Are you concerned about giving your baby the safest non-toxic sippy and trainer cup? Finding safe products in today’s marketplace can be daunting—especially considering that many plastics and other materials contain toxic chemicals that could harm our babies. Worse, safety standards do not always keep up with our current knowledge of chemical side effects, so it’s essential to take matters into your own hands when selecting items for your family.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to pick baby training cups and supplies free from dangerous toxins and provide some specific recommendations on where to find reliable, non-toxic options. Keep reading to ensure the products surrounding your little one are as safe as possible!
Toxic Chemicals and Their Ill Effects
As a parent, checking the labels of anything you buy will become your habit: from baby diapers, shampoo, soaps, and lotions, to your baby’s clothing and food. You’ll need to do this to ensure that your baby uses only the best and the safest. To help you, here are the specific chemicals that you should keep an eye on.
Phthalates
Phthalates are plastic softeners, so toys and baby supplies made of plastic are at risk of having these. They are also used to make baby products more fragrant. These are prevalent, so make sure to take a closer look at ingredient lists when buying.
The effects of phthalates are serious as studies have found that they cause developmental brain disorders. Phthalates also have ill effects on the lungs, making babies more prone to developing asthma. Baby boys, specifically, may suffer fertility issues because of phthalates. They also weaken your child and make them more prone to allergies.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Another chemical that is often seen used in plastic baby supplies is BPA. Hence, be extra careful in checking the labels for any plastic baby goods. Even food packaging can have BPA, so buy only from trusted sources or shift to “clean” and organic supplies.
BPA causes severe damage to a baby’s brain—specifically the endocrine system—which is responsible for the hormones for growth and development, proper breakdown of food, and reproduction.
BPA Substitutes
When shopping for baby supplies, you should also check for these BPA substitutes: Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol E (BPE), and Bisphenol F (BPF). Being a substitute does not mean they’re better than BPA—these chemicals can harm babies as well.
These substitutes cause the same effects as BPA, only they can cause cardiovascular, digestive, and neurological problems in babies too.
They are found in baby supplies made of plastic. Toys and cleaning products for babies may also contain BPA substitutes.
More Toxic Chemicals for Babies
Now that you know the most prevalent toxic chemicals in baby supplies, it’s good to be aware of other dangerous chemicals too. Below are some other chemicals found in baby products that are harmful to babies.
- Flame Retardants: Present in cloth and foam baby products, these can have ill effects on the brain and reproduction system.
- High-Risk Pesticides: Found in some baby cleaning and skin protection products and in non-organic food. These can cause cancer in babies and kids.
- Formaldehyde: Baby shampoos and soap that have this can cause babies to develop cancer.
- Bleach and Sulfates: Babies may develop allergies, breathing problems, and eye irritation when exposed to cleaners and detergents with bleach and harsh sulfates.
- Talc: Talc is known to treat diaper rash, but inhaling it can cause respiratory problems in babies.
- Artificial Fragrances: Various chemicals like benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and petroleum by-products that make baby products smell good can cause respiratory, neurological, and digestive problems.
- Parabens: These shelf-life extenders cause reproduction and weight problems when children are exposed to them early.
- Tributyltin: These chemicals are found in diaper adhesives and can cause developmental, reproductive, immune, and neurological system issues.
- Oxybenzone: Found in some sunscreens, this chemical can have ill effects on a baby’s digestion and skin.
- Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol exposure can also negatively affect the digestive and neurological systems.
Choose a Non-Toxic Sippy Cup and Supplies
Knowledge is power, so now that you know these dangerous chemicals may be present in baby supplies, you can be more vigilant in choosing the right ones for your children. Here are ways to make sure that what you are buying is safe.
Non-Toxic Sippy Cups and Utensils
Not all kinds of plastic are dangerous—only those that contain BPA, BPA substitutes, and phthalates. Still, it pays to know that there are plastic sippy cup alternatives. Hospital- or food-grade silicone sippy cups are great substitutes.
For peace of mind, double-check if the plastic container is reusable or disposable and use them accordingly. For plastic material cleaning, avoid exposing them to heat and follow cleaning instructions from manufacturers.
Of course, if you want to be sure, you can pick the best non-toxic sippy cup and supplies by skipping plastic entirely. Choose glass, silicone, or stainless steel containers and utensils for babies instead.
Safe Cleaning Supplies
Many harmful chemicals for babies are found in cleaning supplies like dishwashing liquids and detergents. When these chemicals are used in washing clothes, bedsheets, towels, and any linens the baby uses, they may develop skin and eye irritations, respiratory problems, and other more severe conditions.
It is best to pick cleaners made from organic and hypoallergenic ingredients. If you ever need to clean using stronger chemicals, ensure your little one is out of the house and won’t be exposed to it.
Baby-Friendly Bath and Body Products
Products used to bathe babies and keep their skin healthy may also have harmful chemicals like phthalates, pesticides, formaldehyde, talc, parabens, and more. But because you now know that baby products can include harmful substances, you can be careful and choose only products made with safe and organic ingredients.
If preservatives are a must, use only plant-based ones so they are gentler on the skin. Checking whether the product is formulated safe, specifically for babies, is also good practice.
A List of the Supplies You Need
Avoiding these harmful chemicals becomes easier when you minimize what you buy for your baby. By providing only the essentials, you can be thorough in checking out each and every ingredient or material to make sure that the product is safe. However, the items below are non-negotiables when it comes to raising a child.
Sippy Cups and Other Cups
Have various sippy cups for every stage of your baby’s development. For instance, a sippy spout is great for babies transitioning from breast milk and bottle feeding to cups. When they get used to a sippy spout, you can introduce other sippy cup alternatives like straw bottles, silicone straws, and even regular cups.
Suction Bowls
Babies who haven’t developed their motor skills can eat conveniently from a bowl that stays in place. Make sure that the bowls you choose are made of food grade silicone for safety. Then, you can pick the ones with suction bottoms to ensure the food won’t spill.
Suction Plates
Meanwhile, when your little one grows, they must practice using plates. These plates are similar to suction bowls in that they have suction cups at the bottom to prevent food from spilling. These plates and bowls will help your little one feel like a part of the family when they can eat with you during mealtimes.
Spoons and Forks
Of course, mealtimes will not be complete without spoons and forks. Skip giving adult utensils to your baby, as they are unsafe because of their size and the materials they are made of. Baby spoons and forks should be made of baby-safe materials like silicone or bamboo. These utensils should also have stoppers to prevent babies from inserting them too far inside their mouths.
Shampoo, Soaps, and Detergents
Make sure everything your baby uses is always fresh and clean through baby-friendly detergents and soaps. Keep them happy, safe, and clean through cleansers that are safe for their body and skin. As parents, you want everything clean, but as much as possible, do not use cleaners with strong chemicals.
Safe Sippy Cups and More By Ashtonbee
The supplies you buy for your baby can be the difference between them growing up safe and healthy or being exposed to potential harm from dangerous chemicals. By doing a bit of research and reading reviews, you can make an informed decision about what will help keep your baby safe.
Luckily Ashtonbee offers a wide array of lead-free, toxic sippy cup alternatives like silicone sippy cups and more. So go ahead and ensure your baby gets the best; buy your safe training cup and baby must-haves today! With Ashtonbee, you’ll find everything you need to create a safe environment for your children.
