PART 2: SOAP, SUDS & BUBBLES, A CHEMICAL COCKTAIL (BABIES AND CHILDREN)

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl.Sci: Comp Med, Clin Chiro: Masters, B.Nursing, Webster Certif)

 

When we find out that we are pregnant, most women are very particular about what they put in their body, what they put on their body and what they breathe in. Needless-to-say, this is an innate act of preservation and survival where a mother-to-be wants nothing other than for her foetus to grow and develop in the healthiest possible environment… Unfortunately some people only reform their health and lifestyle during their pregnancy, whereas others try to adopt this new and healthier lifestyle for years to come. The more you read and learn, the harder it is to return to your previous lifestyle of chemical based home cleaning, hygiene products and even non-organic food (but that is a whole other topic!).

During pregnancy (and assumingly during the early days with a newborn), there are particular drugs, medications and chemicals that may either hinder, retard or cause fatal damage to a growing foetus and a new baby. The Thalidomide tragedy of the 1970s is a constant reminder of this and therefore making every effort to avoid potentially harmful substances (and question everything) during pregnancy and with your new baby is vital.

During gestation, a baby spends it's time swimming around the naturally sterile and safe amniotic fluid of the womb, and then they are quickly born into an environment of chemicals (cleaning products, artificial air fragrances, bathing preparations/ soaps, lotions, cuddling perfumed visitors and laundry detergents on clothing and bedding). Unfortunately baby and infant products are marketed and advertised as being ‘safe and gentle’. However, with products containing SLS, PEG, benzoates, alcohol AND MORE how safe and gentle can they really be?

Thankfully as with other home and hygiene products covered in part 1 of this article, there are terrific alternatives on the market. Ecostore, Gaia and other toxic-free/ eco-friendly companies manufacture truly safe and gentle products for your new baby. Again, as mentioned in part 1 of this article, be aware of personal care and home cleaning products that are marketed and advertised as 'Eco', as they frequently contain chemicals that may cause long-term toxicity and cause short-term irritation.

In addition, you may choose to refrain from wearing perfume and kindly ask your visitors to spray their perfume on their back rather than front if they must wear perfume.

When it comes to babies it seems like common sense wanting to minimise skin aggravation, chemical inhalation and immune sensitivities. It baffles me that companies actually manufacture baby products with such toxic ingredients, and we as consumers know no better, so we purchase what ‘looks the best’ and ‘sounds the best’, because we try to do our best!

As our children grow up, we as their parents (and grandparents) can teach and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle that is ‘toxic–free’ for their health and for the integrity of the environment. When it comes to making less toxic choices for your family's personal care & hygiene products, we must educate ourselves, embrace healthier choices and ‘step outside of the square’. A good place to start is in asking questions such as; "is it safe long term to use products with chemicals such as SLS, PEGs, BPA etc”. Unfortunately there isn’t enough long term studies of these chemical’s safety, so for your future health it is safer to just stay clear.

 CHEMICAL WATCH…

The skin is a highly absorbable organ, and inflammatory skin rashes, asthma and other common ailments of infancy and childhood are on the rise. Making a conscious effort to seek and choose ‘healthier’ cleaning and hygiene products is becoming more and more important to many families. As a response to the growing demand, your local grocery, organic or health food stores now have a range of safer products for you enjoy. But be sure to read the label, even with a brand you trust.

Healthy tip: Be careful of products marketed as 'fragrance-free' or products advertised as containing ‘organic ingredients’ or ‘natural essential oils' or 'gentle on the skin' and so on as these products still falsely contain a concoction of toxic petrochemicals, preservatives and artificial fragrances.

Interestingly, some studies have shown that bathing practices of a newborn, utilising conventional over-the-counter products caused a rash in up half the population being studied… If these hygiene preparations can cause an instant rash, then what can it do to our health in the long term?

When it comes to our precious babies and children, the concept of ‘toxic-free’ and minimising exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is no different to the kitchen, laundry, bathroom and makeup case mentioned in part 1… Let’s all start transforming our home today, for our health tomorrow.

