Phthalates in Baby Products: Toxins for Infants?

'Phthalates are a class of widely used industrial compounds known technically as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. There are many phthalates with many uses, and just as many toxicological properties.' This is a quote from our stolen future, an environmental task force agency. So what, we might think, another toxin, no big surprise. But phthalates are used in baby products and children's toys and that is raising the alarm with parents and health care providers.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Sun and other major newspapers, Phthalates are used intentionally to soften plastics and as an additive in hairspray and perfume. Phthalates are responsible for that 'new car smell'. We know enough to keep paints and perfumes away from children. Phthalates have been used in children's toys for quite some time. And children of course mouth toys constantly, especially toys made for oral use, like pacifiers and teething toys.

But what about when these ingredients are used in baby products? Phthalates are a hormone-altering chemical. Baby powders, oils, lotions, shampoos and other products with phthalate additives, are linked to endocrine and reproductive system problems. Babies who are cared for with phthalate-laced products and cosmetics show developmental problems, especially in reproductive development of male children.

We've known for sometime about the dangers of some baby products. Baby oil is essentially mineral oil which clogs pores and damages skin. Vaseline and other petroleum-based lotions, gels and salves are not safe for babies also. Any product with petroleum is of course, a relative of plastic and natural gas. Many baby lotions contain large amounts of alcohol which dries skin and prevents healthy skin functioning. Baby powder can be dangerous as it gets into the respiratory system and causes breathing problems. Some powders contain talc, which is actually a very soft type of rock. Baby shampoos and soaps are often just as harsh as adult shampoos and soaps.

To avoid these dangerous chemicals and harsh products harming your children, there are some safer alternatives. First of all, remember that although good hygiene is important, especially around the diapering area, babies do not get dirty in the same way as adults do. Babies do not sweat as we do. Here are some simple ways to keep baby clean and healthy.

A simple sponge bath or soak in warm water is all baby needs.

For diapering, choose baby wipes with natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. Look for fragrance free wipes as well. Here is a link for making your own baby wipes from another Associated Content producer. There are several very good articles in Associated Content for natural home-made baby products.

Read labels. Don't use products with alcohol, petroleum jelly, mineral oil or talc.

Baby's skin is naturally soft. No lotion, cream or jelly is necessary to keep it that way.

If you want to refresh baby with powder, use cornstarch. It absorbs moisture and soothes chaffing.

For diaper rash, try this plan. First make sure you are changing baby when needed. Let baby play without a diaper to air the rash. Make sure baby is not allergic to diapers, wipes, detergents, soaps, etc. Make sure that the diaper rash is not Candida (a baby version of yeast infection). For Candida, apply fresh plain yogurt to the skin. If it is diaper rash, stop using all chemical products. Break open a vitamin E gel tab and gently rub on skin. Burt's Bee's products are made with natural and safe ingredients and carry a complete line of baby products.

For more serious skin problems, consider Aveeno products which contain oatmeal and colloidal agents. My father contracted a bad case of scabies from his work in the hospital. Aveeno Oatmeal soak was the only thing which brought him any relief.