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When our daughter’s lead test came back elevated, we were surprised but also grateful we had asked for it.

We live in an older home, so we knew lead exposure was a possibility. At her 15-month checkup, we requested the test just to be cautious. We hadn’t seen any warning signs and weren’t overly worried, but we wanted to be thorough.

Once we got the results, we started trying to figure out where the lead might be coming from. We tested our home. We checked our water filters. We began looking more closely at the foods and snacks she was eating.

That’s when I came across Lead Safe Mama, a resource I hadn’t known about before. I already knew that some baby products like pouches and formula had tested for lead in the past. But I was surprised to see that some of the very snacks we had been giving her, products from reputable brands, were still testing with elevated levels of lead.

The Unexpected Sources of Lead in Baby and Toddler Food

As we searched for answers, we found two key resources that every parent should know about:

• Consumer Reports has tested dozens of baby and toddler products, including pouches, snacks, and formulas. Their investigations have found that many contain elevated levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
• Lead Safe Mama, an independent testing resource, has found similar results. Her team tests everyday products, including popular snacks and household items, and publishes detailed reports online.

Some of the very snacks we had been giving our daughter showed up on those lists.

These were familiar, widely available snacks from brands we had come to trust. They were marketed as organic or allergy-friendly, and nothing about them raised red flags until we saw the testing data.

The Problem with Root-Based Ingredients

Cassava and other root vegetables, like arrowroot, are common in toddler snacks, especially those labeled grain-free or gluten-free. These ingredients may sound harmless, but they come with a hidden risk. Because root plants pull nutrients from deep in the soil, they can also absorb heavy metals like lead if the soil is contaminated.

Labels like “clean,” “natural,” and “organic” can sound reassuring, but they don’t guarantee a product has been tested for heavy metals. In some cases, the snacks with the healthiest branding have shown some of the highest lead levels in independent tests.

Lead is a naturally occurring element, and some exposure in food may be unavoidable. It is found in soil, water, and even the air. But experts agree that no level of lead is considered safe for young children. Because their bodies are still developing, even small amounts can build up over time and have lasting effects on brain development, learning ability, behavior, and growth. While we may not be able to eliminate every trace of lead from our children’s diets, being aware of higher-risk ingredients and products can help us make more mindful choices.

After reading the test results, we removed cassava-based snacks from our pantry. We tried one arrowroot-based option as an alternative, but it didn’t stay in rotation for long. We focused on more whole foods instead, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and less processed choices that felt safer while we figured things out.

By the time of our daughter’s next lead test, her levels had dropped. That gave us some peace of mind. But it also left us wondering how many other families have no idea this risk even exists.

What We Learned About Lead Testing

Our child’s blood lead level was 7 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), which is more than double the CDC’s current reference level of 3.5 µg/dL. That is the point at which action is recommended.

There is debate around the exact thresholds, but one thing is clear: no amount of lead is considered safe for young children. Even low levels can affect brain development, attention, and behavior.

What stood out to us was how unclear the process actually is. Some parents we spoke to had their children tested at regular intervals, while others said it was never mentioned unless there was a known risk. In our case, we had to bring it up and ask for it directly. There doesn’t seem to be a consistent standard, which makes it easy for elevated levels to go unnoticed.

We also found out that how the test is done can affect the results. At 15 months and again during the retest a few weeks later, our daughter had a heel stick. This type of capillary test is common in younger toddlers, but it can sometimes give a false positive if there is any lead residue on the skin. It is considered a good screening tool, but if levels come back high, many pediatricians will recommend a follow-up blood draw from the arm, which is more accurate.

All of this made us realize how many variables are at play. From when a test is offered to how it is performed and where it is sent, the process is not always as straightforward as we expected.

What Parents Can Do

If you are feeling overwhelmed, start small. These are a few things that helped us feel more informed and in control:

1. Ask for a lead test

Even if your pediatrician hasn’t brought it up, you can request one. It is a simple blood test and can help catch exposure early, before symptoms appear.

2. Take a closer look at what is in your pantry

Read the ingredient labels on snacks, especially if they include cassava, arrowroot, rice flour, or other root-based starches. These ingredients often show up in grain-free, gluten-free, and toddler-targeted foods, but they can carry a higher risk of heavy metal contamination.

3. Use trusted resources

Two places we found incredibly helpful:

• Consumer Reports on Baby Foods
• Lead Safe Mama Product Tests

These sites share test results for snacks, utensils, formulas, dishes, and other everyday items.

