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Harmful toxins in everyday children's products

The 5 Most Harmful Toxins Hiding in Your Child’s Daily Routine (And How to Replace Them)

Holistic Wellness | Parenthood| Environmental Health
March 21, 2025•4 min read

As parents, we do everything in our power to protect our children. We research the best car seats, choose organic food when possible, and schedule wellness checkups. But what if I told you that some of the most harmful toxins your child is exposed to are hiding in their everyday routine—inside your home, their clothing, and even their personal care products?

Many mainstream baby and children’s products are filled with chemicals that disrupt hormones, impair brain development, and contribute to long-term health issues. But the good news? With the right knowledge, you can replace them with safer alternatives. In this post, I’ll uncover the top five hidden toxins in your child’s daily routine and share simple swaps to reduce their exposure.

1. Toxic Skincare & Bath Products

Where they’re hiding: Baby lotions, shampoos, soaps, and diaper creams

Many baby and children’s personal care products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals have been linked to hormone imbalances, developmental issues, and even allergies.

What to avoid:

  • Fragrance (a.k.a. a chemical cocktail of unknown toxins)

  • Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.) – Linked to hormone disruption

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – Harsh on sensitive skin and can cause irritation

Safer swaps:
✔️ Look for fragrance-free and paraben-free products
✔️ Choose organic, plant-based baby lotions and shampoos
✔️ Use DIY remedies like coconut oil for moisturizing and shea butter for diaper rash

🔗 Check out my favorite personal care products for kids HERE!

2. Flame Retardants in Pajamas & Furniture

Where they’re hiding: Pajamas, crib mattresses, car seats, and upholstered furniture

Flame retardants were added to children’s sleepwear and furniture with the intention of reducing fire risks, but research has shown that these chemicals can leach into the air and be absorbed through the skin. Studies have linked them to neurological damage, lower IQ, and hormone disruption.

What to avoid:

  • Pajamas labeled “flame-resistant”

  • Crib mattresses made with polyurethane foam

  • Old couches, car seats, and baby gear with polyurethane foam

Safer swaps:
✔️ Buy 100% organic cotton pajamas with no flame retardant treatment
✔️ Choose GREENGUARD Gold-certified mattresses for cribs and beds
✔️ If replacing furniture isn’t an option, use an organic cotton slipcover

🔗 Need help choosing non-toxic household products? Click HERE!

3. Plastic Food Containers & Bottles

Where they’re hiding: Sippy cups, baby bottles, plastic food containers, and snack pouches

Plastics contain bisphenols (BPA, BPS) and phthalates, which mimic estrogen in the body and interfere with hormone development, particularly in young children. Even “BPA-free” plastics aren’t necessarily safer, as companies replace BPA with BPS, which has similar endocrine-disrupting effects.

What to avoid:

  • Any plastic food containers, even if BPA-free

  • Plastic water bottles and sippy cups

  • Plastic wrap and plastic storage bags

Safer swaps:
✔️ Use stainless steel or glass baby bottles
✔️ Store food in glass or silicone containers
✔️ Swap plastic utensils for bamboo or stainless steel

🔗 Check out my absolute favorite baby bottles and kid's water bottles HERE and some non-toxic kitchenware HERE

4. Artificial Dyes in Food & Medicine

Where they’re hiding: Candy, cereals, fruit snacks, children’s vitamins, and liquid medications

Many foods marketed to children contain artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and allergic reactions in children. Unfortunately, they’re also found in children’s medications, including over-the-counter fever reducers and cough syrups.

What to avoid:

  • Processed snacks and cereals with artificial dyes

  • Children’s gummy vitamins with synthetic colors

  • Liquid medications containing Red 40 or Yellow 5

Safer swaps:
✔️ Choose organic, dye-free versions of vitamins and medicines
✔️ Opt for natural food coloring (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina)
✔️ Read labels carefully—many “healthy” snacks still contain dyes!

🔗 Check out our Free Guide HERE for 10 convenient, ingredient conscious kids snacks!

5. Pesticides in Conventional Produce & Baby Food

Where they’re hiding: Non-organic fruits, vegetables, and packaged baby food

The Dirty Dozen, a list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), includes many of the fruits and vegetables young children love—like strawberries, apples, and spinach. Studies have linked pesticide exposure to neurodevelopmental disorders, lowered IQ, and gut microbiome imbalances.

What to avoid:

  • Conventionally grown strawberries, spinach, apples, grapes, and potatoes

  • Pre-packaged baby food with vague ingredient sourcing

  • Non-organic rice products (rice is high in arsenic)

Safer swaps:
✔️ Prioritize organic versions of Dirty Dozen foods
✔️ Buy from local farmers who use minimal pesticides
✔️ Make homemade baby food using organic ingredients

🔗 Click HERE for some easy go-to non-toxic snacks

How to Take Action Today

Reducing your child’s exposure to toxins may feel overwhelming at first, but small, intentional changes add up over time. Start with one or two swaps—maybe replacing their plastic sippy cups or switching to organic pajamas—and build from there.

✅ Next Steps:

Your child deserves the healthiest start possible. Let’s make it happen together! 🌿💚

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