5 harmful chemicals to avoid

Hey mama, how many times have you googled ‘is it safe for my baby' ? Tell me about it! As a new mother we become obsessed with research to give our babies the best start in life and there is no shame in it! In today's world the baby industry is a huge business and some companies are creating more products with cheaper materials to compete, but at what cost?

Babies are highly sensitive to toxic substances due to the immaturity of their immune system. With the explosion of baby products, especially care and cleaning products it is hardly surprising that eczema, asthma and other health disorders have continued to rise each year. 

Here are 5 harmful chemicals to avoid when buying any baby products to keep your little one safe: 

• Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates)
• BPA & BPS
• Parabens
• Formaldehydes
• Pesticides 

Thala what now?

Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) are a group of chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible (specifically used in PVC plastic). They are often also added to personal care products such as shampoo, soap and body lotions to help lubricate the formula and to help substances carry and stabilize fragrances. 

Studies show that regular exposure to these chemicals can have negative effects on multiple organs, reproductive health and child development. Researchers have found a strong link between phthalates and illnesses such as lung, liver and kidney damage, reproductive issues and cancer. They can also interfere with hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, growth and brain development.

Stay away from products including phthalates and always check the labels. As a rule of thumb, always choose; fragrance free care and cleaning products, non vinyl clothing and bibs, PVC free toys, bath toys, soft books and teethers that will end up in your baby’s mouth.

Beep beep BPA & BPS!

Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are the basic building blocks of polycarbonate (PC) and polyethersulfone (PES) plastic. Research suggests that this chemical is released as the plastic breaks down over time. BPA may increase the risk of cancer, immune system inefficiency, learning disorders, autism and obesity. 

Stay away from products including BPA & BPS and always check the labels. As a rule of thumb, always choose; BPA & BPS free baby bottles, sippy cups and feeding containers or any PC / PES plastic toys and teethers that will end up in your baby’s mouth. Also never microwave plastic, as heat causes chemicals to leach.

What are Parabens?

Parabens are chemical preservatives that are used widely in personal care products such as shampoo, body creams and sunscreen to prevent the growth of mold and increase shelf life. 

The use of certain parabens in care products for children under 3 years old has been linked to allergic reactions as well as being endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may increase the risk of childhood illnesses by disrupting hormones including learning development, ADHD and behavioral problems.  

Stay away from products including parabens and always check the labels. As a rule of thumb, always choose; paraben free personal care and cleaning products such as shampoo, body creams, sunscreen, laundry detergent and fabric softeners.

Forever no formaldehyde!

Formaldehyde is a colourless, corrosive, flammable gas which is used in multiple industries including the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, coating and textiles. It is also used as a solution mixed with water as a disinfectant found commonly in kitchen cleaning products and some personal care products. 

The issue is, formaldehyde is linked to cancer and a known human carcinogen. It can also cause skin and eye irritations as well as respiratory issues. 

Stay away from products including formaldehyde and always check the labels. As a rule of thumb, always choose; formaldehyde free personal care and cleaning products such as laundry detergent, fabric softeners, bottle wash, toy and surface cleaners.

Pesticides in cleaning products??

Pesticides are chemicals that are usually sprayed onto plants to reduce pests - put simply! These unfortunately are not removed fully at packaging and end up in our food, so it's important to wash all of your fruit and veg before consumption. However pesticides can also be found in cleaning products such as disinfectant cleaners and antibacterial hand soaps. 

If you buy organic fruit and vegetables, you are significantly lowering your pesticide intake because they contain fewer pesticides in their production. 

Recent research suggests that even low levels of pesticide exposure can affect young children's neurological and behavioral development. Evidence shows a link between pesticides and mental development, as well as ADHD.

Reduce products you buy including pesticides and always check the labels. As a rule of thumb, always choose; organic food where possible, reduce your use of disinfectant cleaners and avoid any hand and dish soaps labeled antibacterial. 

 

Other ingredients to look out for and potentially avoid in baby products are Colourants, Ethyl Alcohol and Optical Brighteners. All of these may be linked to allergic reactions and skin irritations in little ones, especially those with sensitive skin.

Remember, whatever you can do to protect your baby and make safer choices for your family is a step in the right direction. It is impossible to avoid everything in today's world but being aware and educating yourself is the first step when deciding on what products to buy. Always seek professional medical help if you have any concerns over harmful chemicals. You know your baby better than anyone and what works for you.

Check out our baby cleaning range & baby bathing range for non toxic products. 

 

 

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