Organic Babycare
Organic baby products include everything from food, to nappies, clothes and shampoo.
It is difficult for scientists to examine the exact effects of pollutants that come in to contact with babies. However many parents are increasingly aware that organic products should give their children the best start.
Everyone is now aware of the effects of alcohol or smoking on an unborn child. It seems possible that in the future with increased understanding, that chemicals that have only become commonplace in our daily lives in the last generation or two could have impact. Any step towards organic products can only be of benefit.
Key Areas To Consider
| Organic babyfood there are many companies who will sell a full range of organic babyfoods. The other option is to source a local vegetable box to make your own organic babyfood. The British Soil Association reported in 2003 that 75% of British babies now eat organic food on a regular basis – it is one of the fastest growing organic industries. |
Toys when buying baby toys look for items made without PVC and other plastics. These contain chemicals that are known to disrupt the hormone system. The European Union has banned the use of soft PVC plastics in teething toys. Several companies have gone further by replacing PVC in their products including Mattel, Lego, IKEA and The Body Shop. |
| Paint a newborn baby can spend over 90% of its time indoors, their small size makes them particularly vulnerable to toxins found in some paints. Painting is also an activity that should be avoided where possible by expecting mothers. Choose low VOC ( volatile organic compounds) to paint babies room. |
Clothes/nappies Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world - over a quarter of the pesticides used world wide are for clothes and bedding. Babies skin is thinner than adults skin which allows toxins in clothes to penetrate their skin more easily. |
| Shampoo and other bathing and cleansing products can contain a high level of chemicals which babies may find as an irritant. These can cause allergic reactions and eczema. |
Starting a family also causes many to think more about their impact on the worlds resources. The average baby will use 6,000 nappies before they are toilet trained; this waste contributes 4% to be land filled each year. There are many different options available for re-useable nappies, with many councils offering free starter packs. Using re-useable nappies can also offer significant savings, disposable nappies will cost between £500 - £700 until a baby is potty trained, real nappies can cost as little as £200 including the washing costs. Also for a second child the costs of real nappies reduce further.
Directory Links:
Organic Baby Food
Organic Baby Clothes
Natural Baby Care Essential Items
Useful Links:
http://www.realnappycampaign.com
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