Consider splurging on quality crib sheets, like some of the GOTS-certified organic sheets below (these make for an excellent baby shower gift or an item on a non-toxic baby registry). I'm sure the Midwives at Ante Natal advised that newborn babies can't regulate their temperature very well & that materials like polyester could cause overheating. I will add a quick note to watch out for diapers that are “elemental chlorine-free” (ECF) – often just labeled “chlorine free” – which may contain traces of dioxins (more on dioxins and other problematic chemicals in disposable diapers here). We’re all exposed to chemical emissions from the mattresses we sleep on. Just sayin’. Recycled polyester is a relatively new trend in the eco fashion industry. I don’t know… is there something you can’t treat with petroleum jelly??? If I had to choose between foam and polyester filling, I would personally go with polyester filling. I’m Marketa, a mom of two girls and a wife to one husband. Even though car seats are no longer required to be treated with flame retardants (as of 2017), most car seat manufacturers still treat theirs. How’s that for the perfect natural baby product?! Has it been tested and proved safe for kids? It has been one of my most used baby items, and one of my favorite baby items to use. Natural fillings include cotton, kapok, latex, or wool, but like you mentioned, body pillows made and filled with natural materials will be much more pricey because foam or polyester fiberfill are dirt cheap. I'm sure the Midwives at Ante Natal advised that newborn babies can't regulate their temperature very well & that materials like polyester could cause overheating. The only downside is that glass bottles are heavy and breakable. We already know plastic is super harmful. These cookies do not store any personal information. There is just so much that we don’t yet know about plastic and so many health issues that have been documented and studied. I would avoid anything filled with foam. In this practical guide you’ll learn how to reduce infant exposure to toxic chemicals by replacing toxic baby products with safer and natural baby products instead. A blanket made with 100 percent cotton fabric has a number of desirable attributes. In general, most conventional barrier creams are based on petroleum jelly or zinc oxide. And, there ARE safer choices, so why not? When polyester breaks down it can only be reduced into microplastics which stays, non-biodegradable, in our oceans, land, and water. The skin is our largest and most permeable organ. Conventionally grown cotton is, as one environmentalist put it “the nicotine of the earth”. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. FYI: Natural latex/rubber nipples can be labeled as – latex, rubber, latex rubber, natural latex, 100% latex, natural rubber, natural rubber latex, 100% natural rubber, and maybe I’m forgetting a few. If you co-sleep, the following applies to your bedroom as well. If you’re concerned about toxic chemicals in the stroller of your choosing, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer and check for the presence of flame retardants, formaldehyde and other VOCs, heavy metals, phthalates, vinyl and PVC, and AZO dyes. The majority of waterproof mattress pads on the market utilize vinyl and polyester. Acryllic fabric is made of polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer, according to the EPA. Think about it… That’s a SIGNIFICANT chunk of time, isn’t it? I found this recliner and this one which are free of formaldehyde and chemical flame retardants. These mattresses are GOTS/GREENGUARD certified as well as certified formaldehyde-free, made in the USA, and are also free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, toxic adhesives, chemical flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds (used to make fabric water- and stain-resistant). Jamey Lacy answers our questions on silicone safety. Instead, use a safe laundry detergent for ALL of your laundry. GOTS takes certification up a notch and guarantees that fabrics haven’t been subjected to harmful chemicals all the way from harvest through the manufacturing process. This post includes: Tips for avoiding harmful chemicals commonly found in baby products. Harmful ingredients: foams, fire retardant chemicals, dyes, formaldehyde finishes, plastic (polyester), cotton pesticides. I bought a jar when I was pregnant, my husband brought home two more, and we got a large tube at the hospital to boot. Comparable materials are nylon and polypropylene. