Mommies, Beware: Top 5 Harmful Chemicals To Stay Away From
Though becoming a mother means nothing less than pure happiness, it also means great responsibility. It calls for taking care of another individual and steering clear of any dangers that could potentially harm your baby. Unfortunately, many mothers overlook one of the biggest harms that are right under their nose-- baby products.
There is a multi-million-dollar industry out there vouching to keep your baby’s skin as perfect as when they were firstborn. What they won’t tell you, though, is that these minor benefits can come at very high costs. With ingredients, such as Talc, your baby will be exposed to carcinogenic substances, that will eventually predispose them to develop cancer.
Can’t believe it? Here’s the truth behind the top five harmful ingredients:
Fragrance
Fragrance is just another word for an ingredient that companies don’t want to reveal. Fragrance is added almost everywhere, whether in disposable diapers, baby powder, baby wash, and lotions. The FDA has actually allowed companies to use the term “fragrance” to cover a secret ingredient that a company wishes to add without disclosing its elements. It could be poison for all we know! (or don’t know).
Fragrances are generally made of coal and petroleum, which originate from synthetic chemicals that can be just as carcinogenic as the others. The effects of fragrance are long-lasting and could linger on the skin for hours, causing exposure to respiratory, neurological, eye, and skin damages.
Yes, you want your baby to smell good. But at what cost?
Propylene Glycol
This compound is known to penetrate the skin easily and may be carcinogenic, or cause cancer. Its main responsibility is to open up all the pores and let all the chemicals in. Propylene glycol is used to warm airplanes and in wiper fluid. Yet, it has been found in numerous baby products such as baby wipes and shampoos.
Try to look out for polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) on the back labels of products, and steer clear. As an alternative, you can use a cloth with water and soap.
Parabens
Nowadays, parabens are truly all over skincare products. They can be found in body washes, shampoos, moisturizers, soaps, and even those specifically made for babies. So what’s so wrong with having parabens? These chemicals are neurotoxins linked to reproductive toxicity, they can be disruptive to hormones, and act as skin irritants.
Try to really stay away from anything with the term ‘paraben’, especially when purchasing products for your baby. Some other similar elements to stay away from include benzoic acid and propel ester-these are just as harmful.
Triclosan
Anything you see that’s ‘antibacterial’ will most likely have triclosan, which is a very dangerous endocrine disruptor that’s also harmful to the environment. Yes, it does make sense to keep your baby away from unnecessary bacteria, but there are other safer methods of doing so.
It is also best to consider that raising your baby in completely sterile environments can prevent them from creating natural resistance and immunity. This can also cause an increase in the likelihood of allergies and cause antibacterial treatments to be less effective.
Staying away from triclosan will ensure safer products for your baby, and will help them build a natural and strong coping environment that is vital to their health.
When it comes to taking care of your baby, you’ll have many responsibilities. You’ll have to feed them, put them to sleep, entertain them, and the list goes on. But most importantly, your job is to keep them as safe as possible from the world’s harm. This doesn’t only mean holding them the right way or making sure no hazard is near their bed, but it’s on whatever products you put them in contact with.
Your baby deserves the best. Start your clean movement now, by purchasing safer and simply better products for your baby. Browse through Elizabeth Parker Naturals’ Baby collection to find high-quality and clean products for all your needs.