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Non-Toxic Baby Products

Non-Toxic baby products I use and recommend: The truth is, much of what we place on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. It is no different than what we put all over our baby’s body.

 

In fact, babies and children have a higher susceptibility for increased absorption and sensitivity.

 

As per a recent study, it is critical that infant cleansers and moisturizers be well tolerated and not disrupt the outer layer of the skin. That is because skin-barrier function continues to develop through at least the first year of life.

 

In a study, they evaluated the tolerance of baby skin-care products with at least 95% naturally derived ingredients on infants and toddlers.  They concluded that baby skin-care products were well tolerated by infants and toddlers when used alone or as part of a skin-care regimen.

 

As parents, we do our best to choose the safest products for our kids. But how do we know which products are safe? The surprising truth is that chemical ingredients in children’s products do not need to be tested for safety before being used. As a result, everyday products can contain chemicals linked with health effects like learning and behavioral problems, hormone disruption, and asthma.

1. Invest in an Organic Crib Mattress

 

Babies sleep a lot, so it’s important to make their sleep environment as toxin-free as possible.  Conventional crib mattresses still often contain flame retardants and other chemicals that can harm your child.  Organic crib mattresses will ensure that your baby is not breathing in toxic chemicals while sleeping.

 

Great Ingredients: What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Mattress

 

Now that you know what can make a mattress toxic let me tell you about the materials and certifications that make up a non-toxic mattress. They include:

 

  • Organic wool (untreated) is naturally flame and mildew/dust mite resistant.

 

  • 100% natural latex (made from rubber trees) is safer than latex blends, containing petroleum-based polyurethane.

 

  • Organic cotton (grown in untreated soil, without pesticides) can be used for batting or mattress wrapping. There is a robust debate about whether or not the herbicides and pesticides used on cotton crops will wash/bleach out as the cotton is processed. Most studies show that it does, but some folks believe that a residue remains. We believe that the risks of sleeping on a mattress or sheets made from conventionally grown cotton are tiny. Still, for the good of the planet, we should all choose organically grown cotton whenever possible. (Sadly, certified organic cotton is costly…about two times the cost of conventional.)

 

  • Trusted certifications from third-party certifying bodies mean that some ingredients in the mattress have been vetted by organizations committed to improving air quality. This also means a safer sleeping surface for you. However, all certifications are not created equally!

 

Best Non-Toxic Mattress Certifications:

 

  • The two certifications to look for in your mattress are GOLS (for latex) and GOTS (for textiles). But again, unless these certifications are written directly to the mattress manufacturer, they are not particularly meaningful.

 

  • To obtain a GOTS certification, at least 95% of the mattress must be made of certified organic materials, and certain chemistries are prohibited entirely, even for that other 5%.  These include polyurethane foam and the fire retardants listed above.

 

  • GOLS certification means that the mattress is made of at least 95% organic latex, and again, the other 5% of the materials are also restricted in important ways.

 

Most certifications are of SOME value, but they can be used sneakily by mattress manufacturers. Manufacturers may claim to have a certification that they don’t actually have. So you really need to ask to see the actually signed certification, keeping in mind that if it’s out of date, it’s worthless.

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Mattress_Avocado-Organic-Crib-MattressAvocado Organic Crib MattressOeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, USDA Organic, Greenguard Gold Certified, MadeSafe-ApprovedShop
Mattress_BrentwoodHome Organic-Crib-MattressBrentwood Home Organic Crib MattressGOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, Greenguard Gold CertifiedShop
Mattress_Naturepedic-Organic-Crib-MattressNaturepedic Organic Crib MattressGOTS Certified, Greenguard Gold Certified, MadeSafe-ApprovedShop
Mattress_Soaring-Heart-Organic-Crib-MattressSoaring Heart Organic Crib Mattress100% Organic Latex, GOLS & GOTS CertifiedShop
Mattress_Holy-Lamb-Organics-Crib-MattressHoly Lamb Organics Crib MattressOrganic cotton, natural and organic wool, all-natural latexShop
Mattress_My-Green-Mattress-Organic-Crib-MattressMy Green Mattress Organic Crib MattressAll Handcraft in a family-owned factory that has earned the GOTS and GOLS Organic Factory Certification from Control Union.Shop

2. Avoid Mattress Protectors That Contain Vinyl

 

You should definitely protect your organic mattress, but not with a protector that contains vinyl.  The safest alternatives are wool or polyethylene protectors.

