Safe Alternatives for Baby and Child

Being that Sandra is from Europe, she had been exposed for some time now to the controversy around the possible toxic effects of PVC in baby and children’s toys. In fact, the additive of phthalates (or PVC) in baby toys has already been banned there. So she had always been very adamant about having only PVC-free toys for her baby. But up until I met her, I really didn’t know about the potential dangers of PVC in baby toys, it just isn’t spoken of too much here in the US.

Have you heard of the scare of phthalates, and do you know if it is lurking in the toys your baby plays with, and chews on, daily?

Let’s start with the good news first! Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed a bill (AB1108) October 15, putting a ban on 6 different phthalates being used in baby toys in California. Yahoo! Finally the US is catching up to the numerous other nations (14 to be exact, and the European Union), who have already banned this plastic-softening-chemical from all toys used by children under 3 years of age.

The function of phthalates/PVC is to soften plastics. Therefore, it is used in a very wide variety of places. The places of biggest concerns (but not the only concern) for our babies are in the toys that will be going into our babies mouths.

Some common examples are:

• soft, plastic chew toys
• soft, vinyl books
• plastic bath toys

What harm can phthalates potentially do to your baby?

“Phthlates are known endocrine disruptors and can affect normal hormonal processes. Phthalates have been linked to reduced testosterone levels, lowered sperm counts, early puberty in girls, genital defects in baby boys, testicular cancer and breast cancer. Moreover, several studies in humans have shown some of these toxic effects at levels similar to what the average Californian is currently exposed.” 1

This has been an issue in debate for quite some time now. The bottom line for us is this, if we can choose alternatives to plastic toys, especially chew toys, for our babies which will greatly reduce her expose to man-made chemicals, then we are all for that.

Also, even after the EU conducted a 10 year study showing an “unlikely” health risk to using pvc-containing toys, they still choose to ban phthalates from toys played with by children under 3 years of age. Hence, safbaby chooses to take this better-safe-than-sorry route too!

Here is a simple time line of what has been happening with phthalates over the past 10 years. Obviously the lead scare is not our only concern when it comes to safe toys:

• 1998: ban asked to be made against PVC used in toys, 90% of companies said they would be PVC-free by 1999.
• Feb. 2003: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) denied the state of Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) petition to ban PVC plastics in toys for young children.
• Sept., 2004: Other countries take action! European Union ban 3 phthalates classified as reproductive toxins in all toys and child care articles for children under the age of 3 that could be put in their mouths.
• June 2006: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale, distribution, or manufacture of toys and child care products intended for children under the age of 3 if they contained phthalates or BPA.
• Oct. 2006: A bunch of corporate associations filed a lawsuit challenging the June ban, arguing that the law preempt the S.F. ordinance.
• Oct. 15, 2007: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs AB1108, banning 6 different phthalates used in children’s toys. This bill however, does not take into effect until Jan. 2009.
• Currently: Although some companies are using a “phthatlates-free” label, it has been proven that some still contain PVC! Yes, even with the “PVC-free” label. The labeling is not yet regulated by the U.S. government, so there are no set guidelines or specific standards.
• In the up and coming months: Lawmakers in Texas, Illinois, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Washington, Connecticut and New York are expected to follow similar legislature to that of California’s AB1108.

Safe Alternatives to Plastic Toys

Some safe-alternatives to the plastic chew toys are wooden and/or cloth teethers. Use cloth or board books, and look for cloth bath toys such as the Gone Fishin’- Ocean from Rich Frog that we reviewed last month.

	Kringelring from Haba ($ 6.99) is a wonderful teething ring made of beech wood with maple elements threaded over a sturdy, cloth-covered red band. Finished with completely non-toxic, child-friendly substances. This quality toy was designed and manufactured in Germany.
	Rainbow Baby from Kathe Kruse ($13.99) is close to being the perfect first toy for baby. Made of ultra-soft cotton, this little doll comes “holding” a ring made of bees waxed beech wood – perfect for teething and easing sore little gums. The ring can be removed for washing and be easily re-attached when needed. Rainbow Baby was designed and finely crafted in Germany.
	Your child will love this adorable and imaginative Rattle by Selecta ($ 15.99). The rattle is in the shape of a caterpillar, seemingly munching on his own tail like a curious puppy. The gently jangling bell and rainbow-colored wooden disks are sure to keep Baby’s attention, while the smooth protective beeswax coating and solid German construction will give you piece of mind. Designed and produced in Germany.
	The crazy patterns and optical effects on these colorful Fantasy Blocks by Haba ($32.98) in all different shapes and sizes have limitless stacking potential. No two people ever make the same thing! 26 pieces total. Made in Germany.
	Souris Wooden Book from Chelona ($ 12.99) helps your little one develop fine motor skills and love of books. A cute, 3-dimensional mouse is secured to the book by a bright red string. Toddlers will delight in letting the mouse glimpse through peepholes on each page. The bright pictures are printed directly onto the wood and will not peel off. Built to endure years, even generations, of childhood enjoyment.

Companies that have gone PVC-free:

• Brio
• Chicco
• Ikea
• Lego
• Early Start
• Sassy
• Tiny Love

Another option is to call the company directly and ask if phthalates is being used in their plastics.

May playtime for our babies continue to be explored safely.

1 “Breast Cancer Fund,” n.d., Oct. 22, 2007

Recommended Reading:

http://www.phthalates.org/pdfs/WhyEUBannedPhthalates.pdf

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