Toxin exposure is a bigger concern than you imagine. Harmful chemicals are everywhere, not just in the polluted air in high-traffic areas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency statistics, Americans, on average, spend 90% of time indoors, where concentrations of some pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk because indoor toxins can affect the unborn fetus. The threat does not end even after delivery because infants are more susceptible to exposure to environmental toxins than adults. The risk compounds because babies are smaller in size, so even the tiniest quantities inhaled or ingested can be harmful.
The worst part is that chemical exposure may cause several diseases. These facts and statistics can make you anxious as a parent, but shielding your newborn from environmental toxins is doable, provided you are proactive and cautious.
Here are a few safety tips you can rely on:
Know the Potential Culprits
Did you know that an average home has hundreds of toxins and chemicals? Imagine the consequences of bringing your newborn into a contaminated environment. You may decorate the nursery in the prettiest hues without realizing the hazards of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the paint (see here).
Knowing the potential culprits is the first step to minimize the risk. Here are the toxins you must eliminate from your living space to ensure the safety of your little one:
- Chemical cleaners
- Insecticides
- Fire retardants
- VOC-based paints
- Phthalates and alternatives
- Chlorine and dioxins
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and alternatives (plastics)
Choose Baby Care Products Mindfully
Minimizing toxins in your home is a good start to safeguard your baby from environmental hazards. The next step is to choose your baby care products mindfully. Everything may be loaded with harmful chemicals, from lotions to creams, diapers, and talcum powders. You may be shocked to learn that the baby talcum you use every day can elevate the risk of cancer.
The recent slew of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder is a warning sign. The average settlement for a talcum powder lawsuit runs in the thousands, which means the hazard is far greater than you may think. The product may cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
According to the team of TorHoerman Law, victims’ families should consider filing a lawsuit if their child has suffered from the side effects of the product. Filing a claim against a big brand may sound like a big deal, but they should fight for justice and compensation.
Opt For Non-Toxic Toys
Playtime is an integral part of raising a healthy baby. Toys can help with brain development, overall growth, and motor skills in little ones. As a parent, you want to buy the best and the newest toys in the market for your bundle of joy. Unfortunately, you may end up bringing a boxful of hazardous toxins home every time you go toy shopping.
Skip plastic toys and opt for silicone or wood products. You can also bring natural latex rubber buddies for happy shower time. Check the labels carefully, and skip anything showing phthalates on the list.
Focus on the Nursery
You may have the prettiest nursery to welcome your bundle of joy. But it could be home to countless toxins and bacteria. Focus on the area where the baby spends the maximum time, and keep it toxin-free. Start with the crib mattress and choose an eco-friendly product.
Ensure good ventilation and plenty of natural light in the room because they prevent airborne contaminants from thriving. Clean and declutter the nursery frequently because tiny dust particles can cause breathing issues for a newborn.
Watch What You Feed
Besides inhalation, ingestion is also a route that exposes your baby to toxins and chemicals. Breast milk is the safest because the baby formula may not work well on a newborn’s gut. Check the water supply once you start giving water to the baby.
Also, watch what you feed once you start with solid foods. Even fruits and vegetables may contain chemicals, so always opt for organic supplies. Make a habit of skimming the labels before feeding anything to your baby.
Wrapping Up
Caution and wise choices can go a long way when it comes to protecting your little one from household toxins and environmental pollutants. Watch out for the unknown culprits because they are often the most hazardous.
Following these simple tips can help you safeguard your baby and loved ones. Consider embracing them as a way of life instead of short-term best practices during the developmental years of your newborn.
