If you’re a busy or aspiring mom, the safety of your baby is probably your top concern. It’s natural to want the best for your little one, but did you know that some seemingly harmless baby products could actually be harmful? As a board-certified toxicologist and a mom myself, I’m here to shed light on these issues and guide you toward safer choices for your precious child.
In my latest YouTube video, I show the reasons why you might want to choose non toxic baby products.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The dangers in conventional baby products
- The importance of choosing non toxic baby products
- Dr. Yvonne’s favorite toxin free baby products
- Tips to help you live low tox on a budget
If you want to watch the full video, press play now! You can also continue scrolling to read more.
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1. Scented Baby Wipes – A Hidden Hazard
Scented baby wipes may smell nice, but they often contain fragrance chemicals that can disrupt hormones in your child and even in you. These fragrances can contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates, which have far-reaching effects on the body. I recommend switching to unscented wipes like Eco Originals or Eco Wave. They’re not only safer but also more economical. If you’re at home, consider upcycling old clothing, like a cotton T-shirt, and using plain water as a cost-effective alternative.
2. Plastic Baby Bottles – Beware of BPA
Many plastic baby bottles contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogenic activities that can lead to endocrine disruption and health issues (1). Look for BPA-free plastic bottles if you’re on a budget. If you can afford it, consider investing in glass baby bottles with natural rubber nipples, such as Natursutten. Another option is Mason Bottle, which is glass and comes with a medical grade silicone nipple. Stainless steel baby bottles are also safer than plastic.
3. Baby Powder – A Risky Tradition
Talcum-based baby powders, like those from Johnson & Johnson, have faced lawsuits due to potential links to ovarian cancer. Opt for organic, food-based baby powders that serve the same purpose without the health risks. Alternatively, use a soft, upcycled T-shirt wipe to pat your baby’s skin dry before putting on a diaper. This is what worked best for us at home, and we used disposable wipes on the go.
4. Baby Laundry Detergents – Not All Are Gentle
Some laundry detergents marketed for babies still contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin (2,3). Even supposedly fragrance-free options may have hidden concerns. I recommend using a sustainable and safe option like Molly Suds Fragrance-Free Baby Laundry Detergent Powder.
5. Plastic Teething Toys – Choose Natural Materials
Plastic teething toys may contain toxic compounds like phthalates, parabens, bisphenols (4), and heavy metals. Instead, opt for natural rubber or untreated wood teething toys. Medical-grade silicone is another safe choice but not the most eco-friendly one.
6. Synthetic Baby Body Care Products – Go Organic and Fragrance-Free
Conventional baby lotions, washes, and diaper creams often contain fragrances that may contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates. These chemicals can be absorbed through your baby’s skin. Choose fragrance-free, organic, and minimally processed baby products like Weleda Calendula Baby Wash and Shampoo, Weleda Calendula Baby Lotion, or Hello Bello Fragrance-Free Shampoo.
7. Flame Retardant Treated Pajamas – Prioritize Safety Without Chemicals
While fire safety is crucial, some flame retardant chemicals used in baby pajamas have been linked to health issues. Look for flame-retardant-free pajamas, often indicated by a yellow tag. Natural fiber options like cotton are ideal, and organic cotton is even better if it fits your budget. One great brand is Colored Organics, which makes baby clothes and pajamas. (Get 15% off with code: DRYVONNEBURKART15). Another option is Burt’s Bees Baby Pajamas for girls and Burt’s Bees Baby Pajamas for boys that’s available online and in stores like Target.
In conclusion, as a parent, your priority is your baby’s safety. You don’t need to buy everything organic; just make informed choices and focus your efforts on reducing toxin exposure directly to your baby’s reproductive organs.
By avoiding these harmful baby products, you’re taking important steps to protect your child’s health. Remember, every effort counts, and you’re doing an excellent job as a caring parent!
REFERENCES
- li M, Jaghbir M, Salam M, Al-Kadamany G, Damsees R, Al-Rawashdeh N. Testing baby bottles for the presence of residual and migrated bisphenol A. Environ Monit Assess. 2018 Dec 7;191(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s10661-018-7126-0. PMID: 30535565.
- Wang M, Tan G, Eljaszewicz A, Meng Y, Wawrzyniak P, Acharya S, Altunbulakli C, Westermann P, Dreher A, Yan L, Wang C, Akdis M, Zhang L, Nadeau KC, Akdis CA. Laundry detergents and detergent residue after rinsing directly disrupt tight junction barrier integrity in human bronchial epithelial cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019 May;143(5):1892-1903. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.11.016. Epub 2018 Nov 27. PMID: 30500342.
- Wright BL, Masuda MY, Ortiz DR, Dao A, Civello B, Pyon GC, Schulze AR, Yiannas JA, Rank MA, Kita H, Doyle AD. Allergies Come Clean: The Role of Detergents in Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2023 Aug;23(8):443-451. doi: 10.1007/s11882-023-01094-x. Epub 2023 May 26. PMID: 37233851.
- Asimakopoulos AG, Elangovan M, and Kannan K. Migration of Parabens, Bisphenols, Benzophenone-Type UV Filters, Triclosan, and Triclocarban from Teethers and Its Implications for Infant Exposure. Environmental Science & Technology. 2016. 50 (24), 13539-13547DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04128
