I really, really try not to be a neurotic parent. But when it comes to the chemical soup that exists in many of our homes, I draw the line. I vote for good, old-fashioned dirt. And since my family seems to create a lot of it, I think that I’m winning that battle.
Seriously, though, I am a little bit afraid of the impacts of many chemicals on my child’s short-term and long-term health. When that child is a baby, with a tiny body mass and a less-developed system, I get even more careful. You want a safe home, you want a clean home, and you don’t have all day to clean.
What chemicals could cause an immediate reaction, and what are some alternatives?
Chemicals that can cause immediately toxic reactions if they are eaten include such innocuous-sounding items as dishwasher detergent. Most cleaners will also cause very bad and even deadly reactions if they are eaten. Consider reducing the number of cleaners you have in your home and replace them with nontoxic alternatives like salt, vinegar, and baking soda. Yes, salt, vinegar and soda are also bad to eat, but I can’t imagine that a baby would eat more than a taste, since they taste terrible. If you are looking for a pre-made commercial cleaner, find one that is non-toxic, like Pink Solution.
Many babies also react to chemicals on the skin, such as scented laundry detergent. If your baby is sensitive to these chemicals, try out natural and unscented varieties. Cut down on bleach and any other laundry additives. Cloth diapers are wonderful, but if you or your diaper service uses a lot of bleach or harsh cleaners to clean them, you may need to switch to washing them at home.
Some foods are also grown with a large dose of pesticides, while other foods are not. Watch your baby closely for reactions as you introduce new foods into the diet. You may want to begin by choosing foods that contain fewer pesticides or are grown organically so that you can pinpoint any food reactions – are they an allergic reaction or a sensitivity to the chemicals on the food?
Should you choose to clean with chemicals that can be toxic for a baby, beware of the baby marauder! This little person will happily head right over to the cleaning cupboard, bang the doors open and shut, and get her hands into everything. Even items like laundry soap and dish detergent need to be locked away. Yes, this is common sense – but have you checked the baby locks on your soap cupboard lately?
Are you concerned about the potential impacts of chemicals on your baby’s health? Do the short term or long term impacts concern you more?