There are many items on the market for new parents. All manufacturers try their best to create appealing products to catch your attention and get you to buy. However, not everything visually pleasing is baby-friendly. It isn’t easy to know which ones are safe and which are not.
As a responsible parent, it is best to go beyond the looks and the advertisements and check the labels. Get to know better the products you are buying, from silicone bibs, lotions and insect repellants, detergents, pillows and bedding, baby mealtime needs, and more!
To help you, we list various chemicals that should not be present in your baby supplies. Turn down the product right away if you see any of these.
1. Flame Retardants on Cleaners
Just by the sound of it, you know that these chemicals bring no good effects on babies. They should not be included in any baby product sold out there. Be wary as some baby pillows, beddings, and cushioned baby needs may contain this chemical.
It is best to go for beddings and mattresses made from organic sources to avoid flame retardant ill effects on babies like brain damage, development of thyroid and endocrine disease, fertility issues, and even cancer.
2. BPA and BPA Substitutes On Silicone Baby Bibs And Utensils
Baby feeding bibs, bottles, sippy cups, teething toys, and various plastic mealtime must-haves are at high risk of having bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, and BPA substitutes like BPS, BPE, and BPF. This is because they are as toxic as they are replaced and can cause estrogenic and endocrine problems.
Make sure to check the label when buying plastic supplies, or better, go for glass and stainless utensils. While some supplies are best in silicone or plastic form, like a silicone baby bib, it is best to go for food-grade silicone to ensure your little one is safe.
You can make the most of a waterproof silicone baby bib from catching food crumbs, falling food, and drool when it doesn’t cause any harm to your baby later.
3. Phthalates On Baby Things Cleaners
Are you wondering how to clean silicone bibs and other utensils and baby clothes your baby uses? Pick any cleaning types; just ensure they do not have phthalates.
Phthalates can cause brain and lung damage, allergic reactions, and fertility issues, so check out cleaning, personal care baby products, and plastic baby supplies labels to ensure they are free from phthalates. You may also switch from organically made products to ensure they are baby-friendly.
4. Formaldehyde On Soaps And Shampoos
Bathtime is as exciting as many different baby activities. You make sure you have all the supplies your baby needs to have a great time in the tub. To ensure the time is excellent, pick shampoo and soaps free from formaldehyde. As you do so, you are not only giving your little one fun memories in the bathroom but also saving them from any cancer risks because of the harmful products’ effects.
5. Sulfates and Bleach For Detergents and Soaps
Do you use bleach and sulfates to remove stains in your baby’s clothes? It’s now time to end it, as sulfates and bleach contain chemicals that are good for removing dirt but bad for your little one.
Bleach and sulfates can cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritations because of their strong smell. Use baby-friendly soaps instead. There are also safer ways to remove tough dirt, like hydrogen peroxide. Or it doesn’t hurt to say goodbye to stained clothing instead of using chemicals bad for your baby.
6. Parabens and Phenoxyethanol On Baby Products
Parabens and phenoxyethanol are chemicals meant to prolong the shelf life of many baby products like shampoo, soaps, and lotions. Although it may seem beneficial that your supplies last long because of these chemicals, note that they harm babies.
Parabens target the reproductive organ and healthy weight development causing problems in these areas in the long run.
Meanwhile, phenoxyethanol causes quick effects on the body, like the appearance of hives and skin allergies. Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea can occur almost quickly, too, especially when taken in by babies through nipple creams. Make sure to be wary of these chemicals when checking labels.
7. Talc On Baby Powder
Your diaper bag won’t be complete without powder with talc, as this chemical is known to hush and prevent the breakout of rashes caused by diapers. But this will change now because of the information that talc-containing powders aren’t good for babies.
Talc is easily contaminated with asbestos in the production process. Even though the manufacturer is reliable, there is no harm in being sure. Just go for talc-free powder or organic ways to avoid diaper rash and keep the baby fresh.
Baby-Safe Products By Ashtonbee
It is important to be aware of the potentially harmful chemicals in many baby, toddler, and children’s products. While some of these chemicals have been banned from baby products, others remain a cause for concern. Therefore, it is best to avoid products that contain any of these red-flag chemicals whenever possible.
If you want to ensure your baby’s safety, Ashtonbee provides a wide range of safe and chemical-free baby products, from silicone baby bibs, to mealtime utensils, and clothes, that parents like you can trust. Check out our products, and get them for your baby now!