TALCUM POWDER/ BABY POWDER

Talc has not had a good reputation over the years. According to research, the use of talcum powder may have health consequences you would never have assumed. Both older and more recent studies have suggested that the use of talc/ traditional baby powder in the perineal/ genital area may be linked to the development of cervical and ovarian cancer.

Healthy tip: Cornflour-based baby powder is an easy to find alternative to talc. Gaia and other companies make a great product that is easy to find at a range of different stores.

BUBBLE BATH/ BABY SHAMPOO

As mentioned in Part 1, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), petrochemicals and other toxic chemicals are frequently used in your families shampoo, conditioner and bubble bath (no exceptions for newborn babies or infants). Popular brands on the market use a formula that includes chemicals such as; SLS and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-80, PEG 150 Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, colours, preservatives and perfume. To be honest, as a health practitioner and as a mother, reading that list of chemicals truly scares me. A simple formula of plant based solvents and detergents makes me feel a lot more comfortable, safe and clean.

BABY LOTIONS/ BOTTOM CREAMS/ SOAPS

Various branded sorbolene creams have for some time been recognised by consumers and medical practitioners as a ‘safer’ or ‘more gentle’ option than other lotions on the market. Unfortunately, marketing and advertising catch us again with most formulas of sorbolene lotion containing chemicals such as; Petrolatum, Cetearyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben and Disodium EDTA and so on. In the end when you start reading labels and questioning the safety of these products it becomes ever so apparent that they are not so gentle after all!                   The good news again is that companies such as Eco store and Gaia (what I use with my baby) manufacture nappy/ bottom cream, body moisturiser/ lotions and soaps that are all safe, gentle, soothing and effective.  Rather than a chemical cocktail, the ingredients in products such as Gaia’s ‘skin soothing lotion’/ nappy cream includes shea butter, castor oil, zinc oxide, calendula, extract, chamomile extract avocado oil and beeswax. Much nicer for your baby’s bottom!   

Popular branded baby oils contain ingredients such as; PEG-12 Dimethicone, fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Mineral Oil, Polysorbate -20 and Sodium Lactate. You might prefer to just lather your baby in safe, natural coconut oil!

BABY WIPES

Baby wipes can frequently cause irritation to a baby’s sensitive bottom. Many popular baby wipe brands on the market have ingredients in their formula that include; Caprylyl Glycol, Phenooxyethanol, Amodimethicone (a silicone based polymer), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (a synthetic surfactant), Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (a disinfectant and preservative) and Methylisothiazolinone (a biocide and preservative). Again, looking at other more natural companies, Gaia manufacture bamboo baby wipes with ingredients that include; organic essential oils, aloe extract and glycerin. When you find a brand you trust (like myself with Gaia and Ecostore, you can’t look past them!).

SUNSCREEN

As mentioned in part 1, sunscreens are a cocktail of chemical UV blockers and absorbers. They contain titanium dioxide and an array of other chemicals that make up the cream base of sunscreen. There are far safer options on the market, such as the brands: UV Naturals, Soleo, Wotnot and Natural Instinct. These are all safe and effective alternatives to conventional sunscreen.

TEETHING GELS/OINTMENTS

As a mother, I have never used teething gels as I have never felt comfortable having my baby swallow chemicals and preparations such as: Ethanol/ alcohol, Cetylpyridinium (a preservative), Cetalkonium Chloride (a preservative), Saccharin (a proven dangerous artificial sweetener). These conventional teething gels also contain Choline Salicylate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that has side effects including; allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing difficulty. I prefer a more gentle and natural approach with frozen breastmilk poles, Brauer’s Teething Relief drops and frozen blueberries (for an older baby). The fact is that teething will in most cases disrupt everyone’s sleep, and yes i would rather accidently stick my hand in my son’s poo, but teething passes and I would rather it pass without the use of toxic drugs and chemicals!                           

Healthy tip: I had a pharmacist patient of ours make us some baby ibuprofen without any artificial sweetener, colours or preservatives. There are many compounding pharmacist around these days who can do the same for you.

References:

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