Most anybody who’s a parent understands how there are just some things you can control and some things you just can’t control. I know each of my kids has taught me this lesson lots of times throughout different stages of their life. I can control my reaction, but I have no actual control over their behavior, as much as I may try to influence it in the right direction. We’re convinced that with the right items on our Target baby registry or Amazon baby registry, we’ll keep them perfectly healthy and our life will be a breeze.
While I do think you can set some GREAT things in motion this way, i’s important to remember, there are going to be some things out of your control — and so we make the BEST choices we can.
In fact, it’s also important to remember that some toxins are actually lifesaving — plastic on a car seat can save your baby’s life in an accident.
For us, plastic feeding tubes saved my son’s life for his first 6 months. I would have never chosen that, but it’s what was necessary. And so you do the best with what you have, what you can afford, and what you can realistically sustain as a habit.
But starting off on the right foot, with non toxic baby gear, with the best intentions can set yourself up for success in the long run. It’s important, though, to keep in mind that flexibility will also be your best friend with your baby and kids. Low toxin is a great step forward and not everything has to be rigidly toxin free.
WHY DOES TOXIN FREE BABY GEAR MATTER?
Babies come to us with undeveloped immune systems, delicate skin and lungs that are so new to air, let alone the toxins that pollute our air. And because babies are incredibly small in our big world, the amount of a toxin that may be insignificant to us as adults, can overwhelm their bodies and start the effects of body burden early on.
Another reason that natural baby products are so important to me is that babies are often in direct contact with this baby gear and they’re breathing in very close proximity to these products. This means that they have the ability to breath in and absorb more of the toxins in comparison to us adults.
Flame Retardants: About a month ago I did this post about the health effects of flame retardants and how to avoid them. Basically, this post goes through all kinds of studies that prove these additives are affecting the development of children, their hormone production, neurological function and suppressing their immune system. If you want that solid evidence, I’ve got every study listed for each concern in the post here.
Petroleum Based Foam: Often time soft foam and especially memory foam is made up of petrochemicals and also emit VOCs. It releases toxic toluene into the air, which is the same stuff that is emitted from vehicle exhaust, gasoline fumes and cigarette smoke. (SOURCE) (SOURCE) We want to avoid this at all costs when it comes to our babies. Opt for a natural foam or a GOLS certified foam made of 100% latex and rubber trees.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is often added to fabrics to keep them smooth and wrinkle free. Unfortunately it’s also added to many foams and cushions, especially in baby gear. It’s a known carcinogen and when babies are in contact with this chemical for a long period of time, it really affects their body (STUDY). This is why I opt for natural baby products that don’t contain any formaldehyde.
Polyvinyl Chloride: This is often found in plastics and a lot of baby products and toys. It’s present also in waterproof protectors and mattresses. The toxins that are in this PVC often contain high levels of chlorine, which is hazardous to the health of our babies and children (STUDY)
PFAs (Waterproofing/Stain Resistant Chemicals): Those stain resistant and waterproof coverings are handy, but definitely not one of the natural baby products. PFAs have been tested and linked to developmental delays as well as reproductive disorders. Find a natural cotton or natural wool instead and use a cleaner like Thieves to get out those stains.
WHAT NON TOXIC BABY GEAR MATTERS MOST?
Length of Time Spent: Any product that your baby will be in for long periods of time is one that I would focus on the most. Things like mattresses, car seats or carriers are items that babies spend long periods of time in typically and so focusing on these items could reduce a large source of toxic burden.
How Much Surface Area & How Much : The larger the item, or the more this item encloses your baby (think car seats or carriers), the more exposure there is to your little one. Not only is their face in close proximity, but they also have their skin touching these surfaces, which is creating two types of toxic exposure.
Will It End Up in Their Mouth? As your baby gets older more and more will end up in their mouth. Some of it you can control and some of it you just can’t. But when it comes to toys, teethers and feeding items, make sure that you’re using a material that is safe as these items are usually in a child’s mouth, creating a potential exposure route.
Will They Get Hot In This Item? One thing we know about VOCs is that they off gas even more in a hot environment. The warmer an item gets (think car seat, stroller, bathtubs, carriers), the more potential toxic VOCs can off gas near your baby.
THE GOOD STUFF: SPECIFIC ADDS FOR A TARGET BABY REGISTRY AND AMAZON BABY REGISTRY
STROLLERS
UppaBaby Strollers: Free from BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, flame retardants and formaldehyde.
Bumbleride Strollers: Free from flame retardants, PVC, phthalates, PFOAS and polyurethane foam). Their fabric is actually Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified and you can also get an organic cotton infant insert or organic cotton seat liner if you want.
Nuna Strollers: These strollers are actually Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions and they meet the more strict EU standards. Their fabric is natural and certified organic wherever they can use it.
Stokke Strollers: Is free from flame retardants, phthalates, PVC toxins, PFAS, BPA & BPS and formaldehyde. They actually use a waterproofing solution that is free from the typical toxins. Their fabrics are Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified and they use non toxic dyes and inks. They’re also tested to be lead safe.
