by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
for Traditional Medicinals

As parents-to-be design their nursery and create their baby registry they will learn a lot about baby products- a world they probably never thought much about before, but now will become intimately aware of!  They’ll begin to take notice of which strollers or baby carriers they pass on the sidewalk and will listen intently to the discussion of crib bumpers at a coffee shop.  And while they may already make strides to live a healthy lifestyle, they often become inspired to delve deeper into what it means to “go green” when it comes to baby.  Here’s an introduction.

Why go green?  Well, of course we want to be gentle to the Earth so it will be here for our children and their children.  Using sustainable materials and sending less to landfills is great for the environment.  But we also know that chemicals that are found in our environment at large and even in our homes that are inhaled or touched can be absorbed and enter the bloodstream.  This affects us all: pregnant moms and their babies and everyone else!  Studies show that there are several health impacts related to exposure to these toxins over time, such as allergies, asthma, cancers, developmental disorders, and other concerns.

Based on the information available to us today, it makes sense to do our best to avoid chemicals and toxins in baby's environment and make the best selections when it comes to the things baby will breathe, ingest and/or have direct contact with.  Here’s a list of items in our homes to start to research and consider if you are expectant parents: 

• Nursery paint- Traditional household paints, especially oil-based paints, often contain Volatile Organic Compounds.  VOCs are cancer causing toxins that can emit years after drying.  So new parents who’ll be decorating the nursery will want to research non-toxic nursery paints with Low or No VOCs.    
   
• Household cleaning products- Even though we all know to store cleaning products out of the reach of kids for fear of ingestion, parents are often surprised to learn that there is evidence that even normal household use of these products may be enough to have harmful impact over the long-term.  Fragrance added to products, especially laundry products, can cause respiratory problems and headaches in allergy or asthma sufferers.  Some all-purpose cleansers made with chemicals used as sudsing agents have low toxicity, but have been shown to have long-term health effects. Research why to choose non-toxic, environmentally safe products and which fit that bill or learn how to make your own all-natural cleansers.
   
• Feeding products (and toys!) that baby will have in his or her mouth.  There has been a lot of news (and some controversy) about bisphenol-A (BPA) in recent years.  Recently the FDA has "suggested parents minimize the BPA-based products that could make contact with foods or drinks that infants or toddlers might consume — especially hot foods and drinks" because "recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children” and heat causes the chemicals to “leach” from the plastic.  Parents should look for feeding products, pacifiers, and toys made of BPA-free plastics, silicone, or products made with alternatives like glass and wood.  If something isn’t labeled “BPA” free, it probably isn’t. 
   
• Cloth diapers- Better for the environment and in some cases, much lighter on the wallet, cloth diapers offer a chemical free diaper option (depending on how they are washed).  There are so many cloth diaper options these days, from designs with covers and inserts to all-in-one diapers (AIOs).  In some areas there are diaper cleaning services that will pick up and deliver to your door, making cloth diapering as convenient as can be. 
   
• Personal care products such as soap, shampoo and baby wash- It’s unfortunate and frustrating that parents can't rely on labels.  According to the Environmental Working Group, '80% of children's products described as "gentle," "soothing," "hypo allergenic," and "dermatologist approved" contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin irritation.'  Unfortunately, labels can be misleading since manufacturers don't have to disclose all of their ingredients.  A starting point for parents could be the EWG’s cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to find safe options.www.cosmeticdatabase.com
   
• Crib Mattress- New parents are usually shocked to learn that most traditional mattresses have a vinyl cover with PVC, which is one of the most toxic plastics, and are foam made from petroleum with the toxic additive polyurethane. Both are tied to respiratory issues and are known carcinogens.  Babies sleep a lot and spend a lot of time in their cribs, so the mattress is one of the more important purchases parents will make, and they should definitely learn more.  There are great alternatives available at varying prices that are made from raw materials, Certified Organic Materials, and/or non-toxic plastics.

As parents move through all of the gear selections and lifestyle choices that come with preparing for baby, it’s important for them to be aware of the potential concerns in their baby’s environment.  Hopefully this knowledge will empower them to make choices that fit their beliefs, style, and budget without causing undo anxiety!  It’s only natural to be protective over baby, and each family must find the balance that fits for them.  If questions arise, be sure to consult your pediatrician.