As baby skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, it is key to limit your baby from potentially toxic chemicals. The immune system of a baby is still in development in which case toxins are less able to be eliminated quickly from the body.



One of the biggest culprits of a potentially harmful product is Baby Oil. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil actually coats the skin like a plastic wrap, blocking and clogging pores and preventing skin from breathing and eliminating the toxins. When the body is unable to release toxins one problem it can lead to is skin disorders including rashes. It may even cause the body to redirect the toxins that it needs to release into other body areas causing the toxins to be problematic in other areas of the body.

Talc, another popular ingredient found in many baby powders, can act as a cancer-causing substance when inhaled. Many pediatricians encourage parents not to use talc on babies as it may lead to respiratory problems and can even be fatal.

Another potentially toxic product is Paraben Preservatives. Parabens are widely used in baby products to prolong their shelf life. This ingredient is known to be highly toxic and may cause rashes and allergic reactions.

Diaper ointments and lotions have many harmful ingredients including parabens, lanolin, ammonia, mineral oil sodium lauryl sulfate, among others. Lanolin is an animal product and unless it is organic can be contaminated with pesticides and it often causes allergies.

A bubble bath often makes bath time a treat to a child as they enjoy playing in the bubbles. However, bubble bath soap is often full of dyes, colors, scents and preservatives, as well as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens (discussed earlier). These ingredients can actually cause irritation to a child's skin plus lead to bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. In general, the longer a child stays in a bath, the more permeable the skin becomes, making it a more susceptible breeding ground for infections.

The best way to determine if the baby products you are using are potentially toxic:

1. Know your toxins and learn to identify the names of harmful ingredients! Don't assume that just because a product is sold at a popular retailer that it is safe.

2. Carefully examine all product labels.

3. Do not be fooled by cute, trendy or colorful packaging (such as organic or natural or those with cute characters). Synthetic products can be mixed with organic products.

3. Do not be cheap! This is your child we are talking about. There may be a reason a product is a low cost as they often use inferior ingredients. Check the ingredients!

Remember, your child does not have this knowledge and is depending on you!