The Hidden Dangers in Baby Products
By: Green Grom
Tags: Organic, Health, Baby, Natural, Non Toxic

photo credit: Colin Maynar

From the moment that many babies are born, their mothers lovingly wash and pamper their infants with a wide range of baby products. These products might include soaps, lotions, shampoos, and baby powders that might even be used several times a day. Roughly 60% of what we put on our skin, the biggest organ on our bodies, gets absorbed into our bloodstream.

But have you ever taken the time to read the ingredients list for a bottle of baby lotion or shampoo? How would you feel if you found out that the products you have been using on your sweet baby are actually a witch’s brew of dangerous ingredients? Most parents would be very unhappy. They might feel as though they had been duped, and rightly so. Many parents put faith in the companies behind conventional baby products because it never enters their minds that products made specifically for babies could be harmful. Unfortunately, there are many baby products available today that have questionable ingredients. Some of these ingredients include Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Synthetic Perfumes and Talc.

But what are they and why are they bad? Let’s focus on a few to look out for when buying baby products.

Parabens are preservatives used in personal hygiene products, food products, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Studies have shown that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm reproductive organs and fertility. They have been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer. A more common symptom caused by parabens is skin irritation. When shopping for safe baby lotions and shampoos be sure avoid parabens. Natural ingredients like Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Rosemary are sometimes used as an alternative to parabens for their antioxidant properties that slow down the oils from turning rancid.

Another ingredient you should not see in your baby’s body wash is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS for short. SLS is a harmful ingredient used in common household or personal hygiene products such as laundry detergent and hand soap. It is the ingredient that gives a product like a shampoo or liquid soap its foaming ability. It is a known skin irritant, eye and respiratory tract irritant and toxic to aquatic organisms. According to the journal of the American College of Toxicology, SLS can penetrate and be retained in the eyes, brain, heart, and liver with potentially harmful effects. In a baby product, SLS might cause rashes, eczema or other skin irritations. It is shocking that baby products contain such a harsh ingredient. To add further insult, products containing this ingredient are sometimes labeled as natural or organic because SLS is a detergent derived from coconut oil. Fortunately there are sulfate free baby products available. Simply read the ingredients label when purchasing to look for products free from sulfates.

Synthetic perfumes or fragrances may make those lotions and body washes smells wonderful but they can contain hundreds of harsh chemicals. Chemicals such as methylene chloride, for example, are carcinogenic and others might cause headaches, dizziness, coughing, vomiting and skin irritation. Most synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. Once these chemicals are on your body they can affect your brain and organs, nervous and immune system. What goes on your body ultimately goes in your body. Choosing products scented with natural oils is safer and healthier for your baby, the environment and other people around you that might be sensitive to strong synthetic fragrances.

Talc is white-gray mineral powder used as a baby powder. Also known as talcum powder. Moms might use it to keep their baby’s skin smooth and dry but unfortunately term long-term use can produce the same effects as those of asbestos. It has been linked to ovarian and lung cancer. Not only is it a carcinogen but it can cause respiratory issues. Some natural alternatives that can be used are cornstarch, baking soda or rice starch. Some big brand names like Burt’s Bees and The Honest Company offer talc free products you can easily find in stores or online.

These ingredients hardly sound appropriate for sensitive baby skin. So what can you do to avoid these dangerous baby products?

First, read the ingredients and look them up online if you have to. Find out what they are and what they do.

Second, find reputable companies that offer organic and 100% natural products. Since there is no regulation for organic bath and body products you might need to do some research to find the legitimately natural products.

Third, try your hand at making some of your own baby products. If you make your own then you know exactly what is in them and you can feel comfortable that they are safe.

Creating a safe and healthy environment for your baby encompasses more than just what you put on their skin. Organic foods and clothing are just as important. Stay healthy!