Who doesn’t love the smell of a baby right after a bath? You know, the familiar scent of soap, lotion and powder all wrapped up into one little bundle of joy. However, when parents and caregivers find out what’s really in some of the most popular baby products, those scents are suddenly not so sweet.
Make sure your baby’s sensitive skin is getting what it really needs. It all starts with smart shopping. Some chemicals used in popular children’s brands may actually cause serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system and respiratory issues.
Some personal care companies may include harmful ingredients as “fragrance.” That term can be used to avoid listing things such as phthalates, which can alter hormones.
CosmeticDatabase.org is an easy-to-use resource that provides product safety ratings and other information. Another good bet is to avoid products that contain quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea formalin and methylene oxide.
Opt for products that are made from organic ingredients. That way you will know the products are produced without harmful chemicals and are usually free of chemical preservatives such as parabens, which have been linked to health problems. Organic products also should be free of artificial colors and synthetic fragrances.
When organic products are not available, look for those made with natural ingredients. These products typically are paraben- and phthalate-free. Remember, the word “natural” is used loosely with some products, so read the label carefully. Visit DoYourPart.com/Columns for more resources that will help you track down safety information.
It can be difficult to keep track of all of the ingredients to avoid, so keep it simple. The fewer ingredients listed on the back of the product’s label, the better.
Remember, everything that goes on our bodies eventually goes right back into the planet. That’s why picking eco-friendly options is an important way to protect your child’s health and the health of the planet.