 

All these organic mattress brands that I mentioned above usually have the safest alternatives with wool or polyethylene protectors instead of vinyl.

3. Wash Everything Before Use

 

New clothing, linens, and towels often contain certain chemicals, like formaldehyde resin, that give a wrinkle-free look and reduce the chance of mildew developing during shipping.  This chemical has been linked to skin allergies and even cancer.  Make sure to wash everything, and keep in mind that even detergent marketed towards babies can contain harmful chemicals like phosphates, parabens, and fragrance. So make sure you purchase a non-toxic laundry detergent.

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
LaundryDetergent_Better-Life-Laundry-DetergentBetter Life Laundry DetergentPlant-Based Cleaning Ingredients. Cruelty Free (never tested on animals).Shop
LaundryDetergent_Eco-Me-Laundry-DetergentEco-Me Laundry DetergentEco-Friendly formula is made from plant extracts and natural botanicalsShop
LaundryDetergent_Grab-Green-Laundry-DetergentGrab Green Laundry DetergentNaturally effective. No Harsh Chemicals.Shop
LaundryDetergent_Green-Shield-Laundry-DetergentGreen Shield Laundry DetergentNon-Toxic, Fragrance Free, Color Safe, Dye Free, Organic, Hypoallergenic, Chemical Free.Shop
LaundryDetergent_Mollys-Suds-Original-Laundry-DetergentMolly's Suds Original Laundry DetergentFormulated with only four earth-derived ingredients. Eco-Friendly.Shop
LaundryDetergent_Sonett-Organic-Laundry-Liquid-DetergentSonett Organic Laundry Liquid DetergentVegan. Non-GMO. Not tested on animals. No enzymes, petrochemical raw materials or nanotechnology.Shop

4. When You Can, Buy Organic

 

Especially when purchasing items that your baby will use daily and have close contact with, like pajamas, onesies, swaddles, blankets, baby carriers, and crib sheets.

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Organic_Organic-Cotton-Pebble-Crib-Mattress-CoversOrganic Cotton Pebble Crib Mattress CoversOrganic Cotton, Organic Eucalyptus, Organic Cotton/Non-Toxic Poly Blend, Zinc, Easy-Close Nylon Zipper, Breathe-Thru TechnologyShop
Organic_Kushies-Organic-Jersey-Crib-SheetKushies Organic Jersey Crib Sheet100% certified organic cotton jersey. Fully elasticized. Ethically made in Canada.Shop
Organic_Snuggle-Me-Organic-Infant-LoungerSnuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger100% Organic Cotton. Sustainable & Ethically made. Made in USAShop
Organic_Organic-Essential-7-Piece-Baby-Gift-SetOrganic Essential 7 Piece Baby Gift SetGOTS Certified Organic. Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks. No Added Formaldehyde. Undetectable Levels of Heavy Metals. Pesticide + Herbicide Free.Shop
Organic_Kyte-BABY-Bamboo-Bundler-Sleep-BagKyte BABY Bamboo Bundler Sleep BagSleep bag is made of 97% bamboo rayon. The fabric is breathable and buttery soft to the touch.Shop
Organic_Pehr-Happy-Days-Organic-Cotton-Muslin-SwaddlePehr Happy Days Organic Cotton Muslin SwaddleGOTS Certified Organic. Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks. No Added Formaldehyde. No Flame Retardants. No Known Harmful Phthalates. Pesticide + Herbicide Free.Shop
Organic_Nook-Sleep-Systems-Niche-Feeding-PillowNook Sleep Systems Niche Feeding PillowOrganic Cotton, Organic Eucalyptus, Organic Cotton/Non-Toxic Poly Blend, Zinc, Easy-Close Nylon Zipper, 3D SafeSleep Technology.Shop

5. Keep Baby’s Environment Clean

 

Harmful chemicals that are given off from items in your home accumulate in the form of dust. Once the baby arrives, it is so important to keep dust at a minimum.  Also, make sure that when cleaning your home, that you use the most natural cleaning products available. I like a 50/50 vinegar/water mixture for all-purpose cleaning before and once the baby arrives. Don’t forget to open windows when you can to get the fresh air circulating through your home.

