You may not believe it, but baby exposure to toxins happens all the time! Even products, foods, and toys you think are safe might cause harm! But you can limit this. From decorating with safe products to ensuring the baby gets enough fresh air, here are some handy suggestions.
Purchase Baby-Safe Toys
There are tons of toxic baby items on the market! Plastic toys are a perfect example. These can cause a baby to choke as little bits get nibbled off. But even the materials themselves pose a health risk! That’s why it’s best to choose baby toys and games manufactured to the highest baby-safe standards. This includes things like cuddly toys, wooden puzzle sets, and letters like f plush cuddly toys. Always check that anything you buy is as baby-safe as it possibly can be.
Be Careful When Decorating the Room
One of the greatest joys of having children is decorating their rooms for a safe (and cute) environment. It’s one of those memories that you never forget. You can also do it wrong, though! You can think the furniture is okay. But is it really? Hard and sharp corners, tipping hazards, and even the paint can be toxic to babies and children. Always buy furniture such as desks and shelving, as well as paint approved for children containing non-volatile organic compounds.
Reducing Baby Exposure to Toxins in Food
Believe it or not, there are heavy metals in baby food! Yes, you read that right. Even in the UK and the USA, baby food isn’t safe. FDA baby food regulations only set limits for two types of food. This is infant rice cereal and baby juice! The issue is also massive. In the UK, tests by the HBBF performed on baby foods (store-bought and homemade) found heavy metals in 94% of 7,000 samples. Fresh fruits such as apples and bananas help with health for you and the baby.
How About Some Fresh Air?
Babies need fresh air. Their little lungs are designed to only breathe air and nothing else. So even if you live in a somewhat polluted or industrial area, fresh air from the outside is better than stale air on the inside. Inside air contains all manner of toxins and contaminants that harm your baby. If there is an issue, HEPA filter air purifiers can help. But going outside for a walk is the best option. This helps your baby get the fresh air they need as they develop into toddlers.
Be Aware of Hygiene Products
Baby hygiene is critical. And it’s a joy to bathe their little bodies and watch them enjoy the water. However, like food and other baby products, there are some harmful baby lotions, cleansers, and creams. Some of the most harmful chemicals found in baby products include PEG, sodium laureth sulfate (a main ingredient in soap), and parabens. Even Johnson & Johnson had to make changes! J&J baby oil now contains 50% fewer ingredients, and Cetaphil is safe, too.
Summary
Baby-safe toys designed around safety will help reduce baby exposure to toxins. Fresh fruit and vegetable-based foods also reduce heavy metal intake. Popular baby hygiene products can also contain ingredients that cause harm, like irritation to your little one’s sensitive skin.
