My daughters are 14 and 11 now, but I still remember those pregnancy and early baby days like they were yesterday.
If you’re expecting or have little ones, this is the perfect episode for you. Or maybe you know someone who is having a baby and you want to find the healthiest products to give at the baby shower - this episode is for you too!
Prepping for Baby - Choosing Non Toxic and Natural Products for Bringing Home Baby
Laundry
I remember, when I was pregnant I, washed all of my daughter’s clothes before she was born. I bought special detergent, Dreft, specifically because the label said it was safe for newborn babies. Unfortunately, when I was recording this episode, I looked at their current list of ingredients and if I was about to have a baby, I would not be buying or using Dreft. Why? Fragrance and ethoxylated ingredients.
What’s so bad about fragrance? “Fragrance” or “perfume” is a proprietary term and a loophole in product regulation. This means that the term itself can hide any sort of chemical within that term and independent tests have found that dozens and up to hundreds of chemicals have been found in “fragrance”.
Ethoxylated ingredients were discussed as a potential contaminant in the “What’s Not On the Ingredient Label” episode.
Don’t forget to choose safe stain treatment and ditch the dryer sheets and fabric softener too.
Baby Wash
I talked a lot about safe baby wash in the “What’s Not On the Ingredient Label” episode. My favorite recommendation right now is the Crunchi Littles 3-in-1 bar, perfect for hair, body, and face!
Diapers
We loved cloth diapers and also used disposable diapers when we were out and about. I asked a friend about her favorite toxin-free disposable diapers and she recommended, Andy Pandy, Eco by Naty, Dyper, and Andy & Finn
Wipes
For wipes she recommended Jackson Reese, and Eco by Naty.
Diaper Cream
I’ve heard great things about Curasalve and Earth Mama for diaper cream
Bottles, Utensils, and Dishes
When choosing products for feeding, I recommend 100% silicone, wood, and aluminum.
Nursery Prep
Consider the VOCs that could be in the furniture and carpet. Same with painting the walls. Be sure to use no VOC paint. For mattresses I suggest choosing a natural latex mattress or organic wool. You can learn more about safe mattresses in this episode with the owner of Holy Lamb Organics.
Breast Feeding Products
Check the ingredient labels on nipple cream, stretch mark creams, and choose organic cotton or bamboo breast pads.
Don’t forget about the products you’re using too!
Babies spend a lot of time cuddle up with adults. If you’re using products with fragrance or other harmful ingredients, you’re exposing your baby to those as well. We often prioritize our baby’s products, but you need to think about yourself too!