6. Make sure it’s Non-Toxic

 

Body wash, diaper ointment, moisturizer, diaper wipes – one would assume that all of these products would be safe and chemical-free. However, that is not the case. Look up all baby products on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database to ensure they are safe for your baby. Choose products that are fragrance-free (NOT the same thing as ‘unscented’), paraben, phthalate, and SLS-free too.

Diapers

 

Did you know that diaper companies aren’t required to list what’s in their product on the packaging?

 

Truth is, there are potentially harmful chemicals that are known to be present in some disposable diapers, including chlorine, dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and more

 

Here is what you should avoid when buying diaper for your baby:

 

  • Chlorine-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Phthalate-free (preferred)
  • Dye-free (or at least pigments without heavy metals)

 

Needless to say, Pampers and Huggies don’t make the cut, so based on the above criteria; here are the top diaper recommendations for disposable diapers:

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Diapers_Bambo-Nature-Eco-Friendly-DiapersBambo Nature Eco-Friendly DiapersEco-friendly, absorbent and feature a non-woven back sheet to protect the skin.Shop
Diapers_Responsibly-Sourced-Bamboo-Baby-DiapersResponsibly Sourced Bamboo Baby DiapersEco-friendly, No Chlorine, Latex, Alcohol, Perfumes, PVC, Lotions, TBT or PhthalatesShop
Diapers_Nest-Baby-Diapers-for-Sensitive-SkinNest Baby Diapers for Sensitive SkinPlant-based diapers for the eco-minded generation, Nest Baby Diapers are made with hand-selected sustainable materials.Shop
Diapers_Naty-by-Nature-Babycare-Eco-Friendly-Premium-Disposable-DiapersNaty by Nature Babycare Eco-Friendly Premium Disposable DiapersFree from chlorine, latex, TBT, dioxins, phthalates, VOCs, dyes and perfume.Shop
Diapers_Babyganics-Ultra-Absorbent-DiapersBabyganics Ultra Absorbent DiapersFormulated without: chlorine, latex, petroleum based lotions or fragrancesShop
Diapers_Seventh-Generation-Baby-Diapers-for-Sensitive-SkinSeventh Generation Baby Diapers for Sensitive SkinHypoallergenic, free from lotions and fragrances, and the core of our diaper is free from chlorine bleachingShop
Wipes

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Wipes_Babo-Botanicals-3-in-1-Sensitive-Baby-WipesBabo Botanicals 3-in-1 Sensitive Baby Wipes100% Natural & Biodegradable cloth fiber. No Harsh Chemicals or Irritants.Shop
Wipes_Honest-Baby-Plant-Based-WipesHonest Baby Plant-Based WipesPlant-Based. Pure and Gentle.Shop
Wipes_Organic-Baby-Wipes-By-MADE-OFOrganic Baby Wipes By MADE OFFree of alcohol and other skin irritants. Free of microbes, heavy metals, parabens, and more.Shop
Wipes_WaterWipes-Sensitive-Baby-Diaper-WipesWaterWipes Sensitive Baby Diaper WipesSimply two ingredients, their fragrance baby wipes contains 99.9% water with just a drop of fruit extract.Shop
Shampoo and Soap

