Healthy Baby

With a new baby in the house we thought it was a good time to offer new parents some simple and practical suggestions to help make your home a safer and healthier place. Here are a few ideas that might be helpful that we’ve picked up along the way.

The average baby hygiene product can contain a questionable mix of chemicals such as SLS and Dimethicone to make it froth, glide or bubble, as well as synthetic fragrances, preservatives and colours. Research by Dr Vyvyan Howard, a toxicopathologist specialising in foetal and infant growth at the University of Liverpool, says,

Most children have measurable levels of at least 300 groups of chemicals in their bodies, taken in through food, household or garden chemicals, cosmetics and even the air they breathe.

A healthy home is not a sterile home.
A sterile environment may be necessary in hospitals, but not in our homes. After all, not all bacteria are bad. Contrary to some of the marketing claims made these days, we need to protect ourselves from the nasty bacteria without harming good bacteria which is important for babies and young children to develop a strong and healthy immune system. Many of the antibacterial agents added to soaps and detergents such as Triclosan can actually help create problems by stripping the skin of the natural oils necessary to protect it. Dr Michael Cork, a consultant in dermatology at Sheffield Childrens hospital says,

Some detergents can break down the skin’s natural barrier, so that it allows other irritants and allergens – such as house dust mites – to penetrate, and if you took away such factors as harsh shampoos and bubble baths for babies and children, you could prevent vast numbers of children being affected by eczema.

Nasty chemicals to watch out for.
SLS is a widely used cleaning agent found in detergents and body care products. It’s a strong detergent for removing stains and it is also used to create foam, so is often used in baby bubble bath. SLS can be absorbed through the skin and penetrate systemic tissues such as the brain, heart, spleen and liver.

Think twice about washing your hands.
As a new parent you may find you are forever in the bathroom washing your hands. It’s easy to reach for the anti-bacterial hand wash or soap, thinking that it’s safer. The reality is that antibacterial soaps and washes have no better cleaning properties than normal soap, and are often loaded with nasty chemicals like Triclosan that strip your skin of it’s natural oils, and can aggravate the skin, leaving it red and itchy.

Clean out your laundry cupboards.
Laundry products can leave potentially harmful residues in your baby’s bed linen and clothing which is up against their skin 24/7. If they become damp (as babies tend to do) the moisture can reactivate any residual chemicals and can cause irritation.
Try and make sure that all laundry products are free of unnecessary chemicals such as enzymes, optical whiteners or synthetic perfumes and dyes. Plant and mineral based laundry products are healthier and safer for you and your baby and with advances in eco science there is no reason to accept any compromise on performance. For soaking nappies, oxygen based soakers can work just as well as those that contain harsher bleaching agents.

Try to put aside some of your household cleaning tasks for times when your baby is in another room.
Children actually inhale more air than adults do so it pays to be mindful about using spray cleaners in the same room as your baby (avoid if you can). If possible, wait until they are asleep or in another room – if there is no way to avoid having them near you while you are using strong smelling cleaners then try and have an open window or other good ventilation. Fumes from spray cleaners used in the bathroom or kitchen including oven cleaners are often loaded with toxic solvents, perfumes and antibacterial agents which are not dissimilar to pesticides.

Stay BPA Free.
BPA is often found in baby bottles as well as in the lining of aluminium cans of food and drinks. Research suggests that people who drink from bottles made of polycarbonate plastic have much higher levels of BPA in their bodies. Studies have shown that BPA disrupts hormones in animals, leading to early sexual maturity, changes in development and reduction in sperm in the affected organism’s offspring. Use glass or stainless steel wherever practical or look for plastics that are labelled ‘BPA Free’.

Go organic.
Fresh, unprocessed foods that are free from potentially harmful chemical residues are best.

Wash new baby clothes and linen.
Always give new clothes a gentle wash first. New linen is often dressed with toxic chemicals. During the processing of conventional cotton into clothing, toxic chemicals may be added at each stage: silicone waxes, harsh petroleum scours, softeners, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde to name a few.

Merino/Organic cotton.
Natural fibres are easy to look after and provide good breathability and cover.
Organic cotton has fewer toxic chemicals which means it is not only better for your baby, it is a better ethical choice as well. Conventionally grown cotton is one of the most intensively sprayed crops in the world. Increasing demand for organic cotton will help reduce the high levels of exposure to nasty chemicals experienced by cotton growers and their families.Children are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of exposure to pesticides. In countries such as Uzbekistan and India, children work in the cotton industry, live near cotton fields or are at high danger of pesticide exposure from re-used pesticide containers and food.

Go for natural toys.
We recommend toys that are non toxic and PVC free such as those made of wood. Soft toys can be placed in the freezer overnight, the temperature will kill any germs and dust that is present making the toys safer to play with or chew on. Many plastic toys are made of polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic that’s made with phthalates. The EPA in the U.S has raised concerns about phthalates because of their toxicity, the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple chemicals in this family of chemicals, and evidence that human and environmental exposure to these chemicals is pervasive.

Be aware of VOC’s.(volatile organic compounds)
Low VOC paint is available; most paint companies offer an ‘eco’ range. Alternatives to conventional carpet include pure wool carpet, or sisal flooring if the budget allows or polished wooden floors with some rugs for warmth. It pays to be extremely cautious of the fumes which come from fresh paint or new carpet which can emit powerful toxic fumes from the adhesives or latex backing.

Lead Based Paint.
Any house built before 1980, was probably painted with lead-based paint. When it’s removed there are risks of absorbing the lead through contact with skin, or from the atmosphere through sanding dust or flakes. To remove lead-based paint, take precautions including keeping children and pets away.

Regular Dusting.
Having the house clean of dust is very important because dust can accumulate all kinds of toxic agents; so as much as it can be difficult to muster the enrgy after a sleepless night, a good vacuuming has its benefits.

Did you know?
What we put on or next to our babies skin is just as important as what they eat or drink (if not more). Skin is the largest organ in our body, it lives and breathes, yet is relatively defenseless, it can absorb minute amounts of the everyday chemicals it comes into contact with. Babies’ skin is about five times thinner than ours and is a lot more permeable, in other words; what goes on their skin gets absorbed into their body’s in some form.