Our chemical babies

Babies.. the miracle of life! 
For those of you who know me, it may seem a weird choice of topic considering I don't have one nor planning to have one in the near future. Yet, it's important to talk about them, not just because they are cuties but, most importantly, the future of humanity depends on them (no pressure little fellas!). 
They say there is no thing stronger than the love of a parent for a child, and mothers and fathers worldwide go to great lengths to ensure the happiness, safety and well being of their children..
BUT in today's world there are things parents are inadvertently doing that put their babies and children at risk - and the key is in the title: chemicals! 

We are constantly surrounded by chemicals, they are in the air around us (yes even if you try your best to avoid them) and in the products we use. Eating local and organic, using natural beauty products are examples of things we can do to limit our chemical intake. But what about protecting our progeny?

I was shocked that the first ingredient in baby oil is 'Paraffinum liquidum' - or better, petroleum derived oil! While there are debated negative 'health' effect of using this, i wouldn't use it on a baby who is still developing! And that's not the only thing. As we know (or should know/ should keep in consideration more), many chemicals can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning (in short!) that they can mimic our hormones and bind to the enzymes occupying the space and either blocking or stimulating the production of extra hormones. A problem when you are an adult, but an even bigger problem when you are a baby and are developing (and when you are a foetus too! So mums-to-be, pay attention!), as in these stages the endocrine system (hormone system) plays a main role in growth and development. Moreover, disruption to the hormone system can render us infertile - easy to see that if this is the case in the worst case scenario we are en-route to extinct the human race (one argues that it wouldn't necessarily be a terrible thing - discuss!).

So, what items in a baby life contain endocrine disruptors ?

- Toys, particularly those which end up in babies mouth (perhaps everything): teething toys!

- Items containing fire retardants  

​- Diapers: they contain dioxins, sodium polycryate, fragrances and phthalates (known endocrine disruptors!) and even TBT was found in nappies (a chemical that was banned for use in the paint in the bottom of boats as it had endocrine disrupting effects on wildlife! do we want it near our babies??)

You can read more on this very interesting document from the 'World Health Organisation' .
In the meantime I urge you to think about natural solutions: reusable nappies, natural oil, plastic-free toys (I still remember my woody noise maker! why not make something yourself?!), wooden teether (look very beautiful as well!). With many online resources about raising babies naturally, I urge all of you parents and parents to be to think about this and maybe sacrifice a little bit of convenience for the health and wellbeing of your progeny and the future of humanity! And maybe if we all boycott just a little the big companies, maybe they will have some food for thought as well! 



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