Check out my top choices for non toxic baby products you may want to add to your nursery and registry to lower our little ones’ exposure to harmful chemicals!
After researching a ton of baby products on the market, the harmful chemicals that are in so many of them, and what a newborn actually needs, I’ve picked out some of my favorite non toxic baby products that we’ve been adding to the nursery and our registry before our baby’s arrival.
Before I talk about what non toxic baby products we decided on and some other safe options you may choose to go with, I just want to share that we don’t have to change everything in our lives, but it’s definitely wise to think about reducing our exposure to toxins which are in so many of the products we use everyday, mattresses and beddings we sleep on, and things that go on our skin. Babies are especially sensitive to these substances, which is why we are being extra mindful.
We are actually quite minimalists when it comes to products (we weren’t even going to set up a nursery at first), so here’s the list of what we thought we absolutely needed in preparation for our baby!
In This Non Toxic Baby Products Guide:
SAFEST BABY MATTRESS
One of the first things I researched when it came non toxic baby products was the safest baby mattresses on the market. Since the baby will spend most of her time sleeping, this was extremely important to me and the same goes for adult mattresses as well (even more so if you are planning to co-sleep or bed-share).
So many mattresses are made with flame-retardant chemicals like polyurethane foam and contain VOCs, formaldehyde, and pesticides, and these toxins are harmful for our health and contribute to indoor air pollution. Of course, babies and kids are even more sensitive to these chemicals, which is why I wanted to invest in the safest baby mattress on the market.
Emily Natural Crib Mattress By MyGreenMattress
We decided to go with Emily Natural Crib Mattress, because it’s made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified natural wool. I also really liked that it’s made in the US!
Wool mattresses are naturally flame retardant so it doesn’t need harmful chemicals, and I love that they don’t use dyes or bleaches. I felt really great opening up the mattress when I first received it, because it didn’t have any kind of chemical smell at all.
In addition, Emily Natural Crib Mattress has an awesome firmness level, which is important for the safety of newborns. It also provides even weight distribution because it features GOTS-certified coconut coir blended with GOLS-certified natural latex.
It was also one of the most affordable safe baby mattresses on the market. We also got their Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector, because there will definitely be many accidents in the future!
Other Safe Crib Mattress Options
- Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress
- Naturalmatusa Quilted Coco Mat
- SleepLily Pure Start Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
ORGANIC BABY CRIB SHEETS
Not only is the crib mattress important, you better believe the sheets are as well! Luckily, high quality, organic baby crib sheets are not expensive, and you can find many on the market at an affordable price. I wanted to find sheets that were unbleached and certified organic, and they were really easy to find!
I honestly loved the design of this Crate and Barrel organic baby crib sheet so that’s what I got to “set up” the nursery, but will probably also buy a few more from this list as backups for when it needs to be washed:
- Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Crib Sheets
- TEALBEE Baby: 100% Organic Cotton Fitted Crib Sheet
- American Baby Company Knit Fitted Crib Sheet
- Pottery Barn has also been coming out with some cute organic sheets
NON TOXIC CAR SEAT
The main problem with most car seats on the market is the flame retardant chemicals that they contain. While flame retardant chemicals are used to prevent the spread of fire, they accumulate in the body and do not leave, and are linked to serious health hazards like:
- hormone disruption
- impaired fetal and child development
- impaired neurological development
- liver and thyroid issues
Unfortunately, there aren’t many companies that are making car seats without these chemicals, but I did find a few on the market that use wool instead which is naturally flame retardant.
UPPAbaby Mesa Merino Wool Car Seat
This is the one that we decided to go with. I really loved the design of these UPPAbaby Mesa car seats, and they use OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified wool. On top of that, from everything I’ve been reading, they are one of the safest car seats out there.
Keep in mind that only the colors Henry and Jordan are made with merino wool and contain no flame retardant chemicals, which is why these 2 colors are priced higher than other colors. They are also really easy to install as well.
Other Non Toxic Car Seat Options
- Nuna Pipa Lite LX
- Clek Liing – just the color MAMMOTH
- Britax Advocate ClickTight SafeWash – just the color OTTO
NON TOXIC DIAPERS
I was actually quite excited to see that there were a good amount of options for safer, non toxic diapers on the market. I was, at first, surprised by how much harmful chemicals were in so many diapers, just like feminine menstrual pads. Our genitals are one of the most sensitive parts of our body that absorb chemicals easily, so it’s important for me to purchase diapers that are free of toxins.
Chemicals to Avoid in Diapers
- Dioxins (chlorine bleach) – Most diapers are bleached with chlorine, and dioxins are the byproduct of this process which leech into the diaper and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers dioxins as highly carcinogenic, and they are also known to cause skin irritations.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – These chemicals in diapers can evaporate and impair lung function, as well as causing eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the kidney and central nervous system. Some of these chemicals in disposable diapers include toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
- Tributyl-tin (TBT) – Commonly found in disposable diapers, TBT is linked to skin issues, but is also extremely harmful to aquatic life by causing hormonal disruptions in aquatic organisms.
- Fragrances and dyes – Just like in skincare, companies are not required to disclose what chemicals and specific ingredients fall under the term “fragrance.” Many times, they can include parabens, pthalates, and other harmful ingredients that are known to cause reproductive toxicity and allergic reactions.
Non Toxic Diapers – Top Choices
The more I looked into non toxic diapers, I began realizing that every diaper fits every baby differently. While one brand might have a clean option, it may leak and not be the best option for some babies.
Because of this, we decided to buy one large pack of newborn diapers from one brand, and then get free to cheap samples from several brands so we can try them out and pick what will be best for our baby later. Many companies offer samples so it’s a really great idea to take advantage of them to make sure they are right for your baby before you invest in them!
Here are some clean brands I found:
- Thrive Market Diapers: We decided to purchase a big pack of these diapers because they were one of the cheapest ones on the market for non toxic diapers. Newborn babies change diapers about 20 times a day, so we knew we needed a lot to start out with. These diapers are made with chlorine-free wood pulp and made with plant-based liners and ink without heavy metals. They also have great reviews!
Get an extra 25% OFF your first order + a 30 day free trial membership when you sign up at Thrive Market! (Valid on orders $49+, max $20 discount) - Dyper: This is a subscription based company and you pay just $64/month, and the number of diapers they send you varies depending on the baby’s age and needs. Their diapers are made of bamboo without chlorine, latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT or phthalates. They can also be safely composted.
Right now, they are offering a free diaper bag when you start a monthly subscription! - Andy Pandy: Great for babies with sensitive skin, these bamboo diapers use an aloe liner to moisturize the skin and are free of chlorine, BPA, TBT, PVC, and preservatives. They are also biodegradable and eco-friendly and I like that they have a wetness indicator. I’ve heard amazing reviews about how absorbent they are without leaks.
- Honest Company
- Bambo Nature
- Parasol: These diapers use fluff pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests and they have such cute designs. They are hypoallergenic, and use safe and lead-free inks.
- Eco by Naty: Another great option. One thing to note is that the material is partly made out of non-GMO corn, so it’s something to remember if your baby has allergies.
- Earth+Eden
- Pampers Pure: I love that a mainstream company is coming out with toxin free diapers, which shows that the demand is definitely out there for safer products for our little ones.
NON TOXIC BABY WIPES
Just like diapers, babies go through baby wipes fast so it’s a good idea to have plenty on hand. However, they are another item that contain harsh chemicals that you may not want touching your baby’s gentle, sensitive skin.
I actually found that the most popular companies included harmful chemicals that are known to be irritants, allergens, and/on toxins in their baby wipes.
Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Wipes
- Parabens – Preservatives known to cause hormone disruption, as well as skin rashes and allergies. You can find them on the label most commonly as butlyl, ethyl, methyl, and propyl (all ending in -paraben).
- Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals – Used as a preservative and known to cause cancer, and damage hormonal health and central nervous system. You can look for the following terms on the label: formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.
- Propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol – These are petroleum-based mineral oils used to enhance absorption, so harmful chemicals can easily be penetrated through the skin. It’s also a skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions. These oils can also be easily contaminated with carcinogens during the manufacturing process.
- Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES) – Used as a foaming and cleaning agent, both SLS and SLES can cause organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxocity and skin and eye irritation.
