Guest guest Posted June 9, 2004 Report Share Posted June 9, 2004 Wednesday, June 09, 2004 From the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: How can I reduce the number and amount of toxins to which my new baby is exposed? — Beth Stevenson, Leesburg, Virginia Since babies are so much smaller and their metabolism rates are so much higher than those of adults, proportionately they are exposed to higher doses of toxins from everyday foods and consumer products. And because babies' organs and immune systems aren't fully developed, those toxins can have a profound impact on them, effecting their growth and future health, according to the Princeton, New Jersey–based Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC). "Since World War II, we have developed more than 80,000 chemicals for use in cleaners, pesticides, plastics, personal care products, industrial products, and other conveniences," said CHEC. "We know very little about the effect of these chemicals on a child's development." Fortunately for new parents, there is an expanding universe of organic and all-natural products, so you can minimize your babyÃ' exposure to potentially damaging chemicals. Feeding your baby organic food means he or she will avoid the heavy- duty pesticides, herbicidesm and fertilizers that are sprayed onto or absorbed into conventionally grown foods. Companies like Earth's Best Baby Food provide parents with a variety of pre-packaged organic baby foods. Parents interested in an even more back-to-basics approach can get assistance in the form of books, supplies, and tips from Fresh Baby. The company's Fresh Start Kit ($34.95) includes everything a parent needs — instructions, recipes, and materials — to produce fresh, healthy, homemade baby food. Another eco-benefit: "By feeding children with all-natural alternatives, families don't use and toss scores of baby food jars," said company spokesperson Christina Kerley. Since babies spend so much time sleeping, toxins in their cribs, mattresses, and bedding are also a concern. Lifekind makes crib mattresses ($279.99 to $379.99) that combine organic cotton with wool (which acts as a natural flame retardant) to prevent tender lungs from inhaling plastic and chemical fumes. For even sweeter dreams, bedding made from 100 percent cotton — without permanent press and flame retardant substances — is the least-toxic alternative. Last, parents should shun soft plastic and vinyl baby toys. Manufacturers often add chemicals, called phthalates, to plastic toys as a softener. This chemical can leach from the plastic and — since toddlers tend to put objects in their mouths — expose young children to a substance that has been linked to cancer and reproductive harm. For this reason, the use of phthalates in baby and children's toys is outlawed in 15 European countries and Japan. Hard plastic toys or, better yet, wooden playthings coated with water-based lacquer are smarter purchases and can be found at Natural Play and your local toy store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2004 Report Share Posted June 10, 2004 In a message dated 6/10/04 8:34:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time, rachaelvernooy writes: Breastfeeding is even better if mom takes care to avoid toxins herself. thats the catch nowadays ain't it all sorts of toxins are showin up in mum's breast milk and technology marches on sheesh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2004 Report Share Posted June 10, 2004 On Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at 10:01 AM, EBbrewpunx wrote: > Wednesday, June 09, 2004 > From the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine > > > > Dear EarthTalk: How can I reduce the number and amount of toxins to > which my new baby is exposed? I don't mean this in a rude way, but this article reads like an advertisement for baby products! I can't believe they didn't mention the most obvious way to protect your baby: breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is even better if mom takes care to avoid toxins herself. > Parents interested in an even more back-to-basics approach can get > assistance in the form of books, supplies, and tips from Fresh Baby. > The company's Fresh Start Kit ($34.95) includes everything a parent > needs — instructions, recipes, and materials — to produce fresh, > healthy, homemade baby food. Hmm. This kit sounds like a waste of money. All you have to do is take fresh natural foods, cook them until soft, and mush them with a fork or potato masher, or if you really want, run them through a blender or food processor with some water. Rachael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2004 Report Share Posted June 10, 2004 , Rachael VerNooy <rachaelvernooy@a...> wrote: > Hmm. This kit sounds like a waste of money. All you have to do is take > fresh natural foods, cook them until soft, and mush them with a fork or > potato masher, or if you really want, run them through a blender or > food processor with some water. > > Rachael Yeah, that works great! When my neice was starting to eat food, she had to actually watch that it was the same food going into the processor as what we were eating or she refused to eat it! It was pretty funny. Sara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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