Bathing
Bobbi Wilding, MS
BATHING/Personal Care Products

Overview

Everyone loves a sweet-smelling baby. Fortunately, you don't need any added fragrances from personal care products to achieve this! There are a lot of strongly-scented products available on the market. You don't need much to care for baby's hair and skin. A simple cleanser, moisturizer, balm for rash, and sunscreen can be enough.

Hidden Hazards

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics identifies key chemicals of concern in personal care products for babies and toddlers. These include formaldehyde releasing preservative chemicals that release formaldehyde into the product to protect against bacterial contamination (such as DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, and Ureas) in the product react to release it into the bottle in your bathroom), 1,4 dioxane, benzophenone, butylated compounds (BHA, BHT), ethoxylated ingredients, homosalate, oxybenzone and octinoxate (both UV filters), lead and other heavy metals. Baby powders can be made with talc, which can be contaminated with asbestos and to contribute to cancer.

Other Considerations

Before you have your baby's (or toddler's) face painted to be a tiger or superhero or fairy, consider that children's face paints have been found to contain a number of chemicals of concern, including heavy metals.

Recommendations

The following products are certified by MADE SAFE:

Alaffia

Clary Collection

Everden

healthynest

Kate McLeod

MamaEarth

Oilogic

Pleni Naturals

The following are MADE SAFE certified sunscreens:

* These products are fully fragrance-free.

You can also use simple materials in place of purchased products: organic coconut oil can moisturize skin; if needed, corn starch in a handy container, can replace baby powders.

References & Resources

Learn more about chemicals of concern in personal care products from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Read about chemicals of concern in children's face paints in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "Pretty Scary 2."

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers.

Questions about fragrances in these products? Learn about MADE SAFE's method for addressing essential oils and other fragrance ingredients.

Feeding
Lizanne Hart
FEEDING/Baby's First Foods

Overview

There are a lot of ideas about what should constitute a baby's first food. Do you make your own? Buy prepared food? Oatmeal? Cereal? Banana? Whatever baby reaches for?

Hidden Hazards

It's no secret that pesticides used in agriculture can end up in foods. Other chemicals present when crops are grown can also end up in foods. Such is the case of arsenic in rice. Arsenic is present in rice paddies due to natural variations in soil, and from historic use of arsenic as a pesticide. Rice cereal can contain up to six times the levels of arsenic as other grains. Refined foods can pick up chemicals and materials used during processing and in packaging. This includes phthalates and bisphenols.

Other Considerations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce foods or beverages aside from breast milk/formula until babies are six months old. Babies benefit when nursing continues through at least the first year of life, or longer.  

Recommendations

When choosing a first grain, skip over rice. Oatmeal, quinoa, and barley all have much lower levels of arsenic. If you are buying prepared baby food, consider food packaged in glass with bisphenol-free lids. Next best is solid polypropylene plastic, and least preferable are plastic pouches. Pouches in particular are very challenging to recycle due to their many layers. If possible, choose organic foods. You can reduce chemicals from processing by preparing your own simple foods by pureeing fresh fruits and vegetables, best in a blender with a glass jar. Don't have access to organic food? Check out EWG's high and low-pesticide conventional foods to reduce pesticide exposure.

References & Resources

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers. 

Healthy Babies Bright Futures tested infant cereals for arsenic. Learn about what they found and safer alternatives.

Environmental Working Group tests produce for pesticides.

Feeding
Lizanne Hart
FEEDING/Pumps

Overview

The benefits of breastfeeding are great. Breastfed infants face a reduced risk for sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory infections, and are less likely to develop chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity, lymphoma, and types 1 and 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding also has short- and long-term brain development benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continuing nursing as solid foods are introduced through at least baby's first birthday or longer. Around the world, nursing often continues for several years beyond this.

Exclusive breastfeeding can be a challenge for some women - breast pumps help those moms provide all or most of their babies' milk. Even if mom will be staying home and nursing directly most of the time, there will likely be times they'll want to express milk and store it for later. In response to this, there are many pumps available, ranging from simple hand pumps for occasional use, to electric pumps that allow both breasts to express at the same time. Even better news: the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover the of cost breast pumps, and though the extent of coverage can differ between plans, you should look at insurance coverage before you shop, so you know what will be covered. Breast pumps and breast feeding support are also provided under The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). 

