Chemical-free newborn essentials, easy switches to ditch nasties

As a mum to five, soon to introduce number six, I have been around the block a few times when it comes to newborn products.

I am now very much aiming for as close to 100% chemical-free newborn products as possible.

I do this not with a high budget or time-consuming homemade recipes.

But simple switches which are almost always cheaper.

last longer.

feel better.

And give the satisfaction of knowing that my newborn is as untouched as possible from chemicals and irritants.

this …

WHY CHOOSE TO DITCH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR YOUR NEWBORN?

When it comes to dealing with a newborn baby, many of us have a natural instinct to shield them from just about everything.

Mothers have this desire but know very little about the products we use daily and what is actually in them.

I have watched I don’t know how many youtube videos with women telling of the horrible time they had with a colicky newborn or an infant that was always upset in the stomach or never slept alone.

Almost always you can hear its causes as they speak and show you a little more of their habits, routines and “FAVE PRODUCTS”

Now, we all have our own opinions when it comes to how we raise our babies, my opinion is that the less you play around with their delicate new bodies the better.

the way you can begin the mindset switch to natural newborn products is to think of what your newborn breathes, eats, and has placed on their skin.

• I don’t add any supplements into their milk diet in the form of gels, drops or sprays.

• I don’t cover their skin in baby products that are made in factories with fragrance, and long-term storage in mind for the shelf, which means they are filled with cancer-causing chemicals, alcohols and emulsifiers to help the product last longer.

• I don’t dress my baby in fibres that aren’t from nature. Cotton, linen and wool are all I use.

• I don’t fill the air with artificial scents made from carcinogen-filled cheap oils and chemicals, no sprays, scented candles or soy candles.

• I do not put them to sleep in cheap fluffy polyester blankets, which are dangerous suffocating hazards, as well as shedding unhealthy chemicals into the air.

• I don’t surround them with perfumes, plastics, or any products that can irritate delicate airways and skin. This includes what I wear and use on my skin as well as my baby’s.

Let’s start with Newborn moisturizing creams

let’s begin with a common baby moisturizer.

QV baby moisturizing cream.

its ingredients are:

Aqua (Water), Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Squalane, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Niacinamide, Stearic Acid, Laureth-3, Glyceryl Stearate, Methylparaben, Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol.

let’s dissect these Ingredients one by one just to give you some idea of what the average skin, hair and liquid soap product contain.

• Ingredient 1. water.

• Ingredient 2. Paraffinum Liquidum, what is it? it is a cheap mineral oil derived from petroleum oil, (petrochemical derivative) 98% of all skin care products contain this oil.

The side effects of Paraffinum Liquidum,?

• 1, Petrochemicals contain neurotoxins that damage the nervous system.

• 2, Mineral oil forms a barrier on the skin, so anything else in the product even if it is good for the skin cannot be absorbed.

• 3, it blocks pores, traps dirt and bacteria on the skin, and is a huge contributor to contact dermatitis.

• Ingredient 3. Glycerin.

While used often, it is a derivative of natural ingredients, however to some people with sensitive skin, it can cause redness, burning and eczema.

• Ingredient 4. Petrolatum. (petroleum jelly)

A petroleum product, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer.  On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies. the dirty dozen

• Ingredient 5. Cetearyl Alcohol.

Cetearyl alcohol is a flaky, waxy, white solid that is a combination of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which occur naturally in plants and animals. Cetyl and stearyl alcohols are often derived from coconut, palm, corn, or soy vegetable oil, typically from coconut palm trees, palm trees, corn plants, or soy plants.

While this ingredient isn’t terrible, I like to stay clear of anything from palm oil, seed oils or soy, and the cheapest form of this alcohol is soy and palm.

Its side effects are burning, itching and redness on some skin.

• Ingredient 6. Dimethicone.

Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient used in many personal care products. It keeps all of the ingredients in a product from separating. It also gives these products a smooth, silky texture.

it isn’t a natural product, and the side effects are burning, itching, redness, swelling and skin peeling.

• Ingredient 7. Squalane.

