How to Avoid Phthalates in Baby Products

Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are added to children's plastic toys and teethers to make them more flexible. They are also found in many household, personal care products, and medical supplies.

Recently, The Daily Green described the most common phthalates and where they can be found:

• DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care products.)
• DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
• DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).

Laboratory studies have shown that can mimic hormones. This is why they have been categorized by environmental scientists as "endocrine disruptors."

By disrupting our natural hormones they set the foundation for potential health problems, especially in children. Phthalates have been shown to cause reproductive and neurological damage in animal tests.

The Center for Health Environment and Justice completed an in-depth review called "Report on Public Health Concerns - Phthalates and Bisphenol A" in 2005. The report explains that children are particularly vulnerable to the effect of chemicals in their environment mainly because they face greater exposures due to their size and behaviors, and because they are more sensitive as a result of their ongoing development. Infants and young children have structural and functional characteristics that while common to their normal growth and development may actually increase their vulnerability to chemicals.

1. When choosing shampoos, soaps and lotions for your children, watch for the term "fragrance" in the ingredient list. This is a clue that a combination of chemicals, which may include phthalates, may be present. Also, check the Safety Guide to Personal Care Products database compiled by the Environmental Working Group to help eliminate some the footwork. My personal favorite organic and phthalate free baby products are made by Earth Mama Angel Baby.
2. Choose plastics with the recycling code 1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely to contain phthalates and bisphenol-a (another known endocrine disruptor). Keep in mind that you will not find recycling codes or material labels on all products, so check trustworthy resources providing well-researched non-toxic product guides.
3. Pregnant mothers should also avoid personal care products and plastics containing phthalates. Phthalates may cross the placental barrier and cause hormone disruptions at key times of the baby's development.

• California Baby
• Avalon Organics Baby
• Earth Mama Angel Baby
• Wedela Baby
• TruKid Skin Care
• Nature's Baby Organics
• Burt's Bees Baby (not all, but some)
• BeeCeutical's Baby Line (coming soon)
• LuLu American Baby
• Belli Skin Care
• Earth Tribe, Tribe Kids
• Lily Organics
• Dr Bronner's
• Aubrey Organics
• Mama Rose's Naturals
• Little Twig
• Mei Mei Baby Care
• Babecology