11 Toxins To Watch Out For In Your Baby’s Products
13 Aug 2022 | 5 min Read
Sayani Basu
Author | 607 Articles
Having a baby at home demands a lot of hard work and there’s no question about that. From the big things, like breastfeeding or formula-feeding to choosing baby-safe products, each parenting decision needs to be carefully considered. Plus, a baby’s skin is still developing and is super-soft, sensitive and thinner than an adult’s.
As a conscious mum, you need to know the toxins to watch out for before purchasing a baby care product. Scroll down to know more about some of these toxins that you must avoid in your baby’s products.
11 Toxins To Watch Out For In Your Baby’s Products
- Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative that is usually present in baby wipes. According to medical research, phenoxyethanol has been linked to eczema, allergic reactions like hives, skin irritations and some other negative impacts on the nervous system. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for baby wipes devoid of this preservative.
- Artificial fragrances: Artificial fragrances like phthalates are additives that are used in several baby care products including baby washes. However, phthalates can migrate to the substance’s surface and finally into the little one’s body. Studies suggest that artificial fragrances lead to a wide variety of health issues in babies including hormonal imbalance. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a baby wash devoid of artificial fragrances.
- Paraben: The presence of paraben in several baby care products including sunscreen can lead to acute and chronic side effects. Besides, it can also cause allergic reactions, and hormone disruption, along with developmental and reproductive toxicity. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a sunscreen devoid of paraben.
- Sulphate: The sulphate content like sodium lauryl and sodium laureth ( in your baby’s shampoo can irritate your little one’s scalp. These can also irritate the eyes and respiratory problems. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a baby shampoo devoid of sulphates.
- Soap: Since a baby’s skin is delicate and is still developing, it is not advisable to use handwashes that include soaps as they can deplete the pH level of the little one’s skin (5.5). Instead, opt for handwashes that have been formulated using natural ingredients.
- Mineral oil: A cheap petroleum by-product, mineral oil is used in several diaper rash creams, oils and lotions for babies. Unfortunately, mineral oil acts as a coating on your baby’s skin and blocks the pores and the skin’s natural breathing process. Hence, it is advisable to opt for a diaper rash cream and other baby care products that are free from mineral oil.
- Petroleum jelly: Made from lanolin, petroleum jelly acts as a potent moisturiser for your baby’s lips and is found in baby lip balms that help to heal the cracks faster. However, if it is accidentally swallowed, it might lead to vomiting and loose motion. Therefore, it is recommended to use a baby lip balm devoid of petroleum jelly.
- Asbestos: Asbestos is an ingredient that is found mostly in talcum powders and can chronic health problems to the lungs, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if inhaled or swallowed by infants. Use only talc-free powders for your little one.
- Camphor: Camphor is used in several inhalers that provide relief from the blocked nose as it has medicinal properties like antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, and antifungal. However, it is highly toxic and can irritate your child’s respiratory system when ingested. Opt for natural vapour patches that provide instant relief to your little one from nasal congestion.
- Polyester and DEET: Polyester and DEET are mostly found in mosquito repellents. However, these are not safe to be used on kids below two years of age due to their concentration. A mosquito repellent body spray or mosquito repellent patches that are devoid of DEET is the best for babies
- Silicone: Silicone is mostly found in the after-bite roll-ons to relieve your baby from the discomfort of redness, itching, and inflammation from insect bites. However, silicones can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin and can worsen the inflammation. Choose an after-bite roll-on that is formulated using natural ingredients for your baby.
So, the next time you opt for your baby’s skincare products, don’t forget to check out these ingredients.
Also Read: 4 Certified Organic Ingredients That Your Baby’s Powder Must Have
Does Baby Powder Make Your Baby’s Skin Darker?
10 Nasties That Your Baby Wipes Should Not Have
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