When applied topically, squalane has tremendous benefits. Boosting hydration can help your skin appear more vibrant and healthier. The antioxidants in these oils and creams also fight skin damage and free radicals, which can both accelerate the aging process. According to research, squalane is also a detoxifier.

while a great ingredient, in reality very little of this or none at all is making it through the barriers created by the Paraffinum Liquidum and the Petrolatum.

• Ingredient 8. Ceteareth-20.

Ceteareth-20 is a penetration enhancer that alters the skin structure, allowing substances to penetrate deeper into the skin. Made from Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide)

It is highly unsafe to use on irritated or damaged skin because it is potentially contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and I,4-dioxane – two known cancer-causing substances.  EWC Cosmetics Database:

• 1-4 dioxane.

1-4 diozane is a byproduct of ceterath 20 and is a known carcinogen and is found in pegs and ppg ingredients.

it essentially speeds up the process of delivering ingredients to the bloodstream and should be avoided in all cosmetics and creams.

• Ingredient 9. Glyceryl Stearate SE.

Glyceryl Stearate acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. Glyceryl Stearate, and Glyceryl Stearate SE help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. link

• Ingredient 10. Niacinamide

Niacinamide and Niacin are a forms of vitamin B3. In cosmetics and personal care products, Niacinamide and Niacin are used in bath products, shampoos, hair tonics, skin moisturizers and other skin care preparations, and cleansing products. link

• Ingredeint 11. Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid are fatty acids that occur naturally in some foods. In cosmetics and personal-care products, fatty acids and mixtures of fatty acids such as Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid and Myristic Acid are used in a variety of cosmetic creams, cakes, soaps and pastes.

side effects are eye damage, from mild to extreme.

• Ingerdient 12. Laureth-3

The Laureth ingredients are polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol.

The number in the name indicates the average number of units of ethylene oxide in the molecule.

In cosmetics and personal care products, the Laureth ingredients are used in the formulation of a variety of bath, eye, facial, hair, cleansing and sunscreen products. They are also used in cuticle softeners, deodorants and moisturizing products.

Side effects are headaches, dizziness, nausea, bloating, and thirst.

• Ingredeint 13. Methylparaben,

Parabens is the general term used to describe a class of ingredients that are derived from para-aminobenzoic acid.

The ingredients most often used in the formulation of cosmetic and personal care products include Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben and Isobutylparaben.

Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. They protect cosmetics and personal care products by preventing or retarding the growth of yeast and mould as well as some types of bacteria. 

Read this in the dirty dozen on parabens

“Parabens easily penetrate the skin. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed parabens as Category 1 priority substances, based on evidence that they interfere with hormone function. Parabens can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive functions. In addition, studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.” the dirty dozen

If you want to read more on these ingredients or do some research of your own some of the sites I used are.

the dirty dozen

Cosmetics info. org

thechalkboardmag.com

HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH TO NATURAL NEWBORN ESSENTIALS

I mean, if the above didn’t make you pause and think about what you are putting on your baby’s skin then I don’t know what will

As for me, once I learned about the many chemicals and what they do, how they work in the body and on the body, it made me want to find alternatives.

so, instead of taking you through each and every newborn product, I will list some of the popular ones, and why I don’t use them and what I use instead.

Let’s start with an alternative to baby moisturisers.

Our skin is filled with natural oils and fats.

Weather, diet, stress, and just our skin’s makeup can cause us to develop dry skin.

now, the first step to maintaining your baby’s supple skin is to avoid soaps with alcohol, perfume, and oils from soy, palm and vegetable.

if your baby does develop dry irritated skin, then you want to use oils and creams that mimic our own bodies’ fats and oils.

Not only is this the safest, but it is also the most effective, with no long-term side effects and hidden nasties.

5 alternatives to baby moisturising creams are:

• shea butter
• Murumuru butter
• olive oil (organic)
• coconut oil (organic)
• animals fats, like tallow (beef fat)

Ingredients to add to your creams or oils with healing properties include aloe vera, calendula and manuka honey.

you can buy 1, or all three of these ingredients, and make your own mix using shea butter or murumuru butter.

all of these you can use on their own or mix with each other into a smooth cream, you can experiment with each one, and how you like to use them.

be sure to avoid ones that are premade into creams with added perfumes and preservatives.

