Children

Replace wet wipes

Wet wipes contain up to 50 different chemicals as well as preservatives to prevent mold. Many of these preservatives are allergenic and environmentally harmful.

• If possible, place the changing table near a water tap, and use wash cloths made of paper or fabric instead of wet wipes.
• Use a spray bottle with water, and maybe some unscented oil, when you don’t have access to running water.
• If you still want to use wet wipes, choose a type that is unscented and eco-labeled.
• Never throw wet wipes in the toilet, but only among burnable waste. Wet wipes are made of cotton and since they don’t dissolve in water, they  block the sewage system. Dry wipes should also be thrown among burnable waste.

Skip old foam rubber

Old foam rubber may contain chemical flame retardants that are now prohibited.

• Replace old pillows, matrasses and furniture from the 70´s, 80´s, and 90´s that are stuffed with foam rubber.
• Older toys, such as stuffed animals may also contain foam rubber.

Non-toxic mattress covers and bibs

PVC/vinyl can have many shapes. Sometimes it is found in mattress covers and plastic toweling. Plasticized vinyl can contain harmful Phthalates. Since 2007 the worst Phthalates are prohibited in the manufacture of child care products, but Phthalates can still be found in older products.

• Use mattress covers made from other plastics than plasticized vinyl or plastic toweling.
• Fold a big towel and use as protection against minor leakage.
• Use a bib made of other materials than PVC/vinyl.

Choose feeding bottles carefully

Plastic feeding bottles sold on the market until 2011 may contain the chemical Bisphenol A, which is nowadays prohibited.

• Therefor, get rid of old plastic feeding bottles.
• Don´t heat up formula in a plastic feeding bottle. Even new plastic feeding bottles can leak small amounts of various chemicals when heated. Heat up the formula in a heat proof container and pour into the bottle when ready.
• If possible, choose a feeding bottle made of glass.
• Never use water from the hot water tap to make formula or any food. Instead, heat up cold water.

Clear out old toys

Let your child play with actual toys only. Toys from when you were a child  may contain substances that are no longer permitted. Be particularly careful with soft plastics (softer than Lego) and painted wooden toys.