babies health

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Children are far more vulnerable to the effects of toxins than adults. This easily overlooked fact is simply because their body is smaller, thus they consume more air, food, and water for each pound of body weight than adults, they put more things into their mouths and they naturally spend more time on the ground.

In addition, children are more susceptible to damage from environmental threats because their bodies, brains, organs, and central nervous system are undergoing extensive growth and development throughout infancy and early childhood. As a result, exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides and plastics, has been implicated in increased rates of asthma, acute bronchitis and upper-respiratory infections, cancer, cognitive impairment and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

It is easy to lose sight of the basics, so here are some basic ways to minimize the risks for your baby?

1. Shop locally for organic food and baby skin care products

2. Use non-toxic cleaners in and around your home

3. Be sure pesticides aren't being used in the gardens or yards your child plays in (and your pets)

4. Wash your child's toys with warm, soapy water

5. Avoid plastic toys for babies – choose alternatives such as textile or wooden - see our wooden toy section for some examples.

For more information regarding your child's health we suggest a visit to the The Children's Health Environmental Coalition.