Newborn nappy rash creams.

these are particularly lethal when it comes to their ingredients and how they are easily absorbed into a baby’s bloodstream since they have thinner skin than adults AND their skin is more vulnerable where these creams are being used (the genital area).

many of the ingredients are not supposed to be used daily, on children under two, or on broken skin.

So why they are in nappy rash creams is puzzling.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN NAPPY RASH CREAMS

1. most nappy rash creams contain Benzyl Benzoate a carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical) that is extremely toxic From sciencedirect.com it says.

“Use can be complicated by allergic contact dermatitis, and benzyl benzoate should not be used during pregnancy, in lactating women, in infants, or in children younger than 2 years because of the risk for neurotoxicity.”

2. The Mayo Clinic reported that the preservative sodium benzoate, another common nappy rash cream ingredient –

“Increases hyperactivity in children. Also, when sodium benzoate combines with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which is also in most sodas, it can form benzene, a carcinogen that damages DNA in cells and accelerates aging.”

other ingredients include.

• lanolin which can be very irritating to babies.

• Synthetic oils based on petroleum.

• Nano zinc oxide, which doesn’t absorb into the skin. However, you need to be sure that the cream you choose is NON-nano, so that it doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream, where the full effects of it doing so are not yet known.

How to go chemical free for your nappy rash cream

the best way is to make it yourself.

It isn’t hard and takes as little as five minutes.

The ingredients can be bought in bulk to save money and so you will always be able to whip up a batch when you need it.

The recipe I use is from farmhousonboone.com click the link for the recipe.

this cream is the best I have ever used on my babies, and I am no stranger to nappy rash at its worst.

I use this recipe right until they are toilet trained.

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN BUYING NAPPY RASH CREAM

• Any ingredients with numbers.

• FRAGRANCE, PERFUME, OR PERFUME. Even if it says “natural” that is a labelling loophole!

• preservatives, which is another labelling loophole for many creams and cosmetics and can contain skin irritant nasties, and things like formaldehyde which is cancer-causing.

• nano since oxide absorbs into the skin and bloodstream.

• Mineral oils

• Petroleum/petrolatum jelly or oils or mineral oils

creams I haven’t bought myself but seem to be okay by reading the ingredients are:

• trukid, baby, organic diaper balm.

• Dr Bronner’s organic magic balm-baby.

TALCUM POWDER

I think many of us have heard of the controversy over the fact that the popular baby powder brand, Johnson and Johnson which contains talc, hence, talcum powder, contains asbestos and causes cancer.

truth is, all talcum powder products contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a byproduct of mining talc.

Talc and asbestos are minerals that form together. That means talc mined for commercial uses can be contaminated with asbestos — a known cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma.

There is a long history of asbestos remaining in talc that is certified asbestos-free. (asbestos.com)

so, when it comes to baby powder, which can be a very handy product when it comes to maintaining the dryness of a baby’s many rolls and soft skin, you need to go talc free.

brands like. Giai, Curash and Burts bees are all great alternatives to talc baby powder.

they contain corn starch and are safe for long-term use.

Just watch out for nasty fragrances!

ANOTHER NEWBORN PRODUCT TO DITCH-BABY WIPES

baby wipes are a no questions asked affair to most of us.

but in reality, they contribute a lot of chemicals to your baby on a daily basis.

1. Phenoxyethanol the safety of this product is unclear. it is used in baby wipes to prevent the growth of mould and fungus and has no benefit to the skin.
2. Amodimethicone is a silicone-based product found also in many shampoos and conditioners, it is very damaging to the environment and has no benefits on newborn skin.
3. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, which means it helps look in moisture while the wipe is stored, it is derived from either coconut or palm oils and is considered safe, however, it can cause contact dermatitis and skin irritation.
4. Sodium Citrate is a sulphite, to control the PH levels in baby wipes, this ingredient should be avoided on the face and eyes.

there are a few good ingredients in baby wipes, but when paired with the ingredients used solely to help keep the wipe wet or from growing mould, which irritates the skin, the question should be asked if using baby wipes is the best way to clean your baby’s bottom.

