Parents warned 3 common summer foods are dangerous to toddlers – and eating a specific fruit can cause nasty sunburn

The Sun

01-07-2025

WITH summer in full swing and temperatures rising, a mother has shared an urgent warning to all parents.
According to Lili Kirkby, a mum-of-two from the UK, toddlers should avoid consuming three summer foods.
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Not only did the UGC content creator claim that a specific fruit could cause nasty sunburn, but she also acknowledged that one popular drink could lead to fainting.
Posting on social media, Lili shared her warning as she penned: 'Foods to avoid giving your toddler this summer - keep your little one safe with these quick tips.'
First things first, Lili claimed that parents should avoid giving citrus fruits to toddlers.
She voiced: 'Juice from oranges, lemons, and limes on the skin can cause burns when exposed to sunlight.
'If they eat citrus, wash their hands and face thoroughly before heading outdoors.'
Following this, Lili also explained why she won't be giving her little ones ice.
'Ice cubes can be a choking hazard. If offering ice, make sure it's in a closed-lid cup to stay safe and cool,' she warned.
And finally, Lili got candid on why slushies could be incredibly dangerous to kids.
The mother revealed: 'Some slushies may contain high levels of glycerol, which can lead to headaches, nausea, and in rare cases, serious reactions like shock or fainting.'
As a result, Lili stressed: 'Keep it fun and safe this summer!'
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The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ liliandwillow, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 129,200 views in just two days.
Not only this, but it's also amassed 849 likes and 32 comments.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
Social media users were left stunned by Lili's claims and quickly rushed to the comments to share their thoughts.
One person said: 'Lots of bad things in the news about slushies, a core part of my childhood that my daughter will miss out on.'
Another gasped: 'Did not know about slushies!'
teething.'
At the same time, another parent advised: 'Ice lollies as well can also be a choking hazard, even though it can melt, if stuck in the throat it'll take some time to actually melt. Saw that on a health visitors page.'
The danger of slushies
And it's not just Lili who has stressed the dangers of slushies - just last month, The Sun also shared an urgent warning to parents over the serious health risks of the popular drinks.
The brightly coloured beverages contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature, semi-frozen texture.
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And now, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has updated its guidance to state that slush ice drinks containing glycerol are not suitable for children under seven.
It follows several incidents involving slushy drinks in recent months.
Earlier this year, the sugary drinks - which are designed to appeal to children - were linked to the hospitalisation of 21 children aged two to seven.
As a result, members of the food watchdog's board called for the change after reviewing evidence on the risk of glycerol to young children's health.
Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome.