Well this past weekend my wife went out to buy a children’s book rack for our son. We make it a point not to buy products from China since the majority of all the issues come from products manufactured there.  Now I admit that is a challenge in itself since it seems like almost every “American” company has their baby products made over in China these days. My wife came home with “good deal” made by a major baby company.  When I flipped the box over to see where it was made of course it said made in China.  That was not a surprise at all. What was a surprise was that it actually had Formaldehyde warning labels on it. Stating that studies conducted in the State of California show that this product contains high levels of Formaldehyde.  Only thing I could say was, Really?

Can manufactures really get away with this? Unfortunately, they can get away with creating products that are unsafe and even hazardous. I do not believe it is right and cant stand the fact that they rub it in the consumers face by acknowledging that their product is harmful and yet keep selling it for a high profit. Parents I implore you to get informed, get active, and make a difference not supporting those companies that put their profit over your child’s well being.

We recommend that if you still want to use your baby sling then make sure your baby’s face visible at all times . If you are nursing your baby in a sling, remember to change your baby’s position after feeding so your baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and your body. Please be vigilant about frequently checking your baby, to make sure he/she is alright.

We were about to carry some Organic Cotton slings for our customers. However, at this time we be holding off until the CPSC concludes their investigation. We would like to know what our loyal customers think about these slings. So please feel free to contact us directly at admin@ecoamericanbaby.com

What is most alarming is that since the very early 1990′s scientists have raised concerns regarding the safety of PBDE’s. Yet they are still used in almost every product you find in your home. People are primarily exposed in two ways, through ingestion of food and by inhalation. Studies in Canada have found significant amounts of PBDE’s in common foods such as salmon, ground beef butter, and cheese.

Since the late 90′s studies started to show that children in the US had higher levels of PBDE’s than adults. Which should have been a red flag at the time and yet these chemicals were still commonly used. A recent study by Colombia University looked into how PBDE’s bio-accumulate in fatty tissues, and breast milk, and the effects they have on new-born children. Their research found that children with higher concentrations of PBDE’s in their umbilical cord blood at birth scored lower on tests of mental and physical development between the ages of one and six. Developmental effects were particularly evident at four years of age, when verbal and full IQ scores were reduced 5.5 to 8 points for those with the highest prenatal exposures.

With all that we know about these chemicals and he harmful effects it is hard to believe that they are still in use. A handful of states have passed their own laws that ban the use of PBDE’s in products. Which is either sad or good depending on how you look at it. It’s good that they have taken the initiative to do something, but its pathetic that the federal government is inept to do so. EPA has established a “safe’ daily exposure level. Isn’t that reassuring.

If you have children or will soon be expecting baby, take maters into your own hands to protect your child. Do research online, buy products that are certified to not have PBDE’s. Take a look at purchasing Organic clothing that does not contain any harmful chemicals. Also take a look at anything that they can put in their mouth. Which if you have a little one you know that really includes everything. Don’t wait for someone to make changes that you can already do yourself.

We all know of the obvious items such as toys, pacifiers, clothing, etc. Yes we all know and are aware that our children will no doubt put these in their mouth. However, most often families are totally unaware if little Johnny’s toy is even safe. Most will assume the toy is safe since it came from a National department store and was a Major baby brand.  If you take the time to actually look where the product was manufactured, you would mostly likely see Made in China. You would not believe the chemicals that have been found in toys from China. Chemicals such as lead, Chlorine, arsenic, bromine, mercury, and most recently cadmium. In 2007 Mattel alone recalled 21 million Chinese made toys in a two month period due to toxic chemicals in their toys.

The materials used in toys like plastics, paints, and fabrics are made up of chemicals, and may also contain added chemicals to impart specific properties such as rigidity, durability, flexibility or flame resistance. When children put these products into their mouths, some of these chemicals may enter their bodies. Some of the substances, which are not always chemically bound to the products, may also be released directly onto skin, or into the air that children breathe.

Because children’s bodies are growing and developing, they are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals. Even small amounts of a chemical can impact a child’s ability to reach his or her full potential. Children are exposed to toxic chemicals from many sources in addition to toys, and the combination of these many exposures may cause harm.

It’s just not the toys that we need to be concerned with as well. It seems my son is always sucking on either his clothes, my clothes, or his wipe cloth. Almost all non-orgainic cotton clothing will have chlorine and formaldehyde in the fabric. If it says made in China on your label its almost guaranteed to be in there. They put these chemicals in their clothing to keep the fabric stain free and disinfected. Which might be a valid reason, but the problem is that formaldehyde is a carcinogen and is proven to cause cancer.

All of this can be avoided when you take the time, do some research, and buy Certified Organic Products, such as GOTS.  You can purchase toys, clothing, bedding, food, pretty much anything is available organic these days. Does buying Organic cost more? Yes but there are many reasons why. When it comes to cotton, Organic cotton produces smaller yields, thus costing more to produce. The advantage is Organic clothes are produced in ways that do not destroy the environment because they don’t use pesticides and fertilizers. Which hurts the land and water supply, but that is a whole other subject. Here is a good example, the average large T-shirt from regular cotton requires 1/3 of a pound of pesticides to produce.

I am hoping that we all take a little more time to protect our little ones because they can’t protect themselves.  We look forward to bringing you some more FYI’s this year.