Raising Healthy Children
Healthy Children & The Problems with “Natural” Products
Parabens, formaldehyde, fragrance, and more: In 2021, raising healthy children starts by reducing exposures to common toxins. It continues by giving the side eye to products marketed to babies and kids as “natural”, too.
Potentially hazardous chemicals reside in plastic toys, food packaging, personal care products, and even food. But because babies and young children do not have fully developed immune systems, they may be even *more* susceptible to their negative health effects.
This week, I speak with Suthan Naganayagam. After his new baby faced an unimaginable health scare, he created Niki’s Natural Wipes, a baby wipe made from wood pulp (not plastic!), Manuka honey, coconut oil, and chamomile extract.
Suthan argues that while it’s impossible to avoid toxin exposure in daily life, it’s prudent to take steps to reduce exposure, and he’s on the show to tell us how to do just that in ways that don’t involve spending more money on products that market themselves as “best for baby”.
Here’s a preview of today’s episode:
[9:00] 3 steps to more mindful purchasing for our children
[11:05] A rundown of the common (and troubling) chemicals in products marketed to children
[18:30] Why limiting is more practical than avoidance
[26:00] 10 practical ways to limit exposure and raise healthy children
Product Recommendations (may contain affiliate links):
- Happsy for organic baby crib mattresses and mattress pads
- Naturepedic for crib bedding
- Earth Mama for baby wash
- Earth Mama for diaper cream
- Niki’s Natural Baby Wipes for baby wipes
- Kind Laundry for laundry detergent
- Babo Botanicals for mineral based sunscreen
- Badger for DEET-free bug repellent balm
- Itzy Ritzy for silicone pacifiers
- Pact Apparel for affordable organic cotton clothing
Resources cited in today’s episode:
- Why You Should Stop Feeding Your Baby From Trendy Little Food Pouches
- Chemical Contaminants in Breast Milk
- What’s ThatSmell: Chemicals Of ConcernCommonly Found In Fragrance Used In Cleaning Products
- BPA-Free Plastic Containers May Be Just As Hazardous
- Don’t Wipe Out: The Hidden Hazards of Antibacterial Wipes
* This week’s episode is sponsored by Forager Project. Get your free cup of yogurt here!
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #130 Eco-Conscious Gifts for New Parents (That Are Actually Useful).
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