Hidden Hazards

While the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 required children's toys and care items to stop using certain phthalates, items for adults, including breast pumps, do not fall under that restriction. Some tubing is still made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC),  Bisphenols may also be used - many companies will list being BPA-free, but not whether they also avoid similar compounds.

Other Considerations

The features you'll want vary based on how you plan to use it. Consider whether you'll have flexibility in which bottles you attach to the pump (the size of the mouth of the bottle makes a difference). If you'll be pumping occasionally, you may just want a hand-pump, which takes longer to use. Electric pumps vary on whether you can use a battery, if the airflow that creates suction is open (meaning liquid can get into the tubing) or closed (the tubing will stay dry). Some only let you pump one side at a time, some will do both (and there are hands-free pumping bras that may assist).

Recommendations

Look for a model that meets your needs based on use, and that avoids phthalates (and preferably all polyvinyl chloride - PVC) and bisphenols. The information about the materials used by breast pump manufacturers differs significantly and is often deep in the FAQs on their website (not in their product descriptions for retailers).   

References & Resources

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers. 

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding via the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Traveling

TRAVELING/Playards & Travel Cribs

TRAVELING/Playards & Travel Cribs

Overview

Sometimes you're going to want to move around and will need a safe place for your baby to sleep. Playards and travel cribs can be very simple (one level, with a thin mattress and space to sleep or play) or very complex (with added bassinet attachments for use before your baby is rolling over, separate diaper changing platform, mobiles, and more). 

Hidden Hazards

Playards may be made with materials, paint or other finishes that contain volatile organic compounds and other harmful chemicals. Rigid plastic support materials may be made with PFAS (Teflon in fibers), bisphenol A (in polycarbonate) or polyvinyl chloride (potentially including phthalates or heavy metals. Mattresses, toppers and padding and other products containing foam may contain chemical flame retardants. Some playard mattresses (or sheets sold for them) may have embedded antimicrobials.

Other Considerations

Remember, babies grow fast.  A bassinet or cradle suitable for a 1-month-old may no longer be safe or adequate a couple months later.  Make sure to consider height and weight limits. To avoid physical hazards, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing products certified for safety by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Consider your specific needs and whether you’ll need a bassinet/safe containment product.  Many come with LED lights for changing baby at night, bouncing, rocking or vibrating options, music, storage areas, easy folding for portability, all of which may add to the cost of the product.

Cribs, bassinets, or play yards that meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ASTM International's safety standards are recommended, using only mattresses that are intended for that specific product. (Note: While this usually means the mattress from the manufacturer, there are some mattresses made especially for specific frames that are made by third parties, including Naturepedic, which is certified by MADE SAFE.)  Soft objects such as pillows, quilts, toys or comforters should not be placed under sleeping infants, even if they are covered by a sheet. In addition, be careful to avoid placing the bassinet/containment area near any potential hazards such as cords and electric wires.

Recommendations

Check to see if the label states that the product is compliant with “California flammability standard TB 117-2013" and the box indicating “No added chemical flame retardants” is checked. If you don’t see that label, you can contact the manufacturer.

If you want to have a mattress made with safer materials, consider the MADE SAFE certified options from Naturepedic.

References & Resources

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers. 

For evidence that some playards may contain the chemicals above, see this patent description.

TRAVELING/Car Seats

Overview

This is one of the strictly required items. You will need a car seat or booster for your growing child from their birth until they are at least eight years old, by law in most states. Many parents like to start with a removable infant seat that can lock into a base that stays in the car, for ease of transporting their child. These infant car seats can also sometimes lock into stroller;  together they're called a "travel system." If you don't mind fastening your baby into their seat in the car (instead of in a building), you could choose to start with a seat that will grow with your baby. To protect babies from neck injuries, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old.

Hidden Hazards

Because car seats must meet the same stringent fire safety requirements as car interiors do, flame retardant chemicals have been used more in this product category than other baby products. Some manufacturers have succeeded in choosing materials that do not require flame retardants in most components; only one manufacturer offers a product entirely free of such chemicals. In addition, manufacturers reported solvents ethylene glycol, toluene, and ethyl benzene, and metals arsenic and antimony in car seats. 

Other Considerations

Finding the right car seat depends on many factors, and high price doesn't necessarily mean safest in a crash or easiest to use properly.  Make sure the car seat comes with instructions for installation and use, and make sure you've properly installed it before bringing your new baby home from the hospital. If you are going to use a second-hand car seat, there are several things to check: the expiration date - the plastics used in car seats can become more prone to breakage after a certain age and cease to be safe in a crash; the manufacturers label with the date of manufacturer and model number - necessary so you can find out if the product is recalled; and if the car seat has ever been in a crash - the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says any accident that is more than minor can compromise the structure, but some manufacturers recommend a new seat even after a minor accident. Never use a car seat that has been recalled.