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
ShampooSoap_Everyone-for-Everybody-3-in-1-Kids-SoapEveryone for Everybody 3-in-1 Kids SoapNon GMO Verified, Gluten Free, Recyclable, Cruelty Free, No Synthetic Fragrance and B Certified.Shop
ShampooSoap_Pipette-New-Formula-Baby-ShampooPipette New Formula Baby ShampooFree of synthetic fragrances, cruelty-free, and EWG Verified.Shop
ShampooSoap_Babo-Botanicals-Sensitive-Baby-Newborn-Foam-WashBabo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Newborn Foam WashContains a soothing, moisturizing blend of shea and coco butter. Perfect for sensitive newborn skin.Shop
ShampooSoap_Carina-Organics-Baby-Shampoo-and-Body-Wash-Carina Organics Baby Shampoo and Body Wash Synthetic Free. Tear Free. Hypoallergenic Cruelty Free. Vegan 100% Biodegradable.Shop
ShampooSoap_Lafe's-Natural-Body-CareLafe's Natural Body CareNon GMO, no formaldehyde, no propylene glycol, no phthalates, no triclosans, sodium laurel sulfate freeShop
ShampooSoap_California-Baby-Calendula-Shampoo-and-Body-WashCalifornia Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body WashMade for babies with dry, sensitive skin, or allergies our 2-in-1 baby wash and shampoo cleans hair, face, body or sensitive areas.Shop
ShampooSoap_Calming-Lavender-Body-Wash-and-ShampooCalming Lavender Body Wash and ShampooEMAB makes scented and unscented certified organic baby shampoo/body wash from natural castile soap. Shop
ShampooSoap_MADE-OF-Organic-Baby-Lotion-and-ShampooMADE OF Organic Baby Lotion and ShampooMade’s Of’s Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Shop
ShampooSoap_Hypoallergenic-Volume-Rich-ShampooHypoallergenic Volume Rich Shampooilicone Free, Toxic Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free.Shop
Lotions / Creams / Ointments

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Lotions_Babo-Botanicals-Oatmilk-Calendula-Soothing-Diaper-Cream Babo Botanicals Oatmilk Calendula Soothing Diaper CreamThis popular diaper cream relies on beeswax, watercress, and vitamin E to soothe sore bums and create a moisture barrier. Shop
Lotions_Weleda-Lotion-and-CreamWeleda Lotion and CreamGentle calendula extract is found in both products and soothes baby skin without any synthetic preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, etc.Shop
Lotions_Matys-All-Natural-OintmentMaty’s All-Natural OintmentFor little ones who are prone to eczema, chapped lips, rashes. Maty’s helps soothe skin with coconut and jojoba oil. Shop
Lotions_Earth-Mama-Organic-Diaper-BalmEarth Mama Organic Diaper Balm100% organic calendula diaper cream. Rated ONE on the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, the lowest hazard rating a product can achieve.Shop
Lotions_California-Baby-Diaper-Cream-California Baby Diaper Cream This water free formula contains zinc oxide and lanolin which helps repair the moisture barrier. Shop
Lotions_California-Baby-Calendula-Organic-ExtractCalifornia Baby Calendula Organic ExtractCalendula is great for soothing sensitive skin and well for babies who are prone to Eczema. Lightly scented with essential oils.Shop
Lotions_Matys-Chest-RubMaty’s Chest RubUse this soothing rub on baby’s chest, neck or feet for a good night’s sleep when they need a little extra comfort. Shop
Lotions_Pipette-Baby-BalmPipette Baby BalmPlant-derived, extra moisturizing, rich and nourishing for baby’s skin. Contains vitamin E and jojoba.Shop
Lotions_Natural-Baby-Calendula-Body-Cream-by-AttitudeNatural Baby Calendula Body Cream by AttitudeTheir natural baby body cream is paraben-free, silicone-free, PEG-free, formaldehyde-free, and free of synthetic fragrances or perfumes.Shop
Lotions_MADE-OF-Organic-Diaper-Rash-CreamMADE OF Organic Diaper Rash CreamMade Of’s Organic Diaper Rash Cream uses non-nano zinc oxide to create a protective moisture barrier, and organic soothers like avocado and argan oils to heal irritated skin.Shop
Lotions_Green-Goo-Baby-BalmGreen Goo Baby BalmSierra Sage Baby Balm is free of lanolin and all ingredients are organic (including olive oil, calendula, beeswax, and chamomile). Shop
Lotions_Badger-Zinc-Oxide-Diaper-CreamBadger Zinc Oxide Diaper CreamBadger makes a great zinc everyday diaper cream for preventing diaper rash before it begins, or treating it once it’s started.Shop
Lotions_Baby-Mantra-Calming-LotionBaby Mantra Calming LotionMade from the best non-toxic, natural and organic ingredients designed for daily treatment of common baby skin-care issues, including rashes and eczema.Shop
Lotions_Aquaphor-Baby-Healing-OintmentAquaphor Baby Healing OintmentPreservative and fragrance free, specifically to suit the sensitive skin of babies.Shop
Sunscreen