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that can be treated with various chemicals during production. When it comes to changing pads and nursing pillows, it’s generally best to stay away from products made with polyurethane foam (especially non-certified) which contains chemicals that can off-gas and affect the air quality within the room. Both stainless steel and silicone baby bottles are somewhat of a novelty. We got the stroller purely based on the fact that it checked off ALL of our requirements. I’m the person that hugs trees. (FYI: VASELINE® Petroleum Jelly is highly refined and triple purified.). Oh and also, this product is a much, MUCH better alternative to petroleum jelly that’s natural and also smells great! Find more tips and a list of safe baby toys here. I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful, Nancy! UPPABABY’s “JORDAN” and “HENRY” car seats from the MESA collection (but ONLY these two models!!! Fragrance is a blend of mystery synthetic ingredients that can cause a whole lot of health issues immediately or down the road. I think this mattress is overpriced, and so are the extra covers. The word “petroleum” somehow never struck me as odd until it finally did and the entire stash of petroleum jelly landed in the trash can. It can be tricky to keep your little one comfortable and settled as the temperature drops in the early morning hours.. In this article, we will talk about safe, non-toxic area rugs for your baby; area rugs that will not off-gas nasty chemicals into the air where your child can … Cloth may be awesome and the best natural diapering choice there is overall (I’m a huge fan! When pregnant I remember reading that cotton sheets were better and more breathable so he has those horrible cellular blankets. LOOK FOR non-halogenated, phosphate-based flame retardants instead, or Oeko-Tex certified fabrics. Keep in mind though that petroleum jelly runs a fairly high risk of contamination and comes in different grades of purity, so go with a brand you trust. Vinyl exposes babies to a number of harmful chemicals and is dubbed the most toxic plastic. Making your own baby food using fresh fruits and vegetables (ideally organic) is incredibly easy. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I tend to avoid it, as cotton is more comfortable. Is your head spinning yet? – or I hear they should…ha! What is silicone made from? Rayon is a fiber that is made from cellulose … Cotton jersey knit fabric is another strong choice for children’s and baby items, given its … In reality, Dreft is just as harsh for baby’s skin as regular Tide. Vinyl exposes babies to a number of harmful chemicals and is dubbed the most toxic plastic. I’ll be honest – we bought a stroller (from this company ) even though we weren’t sure whether it was free of any chemicals of concern. Natural fibers are breathable and more comfortable to the touch than synthetics. Wholesome Children is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Bringing a baby home is a pivotal event in your life. Glass baby bottles are an excellent option because glass won’t leach anything into the contents of the bottle. Take DREFT, for example, the holy grail of baby laundry that’s “#1 choice of pediatricians.” It has to be gentle and perfectly safe to use, right? I didn’t realize all the chemicals until I started looking for a mattress for my second baby now it has me all scared. Also, these latex gliders sold at Sprout. Yes: It is safe as long as it is used properly and their airway is free and clear. (You can read more about petroleum jelly further down this post – #5 BABY CARE.). With the exception of Earth Mama, all of these diaper rash creams are based on zinc oxide. Look for diapers that are labeled totally chlorine-free (TCF) or 100% chlorine free. The fact that the mattress is breathable? . ), it’s crucial to pick a crib mattress that’s non-toxic and safe. The biggest downside of latex/natural rubber nipples and pacifiers is the potential of triggering an allergic reaction, but also the fact that both natural and synthetic rubber can leach nitrosamines. Ive never noticed this but my lo only has cotton things at the moment. Is it safe to sleep with headphones on. It’s called baby-led weaning, and it ROCKS! So, OK, not all baby powders are the same. Baby clothes made from gently treated organic cotton or hemp are best, and GOTS certification takes it up a notch by guaranteeing that no harsh chemicals were used in the entire production process. Thanks! Also you mentioned you use naturpedic mattresses are all of their mattresses the same as in chemically? Have you ever thought about how much time babies spend in diapers? When it comes to deciding whether to use PET or PETE in your baby’s nursery, families need to weigh up the pros and cons individually, and with their paediatrician. On the other hand, second-hand baby clothing can be contaminated with chemicals from harsh detergents and laundry additives, which will also take some time to wash out. What is acrylic fabric? Is Polyester Carpet OK for a Baby's Room?. Ergonomic baby carriers made with natural fabrics (preferably organic) are ideal. Diapers leak, accidents happen. ), Also, apply sunscreen only when needed – we can all use some extra D3…. Safer alternatives are often pricier than their conventional counterparts. Although production methods can, of course, vary.). I personally much prefer using products containing zinc oxide as opposed to petroleum jelly, but it all boils down to personal preference. I