Organically Growing

There is nothing more quintessentially “baby” as the scent of powder wafting from the changing table. But, a  study published in the February 2008 issue of Pediatrics shows skin care products like baby powder, baby lotion and baby shampoo may be putting infants at risk by exposing them to potentially dangerous chemicals called phthalates.

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic products, including baby bottles and toys and can be found in all sorts of products, from baby crib mattresses to fragrances (used in shampoos and lotions). Many animal studies have linked phthalates to reproductive abnormalities, allergies and eczema.

Phthlates are typically found in bath products in the form of “fragrances” and may also appear with many variations on the name, such as:

• dibutyl phthalate
• diethyl phthalate
• cetyl triethylammonium dimethicone copolyol phthalate

According to an article on News8 Austin, researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle studied urine in the diapers of 163 babies between the age of two and 28 months. They measured the levels of nine different phthalates and found all of the 163 babies’ urine samples had at least one phthalate. They found that 81 percent of the samples had measurable amounts of seven or more phthalates.

Researchers said babies who were exposed to baby lotion, shampoo and powder had higher concentrations of three particular phthalates in their urine.

While research showing the effects of phthalates on baby development are controversial, we at HappyGreenBaby.com are in the “play it safe” camp. There are phthalate-free alternatives for traditional baby lotions and potions. Little Twig, for example, uses all natural essential oils to scent their products instead of using synthetic fragrances with phthalates.  

Why risk potential health issues by using conventional baby care products when you can choose healthy, non-toxic, phthalate-free lotions, baby powder and shampoo for bath time just as easily?