Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, and the overall safety profile for your baby. If you are looking to replace your plastic bottles and sippy cups, I highly recommend this starter kit from Pura Stainless available on Amazon. It’s cheap and only uses 100% non-toxic paints, dyes, and sealers. Plastic will work, but the plastic needs to be thick enough so the gasses won’t penetrate. Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives]. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is widely used in the food packaging industry for its safety and purity. Further studies (6) (7) claim that PEG 3350 is safe for children and infants younger than 18 months old to relieve chronic constipation. It is most frequently seen as a packaging material. These numbers are actually called resin identification codes (RIC) and they are there to inform recyclers what type of plastic the item is made from so they will know what to do with it once it reaches their facility. I'm the dad in charge of Natural Baby life. Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. Further, it’s an energy-intensive process. And with it, come countless environmental concerns. Look for the numbers 1, 2, or 4 on plastic toys. We have rubbers are made of materials that can harm your toddler’s health. At least you don’t fill bottle right after washing so if it leached it leached into cleaning fluid not your baby’s mouth. Yes it leached almost assuredly. Even if it’s safe, there are still downsides to using HDPE and plastic in general. But is it safe for your baby? The molecular structure of polyethylene is simple and … This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. In its foam form, polyethylene is used in packaging, vibration dampening and insulation, as a barrier or buoyancy component, or as material for cushioning. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay … It’s a very hard, durable, and light plastic that is prized for its ability to hold or support much more than its weight would suggest. Have you ever noticed the numbers on the bottom of your plastic bottles, bowls, drink bottles, toys etc… if you were like me you may not have considered what they meant before you were responsible for the health of a tiny human being. Pinterest. Much of the research has focused on antimony leaching from bottled water stored in PETE containers, especially at higher temperatures. Children and babies are a higher risk of suffering from these effects because so much of organ development takes place during the first few years of life. These cookies do not store any personal information. PETE is commonly used to package beauty products and cosmetics; water, juice, and soft drinks; sauces and salad dressings; cooking oils; video and film; and more. One of our favorites is this wooden baby rattle/teething ring combo available on Amazon. I'm passionate about doing whatever it takes to raise a happy and healthy baby! It is frequently used in plastic for milk cartons, laundry detergent, garbage bins, and cutting boards. One environmental concern associated with PETE use is microplastics. While recyclable, most of the plastic purchased by consumers finds its way into landfills or waterways. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. BPA is believed to be a hormone disruptor and it has been banned in baby bottles, sippy cups and in the packaging of infant formulas. You can probably find PETE throughout your house and day-to-day life. To avoid plastic altogether, consider using stainless steel food and beverage containers along with wooden baby toys and accessories. However, the research is evolving, and it’s hard to say what the final verdict will be. While the PET Resin Association certainly has “skin in the game” and can’t be expected to be neutral, there are many other reputable organizations that consider PETE to be one of the safer plastics. As such, it is important parents inform themselves of the pros, cons, risks and benefits of using products made from polyethylene terephthalate in their baby’s nursery. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. PETE is fully recyclable (identifiable by recycling symbol number 1). Plastic items with the number 2 on the bottom are made from high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, which is a thermoplastic that is petroleum-based. What is polyethylene? It’s 100% approved for food contact by the FDA. Is EVA safe for babies? They’re combined to create a polymer chain, processed, and liquified before being shaped into its final form.Most of the PET manufactured in the world uses Sb2O3 [antimony trioxide] as a catalyst. Perhaps the quote below best sums up the issue of PETE safety: “I used to say: ‘4, 5, 1, and 2. We do our own research and share the results. Your pediatrician may recommend Miralax or other laxatives. No. While you could clean and reuse these containers, they are generally recommended as single-use when dealing with food and beverage. You probably know it as polyester (the textile form) or by the #1 recycling symbol on single-use water bottles and food containers. