Becoming a parent brings a multitude of lifestyle changes. It is often during this transformative phase that parents opt for a more natural and chemical-free approach to living. Given that their children’s bodies and brains are in a crucial developmental stage, there’s no better time to embrace this shift!
I connected with Lindsay Coulter, known as David Suzuki’s Queen of Green, and Muhannad Malas, the toxics program manager at Environmental Defence Canada, to gather some of their best insights and suggestions.
Clothing and Blankets
“It’s unfortunate that Canada permits manufacturers of children’s clothing and furniture to treat pajamas, mattresses, and other upholstered items with harmful flame retardants,” Malas explains.
Pyjamas
“In Canada, it’s mandatory for labels to indicate whether pajamas have been treated with flame retardants,” states Malas. Thus, the first step is to check the label for any flame retardant treatment.” Coulter adds, “Opt for snug-fit, certified organic pajamas that are free from flame retardants.”
Say No to Plastics
“Steer clear of synthetic fibers like polyester that contribute to microfibers polluting our oceans and food sources, even entering our own bodies.” It’s wise to choose natural materials such as organic cotton, wool, and linen for all clothing and linens.
Cribs
“When purchasing a crib mattress, seek options made from natural fibers such as wool, organic cotton, hemp, and genuine (not artificial) rubber/latex,” suggests Coulter. “Though they might be pricier, they are healthier alternatives to petroleum-based mattresses. Consider a mattress protector made from either wool or organic cotton as a barrier against toxic polyurethane foam!”
Food and Formula
Recent studies have uncovered that pre-packaged baby foods can contain heavy metals and various chemical contaminants. Rice cereals, in particular, have raised concerns over potential arsenic contamination, along with lead and cadmium.
To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals in food, Malas suggests choosing fresh, unprocessed options more frequently. Parents looking to create homemade baby food can find a wealth of online resources.
Overall, prioritize organic foods and formula, as organic farming does not employ toxic pesticides or herbicides, and such products lack artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Moreover, canned foods can pose a significant risk of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. Malas recommends opting for fresh produce or foods in jars or cans known to be free from BPA and harmful chemicals like PVC in the lining (verify with the company’s website or reach out directly).
Food Preparation and Storage
While plastics are cost-effective and long-lasting, they often harbor hazardous chemicals, especially the well-known hormone disruptor BPA.
Coulter elaborates, “Health concerns associated with BPA exposure include breast and prostate cancers, ADHD, and a wide array of developmental issues.
Additionally, phthalates are increasingly connected to hormone disruption along with reproductive and developmental complications.”
What should parents do? Choosing reusable, recyclable, and non-toxic stainless steel for plates, utensils, lunch containers, straws, and cups is an excellent alternative, as Coulter recommends. Additionally, glass is surprisingly resilient—even suitable for baby bottles!
If plastic is necessary, opt for number 2 (high-density polyethylene) or number 5 (polypropylene) options. Keep in mind that heating plastic can increase the risk of chemical leaching; hence, the American Academy of Pediatrics now advises against microwaving or dishwashing plastics.
Skin, Body, and Hair Care
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes the only distinction between “adult” skin care products and those labeled for “babies” is the added fragrance. It appears some brands have lost sight of the fact that babies naturally have their own scent!
Fragrance is not the sole issue. Be vigilant about reading labels and steer clear of these common harmful chemicals, as identified by the David Suzuki Foundation:
- BHA and BHT
- Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colors designated as “CI” with a five-digit number
- DEA-related ingredients
- Dibutyl phthalate
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Parabens
- Parfum (Fragrance)
- PEG compounds
- Petrolatum
- Siloxanes
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Triclosan
Toys
Toys may harbor numerous potentially hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and PVC found in soft vinyl toys (e.g., rubber ducks), BPA, and heavy metals present in paints.
Opt for Trusted Brands
Select reputable brands that use natural materials and non-toxic paints and dyes. Many environmentally-conscious toy brands are available! For example, Coulter favors biodegradable crayons made from ingredients like beeswax and soy. Explore the company’s website for information about their production processes and product testing.
Be Cautious with Second-hand Toys
Exercising caution when selecting second-hand toys is wise, as many such items were manufactured before current safety guidelines were enforceable. Moreover, older plastics may pose risks as they deteriorate over time.
Opt for Food-grade Silicone
Coulter reminds us, “In the first year, everything ends up in their mouths. Teething can commence as early as four months. Food-grade silicone is easy to clean and does not contain BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, cadmium, or heavy metals.”
Diapering
While there are “greener” disposable diaper options available that omit harmful chemicals like dyes, fragrances, or PVC, Coulter strongly recommends opting for cloth diapers instead.
“Using cloth diapers significantly contributes to preserving our planet’s resources!” she asserts. To simplify the transition, she suggests using a cloth diaper service, seeking mentorship from experienced cloth diapering parents, or attending a cloth diapering workshop.
Additionally, she recommends crafting your own wipes from old receiving blankets, using a “baby wipe solution” made with water and a drop of fragrance-free, fair trade liquid castile soap.
You Can Do This!
Ultimately, adopting a nontoxic lifestyle becomes effortless once you understand how! Simplification is key; as Coulter states, “Less is more. You don’t need as much as you think. Keep it straightforward.”