BABY WIPE ALTERNATIVES

You can buy just water wipes. I like to buy these for when I need to take something with me when I am out and about.

I find these expensive to buy for use 100% of the time, and they create a lot of waste.

I use washcloths, you can buy baby washcloths that are gentle (not too rough) and easy to wash and store.

When I am dealing with a newborn I fill a small bowl with warm soapy water (baby Dr Bronner’s, castile soap) and use washcloths to wipe them clean.

This is also an easy way to clean their face, hands, and neck where they can get a bit dirty and germy from everyone wanting to kiss and touch their squishy soft skin!

WHAT’S IN A NAPPY?

Nappies, while used worldwide by the billions each year have no or very little regulations on what goes in them.

The EU, have tried to test and regulate what is in their nappies, and some companies (pampers, Huggies) have conformed to remove formaldehyde.

However, there is no law to keep it that way or to better regulate what is being used in the making of nappies.

In the US and Australia nappies which are not considered medical devices like menstrual pads or tampons, are not regulated by the food and drug administration. (FDA)

Some of the ingredients in most nappy brands are:

Glyphosate

Nappies contain glyphosate, while in small amounts, a french study found that it was in many big-name nappy brands.

Studies have shown that glyphosate on the skin can affect cell shape, impair skin elasticity, cause loss of protective function, and even increase vulnerability to disease. Loss of control over cell function can, in turn, contribute to cancer risk. read the full article here

while trace amounts may sound okay, you have to understand that there are a number of factors that you need to take into account.

1. Nappies are on your child’s skin for many hours of the day for the first 2-4 years of their life.
2. Your child’s skin is thinner than an adult’s so the chemicals listed below are more easily absorbed.
3. The area where a nappy sits is more vulnerable again to toxic chemicals as the genital region is more susceptible to chemical exposure for both children and adults alike.

Tributyltin (TBT)

• This is a HIGHLY toxic chemical. that has been used for many years as a pesticide additive in industrial and marine paints.

• As an antifouling agent in paints, as an antifungal agent in textiles, and in the fertilizer industry for making biocides.

• TBT can affect the endocrine glands. these glands are in charge of regulating hormones for mood, growth, and development. As well as sending hormones into the bloodstream and regulating the release of hormones.

DYES.

there was a study done by the American academy of pediatrics,

“On the basis of clinical examination results for 5 patients and patch testing results for 2 patients, we suspect that the patients demonstrated allergic contact dermatitis in response to the various blue, pink, and green dyes in diapers.“

• These dyes contain sulfonic acid, which is known to cause irritation either mild or severe of the skin and throat, and eyes.

Dioxins

If your nappies are bleached, then they will contain dioxins.

Dioxins are a byproduct of chemical combustion or use or creation of in general.

they are also in food mostly animal products and are extremely toxic to the human body.

avoiding these chemicals wherever you can is key, so avoiding them in your baby’s nappies is an important step in lessening your child’s exposure to Dioxins.

Volatile organic compounds. (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have high vapour pressure and low water solubility.

Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.

VOCs typically are industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene; fuel oxygenates, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment, such as chloroform.

Examples of VOCs found in disposable nappies include toluene, dipentene, ethylbenzene, and xylene which have documented respiratory toxicity. (see full article here)

Health effects may include:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea
• Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system
• Some VOC’s can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Elevated levels of VOCs take months to be removed or at least managed in the body.

Sodium Polyacrylate (Superabsorbent Polymer)

Sodium Polyacrylate is a chemical that absorbs fluids and prevents leakage in nappies.

It’s one of the most common superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used in the world today.

This substance is visible as small, jelly-like crystals in the nappy and on your baby’s skin.

Sodium Polyacrylate has been associated with toxic shock syndrome when it was previously used in tampons.

It was banned in tampons in 1895, but it is still used in nappies today.

Fragrances

There are a number of problems with perfumes in nappies.

