Healthy Home Tips

Since my fun with the Healthy Baby Home Party is over, I'll share some of the tips we discovered at my party for all my blog guests!

• If you don't use cloth diapers, choose disposable diapers that are free of any whitening chemicals, synthetic fragrances or latex, and that are hypoallergenic, like Seventh Generation Free & Clear diapers.  When you choose products that are free from bleaching, you are helping to reduce the amount of toxins released into the environment and can help make the world a healthier place for your baby and future generations.
• According to a study at the University of Washington, it is possible to immediately and dramatically reduce the pesticide content in your child's body by switching to organic foods.  So when you can, go organic!  (Source:  Lu, C. et al.  "Organic diets significantly lower children's dietary exposure to organophosphorus pesticides."  Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 114, No. 2:260-263.  2006.)
• Instead of using room fresheners that contain synthetic chemicals, make your house smell fresh and clean by placing orange or lemon slices, cloves, or any other herb in boiling water on the stove.  Baking soda also helps mask pesky odors!
• Household dust is laced with chemicals, and floors are a major exposure source for babies and toddlers.  Vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA filter, and use plain water to mop up dust and allergens that vacuuming leaves behind.  Also, use a cleaner with natural essential oils for scent, or one that is free of fragrances and dyes, like Seventh Generation's "Free and Clear" products.
• Choose foods and beverages that do not contain artificial coloring or dyes (anything identified as FD&C on a label).  Artificial food colors have been linker to allergies, asthma, hyperactivity and even cancer.  Also, be wary of labels that claim "no added preservatives."  These products can still contain ingredients that were already used to preserve prior to inclusion in the final product.
• Never heat plastic in the microwave or reuse plastics that have been left in warm areas.  Most plastics have been shown to leach chemicals into food, and heat promotes it.
• Houseplants don't just brighten your home--indoor plants also help absorb impurities in the air.  In several studies, certain plants have been shown to reduce harmful VOCs like formaldehyde and xylene.  Some of the best plants for purifying air include orchids, ferns, peace lilies, philodendrons, pothos, anthuriums and palms.
• When purchasing produce, go organic!  Focus on swapping out "The Dirty Dozen"--foods that contain the most pesticide residue. These include apples, celery, sweet bell peppers, peaches, strawberries, nectarines (imported), lettuce, grapes, spinach, cucumbers, blueberries (domestic) and potatoes.  Wash all fruit and veggies with a mild soap and water before eating or use a food wash.
• Consider asking guests to remove their shoes before entering your home or place welcome mats around doors to encourage them to wipe their shoes. (Make sure to clean mats regularly!) Rough 70% of household dust, pests, pollutants and dirt (which often contains lead and chemicals) are tracked indoors on the bottom of shoes.
• When purchasing blankets or bedding for your baby, aim for certified organic and/or natural fibers that are lighter in color (less harsh dying) and avoid those marked as "permanent press," "easy care" or "no iron," which can contain formaldehyde.
• When you use soap, choose the mildest soap possible--one without synthetic fragrances or antibacterial chemicals.  Triclosan, an ingredient commonly found in antibacterial products, has been linked to negative environmental and health impacts.  Skin is a semi-permeable membrane and is the largest organ of the body, so be considerate of what you put on it.
• Use a stainless steel water bottle, or a self-filtering water bottle system like bobble's, to keep you and your baby hydrated on the go.
• Before sleeping on a new mattress, remove the plastic and lean the mattress against a wall in a well-ventilated room until the "new smell" dissipates.  The chemicals you smell when opening a new plastic toy or shower curtain are VOCs.  By airing them out near an open window, you help maintain a healthier indoor air quality instead of letting toxic chemicals concentrate indoors.
• Here is an old school pest prevention technique worth trying!  To prevent ants and fleas from entering your house, mix 4 ounces of a natural soap in 1 gallon of water and spray around your home's foundation.  Simple!
• Tackle weeds without pesticides.  Spray them with white vinegar, smother with mulch, or douse with boiling water.  Pesticides applied to your lawn leave toxic residues that can end up drifting into your home and exposing your family.
• When possible, use alternatives to plastic like glass, lead-free ceramic and stainless steel for dishes and glassware.  This helps limit exposure to the toxic chemicals that many plastics are made with, which can be absorbed by your food and beverages.
• Use more natural cleaners that are made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and formulated to be non-toxic.  Look for those that don't create harsh fumes or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvent-based ingredients.
• Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air.  Ventilate the home by opening windows, and limit your use of air fresheners and chemical cleaning products that release potentially harmful VOCs into your indoor environment.
• Teething is a beautiful part of babyhood, but not so much fun for mom.  To soothe babies without chemicals, looks for pacifiers that are latex-free and fitted for your baby's age (a newborn should use a pacifier designed for a newborn).  Make sure it has a vented shield of at least 1.5 inches to prevent choking.
• Look for a 100% natural crib mattress made with natural materials, like organic cotton, wool, hemp, natural latex or bamboo.  Avoid traditional foam-based mattresses, which can be treated with flame retardants that have been shown to have possible negative effects on our health.
• The term "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label of baby care products can represent hundreds of unknown chemicals since manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients.  Whenever possible, look for products that use 100% natural fragrance for the scent or offer fragrance-free formulations to protect your baby.
• Purchase toys made from natural materials, like solid woods with non-toxic finishes and natural textiles like organic cotton or wool.  The familiar "new smell" that plastic toys often emit can be a sign that toxic softeners or finishes were used to make the product.
• Test your water.  Ask your local water supplier for a list of the chemicals they test for and check the Consumer Confidence Report to see how your water is treated.  Today, there are many professional water filters designed to filter out specific chemicals to purify your water.
• Check regularly to see if your vacuum bag is full and requires changing.  HEPA filters provide a recommended replacement date.