The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Safe Baby Products

As a parent you want the best for your baby—whether it’s in the food they eat, the clothes they wear, or the products you use on their delicate skin. But with so many labels and ingredients to navigate, it can feel overwhelming to make those choices and know what’s safe for your little one. 

Luckily, more companies are creating safer baby products than ever before. While there are still ingredients worth avoiding, being mindful of these choices can make a big difference. Remember, we’re all doing our best, and even small steps can add up to meaningful change.

Before we get into all that, let’s talk about why it’s so important.

Did you know that a newborn’s skin has a much larger surface area relative to their body weight than an adult’s—and is also  20-30% thinner? 

This means their skin is more permeable, absorbing substances more easily while offering a weaker protective barrier. As a result, babies are especially sensitive to chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and toxins commonly found in skincare products. Choosing gentle, non-toxic ingredients is so important to protect their delicate skin and overall health.

Thankfully, most baby washes and lotions are now free of harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and artificial dyes. But, there are other baby products that contain chemicals that may be harmful to your baby. If you're looking to go further, consider avoiding the following:

•  Synthetic fragrances: These can be made from over  3,000 chemicals, and companies are not required to disclose their exact composition. 

•  Talc:  Often found in baby powder, talc can contain asbestos and may be harmful in large quantities.

•  BHT (Butylated HydroxyToluene): Used as a preservative, BHT can cause skin irritation and other issues in sensitive individuals.

•  Formaldehyde releasers: These are chemicals used in personal care products that act as a preservative. They can result in skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate): A surfactant used in personal care products to create lather, but it can cause irritation and dryness, especially for babies.

•  BPA (Bisphenol A): Commonly found in plastic products, BPA is a chemical that can disrupt hormonal development and may have adverse effects on babies’ health. It's especially important to avoid BPA in bottles, pacifiers, and toys.

•  Propylene Glycol: Often used in moisturizers and lotions, this can irritate the skin and even affect the liver and kidneys if absorbed in large quantities.

•  Glyphosate/GMOs: Glyphosate is a widely used pesticide in agriculture, often found in conventionally grown foods, which may be a concern when feeding babies. Choosing organic products can help avoid this potentially harmful chemical.

Now, let’s break it down into a few different categories to help you make smarter choices—because it’s not just about what you could avoid, but also about choosing the best baby products that fit your needs and budget.

Baby formulas need fat (oil), protein, and carbs (sugar).

When choosing a formula that’s best for you and your budget, here are five questions to consider.

1. Do you want non-gmo?

2. Do you want to avoid added sugar?

3. Do you want grass-fed?

4. Does your baby need A2 casein (A2 casein can be more gentle and easier to digest. Goat’s milk is naturally only A2 casein)?

5. Do you want a Clean Label Purity award formula (this evaluates products for substances not found on product labels like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers)?

Most formulas also contain important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, probiotics, and prebiotics. Here’s why that’s important:

• Omega 3 fatty acids: Essential for the brain and cognitive development in infants.

• Amino acids: The body needs 20 amino acids (including 9 that are considered essential) to grow and function properly. In fact, amino acids regulate metabolic pathways that are necessary for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and immunity.

• Probiotics: Have been shown to help infants avoid GI conditions like reflux, constipation, and overall crying.

• Prebiotics: Infants who drank formula with added prebiotics were shown to have a microbiota resembling those of breastfed infants. They had a lower stool pH, better stool consistency and frequency and a higher concentration of bifidobacteria in their intestine vs babies fed formula without prebiotics.

Deciding between breast milk and formula is a deeply personal journey, and what matters most is finding the option that works best for both you and your baby. 

We understand that your budget plays a significant role in the formula you choose, as it can be a big expense. When selecting a formula, consider what will best support your baby’s needs while also being mindful of your family’s budget. Remember, every step you take toward finding the right choice for your baby matters—there’s no need to feel pressured to get everything perfect.

Some of our favorite formulas are:

• Baby’s Only

• Bobbie

• By Heart

• Kendamil

• Bubs

• Loulouka

Once your baby has transitioned to solid foods, you can start with simple options like squash or avocado. We recommend introducing a variety of foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, to expand your baby’s palate.

Did you know that if your baby turns down a food, experts suggest offering it 15-20 times before deciding they don’t like it? It can take time for babies to adjust to new flavors and textures.

As you continue exploring new foods, there are also ways to make your baby food budget-friendly:

• Grind oat kernels into homemade baby cereal.

• Blend vegetables in the blender as their first foods.

• Serve your baby whatever you’re eating (with a few simple tweaks).

These options allow you to skip the jars of baby food and snacks—though they can come in handy as backups in the diaper bag on the go.

If food pouches are more convenient for you, look for brands that test their ingredients for heavy metals. Products with the Clean Label Project Purity Award ensure you’re choosing safer options.

For a more economical and sustainable solution, reusable pouches offer a great way to provide nourishing meals to your child without the extra cost.

Some baby food brands we like are:

• Amara

• Cerebelly

• Once Upon a Farm

• Serenity

• Square Baby

• Little Spoon

When choosing items like car seats, strollers, playpens, crib mattresses, carriers, or nursing pillows, be mindful of flame-retardant chemicals, which can be harmful to babies.

 Many contain endocrine-disrupting compounds like PBDEs, which may interfere with hormone regulation and brain development. Some, like chlorinated tris (TDCPP), have been classified as potential carcinogens, while others release harmful VOCs that can cause respiratory issues. 

Because these chemicals accumulate in dust and the human body, babies—who frequently put their hands and objects in their mouths—are particularly vulnerable. For more details, see this study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Opt for certified safe options like organic cotton or OEKO-TEX certified products.

Whether it’s clothes, burp cloths, or blankets, choosing organic cotton can help reduce exposure to pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. 

The amount of products you need for a tiny baby is actually quite impressive. For more product recommendations for everything from car seats, to wipes, diapers, and bottles, check out our Baby Guide. 

When it comes to baby gear, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed because there are so many options—and even more opinions (more than when I had babies)! But if you're wondering where to invest a little extra, here are five things we’ve found to be worth spending more on:

• Crib mattress – Babies sleep a lot in those early months. Investing in a non-toxic, breathable mattress can reduce chemical exposure and promote better sleep. Look for a mattress free of flame retardants, PVC, polyurethane foam, and phthalates.

• Low-EMF baby monitor – Traditional monitors can emit high levels of electromagnetic radiation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises reducing EMF exposure in infants and young children, as their developing brains may be more vulnerable.²

• Clean wipes – Baby wipes are used multiple times a day, so opting for fragrance-free, non-toxic ingredients helps protect their delicate skin.

• Bum balm – Many conventional diaper creams contain petroleum-based ingredients. The National Eczema Association recommends fragrance- and dye-free balms with gentle ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter for baby's delicate skin.

• Car seat (without flame retardants) – Some car seats contain flame retardants linked to hormone disruption. I'm so glad that there are brands offering car seats made without these chemicals while still meeting federal safety standards.

You don’t have to be perfect when it comes to raising your baby. Babies are resilient and I’m a big believer in doing the best you can with the resources you have. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay! Every little step toward healthier choices is a win, and you’re doing a great job by caring and being mindful.

Whether it’s choosing the safest lotion, making homemade baby food, or opting for organic cotton, remember that every effort is a step in the right direction. So take a deep breath and know that you’re doing your best—and that’s all anyone can ask for.