Low-Tox Home Products for Kids: A Guide to Creating a Safer, Healthier Home

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As a parent, there’s nothing more important than keeping your kids safe and healthy. From the food they eat to the toys they play with and the products used around the house, everything plays a role in their well-being. If you’ve recently started exploring low-tox living, you might be starting to question how to make your home a safer space for your little ones (and if you want the tips without the fear-mongering, you’re in the right stop!) The good news? You don’t have to make drastic changes all at once (and yes, the small changes will still benefit your family). By slowly swapping out everyday products for low-tox home items, you can create a healthier, safer environment for your children, one step at a time.

In this post, we’ll go through how to choose low-tox home products for kids, why these little changes can pack a big impact, and share some of our favorite products that can help you make the switch. Let’s dive in!

Why Low-Tox Products Matter for Kids

The term “low-tox” refers to products that are made with fewer chemicals and toxic ingredients than the more conventional counter-parts. They’re typically gentler on the body, which is especially beneficial when it comes to our children. Kids are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals because their bodies are still developing, and they tend to absorb more toxins relative to their body weight, especially when putting their hands in their mouths is a favorite pastime.

Incorporating low-tox products can help reduce your child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals like:

• Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
• BPA (a chemical used in plastics that can affect brain development)
• Flame retardants (linked to cancer and developmental issues)
• Synthetic fragrances (which can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues)

What to Look for in Low-Tox Home Products for Kids

When selecting low-tox products for your home, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind:

1. Non-Toxic Ingredients: Choose products that are free from known harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances. Look for certifications such as GOLS, GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, CertiPUR-US, ECOCERT, USDA Organic, or Cradle to Cradle, which can help ensure that the product meets safety and environmental standards.
2. Gentle on Sensitive Skin: The skin of a child is more sensitive than that of an adult, so part of a more holistic lifestyle includes learning to pick products that won’t cause irritation. For cleaning products, look for hypoallergenic options, and when choosing personal care products, opt for those that are fragrance-free or use only essential oils.
3. Durability and Safety: Especially when it comes to toys, furniture, or baby gear, ensure that the product is not only safe but durable as well. Products should be sturdy, non-toxic, and free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard (probably some of the same concerns you’d have whether yo wanted to live a more toxin-free lifestyle or not).
4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Low-tox living frequently goes hand-in-hand with eco-consciousness. Look for products with minimal packaging, preferably biodegradable or recyclable materials. If you can, choose items that can be reused or repurposed to reduce waste.

Best Low-Tox Home Products for Kids

Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best low-tox home products for kids that you can start using today. These products are designed with your child’s health and safety in mind while also being effective and eco-friendly.

1. Non-Toxic Baby and Kid-Friendly Cleaning Products

Keeping your home clean without toxic chemicals is possible, and it’s especially important when you have little ones crawling around or putting things in their mouths.

• Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner: This versatile cleaner that can be used for just about everything—from countertops and high chairs to toys, baby gear, and laundry. It’s made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and phthalates. Plus, it’s concentrated, so you get a lot of use out of each bottle.
• Force of Nature: A safer alternative to your conventional disinfectant. Certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria it’s helpful to have on hand when things like illness hit your home (especially with a little one who enjoys eating their toys).

2. Non-Toxic Bath and Body Products

Your child’s skin is sensitive and can easily absorb the ingredients in lotions, shampoos, and body washes. Choosing low-tox bath products ensures that they’re not exposed to unnecessary chemicals.

• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash: This 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash is made with organic ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, and it’s free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It’s great for babies and toddlers with delicate skin.
• Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo & Body Wash: This plant-based, gentle wash is formulated for sensitive skin, with calming ingredients like lavender and chamomile. It’s free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a soothing option for bath time.
• Weleda Baby Derma White Mallow Lotion: For moisturizing after a bath, this fragrance-free lotion is designed for dry and sensitive skin. It’s made with white mallow and organic almond oil, offering a gentle, calming formula for little ones with eczema or sensitive skin.

3. Toxic-Free Kids’ Toys

Toys are a huge part of your child’s life, so it’s helpful to choose ones that are free are as ingredient conscious as we are as parents. Look for toys made from natural materials like wood, organic cotton, and non-toxic paint.

• Green Toys: Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, Green Toys offers a range of eco-friendly toys free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC. From stacking cups to cars and trucks, their toys are durable, colorful, and safer options than typical plastic toys.
• PlanToys: This brand creates beautiful, sustainable wooden toys made from organic rubberwood. PlanToys is committed to non-toxic paints and finishes, ensuring their toys are free from harmful chemicals. They offer everything from wooden dolls to play kitchens and educational toys.

4. Non-Toxic Furniture and Bedding

Kids spend a lot of time in their rooms, so it’s important to make sure the furniture and bedding are made from non-toxic materials.

• Avocado Green Mattress: The Avocado Green Mattress is made from organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton, with no harmful flame retardants or chemicals. It’s a great option for a safe, chemical-free crib or toddler mattress (or for parents).
• Naturepedic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress: For babies and toddlers, a non-toxic mattress is a worthwhile investment. Naturepedic is GOTS and Greenguard certified, made without water-repellent chemicals (PFOA, PFOS), no flame retardants, and without glues or other adhesives. It’s a great option for a safe, chemical-free crib or toddler mattress.
• Crate & Kids Organic Bedding: When it comes to bedding, choosing organic cotton can make a huge difference. Crate & Kids offers a variety of soft, organic cotton sheets, blankets, and pillowcases that are free from harmful dyes and chemicals. Their bedding is both comfortable and eco-friendly. There are, thankfully, many options for organic bedding, but looking for GOTS certified bedding or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified bedding are helpful guides for better options.

5. Non-Toxic Paints for Kids’ Rooms

If you’re decorating your child’s room, be sure to consider choosing non-toxic paints that are free from harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can affect air quality and overall health. Unfortunately, many of these are harder to come by than what can be found at your local hardware store. Greenguard certification helps to identify options that are low VOC, so if you don’t choose an option below then consider keeping an eye out for the certification instead.

• The Real Milk Paint Co.: This is an excellent option for non-toxic, natural paints. Made from milk protein, lime, and other minerals, their paints are safe for both kids and adults. They come in a wide variety of colors and are nice options for furniture or walls in a child’s room.
• ECOS Paints: ECOS Paints offers a range of non-toxic, zero-VOC paints that are perfect for kids’ rooms. Their paints are made with natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe, breathable environment for your child.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Safe, Low-Tox Home for Your Kids

Making the switch to low-tox products for your kids may seem like a big step, but even just swapping one thing can help your kiddos in the long-run. Start small by swapping out a few everyday products, like cleaning supplies or bath products, and gradually build your collection of safer, non-toxic items.

The key is to be mindful of what goes into your home and onto your child’s skin, and with these low-tox options, you can feel confident that you’re making choices that prioritize their health and well-being.

From natural cleaning supplies to safe toys, bedding, and more, there are plenty of low-tox home products available that can help you create a healthier, happier environment for your family.