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Has baby got a playdate with phthalates?

Submitted by idealbite on Tue, 07/11/2006 - 6:00pm.
The Bite:
Just about every toy you set out somehow ends up in your baby’s mouth (Biters-in-training!). Many soft plastic and vinyl tyke toys are laden with harmful toxins like phthalates and PVC, which can be broken down and ingested through teething. Keep baby healthy and entertained with toxin-free eco-toys.
The Benefits: 
  • Start ‘em off in good health. There are currently no restrictions on phthalates in children’s toys.  So keep chems that can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems out of their little fingers.
  • Keep yourself healthy. Low doses of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical widely used in plastic food containers, baby bottles and toys could be a contributing factor to the development of breast cancer .
  • Toys made from organic and sustainably-harvested materials rather than fossil fuel-based PVC or other plastics are better for the Earth.
Personally Speaking: 

Heather has already picked out about 15 organic rattles for our youngest Biter: her brand-spankin'-new nephew, Quinn, who was born last night in San Diego.

Wanna Try: 
Many national retailers have pulled teethers containing phthalates off their shelves and now only work with companies that produce phthalate-free teethers. Check labels carefully if you are shopping there. Otherwise, here are our fave green companies offering eco- and health-friendly toys:
  • TaraLuna Baby Buddy Toy - this fair-trade cuddle buddy is made from organic cotton ($10).
  • Organic Gift Shop Rollie Animals - toddler appropriate; made from natural wood and finished with food-grade oil ($7).
  • Under the Nile Veggie Bunch - veggie-shaped toys stuffed with organic cotton ($26).
  • Peace Baby Block Set - made from sustainably-forested pine ($28).
  • If only we could still be this easily amused - find simple toys around the house. Wooden spoons, boxes and canning rings all make fun stacking toys and noisemakers.

Related Blog Post: Toy Story

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