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Sunscreen_Babybum-sunscreenBabybum SunscreenThis popular diaper cream relies on beeswax, watercress, and vitamin E to soothe sore bums and create a moisture barrier.Shop
Sunscreen_SupergoopSupergoopSuper clean and non-toxic for all ages.Shop
Sunscreen_Raw-Elements-Certified-Natural-Sunscreen-LotionRaw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen LotionMade with non-nano zinc, this broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is wonderful for the most sensitive skin.Shop
Sunscreen_Suntegrity-Unscented-Natural-Mineral-SunscreenSuntegrity Unscented Natural Mineral SunscreenGreat for babies and adults alike, this is a 20% non-nano zinc formula is packed with antioxidants and offers broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30.Shop
Sunscreen_Babyganics-Sunscreen-Lotion-50-SPFBabyganics Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPFIt has really good reviews by parents who have used it. This sunscreen contains no PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances or nano-particles.Shop

7. Nursery Decor can be quite Toxic too

 

Paint should be VOC-free, wall decals vinyl-free, rugs without stain treatments or adhesives. If possible, wooden furniture should be made of real wood and not wood composite since this will off-gas formaldehyde (at the very least, let it air out well before baby’s arrival).

 

Paint Brands

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
PaintBrands_Building-GreenBuilding GreenAn Online retailer with several clean paint brands (and sustainable flooring and other non-toxic home building materials)Shop
PaintBrands_Clare-PaintClaire PaintZero VOC paint and colorants,no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs),and no chemicals that have been deemed a concern by EPA.Shop
PaintBrands_Milk-PaintMilk PaintZero VOC, non-toxic,made from 100% organic material.Shop
PaintBrands_Bio-ShieldBio ShieldThe BioShield collection of paints, stains, thinners and waxes is made primarily from naturally-derived raw materials including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seeds oils, tree resins, inert mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, lead-free dryers and natural pigments.Shop
PaintBrands_Sherwin-WilliamsSherwin WilliamsGreenguard Gold Certified. Zero VOCs.Shop
PaintBrands_Benjamin-MooreBenjamin MooreCertified Asthma and Allergy Friendly. Zero VOCs, Zero emissions.Shop
PaintBrands_EcospaintsEcos PaintsZero VOCs.Shop
PaintBrands_BehrBehrGreenguard Gold Certified.Shop
PaintBrands_Earth-PigmentsEarth PigmentsThe Earth Pigments Company is unique in that they sell non-toxic pigment powders and materials for all artistry and home needs.Shop

8. Make sure baby isn’t placing Chemicals in his Mouth

 

For babies, both toys and bottles will probably end up in the same place: inside their mouths.  Stay away from plastic which can potentially leach unsafe chemicals. Even if you plan on breastfeeding exclusively, it’s always a good idea to have baby bottles on hand. Opt for glass and silicone baby bottles and silicone, wood, natural rubber, or organic cloths toys.

 

How Do You Know If a Toy is Safe?

The tricky thing about chemicals in toys is that you can’t tell just by looking at them whether they contain toxic chemicals or not. Luckily there is a handy website called ToySafety.org that can help guide you when choosing toys. Additionally, Check for Recalls regularly on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website.

 

Formula & Baby Food

 

ImageNameDescriptionBuy
Formula_Holle,-Organic-Goat-Milk-Infant-FormulaHolle, Organic Goat Milk Infant FormulaEU Organic, Gluten-FreeShop
Formula_Lebenswert,-Organic-FormulaLebenswert, Organic FormulaEU Organic, Gluten-FreeShop
Formula_GimmethegoodstuffLouloka Organic Baby FormulaNo GMOs or added sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. No palm oil – substituted with coconut oil for better fat and calcium absorption.Shop
Formula_HiPP,-Organic-Combiotik-FormulaHiPP, Organic Combiotik FormulaEU Organic, Gluten-FreeShop
Formula_Klaire-Labs,-Ther-Biotic-Infant-Probiotic-PowderKlaire Labs, Ther-Biotic Infant Probiotic PowderGluten-free, Wheat-free, Dairy/Casein-free, Egg-free, Peanut/Nut-free, Soy-free, Fish/Shellfish-free.Shop