had no issues with a man made component as it made the fabric more stain retardent and softer against the skin, it also retains chemicals (washing detergens) less and so is very beneficial in that sense. Additionally, 100% cotton sheets are hypoallergenic so you can be sure your baby won’t be suffering from any skin irritations related to their bedding. Our kids don’t go to school, we find health in whole foods and nature, and prefer to gather memories over material goods. Just one synthetic fragrance can contain hundreds of chemicals that a consumer can’t identify. If store-bought baby food is your pick, choose organic if you can, and opt for glass jars as opposed to plastic containers which are more likely to leach chemicals into foods. Polyurethane foam (as used in mattresses, changing pads, nursing pillows, gliders, and other products that are designed to be soft and cushiony) is the material I would recommend avoiding due to continuous off-gassing. It's wiser to keep products made from polyester away from the babies. (I’ve already discussed natural rubber in the section above.) (FYI: Unlike cotton, bamboo and eucalyptus fibers can be grown sustainably and without the use of pesticides, so there isn’t always the need for organic certifications when it comes to these materials. Or both. Yes, even if you can’t smell any chemicals, all mattresses off-gas which can affect the air quality. Stainless steel utensils have the potential to leach nickel. Untreated wood would be my first choice for a natural teether, then silicone. Listed below are printed and plain organic crib sheets (GOTS-certified). ), but cloth diapering isn’t for everyone. Cotton, although itself a natural fiber, requires the use of huge amounts of pesticides and fertilizers each year to grow. As the weather turns grey and a chill enters the air, parents everywhere are looking for ways to keep their babies warm overnight. A hundred years ago, clothing was made of natural fibers like cotton, flax, wool, and silk. Cotton … Outerwear should have a significant man made component for warmth, wicking and weather proof reasons, that next to the skin, well that depends on how vigilant you are wrt overheating etc. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A few brands have become aware of the dangers of exposing babies to talcum powder and made the switch to talc-free baby powder, some have always produced talc-free (safer) baby powder. Just my 2c. (Just make sure the washcloth hasn’t been washed with a harsh detergent. Both silicone and wood are also naturally antibacterial. And, it works! I’ve read polyurethane mattresses are bad, but then the articles always suggest polyurethane mattress pads. Given the amount of time babies spend sleeping (up to 18 hours a day! Yes, all Naturepedic mattresses are made with the same standards, without the use of harmful chemicals. If you’ve been using one of the leading mainstream laundry detergent brands up until now, you might want to strip your washer as well (one or two hot cycles in an empty washer, no detergent, use baking soda to add cleaning powers). Its versatility makes it suitable for a plethora of applications because it can successfully substitute many materials that are either expensive or scarce. ( she'd either exchange them or pass on to people who didn't mind polyester) However, now that I have my own Lo, I've turned into my sister! That’s quite a lengthy list, and a lot of info to process, huh? Good news first: baby wipes formulations are getting better and safer each and every year. Even though the consensus is that metal leaching normally occurs when stainless steel cookware is used to cook acidic foods, some research shows that all foods and drinks have the potential to absorb heavy metals from stainless steel. Use this information as a guide in the areas you’re most concerned about, and replace or not get in the first place baby products in specific categories that you’re personally comfortable with at this time. It’s certified as non toxic with overnight sleeping and called Bumbleride Era. In fact, our whole family uses this sunscreen and has been, for many years now. Researching the topic of safe and natural baby products in depth is an incredibly laborious process but a MUST if your intention is to curb toxicity in the precious early years of your child’s life. You just don’t know what you’re gonna get, and you can have a perfectly nice dinner without one. Besides, it’s super easy to go nuts when you start researching the heck out things. Flame retardant polypropylene rugs are safe for kids. The two traditional baby blankets on the market, are cotton and polyester fleece. In other countries, babies are "worn" by a mother 24/7! Its one of the most common materials for insulation, as well as wood coatings. I could go as far as saying that you shouldn’t put anything on your baby’s skin that you wouldn’t eat, but that’s not very practical, so at least try to avoid the following ingredients in baby shampoos and lotions: I loved this Shea Moisture baby