SHOP HEALTHY
Your guide to healthy, safe, green and non-toxic food, toys, and baby care products.
TOYS
Tip: Select toys that are made from natural materials. Like solid wood (either unfinished or with a non-toxic finish), fabric (organic cotton, hemp, or wool), or bamboo.
Choose
• Made in the USA, Canada, Japan, or Europe (other countries may have lax safety regulations).
• FSC certified wood (sustainable forestry).
• ACMI AP certification (non-toxic craft supplies).
Avoid
• Pressed or layered woods (pressed woods often use toxic glues to keep layers together).
• Lights and sounds (mercury in small batteries).
• Cheap metal jewelry (often contains high levels of lead).
• Play cosmetics (often contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals).
• #3 (PVC) plastic (may contain lead or phthalates).
BABY CARE PRODUCTS
Tip: Buy fewer products and use them in smaller amounts.
Choose
• Products with the most ingredients you can pronounce.
• Products with the USDA Certified Organic Seal.
• Locally made products.
Avoid
• The Toxic 10 Ingredients: Parabens Phthalates DMDM Hydantoin Fragrance Triclosan Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Toluene Formaldehyde PEGs anything with “Glycol” or “Methyl”
• Baby powders and talc (they can irritate baby’s lungs).
FOOD
Tip: Go organic.
Choose
For babies…
• Of the formulas, powdered formula is best. Liquid formula is second best if it is in a safe plastic container. If you must get liquid formula in a can, get concentrated (then dilute with filtered water).
• Baby food in glass or safer plastic jars (#1,2,4, or 5).
• Soups and soymilk packaged in cartons by Tetra Pak and SIG Combibloc (made of safer plastic and are recyclable).
For children…
• Fresh or frozen fruits and veggies.
• Whole grain and multi-grain breads and crackers.
• Ingredients for recipes your child helps choose. If they’re involved in the process, they’re more likely to eat it.
Avoid
• Pre-packaged or individually packaged food.
• Metal cans lined with BPA resin and polycarbonate plastic containers.
• Foods with high fructose corn syrup, unnecessary additives or preservatives, and synthetic coloring.
• Foods with more toxic residues: meat, poultry, dairy, apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, spinach. Always buy the organic options of these foods.
Source: Healthy Child World: The non-profit leader inspiring parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals. Visit Healthychild.org.
SHOPPING DETAILS
Under the Nile available through Junior Towne, or visit www.underthenile.com
MiYim available through Circular, or visit www.miyim.com
gDiapers for list of local retailers, visit www.gdiapers.com
Bumgenius for list of local retailers, visit www.bumgenius.com
Good Mamas available through Sugar & Spice-a Children’s Ecotique, or visit www.goodmamas.com
Naturepedic available through Junior Towne, or visit www.naturepedic.com
Seventh Generation for list of retailers, visit www.seventhgeneration.com
Kicky Pants available through Circular or visit www.kickypants.com
Earth’s Best for list of retailers, visit www.earthsbest.com
Baby Soy available through Sugar & Spice-a Children’s Ecotique, or visit www.babysoyusa.com
