As parents, we want nothing but the best for our babies. From the lotions we massage into their skin to the shampoos we use at bath time, these products are supposed to care for and protect. But are baby lotions and shampoos safe? Research shows that many baby products on the shelves today may contain hidden chemicals that could pose risks to our little ones. Understanding these risks can help parents make better choices and discover safe baby products that truly support infant health.
Babies Absorb Phthalates from Baby Products
Read the article in Reuters:
Babies Absorb Phthalates From Baby Products by Megan Rauscher
A study highlighted by Reuters Health revealed that phthalates in baby lotion, baby powder, and baby shampoo may expose infants to harmful chemicals.
Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, from the University of Washington, explained:
“At this time, we do not know what the potential long-term health effects might be, but there is a large body of animal studies to suggest developmental and reproductive toxicity (from phthalates) and a few human studies with changes in health outcomes as well.”
Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and stabilize fragrances. They’re found in countless consumer goods, cosmetics, toys, medical equipment, and, unfortunately, even baby products. Researchers tested the urine of 163 infants (aged 2–28 months) and found all samples contained measurable phthalates, with 81% showing seven or more different types. The strongest association was found in infants under 8 months old, who are most vulnerable to toxicity.
Yet, U.S. manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on labels. This leaves parents wondering: What are phthalates in baby products? How do chemicals affect babies’ health? Studies suggest links to developmental delays, reproductive issues, and hormonal disruption.
Dr. Sathyanarayana recommends using baby lotion, shampoo, and powder sparingly unless medically necessary. (Source: Pediatrics, February 2008)
The Bigger Picture: Harmful Chemicals in Baby Powder and More
Phthalates are not the only concern. Parents should also be aware of:
- Talc in baby powder: Long-term inhalation has been linked to respiratory issues and, in some cases, cancer concerns. This raises questions about the dangers of harmful chemicals in baby powder.
- Synthetic fragrances in shampoos: Many contain undisclosed chemical mixtures that can irritate skin and disrupt hormones.
- Parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Sometimes used in baby wipes and creams, these chemicals may be harmful over time.
So, how do chemicals affect babies’ health? Since babies’ skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults’, their small bodies process toxins differently, making them more sensitive to exposure. Even trace amounts can have bigger effects on development and long-term health.
Non-Toxic and Natural Alternatives
Parents often ask: What baby products are non-toxic? How to choose safe products for infants? Here are some tips and examples:
- Non-toxic baby shampoo: Brands like Earth Mama or Weleda offer plant-based shampoos without phthalates or sulfates.
- Phthalate-free lotions: Look for labels that say fragrance-free or phthalate-free. Coconut oil or shea butter are simple, natural alternatives to baby products.
- Safe baby products for diapering: Choose wipes labeled unscented and alcohol-free. Cloth wipes with plain water are another option.
- Avoid talc-based powders: Use cornstarch-based powders or skip them altogether.
A helpful resource is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, where you can look up baby products and see toxicity ratings.
Shared Experiences from Parents
Like many parents, I’ve been phasing out questionable products from both my own and my baby’s routine. Brandy shared this valuable tip:
“A site I love is www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. Products are analyzed by the Environmental Working Group, which lists the chemical effects and rates each product from 1 to 10. I love lines like Burt’s Bees and Aveda, but it’s a challenge to find truly non-toxic products.”
She also recommended watching CBC’s The Disappearing Male, a documentary that explores the impact of phthalates and other chemicals on children, especially boys. Researchers point to connections with decreased fertility, smaller genital size, autism, behavioral problems, and chronic illnesses.
Parents shouldn’t have to wonder if the products marketed for babies are actually safe. However, since regulations often lag behind scientific advancements, it is essential to stay informed. Choosing safe baby products, like non-toxic baby shampoo or natural alternatives to baby products, can make a huge difference in protecting your child’s health.
So the next time you’re shopping, ask yourself: Are baby lotions and shampoos safe? What baby products are non-toxic? With awareness, we can reduce our children’s exposure to unnecessary risks and keep them safe, naturally.