- Triclosan – An antibacterial agent that passes through the skin to cause allergies and hormone dysfunction. It has also been connected to the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria. While it’s not too common in baby wipes, they are abundant in antibacterial wipes so it’s best to avoid them if you are out of baby wipes.
- Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – A common preservative that most manufacturers stopped using because of its harmful effects, but I was still able to spot it recently in popular baby wipes. It is widely known to cause dermatitis.
- Fragrances (includes essential oils) – Just like I mentioned under the chemicals you want to avoid in diapers, there could be various harmful chemicals that manufacturers could hide under the “fragrance” like pthalates, endocrine disruptors, allergens, and neurotoxins. I would also avoid using natural fragrances like essential oils. While they ARE natural, they can be potent and not be manufactured properly, and be irritating and burdensome to baby’s sensitive skin and system.
Baby Wipes by bloom BABY for Sensitive Skin
After looking at all the clean options for baby wipes, these Bloom BABY wipes were what we decided to go with, because they are budget-friendly (5 cents per wipe if you buy in bulk), hypoallergenic, and are free of “alcohol, chlorine, phthalates, formaldehyde carriers, parabens, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, SLS, lanolin, or most common allergens.” They are also fragrance free.
What I also like about these wipes is the quality and size of the wipes. I have read about a lot of non toxic baby wipes being too flimsy or having to use more than one at each use because they just do not hold up. However, I love that these are big and durable.
Other Non-Toxic Baby Wipes
- WaterWipes Sensitive Baby Wipes
- ATTITUDE Baby Wipes
- Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes
- Bets & Emy Wipes
- Pampers Aqua Pure Wipes
- Joonya Baby Wipes
GLASS BABY BOTTLES
Another item to consider when shopping for non toxic baby product is baby bottles and what they are made of. I’ve stopped using any kind of plastic in the kitchen for a few years now, except for the occasional use of resealable plastic bags. While there are many plastic containers and bottles that are BPA-free, BPA is not the only chemical that we need to avoid in plastics.
There are also BPS and BPF which are found in plastics, that pose a similar level of health risks and leech into the food when we eat out of these plastic containers. They can disrupt our hormonal health and cause reproductive issues, while causing inflammation and DNA damage.
The more I study the negative effects of plastics (BPA-free included) for our health and the environment, the less of it I want in my home. So when I was choosing baby bottles, there was no question that I wanted to go with glass.
Mason Bottle
Okay, I freaked out a little when I found out about this company, because the concept is just so brilliant. I was looking at a bunch of glass baby bottles on the market to choose from, and I was honestly a bit surprised at how expensive they are. However, I was willing to spend the dough for the best option for our baby.
That was when I came across the company, Mason Bottle. With the kit you purchase from them, you can convert current glass mason jars you have at home into baby bottles. The products are made with silicone and high quality and include:
- silicone nipples (been hearing great reviews about the nipple design and how they don’t cause nipple confusion)
- silicone sleeves to protect the glass jars
- or you can order the whole DIY kit like me, which also comes with a cap to protect the nipples.
I love that these are affordable and if you don’t have any mason jars at home, you can easily purchase them for about a $1 each at a local craft store! They also have toddler tumbler options as well.
I tested them out and they are completely leak-proof. Plus, as long as you have the DIY kit, that’s all you need. No need to buy more expensive bottles.
Other Great Glass Baby Bottle Options
- Philips AVENT Natural Glass Bottles
- Lifefactory Baby Bottles
- Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles
- Evenflo Classic Glass Bottle
BEST BABY BATH SOAPS & LOTIONS
As a safer skincare advocate, there wasn’t a question that I would look at every ingredient on all the skincare products we may use on our baby. With my own history of hormonal issues that drastically improved after switching to safer products, I know the huge impact that harmful ingredients can have on our health. I do believe that working on my health and making this switch were what helped me get pregnant in the first place, when I initially knew there was a possibility I might not be able to.
There are hormone disrupting ingredients like fragrances, parabens, pthalates, formaldehyde, petroleum-based oils, and more, that shouldn’t even be in adult skin care products, yet you can find them in products for babies who are much more sensitive to these chemicals. These ingredients are known to cause reproductive toxicity, allergies, and developmental disorders.
