Organic Baby: Eco-Friendly from Birth

A hundred years ago things were pretty clean, chemically speaking. Seeds were planted, watered, and harvested using few, if any chemicals. Cloth was spun from wool that was produced on healthy sheep that grazed in bucolic peace. Life was not perfect by any means but man was not bent on poisoning himself, either.

Today, things are different. From the moment an infant draws its first breath in the delivery room he is taking in VOCs: harmful, carcinogenic chemicals. He is wrapped in fabric that is out-gassing formaldehydes and if it is cotton and not synthetic then it is likely full of pesticides and chemicals from fumigation. He, if nursed, takes in the pesticide residues present in his mother's milk, and if given formula is subject to both pesticides and GMOs. His new skin is wrapped in a diaper that is full of toxins and chemicals. He breathes in the VOCs from his newly painted nursery as he sleeps. It goes on.

So, why organic? Do you need to ask?

Cotton is subjected to many chemicals as it is grown. These chemicals are not only not good for the environment, they are not good for the people that work on the farms, and most importantly to you, they are not good for your baby!

When cotton is grown organically there are no chemicals used. The final product is pure and you can feel confident that your baby is not being subjected to these pesticides and other harsh chemicals.

Mattresses are treated with a number of chemicals. Since your baby will probably be spending a good deal of time sleeping in his bed it is important to either get an organic mattress or use an allergen barrier between the baby and the mattress.

If you sew you can find organic fabrics online.

There are several online sources for organic baby clothing and bedding.

Disposable diapers vs. cloth diapers has been an ongoing source of contention between moms for years.

Cloth diapers are certainly better for the environment as well as being better for your baby. They save large amounts of money and are readily available through many sources. You can also make your own cloth diapers from organic fabrics to save even more money.

If you are totally sure you want disposables then there are also disposable diapers that are free of bleaches and other chemicals. Tendercare is one such company.

A few years ago an independent laboratory found that plastic bottles and sippy cups leached toxins into the liquids that they held. The chemical in question is called bisphenal A disrupts hormonal function and, according to the Center for Disease Control is found in 95% of the Americans tested for it.

Glass baby bottles worked for years. They are easy to sterilize, easy to keep clean, and easy to use. You do have to be careful not to break them. If you are not sure about using glass then there are also other options.

The brown rubber nipples, too, have been found to contain toxins. Many companies are now making clear silicone nipples. Look for them as you pick up supplies.

Teething toys? Again, beware plastics. Go for organic items of cloth and wood. You can also use a spoon that has been put in the freezer. For Your Bugaboo has a large selection of organic teethers.

Pristine Planet is a helpful, eco-conscious website that compares different products. You can see the different companies, what they offer, and the specifics of their products.

Of course the foods that you give your baby need to be organic. Children are more susceptible to the toxins in their systems. At least 15 different pesticide residues have been found in non-organic baby foods. Some of the health issues associated with pesticides are:

• Cancer

• Neurological problems

• Developmental problems

• Reproductive damage

You can either buy organic baby foods or simply make your own from the organic foods you are buying for the rest of the family. If you are nursing it is especially important for your baby's health that you eat organic foods because human milk has been found to have pesticide residue. Not only that but if you are not eating 100% organic foods you are taking in genetically modified foods.

Some websites that have more information about organic baby food are:

It is especially important to use 0VOC paints in the baby's room. Paint releases toxic chemicals into the air for a long time. Low VOC paints are available in many places but in the United States an excellent 0 VOC paint is Fresh AIre, available exclusively at Home Depot.