Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It’s simply another way to keep her safe and healthy. Babies and toddlers take in more pesticides than adults do; opting for organic products can significantly reduce their exposure. Here are eight essential organic products you should have:
Organic baby food
Many of the ingredients in non-organic bottled baby foods have been exposed to chemicals such as fungicides and herbicides that can cause cancer. The National Research Council states that food is the primary source of pesticide exposure for infants and children in America.
Organic baby foods reduce your little one’s exposure to antibiotics and other drugs, pesticides, added hormones, and genetically modified animals. Choose organic brands that have high nutrient content, and low sugar and salt content. These are often refrigerated or frozen. Or, buy organic produce and make your own homemade baby food.
Organic cotton or hemp diapers
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disposable diapers account for 3.6 million tons of the garbage in American landfills and take centuries to biodegrade. They contain dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical. They also make your baby sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather and cause rashes.
For many parents the alternative is a cloth diaper. While there are eco diapers that have removable linings you can flush or compost, if you prefer to stick with cloth, choose an organic cotton or hemp brand. Made from fabrics that aren’t treated with toxic pesticides and dyes, they are more tender to your little one’s tooshie.
Organic bedding
Unlike conventional crib bedding, organic bedding is made from renewable products and do not contain toxic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), petroleum by-products, and phthalates, which have been linked to asthma. Organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo bedding haven’t been treated with synthetic fertilizers or other toxic chemicals.
Organic shampoo
Organic shampoos are free of irritating chemicals such as sodium laurel sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate, substances that are commonly used in shampoos and soaps to create a rich lather. They are less likely to aggravate conditions such as cradle cap, rosacea, eczema, and allergies.
Organic baby cream or lotion
Sure your little one already smells great. But creams and lotions keep skin moist, especially in winter. Unfortunately, many commercial brands are packed with chemicals that can harm your baby or toddler. Organic creams are safer choices. They’re made from natural ingredients such as unrefined plant oils, butters and beeswax.
Organic milk
Milk and cheeses are popular foods for babies and toddlers. However cow’s milk can be contaminated by blood and pus, chemicals in animal feed, antibiotics and insecticides. Some children develop allergies, ear infections, or digestive problems when they drink milk.
Organic milk is a much healthier option. Aside from being free of toxins, in a study conducted by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Research organic milk had higher levels of antioxidants, omega 3 essential fatty acids, and vitamin E.
Organic sunscreen lotion
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) skin can be damaged by the sun’s rays in just 15 minutes. Babies are particularly susceptible. One way to protect them is with sunscreen lotions.
Organic sunscreens contain only natural ingredients such as melanin from sunflowers, zinc, and green tea antioxidants. Avoid using sunscreen on babies younger than six months.
Organic clothing
These duds are great for the environment and for baby. They are made from renewable fibers (such as cotton and hemp) without harmful chemicals. Also, the American Cancer Society and CDC recommend clothing as a more complete form of sun protection. When buying for sun safety choose organic clothes that have a tight weave, darker color, loose fit, and are made from a heavier material.