Beautycounter’s Baby Products
Whether they are for adults or babies, Beautycounter makes some of the highest quality and safest products that are actually very effective. They have banned 1500 harmful or known-to-be harmful ingredients in all their products, when the US has only banned 30.
Their baby products are gentle and safe for babies, and many moms have had great success reducing diaper rashes and skin conditions with their products. They have:
- Baby Gentle All-Over Wash – Tear free and gentle soap that has no scent. Moms with babies who have sensitive skin swear by this wash.
- Baby Daily Protective Balm – I’ve actually been personally using this as a cuticle cream because it’s so hydrating and healing. If you have babies with dry skin spots or eczema, the combination of organic shea butter and jojoba oil is so soothing!
- Baby Soothing Oil – A safe and lightweight moisturizer for baby without being greasy. Some moms also use it for their little one’s cradle cap with great success.
- Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream – I’ve been hearing from so many mamas that this zinc-based diaper cream is amazing for healing redness and irritation. They come back to this over and over again after trying out other products that just aren’t as effective, and it’s also EWG-verified.
- Or you can purchase the discounted bundle (doesn’t come with the Diaper Rash Cream), or the entire collection which comes with an awesome diaper bag!
Other Safe Baby Skin Care Products
- Primally Pure – Another one of my favorite safer skincare companies, also has some clean and natural baby products, like Baby Balm (which I also used as a stretch mark cream during my pregnancy!), Baby Oil, Baby Powder, and Baby Bar.
You can get 10% off your first-time purchase using my code: JEAN10! Shop here. - Attitude
- Earth Mama
- Babytime! by Episencial
- Made Of
- Baja Baby
OTHER ITEMS WE PURCHASED
Crib – This was the only new furniture we bought for the nursery and I wanted a wood one with low-VOC paint that was preferably GREENGUARD Gold Certified (meets rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, such as VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates). The ones I found under this criteria were pretty pricey, but I actually discovered this Carter’s by DaVinci convertible crib that was budget friendly and minimalist. It didn’t emit any smell when I opened the package, I think it looks really nice!
Snuggle Me Organic Lounger – Definitely not a necessity, but I’ve heard other mamas who have it who say that this was crucial for successful naps. I’m willing to invest in anything that’ll make my life easier postpartum. I love that these are GOTS certified organic cotton, and the fill is virgin polyester fiber fill, which means there are no additives or flame retardants.
Solly Wrap – I’ve studied a lot about babywearing and its benefits, and it was something I definitely want to do with my baby. After reading countless reviews and talking to a local babywearing specialist, the Solly seemed like the best option for a newborn because it’s lightweight, breathable, and doesn’t stretch easily.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – The more I learn about breastfeeding, it seems like manual pumps are way easier and more effective than electronic pumps. Of course, this is always determined by your personal preference, but I don’t think I want to be connected to cords with pumps that make loud noises. It’s also a pain to carry them around. I do have one on hand from my insurance company, but I have been hearing so many amazing things about the Haakaa breast pump, so that’s what I decided to go with. They are small, easy to clean, portable, and amazing for catching let-downs while breastfeeding so none of your milk goes to waste.
Swaddles – Swaddles are of those things in which there are so many choices on the market, and you just don’t know what your baby will gravitate toward in terms of style or if she or he will even like it. We did purchase several to have on hand. Some of my requirements were:
- I wanted them to be cotton or muslin so they are safe and breathable.
- The blanket styles had to be 47″x47″ – many parents told me that any smaller, they didn’t work as well.
- They shouldn’t be bamboo material because they are too smooth and silky in texture, so the swaddle loosens easily.
We have 6 swaddles on hand and these are what we decided to go with:
- Snuggle Me Organic Cotton Swaddle Blanket
- Virginia Kate Organic Muslin Swaddle Blankets
- Cambria Baby Organic Cotton Adjustable Infant Swaddle Wraps
Hope you found this extensive guide of non toxic baby products helpful! Of course, these are just my top choices and decisions based on my own research. It’s always so empowering to do your own research, as well as take guidance from experienced parents as well. Our choices may change when the baby is actually here and that’s perfectly okay. You just gotta find what works best for you and your family based on trial and error!
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