Parents, beware of the hidden toxins in baby products

MANILA, Philippines - While we take great care in the food we prepare for our little ones, parents often forget that our bodies also get nourishment by absorbing products that we put on the skin. Babies and kids have 20-30% thinner skin than adults, which makes them more vulnerable to absorbing the unwanted toxins from the products they are exposed to.

Parents should know the no-no ingredients, what with so many products lining our store shelves. Here’s a list of the no-no chemicals parents should steer clear of when buying  personal care products for their children:

 • Parabens are used in many products as a synthetic preservative to extend shelf life. However, parabens are also widely researched cancer-linked toxins.

 • Phtalates are widely used as a stabilizer or base in many personal care products. However, prolonged exposure to phthalates affects the body’s hormonal system and has been linked to autism, learning disabilities, breast cancer, infertility, and even childhood obesity, according to a recent study by the Children’s Environmental Health Center, NY.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a cheap foaming and cleansing ingredient used in soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products. But bubbly baby baths are no fun with this around. The International Journal of Toxicology warns that SLS levels in many mainstream products are high enough to cause severe allergies and skin corrosion.

• Fluoride is an old friend found in many toothpastes on the market, but according to the Fluoride Action Network, fluoride is especially harmful for kids because their bodies absorb four times more fluoride but are not able to excrete as much as adults, resulting in a fluoride buildup in their bodies that may negatively affect bone structure and be a contributor to neurological impairment.

• Talc (or talcum crystals) is what baby powder is made of. But keep kids far away from this ingredient, as numerous studies by the American Cancer Society show that talcum powder may contain asbestos-like particles that increase cancer risk for both mothers and babies by 30%.

• Detergents. While they keep Mom’s dishes sparkly and shiny, the USA Environmental Protection Agency warns that dishwashing soaps containing detergents make them unfit for cleaning baby bottles and utensils due to the toxic soap residue that might be accidentally ingested by kids.

What should parents do then? Here are practical tips on how to choose safer personal care products for the whole family:

 • Read the labels thoroughly to avoid toxins that pose harm to you and your kids. Aside from avoiding the toxic ingredients listed above, another tip is to choose products that are labeled “paraben-free,” “SLS-free,” “food-safe,” and “no artificial preservatives.”

• Test new products on yourself before using them on babies and kids. Apply a small amount of the product on the inner arm, wait several hours, then check to see if there has been a reaction.

• When trying new products, monitor kids and babies carefully for any negative reactions. Even though you’ve tested the product and it “passed” your test, always remember to observe your child for any small sign of discomfort after he or she starts using a new personal care product.

 The good news is that many parents are now discovering natural products are the smartest choice in protecting the health and wellness of their families. A crowd favorite for these careful parents is Tiny Buds Natural Baby Products, which promises “real natural love” — a commitment to making baby and mommy essentials from only the finest natural ingredients and extracts to safely nourish babies’ health.

Many moms swear by Tiny Buds’ internationally awarded Rice Baby Powder, made from 100% rice grains milled into a super-fine powder that repels sweat and leaves babies smelling fresh all day. There’s also the best-selling Tiny Buds Bottle and Utensil Wash, made with a special food-safe formula mommies can use to effectively clean feeding utensils without the worry of leaving any toxic residue behind.

For more information, visit www.tinybudsbaby.com, like their Facebook page at facebook.com/tinybuds or e-mail info@tinybudsbaby.com.