Recommendations

The Ecology Center has identified two products - the Mesa Henry and Jordan car seats from UppaBaby -  that is free of chemical flame retardants, though we don't have full information on other materials (the same is true of other car seats that still contain flame retardant chemicals). Some other brands have reduced flame retardant use through product redesign - for example, by designing seats that rely on flame retardants in fewer parts to meet flammability standards.

References & Resources

Ecology Center's Children's Car Seat Study 2016

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers. 

TRAVELING/Strollers

Overview

Most parents find having a stroller helpful. Like many baby products, the range of features on strollers has expanded significantly in recent years. And you can spend anywhere from $25 for a basic umbrella stroller to over $1,000 for the poshest ride. There are strollers that let a toddler sit or stand, and a baby ride, and  tandem strollers for twins or siblings close in age. Some allow you to attach a same-brand infant car seat as a "travel system."

Hidden Hazards

Companies reported to Washington state the presence of solvents like ethylene glycol, ethylbenzene, nonylphenol, phenol, and toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and styrene in strollers and their accessories. Clear plastic windows on stroller shades can be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Other Considerations

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Healthychildren.org recommend the following:

  1. If you use bumpers in your stroller, or if you string toys across it, fasten them securely so they can’t fall on top of the baby. Remove such toys as soon as the baby can sit or get on all fours.
  2. Strollers should have brakes that are easy to operate. Use the brake whenever you are stopped, and be sure your child can’t reach the release lever. A brake that locks two wheels provides an extra measure of safety. 
  3. Select a stroller with a wide base, so it won’t tip over.
  4. Children’s fingers can become caught in the hinges that fold the stroller, so keep your child at a safe distance when you open and close it. Make sure the stroller is securely locked open before putting your child in it. Check that your baby’s fingers cannot reach the stroller wheels.
  5. Don’t hang bags or other items from the handles of your stroller—they can make it tip backward. If the stroller has a basket for carrying things, be sure it is placed low and near the rear wheels.
  6. The stroller should have a seat belt and harness, and it should be used whenever your child goes for a ride. For infants, use rolled-up baby blankets as bumpers on either side of the seat.
  7. Never leave your child unattended.
  8. If you purchase a side-by-side twin stroller, be sure the footrest extends all the way across both sitting areas. A child’s foot can become trapped between separate footrests.
  9. There are also strollers that allow an older child to sit or stand in the rear. Be mindful of weight guidelines and especially careful that the child in the back doesn’t become overly active and tip the stroller.

Recommendations

With the information available today, it is difficult to offer specific guidance for avoiding the hazards listed above. Avoid strollers that have a strong odor in the store. Second-hand strollers can help get a full-feature stroller for a lower price; make sure you check for Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls before you buy.

References & Resources

For more information about strollers that are safe from physical hazards, see this Healthy Children Project guide.

Find out if a stroller has a recall.

TRAVELING/Carriers

Overview

Hands-free baby carriers provide a great deal of convenience for parents but pay attention to weight limits. Be sure to choose an appropriate carrier for your baby’s development and motor abilities. Avoid using a carrier that curls your baby’s body into a “C” shape or where your baby’s head drops forward to a chin-to-chest position; this position can pinch off your baby’s windpipe. Make sure your baby’s head is up and above the fabric, their face is visible, and their nose and mouth are not covered by any part of the carrier or by your body or clothing.

Hidden Hazards

Baby carriers are made of textiles, padding, straps, and attachments (like snaps, clips, and velcro). If you choose carriers made with foam, these may have flame retardant chemicals. As with all textiles, they may contain a number of dyes and solvents as finishing and manufacturing chemicals. 

Other Considerations

Cost: don't assume that the highest priced model is the best. Pick a hands free carrier based on your comfort as well as one that best matches your anticipated use and needs. Weight limits: if you plan to use one early on for a very young infant, check the lower weight limit as well.

Recommendations

Whenever possible, choose organic textiles for items that will touch your baby's body. Products made of fabric are certified organic by GOTS (the Global Organic Textile Standard). As with all textiles, launder with unscented detergent before use.

References & Resources

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers.