Holy Phthalates, Batman!

Gee, thanks for the warning, baby product safety guys! About 36 years too late, I’d say! So after all this wonderful field research, I’m reading that a lot of these products could actually contain ingredients that are not just irritating, but HARMFUL! Now, to be fair, I am a bit of an old schooler with the whole “my-mom-used-it-on-me-and-I-never-grew-a-second-head-or-an-11th-toe” mindset, but one can only read so many reports and warnings before it gets a little scary. I've never really been "all about organics" before the baby, but I'm slowly but surely becoming a convert. Why all the crap in the products and food, man? Anyway, being the information junkie that I am, I have to do the research (granted, it’s Elizabeth Hasselbeck-style internet research) and I think it’s only fair I address the issue. If you’re not familiar with phthalates, here’s some newsworthy info:

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL45600320080204

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/Story?id=4230408&page=1

In the end, only you can decide what’s best for your baby. It’s important to note that most articles state that virtually any time you see “fragrance” it means “phthalates.” Since I blog a lot about these products, it’s only fair that I give a rundown to be a useful as possible.

Here is a list of products I’ve mentioned on this site, categorized by: confirmed as or claiming to be phthalate-free, products that are fragrance-free and therefore may be phthalate-free, and products with fragrance (phthalate content unknown) and products that are confirmed as containing phthalates. Where possible, I have included a link to what the respective companies may have said about phthalates.

Pthalate Free – According to manufacturer, contains NO phthalates
Noodle and Boo – all products (even thought they do contain fragrance)
http://www.noodleandboo.com/chatterbox/2008/01/29/noodle-boo-products-are-100-phthalate-free/
Earth Mama Angel Baby – all products http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/ (read left side panel)
California Baby – all products http://www.californiababy.com/ingredients.html
Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Soap - http://www.drbronner.com/drb_press_story1.html


Fragrance Free – Phthalate content unknown (probably does not contain phthalates)
Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream
Aveeno Advanced Care (formerly Aveeno Eczema Care)
Mustela Stelatopia Products

Contains Fragrance – Phthalate content unknown
Burberry Baby Touch Products
Mustela Hydra Bebe and 2-in-1 Bodywash - It’s unclear if they use phthalates or not. You be the judge: http://www.mustelausa.com/faqs.php

Definitely Contains Phthalates
Johnson’s Baby Products - most or all http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/phthalatesStudy.do

Other Unknowns
In one post I mention Curly Q’s. Unsure of fragrance or phthalate content. The company’s baby hair care line, “It’s a Curl” is advertised as “organic,” leading me to believe it is phthalate-free, but this is not confirmed.

Hope this was helpful!