As parents, we do our best to choose the safest products for our kids. The surprising truth is that everyday children's products such as baby bottles and toys can contain chemicals that are linked with long-term health effects.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to avoid some of the toxic chemicals in products.  Below are guidelines to buying safer products.

Toys

• Avoid toys that list vinyl or PVC as ingredients. Soft plastic toys like bath toys, squeeze toys, and dolls are commonly made of vinyl. If you're not sure if a toy contains vinyl or PVC, ask the manufacturer or consider an alternative.
  
• When possible, choose plastic-free toys such as fabric teethers, wooden toys (unpainted), and cloth and plush toys.
  
• Check whether any toys already at home have been recalled and return any you have to the manufacturer.

Sippy Cups and Baby Bottles  

• Choose products made of safer plastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) such as Playtex Sipster, Avent Magic Cup, and Evenflo pastel bottles.
  
• Glass bottles and stainless steel sippy cups (such as Klean Kanteen) are healthy options.

Lunch Boxes

• Steer clear of vinyl lunch boxes - choose cloth lunch bags instead.

Shampoos, Lotions, and Other Personal  Care Products

• Choose from companies that use safer ingredients, such as Aubrey Organics, Burt's Bees, Dr. Bronner's, and California Baby.

Clothing and Apparel

• Choose uncoated cotton bibs instead of vinyl bibs.
•  Avoid diaper covers and rain gear made of vinyl (PVC).

Changing Pads

• Choose wool pads (such as Holy Lamb Organics Wool Changing Pad) or portable fabric pads that do not have vinyl linings.

Crib and Child Mattresses

• Choose mattresses made of wool, cotton, or natural latex that don't have vinyl covers. Examples include Naturepedic's Twin and Crib Mattresses and A Natural Home Simply Affordable Organic Crib Mattress.

Making All Kids Products Safe

While the tips above are good ways to reduce toxic exposure, the reality is that it is not possible today to verify whether a kids product you are buying is free of harmful toxic chemicals.

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