Under the label fragrance, (not that nappies are required to list their ingredients) the companies do not have to list what ingredients make up the fragrance in nappies, many fragrances contain VOCs, as the ingredients of the fragrance aren’t regulated by the FDA-approved and contain VOCs in toxic levels under federal law.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals, that make plastic more durable and flexible.

The outside of a nappy, the leak-proof plastic coating, is filled with Phthalates.

Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.

Phthalates are in hundreds of products, from cling wrap, and vinyl flooring to shampoos and soaps.

Despite the short half-lives in tissues, chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.

In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioural issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. read the full article here

Compared to adults, children are much more vulnerable and sensitive to phthalates exposure, especially during early growth 

Phthalates can be easily leached into food, water, and other products applied directly to the human body.

You can read in-depth on Phthalates here including the studies done on the effects on children and what type of phthalates are used in what products.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO TOXIC NAPPIES?

To be honest, doing the research on nappies for this blog post has opened my eyes to what I am using on my children.

While I do not use creams or wipes or other products on my babies I do use disposable nappies.

I currently use a cleaner brand called rascal and friends.

They have won awards here in Australia for their non-toxic approach to nappies, and claim to be formaldehyde-free, and Free from chlorine, phthalates, dioxins, pesticide residues, and glyphosate.

Dermatologically tested. Certified OEKO-TEX 100 and have BioSafe’s Glyphosate Free Certificate and have applied for the FSC Certifications, proving pulp is from responsible sources.

although upon reading a little about OEKO-TECH 100 the results are:

Oeko-Tex allows 75ppm of formaldehyde in bedding and clothing designated to be against the skin. For blankets or items not designated to be “against the skin”, Oeko-Tex allows 300ppm of formaldehyde residue. 

If you can find a company that is free from the above chemicals, and you can find an ingredient list then they would be a good choice.

I have contacted rascal and friends (the brand of nappies I use) for an ingredient list.

If they fail to give me one, or I find chemicals I don’t like, I will switch to the other alternative. (note, they did give me an ingredient list and I am happy with what they use, so, I will continue to use this brand)

• Cloth nappies!

there are so many brands and so many ways you can cloth nappy.

From old-school pins and cloth to fancy pull-on cloth pants, it’s all up to how much your want to spend and the approach you want to take.

And while it is a sacrifice in your time and effort to wash them, you may not get as much time in each nappy before you need to change them, for the sake of my baby’s short and long-term health I will make the switch!

SCENTED CANDLES AND AIR FRESHENER SPRAYS

Many of us enjoy a good candle.

They create a cosy atmosphere and can contribute wonderful smells to your home.

Especially when you have a newborn, it can be tempting to get your home smelling great for guests, and since you haven’t had much time to clean lately, a scented candle can come in handy.

Another popular good-smelling and apparently air-cleaning household product is an air freshener.

Whenever I smell cheap candles and air fresher in a home with children living in I can’t help but cringe.

I don’t judge, but when you know, you know and frankly I wish EVERYONE knew because no one who uses them really understands just how much damage they do.

10 reasons to avoid cheap scented candles

1. they fill your home with breathable carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) which can build up the more you use them.
2. Fragrances emit substantial amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including those classified as toxic or hazardous by federal law.
3. these VOC’s can actually mix with the ozone in your home (Ozone is formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between pollutants emitted from vehicles, factories and consumer products, evaporation of paints, and many other sources.) and form formaldehyde.
4. your candles and air fresheners contain phthalates. which are known to cause endocrine disruption, low male fertility and birth defects.
5. paraffin wax, is petroleum-derived, and emits toxic chemicals, and doesn’t biodegrade.
6. Candles made from paraffin are suspected to release toxic chemicals including toluene and benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen and toluene is linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity.
7. The chemicals released from paraffin wax over an extended period of time could contribute to the development of cancer, allergies and asthma. read the full article here.
8. some cheaply made and imported candles may contain lead wicks! lead is a fast-acting and known carcinogen and toxic to humans.
9. Carcinogen chemicals released in scented candles can be, formaldehyde,  acetaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
10. avoid coloured candles! the pigments are toxic to humans and the environment.

What to look for when shopping for a nice scented candle.

