For the next couple of weeks, we’ll be featuring our favorite SAFE AND NATURAL baby and kid washes. This is a cause near and dear to my heart. My son suffers from a life-threatening peanut allergy, eczema and some behavioral issues. Food allergies, autism and other developmental disorders are on the rise. Alarmingly so. Scientists and doctors are struggling to pinpoint exact causes for these statistics, and many leads are pointing toward environmental toxins.
Growing up, I thought environmental toxins were only found around power plants and factories. It turns out we’re exposed to chemicals each and every day, from our food to our shampoo.
As parents, we can take small steps to limit this exposure. You can’t avoid everything, or fix everything, but you can start somewhere. I’ve chosen to start with the shampoos and soaps I use on my children every day. Because of my son’s skin sensitivities, I avoid synthetic fragrances. I look for naturally-derived products. I educate myself so that I’m aware of greenwashing and false claims of gentleness and natural ingredients.
Many friends have asked me what their options are, if brands like Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo aren’t the best for their babies. We’ll be sharing our favorites, and I encourage you to share yours.
To learn more, I recommend these websites:
Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews
Learn how to read labels. Learn to look for “fragrance” when you’re reading ingredients. Don’t let big brands lie to you with claims of gentleness or natural ingredients. You have the power to make healthy choices when you’re standing in the kid aisle at the drug store or grocery.
I took this picture with my cell phone at Publix. Out of all the brands you see here, I could only find THREE that contained no synthetic fragrances. (Burt’s Bees, California Baby and Weleda.) And it took me a lot of label reading to figure that out. I hope our personal suggestions helps serve as a starting point as you find healthier options for your family and your kids.
About the author: Maria is surrounded by boys. She gets all aflutter when she finds good deals, new episodes of Gossip Girl, and big bold bottles of red wine. Read more from this author.
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I am very interested in this topic and can’t wait to see what you have to say about it.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Lily special quilt =-.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about trying to eliminate as many chemicals as possible.
However, that being said, it’s also possible to have allergic reactions to some of the “natural” ingredients as well. I bought some Burt’s Bees body wash recently. Guess what? I had a reaction to something in it, because my eczema flared up.
.-= avasmommy´s last blog ..How To Drive Me Crazy =-.
If you want to have a real scare take a look at the ingredients list of the latest mens body washes like Axe. They’re stuffed with chemicals many of whom have been implicated as endocrine disruptors.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..The Lighter Custom Drinkware Alternative =-.
That wall at Publix really throws me. I start reading and the baby starts getting bored and I leave empty handed. I will be paying attention to your recommendations the next couple weeks because this is the first line of “chemical-less” living for my family– starting with my baby’s skin. Right now I’m using California Baby because I had heard others talk about it but the price makes me wince.
Actually, a lot of Burt’s Bees products DO contain synthetic fragrances. Ever notice the ingredients list, where it just says “fragrance”? That usually indicates a chemical. only a few of their products are 100% natural.
Wow Ester I totally agree…no wonder people find something they like and stick with it. Picking out something new could be mesmerizing.
I use a gentle all-natural baby wash and lotion, made by LifeLogic. No dyes, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triclosan and paraben free.
Also, another quick tip from a mom/aka LifeLogic supporter, I wash all the new baby t-shirts, burby towels etc to a baking soda wash, which will eliminate chemical residue – which can be another source of irritation.
LifeLogic is on the east-coast, big y, krogers, cvs, and walmart.com has some stuff if you can’t make it down the aisle.
Another option to consider is natural home-made soap. It feels so wonderful and is great for those with skin problems like eczema, too. I would recommend that you check out http://www.thesoaplady.com She makes soaps that are natural, gentle, moisturizing and healing. Any scents are from natural sources – nothing synthetic. Just be sure you don’t leave the soap in the shower or it will “melt away”. I came across her booth at a local arts & crafts fair some time ago and am so happy I did! I get the lemon aloe soap for the grandchildren :-)