This month's edition of the journal Pediatrics reports that infants are exposed to reproductive toxins in commonly used products such as shampoo, lotions and baby powder.

These toxins are called phthalates and they have been known to cause reproductive deformaties. Unhappily, these toxins are so common that every baby tested was positive for phthalates in their urine, and 80% had seven or more different kinds of this chemical.

According to Wikipedia, phthalates are polymers that are used to make plastics softer. Lotions, shampoos, shower gels, you name it, it's got it.

While this research is not definitive, it is enough for me to spring into action about protecting my children. Here's what I found about:

Protecting Our Children from Toxins

• In general, avoid shampoos and skin care products with additives and perfumes. These often contain phthalates as well.

• Consider organic lotions and shampoos. Many now are labeled "phthalate free." Organic lotions don't use toxins to make their products softer, they use natural materials.

• Don't microwave water or milk in a plastic bottle. Microwaving breaks down plastic on the micro level.

• Don't sterilize plastic baby bottles or toys in the dishwasher. Consider other cleaning techniques like a little bit of iodine or warm water and anti-bacterial soaps.
• Pregnant women should avoid these products and habits too. One study links pregnancy toxicity levels to male genital deformation.

• Natural lotions like olive oil and coco butter will always be safe! And they make your baby smell good too.

Below are some authority links about the information I presented above. Don't take my word for it, follow up with your own research.