Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateProducts such as baby lotions, powders, and shampoos may be a significant source of phthalates in infants, according to a recent study in Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This group of chemicals, which can be absorbed through the skin, is used in personal care products to help stabilize fragrances and enhance a product's color and absorption. Children and adults can also be exposed to phthalates by chewing on products that contain them or breathing dust contaminated with them. Some studies suggest that phthalates may affect human development and the reproductive system but the FDA has determined that there's not enough evidence to take regulatory action against the additive.
Nonetheless, if you'd like to minimize your baby's phthalate exposure until more is known about the possible risks associated with it, here are two surprising ways to lower it:
• Be stingy with the amount of shampoo you use to wash your baby's hair, and don't bother stocking your baby's changing table with lotion or powder. "Babies don't need either," says Sheela Sathyanarayana, M.D., M.P.H., acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, the lead author of the phthalates study published in Pediatrics. If, by chance, your baby has really dry skin, go with an unscented, hypoallergenic lotion, she advises.
• Clean up your act. Keep the dust bunny level low in your house by sweeping wood floors often, especially under and around beds, and vacuum carpets frequently. Home dust is a major source of phthalates. "House dust can also exacerbate asthma and allergies in children, which is another reason to keep your house clean," Dr. Sathyanarayana says.
See our reports on baby bathtubs and changing tables and baby furniture for more information.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