4. Look for brands that test and publish results

Some companies voluntarily test their products for heavy metals and post the results publicly. It takes extra effort to find them, but that kind of transparency gave us peace of mind. The pouches we buy now, ones that are regularly tested, cost almost four dollars each. It is a tradeoff, and not always an easy one, but for us it felt worth it while we worked through the options.

5. Keep things simple when you can

We focused on fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-processed staples while we figured out which packaged foods we could trust. It is not about being perfect. Awareness is the first step, and informed choices can follow.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t write this to scare anyone. I am not a doctor or an expert. I am just a parent who asked a question and got a troubling answer.

Lead exposure isn’t only an issue in old homes. It can show up in places most parents wouldn’t think to look, like snacks, pouches, and formulas made specifically for babies and toddlers.

It is also entirely possible that your child has consumed these same products and never had an elevated level. I have seen plenty of comments from parents who say their kids are fine, even after using snacks or pouches that tested high. I don’t know all the answers. Maybe it comes down to how much or how often something is eaten. Maybe it is something else entirely. This is just our experience, and I am sharing it in case it is helpful to someone who is trying to figure things out too.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly. But paying attention, asking questions, and staying curious can help you make decisions that feel right for your family.

If you are searching for children’s programs at the Maury County Public Library or looking for free activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Columbia TN, this library is one of the most welcoming places for young families. It offers weekly story times, baby friendly play sessions, and a colorful children’s area that makes early learning feel fun and accessible. For parents and caregivers who want simple outings that support development and create meaningful routines, the library is an easy place to start.

Right in the heart of downtown Columbia, Tennessee, the Maury County Public Library is a place many families know about but haven’t truly explored. It’s more than just a quiet space filled with books. It’s a vibrant, welcoming environment that offers so much to young children and their caregivers.

If you’ve driven by a hundred times but never walked through the doors with your kids, you’re not alone. But once you do, you’ll find more than shelves of books. You’ll find storytimes filled with laughter, play areas designed to spark imagination, and a warm community that makes it easy to feel at home. Whether you’re caring for a baby, chasing a toddler, or looking for something enriching to do with your preschooler, the library is a space where your whole family can slow down, explore, and connect.

As of October 2025, the Maury County Public Library building is temporarily closed for renovations. Several children’s programs are running on a reduced schedule, and many have moved to off-site locations throughout the community. Families can still check out books through curbside pickup, which makes it easy to keep library visits in your routine while the staff prepares an improved space for everyone.

A Magical Space for Young Explorers

Tucked downstairs from the main level, the children’s section at the Maury County Public Library feels like stepping into a storybook adventure. Whether you take the elevator or follow the mural-covered stairwell, the space immediately sparks curiosity and imagination.

On the way down, children are greeted by colorful wall art. One side features a space-themed scene with a rocket ship soaring through the stars. The other shows an underwater world filled with bright sea creatures and a friendly octopus. For many kids, these murals are a favorite part of the visit and help turn even the walk into something special.

The children’s area is cheerful and thoughtfully arranged. The play room is stocked with toys that encourage hands-on discovery, including:

• Magna-Tiles
• Building blocks
• A train table
• A wooden fire engine that kids can climb into for pretend play
• A few small rocking chairs just their size

Surrounding the play room are seats for parents and caregivers. The open setup makes it easy to keep a watchful eye while chatting with a friend or simply enjoying a quiet moment nearby. Whether your child wants to build, imagine, or explore, this space offers a safe and welcoming spot to play and unwind.

Magical Mornings: Weekday Storytimes That Delight

Every Monday through Thursday at 10:00 AM, the Maury County Public Library offers a Storytime that’s full of warmth, connection, and joyful learning. These weekday gatherings have become a favorite morning ritual for many local families. For parents and caregivers, they’re a low-stress, welcoming way to build routine into the week. For kids, they’re just plain fun.

Each Storytime includes a thoughtful mix of activities designed to engage young minds without overwhelming them:

• A letter of the week to help build early literacy
• A rotating monthly theme that brings variety and focus
• Short, engaging story readings
• Songs, fingerplays, and interactive elements
• A visit from Len, the beloved blue puppet who never fails to get a smile
• And a simple coloring sheet that ties it all together

Everything about Storytime is intentional, but nothing feels forced. The sessions are playful and relaxed, making them ideal for kids who might not yet sit still for long but still crave community and rhythm.

And if mornings don’t work for your schedule, the library also offers Bilingual Storytime on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 PM. This special session features stories in both English and Spanish, offering families a fun and inclusive way to experience language, rhythm, and culture together.