wash as well, but ever since this company has been acquired by Unilever and the shampoo formulation has changed, it’s no longer the same amazing product it used to be. Instead of giving you a long list of ingredients to avoid in sunscreen products, I’ll make it simple: AVOID ALL chemical sunscreens which is the vast majority of sunscreens on the market. The main issue with baby powder is that it can cause breathing issues and lung damage when inhaled, particularly the traditional talc-based baby powder (that should actually be kept far, FAR away from babies) which also adds possible asbestos contamination on top of it all. You don’t really need baby powder. Any insight? But the real jaw-dropper was that many of the “natural – gentle – safe for babies” and “recommended by pediatricians” items ended up being some of the WORST offenders on the toxic list. So if you don’t have 12 hypothetical years to waste, or maybe just for the heck of it, let’s uncover some dirt, shall we? To reject things out of hand on principle howeverseems wasteful and unnecessarily verging on rudeness. COPYRIGHT © 2016-2021 WHOLESOMECHILDREN | All rights reserved. Since this is a risk of cot death I think there it is wiser to use cotton. Naturepedic makes a waterproof kids mattress and organic crib mattresses that are waterproofed with plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugar cane. In addition, researches confirmed that plenty of healthy conditions and diseases come from the excessive wear of polyester fabrics, generating problems such as skin cancer and other types of cancer, chronic and severe respiratory infections as well as skin problems such as rashes, itching, redness and dermatitis. However we have a 1 tog fleece sleeping bag which seems to be nice and cool and I assume its polyester. Questions? Luckily, many baby wipes manufacturers have caught onto the trend of parents seeking truly natural baby products and there are MANY safer baby wipes to choose from these days – see a long list here. Every time I feel the nagging urge to buy a safer, more expensive product in any area of our home, I think of spending the money as investing in the health of our family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some disorders such as reduced sperm count out and behavioral changes are also … Having said that I did use non cotton blankets for daytime naps when I was close by & could monitor the overheating situation & they are great now I have a toddler so could def be made use of. Cotton and wool is so much nicer, I prefer it for me why wouldn't I preferit for babies? Still, a few culprits remain, aside from the always-present possibility of impurities and contaminants which can’t be deciphered by scanning the list of ingredients alone. Synthetic rugs are produced with the help of man-made fibers like polypropylene, also known as olefin, acrylic, polyester, and nylon. On that note, if you’re a mom-to-be and are looking for ways to save money so you can buy safer and healthier natural baby products for your soon-to-arrive baby, take a look at these popular baby items you and your baby don’t really need, despite the hype…. Polyester is dangerous for the environment. I appreciate it., Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Batting made of polyester is made of synthetic fibers. So we went with organic cotton, a natural fabric that feels great, allows skin to breathe, and is a traditional fabric for babies because it is as safe as possible. Think about it… why spend a ton of money and effort on a baby-safe laundry detergent when you baby will still be exposed to your non-baby-safe detergent through the residue it leaves in you washer as well as on your clothes? I’ve found a great pram/pushchair that ticks all the boxes, but it polyester. chemicals of concern when it comes to conventional sunscreen. Polyester emits a huge amount of waste into the earth. Clever marketing all while praying on the parents wanting the purest products for their baby. I dont like them but theyre better. We still use it sometimes, but I wish they would bring the original formula back. ** Properties Polyester is machine washable, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant 1 . It’s best to avoid retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), synthetic fragrance, propylparaben, methylparaben, BHA, talc, and potassium hydroxide in a diaper rash cream if you’re looking for a natural baby product that won’t expose your baby to harsh chemicals. Learn how your comment data is processed. Batiste. Required fields are marked *. Hi Issy! They include pesticide residues, flame retardants, toxic dyes, wrinkle-free and weather-resistant additives, formaldehyde finishes, and even plastic. Remember the 2019 baby food fiasco? The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. I wish. Polyurethane foam is no longer deemed safe for babies, as shown by a study published in Environmental Science & Technology. Sure, silicone is a synthetic material (and we’re talking about the best natural