Continuing on from looking at harmful chemicals in common baby products we look at some highly controversial chemicals that have been shown to be detrimental to a babys’ health.

Phthalates are softening agents added to many toys, lotions and creams for all age groups especially in industrialised countries. Recent studies have shown that when a baby is exposed to these chemicals, even in topical products, that the phthalates and their derivatives are absorbed into the blood stream and also present in the urine. One of the better known effects of phthalate exposure in babies is an underdeveloped male reproductive system. There is an indisputable link between high phthalate exposure either in utero or after birth, and several developmental abnormalities such as those listed below.

Some Recognised Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Phthalate exposure in Babies
-    incomplete dropping of the testicles
-    reductions in the masculinsing hormone dihydrotestosterone
-    reduced distance between the anus and the base of the penis (AGD) – which is used to predict abnormalities in adult reproductive development. The AGD should normally be twice as long in males as it is in females, however studies have shown that significant phthalate exposure to male infants may shorten this measure. The shorter the anogenital distance the more feminised the body in question.
-    the development of proliferative lesions in Leydig cells, which are located in the testicles

Vitamin e is a soothing and softening addition to adult skin products. It’s not necessarily harmful to a baby unless they display an allergy to it. If your baby reacts to vitamin e, there are alternative skin nourishers such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Infusions of herbs like calendula and chamomile and nettle are also good skin tonics.

Oestrogenic chemicals and derivates in the environment, processed foods and in skin care products are part of the phthalate controversy. So when purchasing any products, be sure to choose those that use natural organic and biodynamic ingredients. These are less likely to contain environmental hormones.

Perfumes & Fragrances
Perfuming is a highly sophisticated art form, and it has its place in the adult world. Its creative use of classic and aromatic plants is music to our olfactory ears. However when it comes to perfumes in baby products, its helpful to arm yourself with some knowledge about what is safe and appropriate, and what is harmful.

As adults, with our well developed detoxification systems (such as the gut, skin and liver) we are better able to manage chemicals in our bodies than are babies. A babys gut immunity takes many months to develop, and they absorb more through their highly permeable skin than adults. Selecting products that derive their fragrances from natural essential oils  are the way to go! Plant extracts and essential oils offer not only scent but other therapeutic benefits such as:
-    killing infective bacteria
-    reducing spasm and pain
-    inducing sleep and healing damaged skin

There are naturally occurring fragrances such as those of the Calendula and Chamomile. Look out for perfumes that are added to products such as talcs and lotions in particular and stick with the mantra Pure & Organic is Best.

With a better understanding of the ‘baddies’ in commercial baby products you can reduce the risk of toxicity, allergy and discomfort for your baby. In summary, here are some tips to help you select better and healthier products for you and your baby:

-    Read labels
-    Choose natural skin care products that use organic and biodynamic ingredients, ensuring top quality raw materials that are free of nasty chemicals
-    Avoid mineral oils and petrochemicals
-    Avoid any products that contain artificial fragrances. Most naturally derived fragrances from flowers and herbs are fine.
-    Look for organic and pure products that may also contain the label “Phthalate-free”. Also avoid placing plastic bottles in the microwave, as transmigration of plastics under heat leads to chemicals being passed into the contents of the bottle.
-    Patch test new products for potential allergic reactions by dabbing a small amount on the inside of your baby’s elbows.
-    Live an organic lifestyle. A recent study showed changing to a biodynamic, organic diet can virtually eliminate all traces of phthalates in the body!

References
1. Norman J. Barlow, Barry S. Mcintyre and Paul M.D. Foster  2004,
Male Reproductive Tract Lesions at 6, 12, and 18 Months of Age Following in Utero Exposure to Di(n-butyl) Phthalate , 32; 79 Toxicol Pathol
2. Sharpe RM., 2001, Hormones and testis development and the possible adverse effects of environmental chemicals, Toxicol Lett. Mar 31;120(1-3):221-32
3. Chensheng Lu,1 Kathryn Toepel,2 Rene Irish,2 Richard A. Fenske,2 Dana B. Barr,3 and Roberto Bravo3 2006, Organic Diets Significantly Lower Children’s Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides, Environ Health Perspect. February; 114(2): 260–263.
4. Wasmuth HE, Kolb H,  2000, Cow’s milk and immune-mediated diabetes, Proc Nutr Soc. 2000 Nov;59(4):573-9.
5. Harrison LC, Honeyman MC. 1999, Diabetes. Cow’s milk and type 1 diabetes: the real debate is about mucosal immune function, Aug;48(8):1501-7
6. Berthold Koletzko, MD, 2000, Complementary Foods and the Development of Food Allergy, PEDIATRICS Vol. 106 No. 5 pp. 1285
7. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, (1997), “Inactive” Ingredients in Pharmaceutical Products, PEDIATRICS Vol. 99 No. 2, pp. 268-278
8. Burks, W, (2003), Skin Manifestations of Food Allergy, PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 6, pp. 1617-1624