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6 ways to limit your baby’s exposure to environmental toxins

6 ways to limit your baby’s exposure to environmental toxins

Did you know that the simple things that you pick up for your baby like the soap, shampoo, feeding bottles can be loaded with toxic substances? We tell you how to limit its effects.

Written by Debjani Arora |Updated : September 26, 2014 10:38 AM IST

How to keep baby free of toxins For newborns and babies under six months of age it is important to make sure that the environment around them is clean, hygienic and toxin free too. While it is easier to achieve the first two, exercising control over toxins present in the environment is a bit tedious for mothers. But it is important and needs to be done meticulously for your baby's wellbeing. Here are few ways in which you can limit toxin exposure in your baby:

Get BPA free bottles

There is a reason why it is said that breast is best for your baby. While breastfeeding you are free of the hassle of using bottles and putting in more effort to keep them clean and hygienic. But we all know it's not always practical and even if you choose to breast feed, sometimes you have to resort to a bottle, to store pumped breast milk and feed your baby. Follow the thumb rule while buying baby feeding bottles; make sure you choose the ones that are BPA free.

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BPA known as bisphenol A is a carbon-based synthetic compound used to harden plastics. Until the recent past this compound was present in baby bottles too. But things changed when it was found that this chemical could sweep into baby's food and get into their systems causing impairment of brain and heart problems. BPA could get into the food when the bottle was heated or hot milk was poured directly into the bottle.

But now there are plenty of BPA free bottles to choose from in the market. So choosing a bottle wisely for your baby's feed is the first step you can take to keep him free of toxics. Don't forget that it is only part of the job; remember your baby is going to suckle the teat during bottle feeding. Choose a silicon nipple always. Latex rubber nipples can emit carcinogens that can be harmful for the baby. Also these would breakdown too soon often to allow bacterial growth. Also read 10 things you should not buy for your baby.

Stay away from lead exposure

Lead poisoning in babies can lead to a host of health problems like anemia, kidney damage and brain damage too. The challenging part for parents is how to limit exposure to lead as this element is prevalent almost anywhere. It is present in the paint (walls, toys, furniture), in tap water, soil, food cans and almost everywhere you can think of. Do remember that even if you boil the water, it would still not get rid of the lead.

Babies can suffer from lead poisoning either by inhaling lead dust or taking it in through the mouth. Apart from painting your house with lead free paint and investing in lead free furniture and toys make sure your baby isn't around when the old paint is being scrapped in the house for renovation.

Also wash your baby's hands after play or before offering food, keep off toys that have paint peeling off. Avoid furniture or toys that have cheap paints on them. Remember lead poisoning can be really dangerous.

Keep off from water, honey or other herbal preparations

Know that your baby needs nothing more than breast milk or formula during the first six months of his life. Refrain from using water, as the lead in the water can again cause lead poisoning. Excess water intake during those initial months can in rare cases lead to dilution of the concentration of sodium in the body, unsettling the electrolyte balance and causing tissues to swell causing water intoxication. Also read 9 things to keep in mind before giving your baby water.

Many mothers prefer to give their babies honey. This is also not a very healthy practice. Honey can give rise to a rare kind of food poisoning and disturb your baby's immature innards.

Herbal preparations like janam gutti are also not recommended. These preparations can also have toxins in them that can interfere with your baby's wellbeing. Also read to know should you give your baby gripe water or janam gutti?

Mobiles, laptops and other such devices are a complete no-no

There are several studies that have claimed using mobiles, laptops or other electronic devices near the baby can have adverse effects on the baby's developing brains. Your baby's developing brains don't need these devices or their presence around. If you are really tempted to use them make sure your baby is asleep or playing in a different room. You would be doing a lot of good to your baby ditching your smart phone and limiting time on social networks.

Refrain from using toiletries

If you really want to keep your baby toxic free, remember you don't need most of the baby products that lure you sitting nicely packaged on the shelves at the supermarket. You can give the baby powder, soaps, shampoos, lotions and also the baby wipes a miss. Surprised? Remember these products are rich in fragrance and chemicals and can at times be harsh on your baby's skin too. In case you need to use them stay away from the ones that are loaded with chemicals. Read the labels carefully and also the percentage of the chemicals in them. Your baby actually needs no toiletries during her initial months. Oil massages is permissible but keep of it if you notice any kind of rashes or red patches develop in your baby after a massage. While selecting wipes make sure they are alcohol free. Also read tips to bathe your newborn.

Be choosy about baby bedding

There are lots of designer baby beddings available in the market. They look cute, fashionable and add a touch to baby d cor, but they aren't necessarily toxic free. Did you know that those polyester mattress and the ones that claim to be fire retardant actually emits chemical at a slow pace throughout. If it's not 100% cotton it is not suitable for your baby. Best pick would be the ones which are made of organic cotton. To be on the safe side of things give beautiful stuff a miss for the more mundane ones. The reward is you can limit your baby's exposure to toxics to a greater extent. Also read 7 vital tips for newborn care.

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