Eliminating Toxins from your Baby's World

by Janet Ouellette

Your beautiful baby has arrived. Coming from a safe secure place in mommy's womb into a world full of toxins. Many of these toxins I believe to be contributors to some of the sickness and childhood conditions that we see today. Many that were even unheard of even during my own childhood.
As parents we need to take steps to eliminate these toxins from our baby's environment. The best way to do this is to take a look at our baby's surroundings and then make some positive healthy changes.
Let's look at what babies do. They breathe, eat, play, bathe and sleep. Now lets examine each area and the ways we can make their world a safer place.

1. Breathing- From the moment your baby takes his first breathe into the world he will be exposed to toxins in the air. Mold, mildew, chemicals and many other allergens fill our baby's environment every day. It's impossible to shelter your baby from these harmful air pollutants all of the time. You can however take steps in your own home to keep your baby's air as clean as possible. A great way to start is by purchasing a good air cleaner that removes these toxins from the air your baby breathes. You can also choose healthier alternatives when it comes to using cleaners and other products that will enter the air your baby breathes.

2. Eating - Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy first food for your baby. Special antibodies pass from the mother's milk to her baby helping to protect the baby from all kinds of things. When your baby is ready for solid food you can buy organic fruits and vegetables and make your own. There are many books available on making your own baby food and it's really quite simple and rewarding. If you simply cannot make it yourself you can purchase prepared organic baby food. Organically grown produce is not treated with chemicals and pesticides.

3. Playing - When babies are a few months they begin to play as they grasp things such as rattles and other small toys. Playing is such an important part of baby's growth and as they grow they will enjoy playing with lots of different toys. Many of the toys we see on the market today are made from plastics and other chemicals that are hazardous for your baby. We know babies especially like to put everything in their mouth. But there are many healthy toy alternatives on the market today that are completely free of toxins. You'll find organic cotton toys that are free of pesticides and natural wood teethers, rattles and other fun toys that are made from safe non-toxic materials, and finishes.

4. Bathing - Bathing is an enjoyable and relaxing time for your baby. Just as important as what you feed your baby is what you put on your baby's skin. Many of the commercially made shampoos, soaps and lotions contain chemicals that may be harmful to your baby. There are many readily available shampoos, lotions, soaps, diaper rash cream and baby care necessities that are made from 100% natural ingredients. Start checking labels before you buy a product. Learn what ingredients to watch out for. Look for products that are organic or 100% natural. You won't find too many in your local department store but a health food store and many stores online will carry them.

5. Sleeping - Most all mattresses today are treated with PBDE's including crib mattresses. PBDE's are chemicals that make the mattress fire retardant. The exposure to these chemicals may prove to be very hazardous to your child's health. There is no need to place your precious baby on a chemically treated mattress where they spend so much time when there are other safer alternatives available. You can purchase a natural organic mattresses and natural bedding for your baby. Yes, they are a little more expensive than the average baby bedding you'll find in your local department store but isn't your baby worth it?

Learn more about PBDE's

Natural it's the way to go!