I'm a pediatrician - here are five products I would NEVER give to kids

A pediatric emergency room doctor has revealed five products that your kids absolutely don't need - and that she totally 'detests.'

The information was shared in a new video posted to TikTok by Florida-based Dr. Meghan Martin, who goes by the username @Beachgem10 on social media.

Dr. Martin often takes to TikTok to share her safety tips, provide guidance for the flu and cold season, and break down medical news.

But in this video, the doctor explained that there are some things you have in your home that are unnecessary for children.

First on her list? Cough and cold medications for kids under the age of six.

'These are not recommended, they are expensive, they generally do nothing, and they have a lot of side effects associated with them,' the pediatrician revealed.

'My general recommendations for coughs and colds are ibuprofen and Tylenol for fever and discomfort, encouraging fluids with Pedialyte or Gatorade or another electrolyte solution, saline in the nose, and cool mist humidifiers,' she shared.

Next on her register of things you don't need was Neosporin - an over-the-counter, antibiotic ointment.

'[It] very commonly causes hypersensitivity reactions that looks like cellulitis,' she shared.

Instead of using Neosporin, Dr. Martin suggested washing the area with soap and water, and then something like Vaseline or Aquaphor over it.

'Number three, soaps, lotions, and detergents meant for infants and newborns that have fragrance,' Dr. Martin continued.

'So many of these kiddos end up with contact dermatitis, or worsening eczema symptoms,  they are super rashy,' she shared.

'Get rid of all of the fragranced products.' 

The fourth item on Dr. Martin's list was 'toddler formulas marketed to kids who do not medically need it.'

These are typically flavored drinks.  

'There's absolutely a group of kids that medically need this food, but most kids do not, and should be transitioning to table foods and drinking milk, water, et cetera,' she explained.

'Toddler formulas are expensive, they're teaching kids to drink their calories rather than eat their nutrition, and there's just no indication for them.'

And at number one was a product that may shock parents around the world - and that's gummy vitamins.

'These are literally candies that have vitamins sprayed over the top of them,' Dr. Martin claimed.

Because of this, the doses of the vitamins can be inconsistent or even totally inaccurate, she said.

'Plus, all of this stuff sticks in kids teeth, and they are at high risk for cavities. Most kids don't even need vitamins, and these are expensive, so talk to your kids' pediatrician,' she said.

'These products have tremendous marketing departments, if you have any questions, chat with your pediatrician,' Dr. Martin concluded.

In the comments section of Dr. Martin's video, many people seemed to agree with her takes, especially when it came to Neosporin.

'I became allergic to Neosporin as an adult and it was a horrific (and super itchy) experience. I can't use bacitracin either. I strictly use Aquafor & Vaseline now,' one person claimed.

Another shared, 'I'm 54 and just learned about neosporin this year during my mom's radiation treatments. I've told everyone I know. also sharing this golden info.' 

'Omg! I have contact dermatitis so bad and I bought a detergent for babies that has a fragrance. I think you just saved my freaking skin. Thank you!!' someone else typed.