First-Time Parent? The Toxic Chemicals You Should Avoid in Baby Products
Did you know children get exposed to environmental toxins every day, which can impact their health? If you want to learn about toxic chemical pollution and what to avoid, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over what toxic chemicals you should avoid. You’ll learn about different ingredients to look out for when shopping for your baby.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Parabens
Parabens extend the life of personal care products because they are preservatives. Yet, the chemicals have been linked to skin irritation and fertility issues.
If infants get exposed to parabens, the baby might have long-term weight problems. Parabens have gotten banned in the European Union but still, get used in the United States.
A lot of labels will include “paraben-free.” Yet, check the product labels. Look out for common ingredients like ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.
Look for baby products that use natural preservatives. Read the label for gluconolactone or caprylyl glycol, a coconut-based preservative.
Avoid Talc
Talc is often used in baby powder. Talc gets added to the powder because it can help soothe diaper rash and prevent chafing. Yet, studies show that talc can get contaminated during the manufacturing process.
Look at getting talc-free baby powder instead. Make sure you throw away your baby powder that contains talc.
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
When shopping for diaper wipes or detergents, avoid ones that have fragrance. Synthetic fragrances tend to be a lot cheaper compared to plant-derived sources.
Yet, synthetic fragrances get sourced from petroleum by-products. This includes things like aldehydes and benzene derivatives. Also, synthetic fragrances have toluene, which is a neurotoxin.
Look at picking up fragrance-free products. Find products that get made for sensitive baby skin. If you pick a scented product, make sure you find one with a naturally derived fragrance.
For your baby, consider picking up natural products. You should also try and transition your entire family to choosing more natural products. This way, it becomes a lifestyle to choose healthier personal care products.
Phthalates
Phthalates are artificial fragrance additives. The petroleum byproducts get found in food packaging and plastic toys. A ton of products made with fragrance have these byproducts.
Since they aren’t bound to the polymer, the phthalates can move to the substance’s surface and our bodies.
Phthalates can lead to many health problems. Some people experience reproductive organ malformation and hormone disruption.
Phthalates tend to be common. Make sure you research and take your time searching and picking baby products. Some baby toys get made from natural substances like wood or medical-grade silicone.
Choose a few quality baby toys that get made from natural substances. You don’t need to get a bunch of inexpensive toys with phthalates. Instead, get all natural baby toys.
Avoid Using Mineral Oil
Baby oil tends to get made from a combination of mineral oil and fragrance. Mineral oil’s a cheaper byproduct of petroleum processing.
The oil works as a plastic wrap on the skin. Your skin isn’t able to release toxins. Look at choosing natural oils like sweet almond, coconut, or olive oil.
You don’t want to pick up a cheap baby oil. Instead, spend the extra money on natural oil.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Did you know a lot of babies end up consuming microplastics daily? Canned foods and baby bottles made from BPA are the leading cause.
The consumption levels of microplastics increased after people started heating BPA-based products. A low exposure can increase the risk of behavioral issues, early puberty, and cancer.
If you continue to use plastic, make sure you avoid polycarbonate plastics. Look for polypropylene products or used glass baby bottles. You should also look for bottles labeled BPA-free.
BPA resins tend to coat the inside of food cans. Look for food in glass containers. Make your baby food at home, and don’t heat plastics in your microwave.
Tributyltin TBT
Found in the adhesive areas and top sheet of diapers, tributyltin is a known gondadotoxic and cardiotoxic substance.
Also, it’s a known fetotoxic and embryotoxic compound and can harm a fetus. It’s a terrible contaminant and toxic to marine life.
Look at picking up biodegradable, non-toxic, or organic diapers. You could also look into picking up cloth diapers.
Flame Retardants
Children’s toys, mattresses, and car seats have gotten covered with flame retardants. Some baby products also get coated with flame retardants.
Compounds in organohalogen flame retardants are carcinogenic. The exposure’s linked to increased hyperactivity, advanced puberty, and developmental disability.
Children are more vulnerable to this. Children end up having a greater concentration of flame retardants in their bodies.
Pick furniture that has “no added flame retardants added.” Select products won’t use this. Look at also getting a high-quality HEPA filter.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is added to cleaning products and personal care products to preserve them. This chemical will also get found in pressed wood products and secondhand smoke.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause allergic responses and skin irritation. Formaldehyde’s a known carcinogen and a respiratory irritant.
Make sure you’re aware of this when you shop for cleaning or personal care products.
Now You Know More About Toxic Chemicals
We hope this guide on toxic chemicals in baby products was helpful. Make sure you avoid buying products with formaldehyde and synthetic fragrances.
Look at picking up products made with natural preservatives and fragrances. You could also use cloth diapers.
Are you looking for more health tips? Check out the resources on our blog.
Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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