An organic product means it does not contain toxic chemicals; the raw material has not been contaminated by chemical-filled soils, and eco-friendly.  By choosing organic products, not only are you protecting your own liver and lymphatic system, lowering skin irritations seen in many young children, you are also protecting the environment for our further generations.

In many Asian traditions, it is believed that the food pregnant women eat will have direct effect on the unborn child, more and more medical reports are also showing the possible link between certain food and allergies in babies.  In actual fact, not only does the food ingested affects the unborn child, but also the chemicals in cleaning and skin care products used everyday can pass through the skin and into the bloodstream.

There are many ‘natural’, ‘organic’, ‘no additive’ products on the market, but as consumers how are you sure of what is really natural and organic?  With Baby Concepts, it does not contain any hidden ingredients, therefore consumer just need to read the labels and they’ll know exactly what they are using on themselves and their family – this is 100% reassurance from us to you.

Chemicals & our lives

Facts:

• In the European Family Biomonitoring Survey, three generations were tested for 107 different chemicals and results shows that every family member were contaminated with a cocktail of up to 18 different synthetic chemicals. (‘Kids and Chemicals: Don’t Mix, http://www.kindredmedia.com.au/library_page1/kids_and_chemicals_dont_mix/197/1)

• An Australian breast milk survey found concerning levels of persistent bioaccumulative toxins such as brominated flame-retardants, the polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), dioxins and organochlorins in pooled samples of breast milkfrom rural and urban areas. (‘Kids and Chemicals: Don’t Mix, http://www.kindredmedia.com.au/library_page1/kids_and_chemicals_dont_mix/197/1)

• The placenta does not fully protect the foetus from exposure to all chemicals.

• Baby skin is highly permeable and can absorb up to three times the amount of a chemical compares to an adult for the same area of skin.

• The gastrointestinal tract has a high permeability for breastmilk, so ingestion of contaminates from breastmilk, water and formulas is increased.

• Mineral oil is used in many baby products lines, however not only does mineral oil introduce foreign toxins into a baby’s body, it also sits on the skin and creates a mask through which the skin cannot breathe. (‘Recognizing the Baddies in Baby Products – Part 1, http://www.newbornbaby.com.au/babyblog/)

Skin & Body Care Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and for newborn & breastfeeding mums

Do you read the label before purchasing a personal care product? Does ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘natural’ on the packaging or a trusted brand name means it’s really CHEMICAL FREE?  Did you know that chemicals and toxins can be passed onto the baby through the placenta or breast-milk? As parents we know we need to protect our children being exposed to harmful chemicals, but it’s the invisible and dangerous nature of chemicals found in skin care products that makes it difficult to control.  As our children grows, it’s harder to ensure that they are protected from harmful chemicals, by choosing the right products at home, you’re reducing your children’s exposure to hazards to a minimum.  Here are some of the ingredients best to avoid for mums and bubs from the very beginning.  These are found in commonly used mother and baby care products.

• Accutane: is an oral treatment for acne, concerns over risk of serious birth defects and the possibility of fetal loss.
• Acetone: found in nail polish remover, dishwashing liquid, detergent and perfume.  It acts on the central nervous system when inhaled.
• Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), Octoxynol and Nonoxynol: are hormone disrupters.
• Aloe Vera/Aloe Vera Drinks: recent studies have found that it maybe associated with miscarriage.
• Amyl Acetate: found in nail polish, it’s a known toxin to the skin, respiratory and central nervous systems.
• Benzaldehyde: found in shampoo, perfume and hairspray.  It is a narcotic and local anaesthetic that affects the central nervous system.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: found in many acne treatment products.  Studies have showed the adverse effects on the foetus.
• Bronopol: commonly found in personal care products.  It is a poison known to damage the immune and nervous system, as well as genetic damage.  It also can cause carcinogenic nitrosamines to form. The risk is greater when the product also contains DEA, TEA, or MEA.
• Bisphenol A: found in resin lining of tinned foods and baby bottles have been found to alter female brains and also a potential hormone disrupter as it mimics estrogens.
• Cocoamide DEA: foaming agent found in shampoo and body wash, also maybe contaminated through manufacturing processes.
• Di-Ethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP): found in nappies has been classified as a ‘probable human carcinogen’
• Fragrance/Colour: can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, some synthetic chemicals maybe labelled like the D&C Green No. 6, and are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer causing).  95% of the chemicals found in fragrance are derived from petroleum.
• Hydrocortisone: topical cream used for acne treatment, concerns over risk of birth defects and possible toxicity to the foetus.
• Lead: found in lipsticks, petrol fumes, lead-based paint and busy highways.  It may cause brain damage or affect the nerve development of the baby; it is also linked to miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight and stillbirth.
• Methylparaben and Propylparaben: used as a preservative.  Have been labelled ‘gender benders’ as they may alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risks for certain types of cancer, or alteration of the development of a foetus or young child.
• Mineral oil: used in baby oil, lotions and wipes.  100% petrochemical by-product has absolutely no benefit to the skin.  Is used to bulk out and add oil like properties to products, its incredibly cheap and doesn’t go off.  Just coats the skin with a layer of oil that is not absorbed and so doesn’t moisturise, prevents skin from breathing and functioning properly.
• PEG – family: found in all products, also maybe contaminated through manufacturing processes.
• Petroleum jelly: same as above, because it has no moisturising capabilities and it can make the skin dependent on its application.
• Phathalates or Dibutyl phathalate (DBP): found in nail polish, deodorant, hair spray, perfumes and skin care products.  Most often it’s not listed in most products, but can be found in products with ‘fragrance’ listed.  Studies have found the links to the presence of higher quantities of phathalats present in a pregnant woman’s body and changes in the genitals of baby boys.
• Phthalates: found in toys, lotions and creams, used as softening agents.  Recent studies have shown that the phthalates and their derivatives are absorbed into the blood stream and also present in the urine.  One of the better known effects is an underdeveloped male reproductive system.
• Polysorbate-60, 80: stops water and oil from separating and can be found in all products, also maybe contaminated through manufacturing processes.
• Propylene Glycol Stearate: found in lotions, shampoos, body wash and wipes.  It alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.  It has been linked with skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA or beta hydroxy acid): found in acne treatments, exfoliates and anti-aging products.  Salicylic acid is part of the aspirin family, and aspirin have been linked to complications in pregnancy.  Although it’s not known if topical application will have the same effect, it’s best be avoided.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): foaming agent commonly found in shower, bath and shampoo products – produces all those lovely bubbles in bubble baths.  Its industrial uses include engine degreaser and car wash soap!  Can cause eye irritation and skin rashes, may react with other chemicals in a product to release potentially cancer causing nitrates.  Ammonium laureth sulphate is less irritating than SLS but due to manufacturing processes may still be contaminated with cancer causing 1,4 dioxane.
• Triethanolamine (TEA): used to control pH- found in lotions, shampoos and body wash, through manufacturing processes maybe contaminated with cancer causing 1,4 dioxane and that may react with other ingredients to form cancer causing nitrosamine chemicals.
• Vitamin A: found in multi-vitamin supplements, cod liver oil and anti-ageing creams and acne treatments which contain retinol (a form of vitamin A).  Excess Vitamin A has been linked to birth defects.