How to Give Your Baby A Low-Tox Environment
We are exposed to hundreds of toxins daily, some of which are out of our control, but many are within our control. If you have a family with small children, it is especially important to try to limit the toxic exposure in your home. I have been getting asked a lot recently about baby products, and while I am not a mother myself, I have been taking it into consideration when I buy friend’s baby gifts. I thought Mother’s Day would be the perfect day to release my non-toxic baby guide, so I can help all of you soon to be mamas, or mamas out there!
Why is it important to use non-toxic products for your baby?
Because many mainstream products contain harmful chemicals that can cause early puberty in your child, skin irritations, asthma, developmental harm, and genital malformations in baby boys.
Not only that, but they can lead to other problems later in life such as cancer, reduced fertility, reproductive harm, hormone disruption, and more.
You also have to be really careful, because a lot of companies are jumping on the bandwagon of “green or clean” but they aren’t actually that clean.
What are some of the toxins to look for and where are they found?
1,4 dioxine
Found in anything that suds: shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath, soaps, etc. It’s been linked with cancer & birth defects.
Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates (APE’s)
Located in laundry detergents, stain removers, and all-purpose household cleaners. APE’s have been linked with reproductive issues.
Bisphenol-A (BPA)
Found in plastics like baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, & toys. BPA been connected to early puberty.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE’s)
They are a flame retardant that can be found in furniture and children’s products, such as nursing pillows, mattresses, changing pads, and car seats. PBDE’s have been linked with thyroid disruption, developmental harm and reproductive issues.
Formaldehyde
Some common places it can be found are shampoo & bubble bath. It’s a known carcinogen that can cause skin/eye irritation, asthma, developmental problems, etc.
Lead
Lead is toxic to everyone but the fact that this can be found in baby toys is alarming. It has been banned since the 1970’s from toys but is still something to be weary of!
Where can I find safer alternatives?
Below are some of my recommended products. If you want to do a deeper dive, I have many more alternatives up my sleeve, so reach out for a consultation!
I recommend products by Erbaviva. They have all natural scents like chamomile and mandarin, which are safe to use on children with sensitive skin.
Hevea is a natural rubber made from the Hevea tree. It’s a non-toxic, safe alternative, to the mainstream pacifiers that contain BPA. It also decomposes naturally and can be reused to make new products.
Cheengo toys are super soft toys made entirely by hand with soft yarn derived from the pulp of the organically grown and sustainably harvested bamboo trees. Their toys are tested for highest standards of safety (ASTM and CPSIA). This bunny is made of 100% Bamboo viscose yarn and stuffed with environmentally friendly corn fibers.
Uncle Goose Classic Letter Blocks
These classic letter blocks are made from non treated wood and lead free paint. They are a great childhood staple!
Naturepedic (Organic Mattress)
Naturepedic Organic Mattress has done all of the research and taken out the toxins in mattresses that have been linked to childhood disorderes. Babies spend an average of 10-14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress, so it plays a large role in their environment for the first few years of their lives. If you can swap one things, this should be made top priority.
UVA & UVB free organically crafted. It’s coral reef safe with non-nano zinc oxide, aloe, sunflower, jojoba oils infused with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave any white residue.
The Farmaesthetics High Cotton Powder is a safe alternative to mainstream toxic baby powders. It’s perfect for your babies’ bottom.
Their products are made with GOTs certified organic material. GOTS is the highest level of certification available for organic fabrics.
What does this mean?
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, so there’s no chemical residue in the fabric.
They do not spray their blankets or garments with any fire-retardants, making everything formaldehyde free. Their fabrics have never been processed with (or contain) phthalates and their buttons + snaps are lead free!
The stuff is also super cute.
Yumi has changed the way we think of baby food. Oftentimes, baby food sits on the self for up to two years…which is typically older than the baby consuming it. Not only that, but there are often toxin ingredients and added sugars in mainstream baby foods.
I hope this mini guide has helped you! If you are worried you still have toxins lingering in your baby’s life, reach out for a consultation, and Sage House would be happy to help! We will work with you to navigate the overwhelming world of toxins, so you can breathe easy knowing that your baby’s food, products, toys, clothing, and furniture, are safe.
- Sage House
xx