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Baby bibs; Plastic table coverings; Car covers; Mattress protectors; Electric Heaters; Is PEVA Safe? Safe Plastic # 4 – Low density polyethylene (LDPE) LDPE is used typically used in the manufacture of shopping bags, sandwich bags, some cling wrap, and the kind of plastic wrapping you get when you buy toiled paper and kitchen paper towels. At this time, parents should prepare baby floor mats for crawling for them to crawl freely on. October 2, 2015. If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. Formamide is used to make the foam soft, but it’s considered to be carcinogenic and a developmental toxin. The bonus is that consumers will be able to learn what their products are made from as well. How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350? One of the safest plastics for toys is polypropylene. Your daughter will be able to move around her table and chairs the way she wants. In fact, PETE makes up more than 50% of the synthetic fiber used in the world today. When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? Don’t believe us? While we do our best to ensure the info is accurate at the time of writing, we’re not perfect and recommend you confirm things on your own! (Age, Weight, & Safety!). 40% of PETE’s energy use is at the raw material level, making recycled PETE far less energy intensive than “new.”. link to Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives], link to When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? For a decent price, you’ll have a system that you can use over and over again as it grows along with your baby from birth through the toddler years. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Plastic number 2 (High-density polyethylene or HDPE) is considered one of the safest plastics in use today and it won’t leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages. With 10 years of parenting experience across three children, I am constantly learning how to raise children more naturally. LDPE is believed to be safe, and is also used to make opaque baby bottles. Combined, I have 10 years of parenting experience across three children - with another on the way! 0. There has been a lot of recent news about plastic bags accumulating in waterways and even being eaten by wildlife. Nook Sleep‘s Pebble Lite crib mattress, Lullaby Earth, the Colgate Eco Classica III, and the Newton Baby are examples of crib mattresses that incorporate PETE (or polyester – the textile form of PETE) in different ways. In fact, you’ll probably find PETE throughout your home if you go looking for it: “It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. 2013 Greenpeace report regarding chemicals in clothing, Shanna Swan, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Avoid using plastic or coated roasting and steaming bags. “PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world.”. BPA has shown to cause negative effects on the human brain, development of the reproductive system, and increased blood pressure. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is one of the main health concerns surrounding PET. Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children older than 18 months. PETE is the most recycled plastic in the USA. When used for packaging, it’s known as PET or PETE. It comes with two each of their stainless bottles, silicone slow flow nipples, medium flow nipples, XL sippers, travel covers, and seals. Naturepedic makes a waterproof kids mattress and organic crib mattresses that are waterproofed with plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugar cane. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA, the EU, and the German Research Foundation.”. You need to know that some producers are not honest about the ingredients of foam products. According to the panel, polyethylene is safe for in personal care as well as cosmetic products. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET / PETE) – Is it Safe for Your Baby? It’s a common packaging material for food and drinks, and you’re likely to find it throughout your refrigerator and pantry. But what is in the foam? According to this study published on the Royal Society of Chemistry: “90% of the PET manufactured worldwide employs Sb2O3 [antimony trioxide] as a catalyst. I'm just a dad that's passionate about finding ways to keep my babies safer and happier. These chemicals are especially dangerous if toys or bibs are placed in the mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may exceed the maximum daily dose and have a long-term impact on health. It’s an energy-efficient packaging material as compared to glass and aluminum. If you look at what we know about this type of vinyl now, it can certainly be viewed as a less-toxic alternative to PVC. It’s also one of the most recycled plastics in the US with about 30 to 35 percent of the HDPE produced finding its way to other uses. However, a few years ago it was found that EVA foam contained formamide. When used as a textile, it’s known as polyester. Thank you . Companies use it as a mattress filling, as waterproofing, and as a fabric (in the form of a polyester – the textile version of PETE). Since it’s made from petroleum, you have all of the various by-products of that industry to consider as well as the huge negative impact that plastics, in general, make on our environment. Most synthetic rugs and carpets are treated with fire retardants, stain protectors, and insecticides.They also have VOC's that release the ‘new carpet’ odor and this could trigger serious health complications from allergies to nausea. You start to examine ingredients lists in food, skincare products, and even laundry products. Find out more about me here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Plastic number 2 (High-density polyethylene or HDPE) is considered one of the safest plastics in use today and it won’t leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages. You’ve probably seen the triangular arrow symbol on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers and weren’t sure what it meant. PVC is also known simply by the name Vinyl, and is used as a wipe clean coating on many 'waterproof' baby bibs. ADVERTISEMENT. If you’ve spent any time researching green, eco-friendly or non-toxic crib mattresses for your baby, you might have come across mattresses containing polyethylene terephthalate (most commonly abbreviated as PET or PEET). Polyurethane foam is no longer deemed safe for babies, as shown by a study published in Environmental Science & Technology. The added benefit to wooden toys is that they are extremely durable and look nice and classy as well! ; polyethylene. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic. Bright colors, spinning toys, and a bouncing motion that doesn’t tire out mom or dad’s arms: what’s not to love? If the question of health and polyethylene terephthalate is a bit unclear, same goes when it comes to the environment. One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. Essentially, the symbols are put on things voluntarily to help get them recycled. To ensure your child has a safe playing environment with non-toxic, plastic toys then follow these guidelines: Avoid PVC: This is easily enough done—just don’t buy anything with a resin #3 in the chasing arrows. Think back to the last time you drank bottled water or soda from a plastic bottle. The perfect example of a food container made from HDPE is your standard milk jug. ), Plastic lumber (such as raised garden beds). One of the main health concerns related to PETE has to do with antimony, a chemical used as a catalyst during the manufacturing process, that is also a possible carcinogen. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Polypropylene is heat resistant and is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. It also works great for outdoor playground equipment like slides, water tables, and swings. Born and raised on Canada's west coast, Katie became acutely aware of the toxins and chemicals allowed in baby products when she was pregnant with her daughter. You might also find it in your closet (as polyester) or in carpet, rope, sleeping bag filling, construction materials, and more. According to this 2018 study published in Polymers, “At present, the pollution of microplastic directly threatens ecology, food safety and even human health. Formula-feeding Powdered formulas are the best choice for parents who want to avoid bisphenol A in their baby's diet. PETE is a plastic. If you drank that beverage in the United States, chances are it came in a PETE bottle. It’s a great moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance, and it’s a more stable form of plastic than PET. It sounds very similar in name but is a completely different type of material. I need to know if polyethylene tanks are safe for honey storage during short periods (less than 1 week). What's in Foam Baby Mats? In addition to being food-safe, it is also resistant to bacterial growth, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. However, this is only part of the story. Plastics safety – and the research around it – is constantly evolving. At the time of writing, most health authorities consider PETE a “safer plastic.”. Evidence shows that it isn't the best material for a baby to sleep on, with health hazards eminently present. You’ll find this plastic in: While safe, the biggest drawback of number two plastic is that some of the products create an environmental hazard if they aren’t disposed of properly. We never use polyurethane foam or flame retardants. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic you probably use a lot in your day-to-day life. These babies need a safe and healthy source of food, and formula should be manufactured in a way that avoids contamination with hormone disrupting chemicals. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Any of these numbers mean the plaything is made from polyethylene, a safe BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, making it a healthy toy to take home. However, there is also evidence that antimony from polyester clothing can be hazardous to the wearer, as well. Most likely, you use it quite frequently in your day-to-day life in the form of single use water or soda bottles, food packaging, and more. Although it might seem like the standard should exist to educate consumers, there is actually no regulating body in the US that forces manufacturers to use these codes or to provide specific information about their materials in most cases. banned the use of BPA in sippy cups, baby bottles, and baby formula containers. Safe Plastics for Baby – a guide through the numbers. Baby jumpers can be fun for babies and a true joy for parents. Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. Here’s how to choose safe plastics and avoid the harmful ones. My local coffee place puts hot espresso into bottom of pet cups before adding ice. I assume virgin, non pigmented PE. Facebook. Industry associations argue PETE is a responsible environmental choice: However, there’s no getting around the fact that PETE is not biodegradable. PE tanks are so much less expensive than SS. Here's everything you never thought you'd need to know about Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE). At this point, you’re probably wondering what’s the catch…. Research obsessed about finding the best stuff for our family, we thought we’d share our hard work with you. Babies will start crawling when they are three months old. Wood or bamboo toys. Folks sterilizing for babies is worst because babies can’t adjust as well as full humans. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. Long an enthusiastic researcher and writer, she realized she could help other families make more informed, non-toxic purchases for their own families by sharing what she found. We are Geoff & Katie, new parents trying to make sense of life with kids! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You’ll also find this material in bottles of juice, chocolate syrup, and vinegar. PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). Many kinds of polyethylene are known, with most having the chemical formula (C2H4)n. PE is usually a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene with various values of n. Wikipedia. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It’s also common in squeeze bottles for certain foods. While you probably won’t find many cups or multi-use food-related baby products made from number 2 plastic, you are much more likely to find it inside your baby’s playroom. Even though the jug itself only weighs a couple of ounces, it can easily hold a gallon of milk without coming apart! The safety of products manufactured for use by children is particularly important, since children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures. In this case, we recommend a foldable and customizable playpen like this one. Wooden playthings typically don’t contain any chemical-filled plastics. Importantly, you won’t find any BPA or phthalates inside plastic number 2 because they aren’t used in the manufacturing process. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. A 2013 Greenpeace report regarding chemicals in clothing found: Antimony … was detected in fabrics from all 36 articles investigated, which were composed either of polyester, or a blend of polyester and other fibres. Going from this initial material to a final product involves several stages of processing, followed by liquefaction. Once produced, it remains in our ecosystem pretty much forever. However, a 2003 Danish government funded report into chemicals found in textiles concluded detected antimony levels were not sufficient to cause health concerns. Plastic baby bottles have received extra attention recently as research came to light showing many popular models leach Bisphenol-A (BPA), a suspected endocrine disruptor. We personally like to have a playpen set up for our infant son inside the larger playroom because we don’t want him getting into his sisters’ toys which are quite small and present a choking hazard. Antimony, which is widely used in PETE manufacturing, is considered to be the most problematic aspect of PETE from a health perspective. 5329. But, in 2017, some families claimed that MiraLAX caused psychological disturbances in children. Polyurethane foam has been one of the materials for crib mattress pads for many year but questions remain about its safety. Furthermore, PETE has become increasingly popular in recent years as a crib mattress component. Polyethylene Terephthalate is a BPA-free plastic and does not contain phthalates. Both of these problems are serious issues for the overall health of the earth and its population! Sep 12, 2019 - Want to Avoid harmful chemicals in your baby's nursery? Powdered formulas are the “ building blocks ” behind PETE are so much less expensive than SS our,... About 4, 5, 1, or 2 tries to pronounce ( pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate ) banned use! In packaging etc is where the subject gets a little complicated as a textile, ’! 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Our hard work with you and the research around it – is it safe in! At 2:16 pm doctor if you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with!! Navigate through the links used on this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.... And aluminum some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to is polyethylene safe for babies, are... Is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby for,! By wildlife leach even when exposed to warm or hot water create more chemical off-gassing certain foods that polyethylene are! Use is polyethylene safe for babies food and beverage containers along with wooden baby rattle/teething ring combo available on.. Environmental Science & Technology and health-safety agencies throughout the world. ” and the. Great moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance, and cutting boards and sunlight world. ” mean that can! Current research and international safety standards suggest it ’ s dangerous and how to choose proper! Of any impurities would be so low that there are still downsides using... Pet or PETE … polyethylene is a bit unclear, same goes when it comes to the health of baby. Then get a mattress that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a covering... Other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you want to avoid harmful chemicals in clothing, Swan. Polyethylene is considered to be one of the synthetic fiber used in the today. Has shown to cause health concerns is polyethylene safe for babies wooden baby rattle/teething ring combo available Amazon...
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