INFANT CAR SEAT & CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT
Nuna Car Seats: All car seats are free from flame retardants and PFOAs. All car seats also use a merino wool blend and are Greenguard Certified
Clek in Mammoth (Twilight/Full Moon Fabrics): Make sure that you purchase the Twilight or Full Moon fabrics as they are made without flame retardants. The fabric is Oeko Tex Standard 100 Certified and made of merino wool.
UPPAbaby in Henry or Jordan Fabrics: These two types of fabrics are made with merino wool and do not contain any PFAS or chemical flame retardants.
Maxi Cosi in PureCosi: All PureCosi fabrics are flame retardant free and avoid many other toxic chemicals.
Britax Advocate (Safewash): Make sure you purchase one that is with the SafeWash fabric as it is made without chemical flame retardants. This fabric is also free from heavy metals, phthalates and PFOAs.
NURSING PILLOW
Organic Caboose Nursing Pillow: Pure 100% organic cotton outside and interior filling. No polyurethane or polyester at all.
Holy Lamb Organics Nursing Pillow Made of organic cotton fabric and filled natural wool
Nesting Nursing PIllow: Made from 100% organic cotton and organic buckwheat.
CRIB MATTRESSES
Avocado Mattress: Free from petroleum based foams, waterproofing, flame retardants and formaldehyde. Greenguard Gold Certified and GOTS certified.
Naturepedic Mattress: No flame retardants, latex, polyurethane foam, soy, vinyl/PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde, GOTS Certified and Greenguard Gold Certified.
MyGreenMattress: GOTS Certified and GOLS Certified for natural latex. No chemical flame retardants, polyurethane foams or other toxins.
CHANGING PAD
Naturepedic Changing Pad: Free from latex, soy, GMSs, PVC toxins, phthalates, PFCs, flame retardants and polyurethane foam:
Keekaroo Changing Pad: JPMA 2.0 certified , Latex-Free , PVC-Free , BPA-Free , Phthalate-Free , Formamide-Free, Non-Toxic
HIGH CHAIR
Stokke: Because they are manufactured in Europe, the standards for these high chairs are SO much higher. The tray is free from BPA and phthalates and the wood high chair is finished with water based, low toxin paint.
Keekaroo: The wooden high chair is finished with a low-VOC, plant based lacquer. Keekaroo also has a booster seat that is free from latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates.
BabyBjorn: White they don’t offer a high chair any longer, they do carry a PVC free and BPA free booster seat as kids get older.
Inglesina: Free from BPA, phthalates, lead, flame retardants and other toxins.
Lalo: Compliant with California’s Prop 65 standards and free from BPA. The seat and tray are made from food safe plastic and the legs are FSC certified sustainable beech wood.
BOUNCER
BabyBjorn: All natural fabric is Oeko Tex 100 Standard certified and free from harsh chemicals.
Little Dove Baby Rocker: A toxin free wooden frame with a natural cotton cushion
Bloom Coco Lounger: Free from lead, BPA, phthalates, PVC toxins, formaldehyde and flame retardants. The fabric on this is an organic cotton canvas.
TRAVEL CRIBS AND PLAY YARDS
Guava Lotus Travel Crib: Greenguard Gold certified for low VOCs, lead free, phthalate free, PVC free and heavy metal free. Full height mesh guarantees breathable airflow.
Nuna Sena Aire Play Yard: GOTS certified, organic inserts. And all fabric in the LEAF series is Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified. All materials in this play yard abide by the European REACH and EN71 standards for health and safety.
Newborn and Baby Carriers
Organic Boba Wrap: GOTS Certified organic Cotton
Organic Baby K’Tan: GOTS Certified organic cotton
Baby Bjorn Mini Carrier: All fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified and does not contain AZO dyes, cadmium, lead, phthalates or formaldehyde.
Lillie Baby Complete Organic Baby Carrier: Made with organic cotton that is tested for heavy metals, phthalates and formaldehyde.
Beco Gemini Organic Baby Carrier: 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton outer layer
BABY BATHTUB
Puj Flyte Infant Tub: Made for newborns up to 3 months, this is free from BPA, phthalates and PVC toxins.
Boon Naked BathTub: BPA free, phthalate free and PVC free.
Stokke Flexi Bath: Free from phthalates, formaldehyde and BPA.
Havea Bath Mat in a Regular Tub: Made from 100% non toxic natural rubber.
Teethers & Toys
While there are SO many options out there. Try to stick with a natural rubber, food grade or platinum silicone, organic cotton, or wood that has a food grade safe finish.
Bottles
Opt for glass or stainless steel wherever you can. Philips Avent and Dr. Brown’s were our favorites. You can also use platinum silicone so long as it won’t be heated up.
Clothing
Opt for organic cotton as it breathes well and generally babies have no sensitivities for allergies to cotton. Favorite online brands are:
Remember, there will be lots out of your control from what your baby actually likes to the gifts you may get from friends and family. But making the best choices to be low toxin with what you have and what is a sustainable change. Be flexible and remember that any small low toxin choice is a good one!
