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7 harmful baby product ingredients to avoid

7 harmful baby product ingredients to avoid

As a new parent, one may have to choose from several brands in each category of baby products, ranging from sunscreens, body lotion, and bath essentials to baby cribs and diapers. Parents would want the best products for their children, but not everything expensive or marketed as organic is good for a baby’s skin and health. Some of the ingredients found in common products can be harmful. Here are seven such ingredients to avoid:

Synthetic fragrances
Many baby care and cleaning products come with refreshing scents marked as “fragrance” on the label, as the FDA does not require companies to share ingredients used to make the scent. But most fragrances contain harmful synthetic musks or chemicals that may cause allergic reactions in babies. Even if there is no immediate reaction, the fragrance may be absorbed into the skin, posing reproductive or developmental health risks. One should also check products labeled as “unscented” to verify if they are entirely fragrance-free.

Bleach
Chlorine bleach is found in baby laundry detergents, washing powders, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners. Bleach is linked to lung diseases and skin and eye irritation. Babies have sensitive skin, making them vulnerable to harsh chemicals. Long-term exposure to bleach and other reactive substances like ammonia can cause a burning sensation in the throat, eye irritation, or breathing issues in babies. Baby clothes should be washed using mild, bleach-free detergents.

Parabens
Paraben is a preservative added to baby products to increase their shelf life. But studies suggest the ingredient causes skin irritation and fertility issues. Infants exposed to parabens may develop health concerns later on.

Sulfates
Sulfates are used in bath and cleaning products, like bath bombs and body washes, to create foam. The ingredient, however, is harsh on sensitive skin and can cause respiratory dysfunction, eczema, and eye irritation.

Tributyltin (TBT)
TBT is found in the top layer of disposable diapers and is considered harmful for infants. It is also hazardous to marine life, being linked to sexual abnormalities in aquatic animals. Alternatively, one can choose biodegradable, non-toxic diapers.

Flame retardants
Flame retardants are chemicals applied to cribs, car seats, mattresses, and other furniture to prevent them from catching fire. These toxic chemicals can build up in tissues and cause issues associated with puberty and neurological development, immunity, and hormones.

Formaldehyde
This is a preservative found in liquid soaps and baby wipes. Although it prevents bacterial growth, formaldehyde can irritate the delicate skin of babies and trigger allergic responses.

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