👉 If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
✨Exclusive Deals:
- Grab Mellow Mornings for Pregnancy for a calm start to your day filled with baby love 💖 https://get.birthbliss.ca/mellow-mornings/
- Get relief from pregnancy nausea! 🤢 → 😌 Discover the Bye–Bye Morning Sickness Formula: https://get.birthbliss.ca/bye-byemorningsickness/
- Find Connection Inside BLOOMFUL. 🌸 Join a community of expecting moms just like you, exploring holistic tools for a better pregnancy. https://get.birthbliss.ca/bloomful/
- Grab the Guide to an Easier Birth 🌟: https://get.birthbliss.ca/bb/
- Join our FREE → ❤️ LOVE Your Birth Workshop: You’ll learn 3 steps to ease pain during labor (without an epidural): https://get.birthbliss.ca/training/
3 thoughts on “Are Baby Products Safe? Understanding Hidden Chemicals and Safer Alternatives”
Like you Marie, I, too, continue to phase out products from my baby’s and my own personal hygiene routine. A site I love is http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ and you can search all of the make-up, skin care, and hair care products that your family uses on a regular basis. Products are analyzed by the not-for-profit group called the Environmental Working Group and they list all of the chemicals, noting their effects (eg. reproductive toxicity, neurological toxicity, carcinogenic etc) and rate how “bad” the overall product is on a scale from 1-10. Personally I love lines like Burt Bees, Aveda, and some body shop lines, but it is a challenge to find non-toxic products.
The other night I watched a documentary on CBC called “The Disappearing Male”, and wow (!), what an eye opener. It explores the probable impact of phtalates and other chemicals on our children, male babies in particular. Many experts feel there is a strong link between these chemicals and decreased fertility in adult men (as compared to their grandfathers who had 50% higher sperm counts!), smaller penis size and increased rate of genital defects in male infants, and a whole host of other health concerns (autism, behavioural problems, chronic diseases…). You can watch the entire documentary (45 min) at:
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2008/disappearingmale/index.html
Thanks so much Bandy. That’s awesome information. I’m looking forward to checking the products that I have in my house on the website that you recommended (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/). I’m sure others will find it helpful too.
Hello my name is Richard Swallow my wife Nova and I are friends with Marie and her husband Harlan. My wife and I both work full time. I am a manager with Capital Pontiac and my wife works at William Booth Special Care Home and between the two of us we both put in approx 110-120 hrs per week and that’s just work. Now when people tell me they don’t have any time, we know what they are talking about. We are firm believers in that if you keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result you are going to stay right where you are and not go anywhere because you are spinning your wheels. So we have decided to not do the same thing and try something different. My wife and I have a home based business though Melaleuca the Wellness Company and we are working towards what most people dream of having it is called wellness. We are talking about personal, environmental, financial and physical wellness. We work about 10 to 15 hours per week introducing a win win opportunity to people we know and or meet on the street.
Our company does not compete with Amway/Quick star, Shaklee, Herbalife, Mary Kay, Arbonne, Gogi Juice, or Usanna just to name a few. We’re not an MLM, We don’t inventory, sell, deliver or touch people’s products. We are a catalog shopping company and people order through an 800# or online 24 hours a day. We actually compete against Proctor & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, Lever Brothers and other manufacturing companies. We are one of the fastest growing companies in all of America. We are exploding with our environmentally safe and friendly (Go Green Products). Our products are 30 to 40 percent cheaper than grocery store or Wal-Mart prices. We manufacture products like pharmaceutical, nutritional, personal care, sport fitness, laundry, bathroom, oral hygiene, cosmetics, and weight loss and so on. Products that you and your family are going to use today, tomorrow, next week and for the rest of your life. Without spending any new household money. Now, who uses those types of products in the civilized world? Everyone!
With our 95% reorder rate our products are so great that once people use these everyday products and get them into their homes, they fall in love with them and they keep shopping month after month year after year. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes so that you can make an educated, informed decision about our great company. We will be honest when people hear this information, they join because it makes common sense to save money on great nutritional products and get the poisons and toxins out of their home.
Remember in our first paragraph when I talked about wellness…Well We are even busier than before we started Melaleuca…but honestly…We are already seeing some of those wellness benefits we were talking about… Let us show you how to start your wellness today!
I also encourage anyone to use the cosmeticsdatabase.com and check out our Melaleuca products. You will be impressed. Just type Melaleuca in the search bar.
If what you have just read interests you and you are interested in switching stores and trying our products risk free and or you would like to get some more information on our revenue sharing.
Please call us anytime.
Thank you
&
God Bless
Melaleuca Marketing Executives
Richard & Nova Swallow
2835 – 6th Avenue North
Regina, Sask
S4R-0P3
res-543-6278
cell-591-2088
Personal web site http://www.teamvitality.com/swallow
Company web site http://www.melaleuca.com click take a tour.
E-mail swallowsmelaleuca@live.ca