The staff brings heart to every detail, and one team member in particular, August, is especially beloved. Her cheerful presence and thoughtful preparation create a consistent sense of joy and comfort. My daughter lights up every time she sees her. August is the kind of person who remembers names, welcomes new faces with genuine warmth, and brings stories to life with a gentle energy that kids instinctively trust.

If you’re new to library programming or feeling unsure about bringing a wiggly toddler to a group activity, this is a wonderful place to start. There’s no pressure to stay the entire time, no judgment if your child wants to roam a bit, and always a friendly face waiting when you return.

Baby Play Date & Movement Time: Perfect for First-Time Parents

One of the most thoughtful offerings at the library is its programming just for babies and their caregivers. These sessions are designed to create a calm, age-appropriate environment where infants can safely explore and adults can connect without pressure. For first-time parents especially, they offer a much-needed sense of welcome and community.

The library currently offers two baby-focused options:

• Baby Play Date, a relaxed and unstructured time where babies can play and caregivers can chat
• Baby Movement & Music, a guided session filled with songs, motions, and sensory play that supports early development

During these events, the children’s play area is set aside exclusively for infants. To make the space feel safe and soothing, staff:

• Close the area to children 19 months and older
• Remove toys that aren’t suitable for babies
• Bring out soft, age-appropriate items like:
  • Sensory bags
  • Egg shakers
  • Graspable toys
  • Cloth and board books

Baby Movement & Music adds a little more structure while still staying gentle and developmentally appropriate. The session may include simple action songs, lap bounces, and rhythmic play to help babies build motor skills and enjoy one-on-one time with their caregiver. It’s a sweet, low-pressure way to bond through music.

Whether you come for the movement or just need a quiet morning out, both of these baby programs offer a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere where you can settle in and feel seen. It’s one of the most unique and supportive experiences the library offers to new families.

Special Events That Bring the Library to Life

While the weekday Storytimes offer a consistent rhythm for local families, the library also shines with special events that bring extra excitement and variety throughout the year. These one-time or seasonal offerings create moments of magic that help kids connect stories to the real world and give families something fresh to look forward to.

Events in the past have included:

• Outdoor Storytimes held in local parks, where books meet sunshine and fresh air
• Seasonal celebrations, like the library’s Trick-or-Treat Party in October, which gives kids a chance to dress up, enjoy themed activities, and explore the library in a whole new way
• Visits from local leaders, including a special Storytime with Mayor Chaz Molder that made a big impression on attendees

And with several reading programs throughout the year, the library is offering even more chances to celebrate reading and creativity.

If you’re the type of parent who loves building traditions or adding simple, joy-filled outings to your week, these events are worth watching for. The library shares updates through their website and social media, making it easy to stay in the loop.

Final Thoughts

The Maury County Public Library isn’t just a place to check out books. It’s a space where kids can imagine, explore, and grow, and where caregivers can feel supported, welcomed, and part of something good.

From weekday Storytimes and baby play sessions to monthly bilingual Storytime and hands-on special events, the library offers something for every stage of early childhood. The staff put genuine care into every program they offer, from the stories they choose to the creative activities they prepare. Their attention to detail and welcoming presence make the library feel like a place where families truly belong. And tucked downstairs, the play area gives families a safe and joyful place to spend time together without having to spend a dime.

If you haven’t visited in a while, this is your sign. Bring a friend. Bring your coffee. Let your kids lead the way.

You might come for the books, but you’ll stay for the joy.

Hi! I’m Amy, a first time mom who moved to Columbia, TN in the fall of 2024 with my toddler, my spouse, and a whole lot of questions.

While I had some connections, I didn’t know many other parents with kids in the same age range, and I definitely didn’t know where to find story time, toddler friendly events, or anything happening in town that was actually age appropriate. I would have loved a simple, go to spot where everything was in one place, especially as a tired, busy mom. So I made one.

This site is your one stop spot for family friendly events and activities for kids ages 0 to 5 in and around Columbia, TN. Most of the events we feature are right here in town or within a short 30 minute drive.

Each month, you’ll find:

– A monthly calendar packed with fun local happenings

– Weekly highlights to make planning easy

– A mix of free and paid events, clearly marked & including recurring events

– Seasonal guides, local tips, and more for parents, caregivers, and families

Whether you’re looking for story times, playdates, outdoor adventures, or seasonal festivals, we’re here to help you fill your days with joy, connection, and community

Have an event you want to share? Email us. We love supporting local fun.