Below is a guest blog piece I wrote for Living My MoMent, a website that promotes mom owned businesses through free listings and advertising. Abbey, the site creator, took some time off to be with her new addition, so I jumped at the chance to spread the word about my cause.
When my daughter Matilda was born in June of 2008, my quest began for the perfect body wash, shampoo and lotion. I started reading the ingredients on brands that have been around for many years and are trusted by many parents. I was shocked at all the chemicals they use in their formulations. Many of them contain 1,4 Dioxane, Quaternium 15, Parabens and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (just to name a few). Many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and developmental/reproductive toxicity, but companies are still able to use them in popular brands of baby products. I think what’s most shocking, is that these chemicals are being used in products claiming to be “natural” and for “sensitive skin.” Yes, these chemicals are from nature, but does that mean they are safe to put on a baby’s body?
And what is about all this talk about bisphenol-A, phthalates, and PVC? No big deal, right? These products have been around for a long time so why should we worry now? I beg to differ. Bisphenol-A or BPA is an organic compound used to harden polycarbonate plastics. It is an endocrine disruptor which can mimic the body’s hormones and has been linked to, among others things, obesity, breast cancer and adverse effects on the thyroid. BPA has been found in many brands of baby bottles and it is now coming to light that many canned goods contain BPA in the epoxy liners which is leaching into the cans. PVC is polyvinyl chloride and releases toxic chemicals know as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs can contain many different chemicals which can be detrimental to health. Phthalates are plastic softeners added to PVC to make products pliable. PVC and Phthalates can be found in shower curtains, lunchboxes, toys, baby bibs, pacifiers, teethers play jewelry, hairspray, cosmetics, perfumes and even mini blinds. It cannot be recycled so it also sits in our landfills releasing VOCs for many many years.
Many baby manufacturers have begun to rid their products of BPA, PVC and Phthalates, but only because of consumer pressure. We have the power to demand these companies use safer ingredients in baby skin products as well. I am helping this cause by providing a resource for parents and caregivers to find, rate and review safe and non-toxic baby and toddler products. Squeaky Clean Tot was founded because I feel it is so important for babies to get the best start out of life, especially when toxic chemicals are all around us. I was very overwhelmed when I began my research, but I found that starting small is the best approach. When you run out of your “no tears baby shampoo” try the body wash and shampoo from Earth Mama Angel Baby. All of their products rate a “0″ on Cosmetics Database, which is the best score a company can have. No toxins or dangerous chemicals are in any of their products. They work great and smell wonderful. When your baby is ready for a sippy cup, buy only cups that are labeled “BPA free”, or even better, try stainless steel. Kid Basix has a great line of bottles, sippy cups and sports bottles for babies and toddlers. When your bleach countertop cleaner is gone, try a safe alternative from babyganics or 7th Generation. These eco-conscious companies have created very effective but safe cleaners for you and your baby. These small steps add up, and soon you will be on your way to a toxic free household.
If you want to find other companies that put your child’s safety high on their list of priorities, please visit Squeaky Clean Tot. When you do try some safer products, please visit again and post a review. There is nothing more genuine than a parent review and I often search them out when making a decision. Parents are honest and sincere, but also expect the companies we use to meet high standards, especially when our children are involved.