• look for candles free from paraffin wax, the healthiest candle is one made from beeswax, (not synthetic) which actually cleans your air instead of polluting it.

avoid soy wax!

• avoid soy wax, unfortunately, soy wax is touted to be the better alternative to paraffin, although they really are a little different.

• Soy wax is not a natural wax, it is made from soy oil, which goes through a chemical process through hydrogenation.

• 96% of all soybeans grown around the world are GMO, (Monsanto genetically modified) and treated with pesticides that don’t disappear when made into soy wax.

• most soy wax candles add palm oil, to keep them firmer.

• palm oil, while being unhealthy in itself, is growing in demand due to its versatile uses and cheap manufacturing cost, this is causing mass deforestation and destroying many natural habitats around the world.

How to choose a scented candle!

You have to stick to true essential oils.

Nothing marked fragrance, or “fragrance oil” read how to spot a fake essential oil

the ingredients should adjust the list, including beeswax, and the essential oils in the candle.

AIR FRESHNER SPRAYS

air fresheners are used to create a nice-smelling indoor space.

I doubt however many would turn to spray it about if they knew just HOW MANY CHEMICALS THEY EMIT WITH A SINGLE SPRAY.

FROMSCIENCEDIRECT.COM

Air fresheners emit over 100 different chemicals.

these chemicals include volatile organic compounds (terpenes such as limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene; terpenoids such as linalool and alpha-terpineol; ethanol, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene) and semi-volatile organic compounds (such as phthalates) [29], [46], [25], [40].

Air freshener emissions can also react with indoor oxidants, such as ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), and nitrate radicals (NO3), to generate a range of oxidation products [29], [35].

For instance, primary emissions such as terpenes can readily react with ozone to generate secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, glycol ethers, free radicals (such as hydroperoxy and alkyl peroxy radicals), and ultrafine particles.

Factors that influence emissions of secondary pollutants in your air freshener spray include ingredient composition, ingredient concentrations, reactive chemistry, and product usage [29].

What are the side effects of exposure to air fresheners?

Air freshener exposures, even at low levels, have been associated with a range of adverse health effects.

• migraine headaches,
• asthma attacks,
• breathing difficulties,
• respiratory difficulties,
• mucosal symptoms, (Mucosal disorders are diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals caused by yeast, viruses and bacteria.)
• dermatitis,
• infant diarrhea
• earache, especially in babies
• neurological problems,
• and ventricular fibrillation(Ventricular fibrillation is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).)

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN AIR FRESHENER

Use essential oils.

You can make cleaning sprays with essential oils and soapy water to use when you clean which helps to keep things smelling nice.

You can use diffusers, with a few gentle drops of an oil of your choice or a blend of oils to emit the scent you want.

you can use beeswax, essential oils scented candles.

You can place oils on a cloth and leave it somewhere to gently get an area smelling nice.

All this is healthy, cheaper in the long run and most importantly doesn’t leave any nasty side effects for you are your family to inhale.

WHAT IS ON MAMMA?

• what do you put on your hands, face and body?
• Are you wearing chemical-filled moisturisers?
• Makeup with fragrances and PAHs (lipstick, lip balm that rubs off on baby?)
• Do you still spritz perfume on your neck and wrists?
• Do you wear sprayed-on dry shampoo?
• do you wear heavily scented deodorants, and worse yet do they come from an aerosol can?

All of the above can be very irritating to the baby.

especially the fragrance.

with everything I have written above, I don’t think I need to go into another ingredient breakdown. the things we put on our skin, not only harm us, but also make us inflamed, and have our body working hard to constantly detox us from the many chemicals we expose ourselves to.

They can also, rub off on our baby.

the chemicals in perfume can irritate little noses and lungs.

hand cream and lip balms are especially vulnerable to babies.

Nipple BALM! this stuff can be filled with toxic nasties, and your baby is ingesting it!

So, the next time you are applying these things, think of what is in them and how much your baby will smell them, touch them and possibly get them in their mouths.

be aware of these things while your baby is constantly in you arms, touching your face and hands and spending a lot of time in your home, where the air should be free of chemicals to help little bodies be the best they can be!