Navigating the world as a first-time mom is overwhelming, to say the least. There is a plethora of information about ways to induce birth, what to feed the baby, when to start solids, how to teach baby, what to put on baby if your baby is developing appropriately. Most of the information available is contradictory. It can be challenging to figure out what’s true, what’s good for your baby, and what will work for your family with a sea of information to read through. Because a child’s early stages of life come and go so quickly, it is pretty challenging to engage in trial and error to figure out what is really best for your baby. As mothers and parents, we always want what is best for our baby and in terms of health, life and our baby’s safety, and for this reason, natural and organic baby products are the best way to go.
But what does organic actually mean? National Organic Standards Board defines it as “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on the minimal use of off-farm inputs and management practices that restore and enhance ecological harmony.” The National Organic Standards Board has strict guidelines. An item is only given the Certified Organic title once it has met all the board’s necessary requirements. This means that every step of the process for any given item must meet the criteria, from the soil where the stem grows up to the processing facilities where it is created. Organic products are held to higher and stricter standards than processed and chemical-filled products. The popularity and demand for natural and organic products have dramatically increased in the past decade, as more and more consumers are recognizing the health benefits of going organic.
The demand for organic baby products has also dramatically increased. Organic baby products are not just limited to specialty health or organic stores, but most department stores and local grocery stores have sections specifically for organic products and food.
What has led to this explosion? Parents always want the best for their children; the baby’s skin is more thin and porous than adults’ skin is more fragile and less oily. This means that their skin absorbs things quite quickly, and it is less resistant to bacteria and harmful substances in the environment. This means we need to be very careful and cautious of what we put on our children’s skin. Organic baby products are better because they include more natural ingredients and fewer pesticides, chemicals and other harmful ingredients.
Some products that we should be aware of and try to avoid
Baby Oils
- Mass marketed baby oils are mostly made of Mineral Oils
- Mineral Oil is a By-Product of Petroleum refinement
- It is used because it is cheap and easy to find
- They clog pores and prevent skin from breathing
- Hinders natural release of toxins and blocks absorption of beneficial ingredients applied to the skin
- It can also cause vitamin deficiencies, once it is absorbed into the skin, it can get processed by the liver, and then nutrients get bound by the oil, and their absorption becomes blocked.
- Alternative Organic Baby Products: Natural and organic essential oils, such as lavender oil, coconut oil or Nature’s Baby Organics Baby Oil. These products do not have any additives and are safe to use on a baby’s skin to moisture and keep it healthy.
Baby Lotion
- The ingredient “Fragrance” is high on the list for lotions; it is often made from phthalates.
- Phthalates are linked to liver and kidney damage and interfere with the development of reproductive organs and mimic the hormone estrogen in the body.
- The use of Parabens, which are known to cause allergic reactions and disruption to the endocrine system
- Alternative Organic Baby Products: Natural and organic essential oils will keep the baby moisturized and healthy or Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Lotions. These products do not have any additives and are safe to use on a baby’s skin to moisture and keep it healthy.
Cotton Clothing
- Cotton crop is the definition of chemically dependent agriculture; cotton crops alone account for $2.6 billion in pesticides used each year.
- Cotton crops use 25% of the world’s pesticides and 10% of the world’s insecticides yearly, even though it equals 2.4% of all cultivated land.
- Conversion of cotton crops into clothing requires numerous toxic chemicals to be added at each stage, such as harsh petroleum scours, softeners, brighteners, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia and formaldehyde.
- Alternative Organic Baby Products: Organic cotton baby products, which cuts down babies’ exposure to toxins, pesticides are not used, it is safer, sturdier, cheaper, and it feels great and lasts longer!
Lotus Organics states that “Millions of children in the US receive up to 35% of their estimated lifetime dose of some carcinogenic pesticides by age five through food, contaminated drinking water, household use, and pesticide drift”. We must protect our children from being exposed to these carcinogenic pesticides. Choosing organic products can cut down on the amount of exposure your child gets to toxins. Our children will grow up exposed to various environmental pollutants; the least we can do is choose organic products to ensure natural and healthy living for our sensitive and precious babies and our environment.
In conclusion, here are some reasons why organic products are better for your baby:
- It helps protect your children
- It reduces pesticide use
- It protects water quality
- It is a sturdier fabric
- It saves you money
- It feels amazing inside and out
- It supports an actual economy
- It supports a healthier environment
Let us know in the comments below what your favourite Organic Baby Products are. Let us know how much you love it! Connect with us on Social Media to stay informed about more ways to Live Life Naturally, and make sure to comment below to share your thoughts with us!
