The Anticancer Lifestyle Team Pictured Here: ACLP Co-Founder Meg Hirshberg with her daughter-in-law (and mom-to-be) Polly.
Earlier this year, I learned that my first grandbaby is on the way! Happily anticipating the little one’s arrival, Polly, my dear daughter-in-law, and I took to the Internet in search of items for her baby shower registry. Immediately, we became lost in the boundless online jungle of baby product choices.
After checking and cross-checking the options, our search soon revealed that without careful selection, this baby was going to be exposed to any number of chemicals of concern concealed within the colorful, sweet, adorable items destined for the nursery. Reading the product details, I was aghast at what I saw.
Ever since Green Living expert Deborah de Moulpied created the Environment module of the Anticancer LIfestyle Program ten years ago, I’ve become hyper-aware of worrisome chemicals embedded in products common to daily life. In an attempt to decrease exposure for myself and my family, I am now selective about the items I purchase for both our home and personal care. Naturally, I wanted to be even more choosy for the new baby!
After reviewing product materials lists, Polly and I rejected most of the offerings we saw in nearly every category—including standard cribs (made of pressed wood that can emit formaldehyde), crib mattresses (made from polyurethane foam or recycled plastic bottles—both of which can emit volatile organic compounds), plastic pacifiers (plastics are made of petrochemicals that can leach), diapers (often made with chlorine, dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and more), and car seats and strollers (frequently treated with highly toxic flame retardants).
The sad reality is that while most baby products are safety-tested, they are not vetted for chemicals of concern before they hit the store shelves. Manufacturers are free to add pretty much anything, unless it would kill a consumer outright.
The good news is that after many hours of research, Polly and I were able to find great non-toxic items for her baby. But, shaken by our experience, I asked Deborah to create a guide for parents and grandparents-to-be, all of whom—like Polly and me—want to choose the safest items for the new lives they are about to welcome into the world, but without all the research.
We hope that Deb’s fantastic new guide— “Creating a Healthy, Non-Toxic Nursery”—is helpful to you and those you love.
