There May Be More Than You Bargained For On Your Baby’s Wipes!
The word “paraben” had been foreign to me until the day I listened to an interview by Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. on the radio. She was promoting her book, Dying to Look Good, and the topic was on potentially harmful, cancer causing additives that are in our cosmetic products. To my surprise, many of these potentially harmful preservatives are also added to many baby products, AND baby wipes!
I have learned that there are many kinds of parabens, some more toxic than others. Why the heavens would they possibly be added to baby wipes?
I was shocked and shocked again as I read the list of ingredients listed in many of the common baby wipes available at your local store. Have you ever looked at the ingredients listed on the wipes you are wiping your baby’s bottoms with? Please do! Although it is a controversial debate as to whether or not parabens are harmful, I opt for the safer route and choose from the handful of options without.
Of the studies that have been done, one or more studies show reproductive effects at very low doses, organ system toxicity, and developmental/reproductive toxicity! “One controversial scientific study reported that parabens were found in samples of breast tumors.”1
Enough evidence for me to keep parabens clear of my baby girl’s behind!
According to EWG.org, the top three safest baby wipes are:
-
Avalon Organics Flushable Biodegrade Baby Wipes
-
Seventh Generation Unscented Baby Wipes with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
-
Tushies Baby Wipes with Aloe Vera, Unscented
The best deal I have found were from the super saver with free shipping option from Amazon.com!
Another alternative all together would be to use cloth wipes and sprays.
Find a great selection of cloth wipes and sprays at
www.wildflowerdiapers.com
Find great homemade wipe solution recipes at
www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com
Happy bottoms!
Favored links to research more:
www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben
1 Darbe PD, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, Coldham NG, Sauer MJ, Pope GS, Concentration of Parabens in human breast tumors. J APPl Toyicol. 2004 Jan-Feb., 24 (1):5-13.
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July 13th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
As a new mom I am horrified beyond belief at the harm we’re unleashing on our children! My baby is 22 months old and I am just now getting wise to the toxic chemicals found in common baby products. Even the ones with the word ‘Natural’ in their names! I’m so freaked out and worried that I may have caused harm to my only child. She may be one of those children that has accumulated a 50% cancer risk. Will someone PLEASE tell me what harm I caused her by applying lotions and diaper cream with mineral oil, propylene glycol, etc? My e-mail address is MMRTaylor0914@aol.com.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 am
Hello Ryana’s Mom,
It is hard to say what harm has been done that accumulates in our little one’s bodies now. Toxic exposure surrounds us daily, we can’t get away from it completely, but we can make the wisest choices where we can make a difference.
We understand your concern with all of this. When a parent’s eyes open to the truth of toxins in our everyday products and the environment, it is enough to make one a little crazy. We have been there.
Sometimes it seems easier to turn the other cheek, and simply remain ignorant. But isn’t that true for other areas of life too? In deciding to become more knowledgeable, and actively working towards creating the best environment possible, you are providing a wonderful offering, and TEACHING your little one an important character trait too!
It is wonderful to hear your passion. Let that passion fuel you to make changes over time that will continue to support your baby into a healthy adult. Ryana is fortunate to have a loving, caring mother who is strong and unwilling to sleep walk through life. Isn’t it amazing what our little one’s ultimately teach US?!