baby products here…), but keep in mind that even natural rubber is heavily processed after it’s collected from the rubber tree. I hope this guide helps you navigate the overabundance of baby products on the market these days if your goal is to minimize exposing your baby to harmful chemicals. soft and stuffed toys treated with harsh chemicals, parabens (all ingredients ending with -paraben). Don’t be fooled by greenwashing and pictures of adorable babies on laundry detergent labels. The safest choices are natural materials like cotton (preferably organic), natural latex/rubber, or cork. Another option is to buy a car seat made with wool which is naturally flame resistant. ), these popular baby items you and your baby don’t really need, 11 Swaddling Mistakes New Moms Make (& How to Fix Them). It’s essentially a thin layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bonded onto the fabric by heat (made without phthalates, too, despite being soft and flexible). It is made from synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid. Wherever your baby clothes come from, wash them thoroughly before use. (Some babies are definitely prone to having dry skin, but dry skin can also be the result of overdoing it with baby baths or using baby shampoo that’s too harsh for baby’s sensitive skin). I guess it’s innovative that the mattress is fully washable, but then again I never felt the need to wash our crib mattress, so that perk doesn’t appeal to me personally (but might appeal to others). Bedding washed with conventional detergents, especially scented ones, and fabric softeners means a child is constantly breathing and touching additional harmful chemicals. she said its man made, cheap and can cause babies to overheat, get cold etc and that wool, cotton etc are safer, more comfortable, warmer, cooler etc My other sister and I used to tease her saying how fussy she was and that she's wasting these rejected gifts. Just so we’re clear, my intention is NOT to freak you out. But because it’s hardly ever possible to find out what went into each and every piece of garment we buy, let’s try to keep things simple. It’s far from sustainable. Third option: Did you know you can SKIP baby food altogether? But I have been looking at a mattress for my second baby and was woy Have you looked into the Newton Crib mattress? Only natural fabrics are pre-approved by the government as safe for babies and kids. Earth Mama’s formulation is different and includes a blend of organic oils and shea butter which makes it sort of a multi-tasking skin salve besides simply being just a diaper rash cream. Nickel is a problematic metal and a quite common allergen. Not only is Polyester very harmful for people, but also it … Among the trend is recycled plastic bottles being turned into fabrics which are considered sustainable to keep from them piling in the landfills. Old habits die hard, I guess. Synthetic Fabrics. A wet mattress can’t serve its purpose, right? The great news is, you don’t really need baby oil. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There are many (MANY!) These wonderful pieces of polyester felt safe for baby and kids are used for varied purposes such as surgical face masks, wet wipes, diapers, agricultural products, surgical aprons, and many more. If a product doesn’t specifically state that it does NOT contain flame retardants, assume that it does. Most American-made PET plastic bottles do not contain the endocrine disruptor BPA, which has been linked to breast cancer — it’s more likely to be found in polycarbonate bottles like reusable … If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. You can use virtually any pure kitchen oil instead (coconut oil is popular, 100% pure argan oil is another good choice), and remember to always apply oil on damp skin to lock in moisture. Conventional baby mattresses can be made with vinyl/PVC, chemical flame retardants, toxic adhesives, and fabrics that have gone through various chemicals treatments, and can emit toxic chemicals and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You have a great point, Nick! Sometimes, just bringing SIMPLICITY into your life can be the first step towards eliminating toxic baby products. There has to be balance. I won’t be going into details about this as to not hijack this post, but you’re more than welcome to research soy in depth, if you wish. It’s always a good idea to choose natural fibers (cotton, bamboo, hemp) over synthetics for baby clothes because natural fabrics are breathable and feel better against the skin. Due to always changing manufacturing practices, this is the best way to get up-to-date product information. Overall, the Newton crib mattress is marketed as “better than organic” – I wonder what they base that claim on??? Is there a brand you would recommend that would be safer than others in a moderate price? The best yarn for baby hats will have enough elasticity to hold the hat’s shape and keep it secure on baby’s head. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.