handle. Not only do cell phones pose a potential danger to babies, babies present a potential danger to cell phones. Drooling on, dropping, banging and throwing a cell phone can all damage this important and expensive device. PC Magazine's mobile device analyst puts is succinctly in an interview: "Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I wouldn't use a $300 baby rattle."