Best Non-Toxic Baby Products (The Ultimate 2023 Guide!)

New parents are increasingly wondering how to keep their baby safe from harmful chemicals. Which baby products are safe to use and which ones to avoid? Which materials and ingredients are the safest for baby, and which baby brands are a must for a non-toxic baby registry checklist? Whether you’re shopping for your new or soon-to-arrive baby or are looking for items to put on your non-toxic baby registry, in this very thorough safe baby products guide you’ll find everything you need to know about non-toxic baby products in all areas of baby care!

Aside from supplying you with an organized list of the best natural baby products from head to toe (including a few organic baby must-haves with nothing but organic ingredients!), you’ll learn how to spot toxic baby products and how to choose safer replacements and alternatives that don’t pose the same health risks for your baby.

Why non-toxic baby products?

I don’t know about you but I was FLOORED when I became a mom and realized that many products marketed for babies and children contain chemicals that have been linked to various health issues. Isn’t that nuts?

But the real jaw-dropper was that many of the “natural – gentle – safe for babies” and “recommended by pediatricians” items ended up being some of the WORST offenders on the toxic baby products list.

Researching the topic of safe non-toxic baby products in depth is an incredibly laborious process but a MUST if your intention is to curb toxicity in the critical early years of your child’s life.

If you’re concerned about exposing your baby to harsh chemicals in everyday baby products and don’t have time to spare, this guide will help you make better and safer choices regarding your baby’s health and potential exposure to avoidable toxins. It’s filled with suggestions on the best and safest baby products on the market today to buy or register for, as well as top natural baby product brands.

Best non-toxic baby products 2023

Read this guide top-down in its entirety or pick and choose from the categories below and come back as many times as you need to – this safe baby products guide is a rather long read.

DIAPERING ESSENTIALS

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Baby powder

SOOTHING & FEEDING BABY

• Baby bottles
• Pacifiers & Teething
• Baby formula

GENERAL BABY CARE

• Baby toys
• Baby clothes
• Baby laundry

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR BABY

• Petroleum jelly
• Baby oil
• Baby shampoo & Lotion
• Sunscreen

NURSERY

• Crib mattress
• Crib sheets
• Crib mattress pad
• Play mats & Activity gyms
• Nursery furniture
• Decor
• Changing pad
• Nursing pillow

BABY GEAR

• Baby carrier
• Stroller
• Car seat
• Baby swing / Bouncer
• High chair

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DIAPERING ESSENTIALS

DIAPERS

The average age for potty training in the U.S. falls somewhere around 27 months – which comes to about 19,710 hours spent in diapers. That’s a significant chunk of time, isn’t it? The kind of diapers you use will determine the chemical load your baby will be exposed to during all this time.

The best natural diapering option is cloth, but cloth diapers aren’t for everyone (though if you’re undecided, I invite you to read about my honest look at the pros and cons of using cloth diapers).

To cut back on common toxins in baby diapers, avoid disposable diapers made with:

• fragrance (unknown ingredients)
• chlorine (unwanted by-products – dioxins)

Watch out for: misleading “chlorine-free” labeling on disposable diapers. Not all “chlorine-free” diapers are truly chlorine-free (ECF vs. TCF diapers).

There are more chemicals of concern in disposable diapers to keep in mind like phthalates, VOCs, TBT, certain types of adhesives or even topical lotions, but avoiding unnecessary additives and problematic processing agents is a good start and the easiest way to eliminate some of the most problematic chemicals and environmental pollutants that diapers have been known to contain.

See this list of the best non-toxic diapers that meet or exceed this criteria, with a full review of ingredients and performance that will help you find the best diapers for your baby & budget!

BABY WIPES

Good news first – baby wipes formulations are MUCH!! cleaner now, compared with just a few years ago. However, many brands still use a variety of problematic ingredients.

Avoid: all scented baby wipes.

The first step in eliminating questionable and toxic chemicals in baby wipes is to simply avoid all scented versions. Fragrance is a mixture of undisclosed ingredients that don’t have to be listed on the label due to trade secret protection policies. Manufacturers can hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in just this one ingredient alone, and they have no legal liability to tell you what those chemicals are.

Luckily, added fragrance is an ingredient easily avoided in baby wipes. Look for phrases “fragrance-free” or “unscented” on the front label and/or check if the ingredient list contains “fragrance” or “parfum.”

Keep in mind: Unscented, fragrance-free baby wipes can still have a slight scent, depending on the ingredients used or type of fibers in the wipe material.

Besides fragrance, there are several more ingredients to watch out for in baby wipes, namely preservatives with lower safety profiles, ingredients that may be contaminated with harmful chemical compounds from the manufacturing process, or harsh ingredients in combination with skin penetration enhancers.

Ingredients best avoided in baby wipes in addition to fragrance:

• all “PEG” ingredients
• “laureth” ingredients
• “ceteareth” ingredients
• “EDTA” ingredients
• polysorbate-20
• phenoxyethanol
• tocopheryl acetate*

*Pure natural tocopherol is generally safe, but vague labeling and undisclosed sourcing and processing makes determining purity of this ingredient difficult.

Check if your baby wipes contain any of these ingredients – the less, the better, but don’t freak out if you see some of them in the ingredient list. You can always try a different brand the next time you shop for baby wipes. If you don’t have a safe pick yet – see my top choices in baby wipes that don’t use any of these ingredients.

DIAPER RASH CREAM

The vast majority of diaper rash creams are based on petrolatum (petroleum jelly) or zinc oxide.

I personally much prefer using zinc oxide as opposed to petrolatum, but it all boils down to personal preference. (You can read more about petroleum jelly further down in this guide.)

Common diaper rash cream ingredients you might want to avoid:

• propylparaben or methylparaben (linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity)
• BHA (suspected endocrine disruptor)
• castor oil (skin penetration enhancer)
• talc (risk of contamination with asbestos)
• tocopheryl acetate (risk of contamination with hydroquinone)
• petrolatum & mineral oil (risk of contamination with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – PAHs)
• fragrance (unknown ingredients)

A few examples of safe natural diaper rash cream brands for your list of non-toxic baby essentials or a non-toxic baby registry:

• Badger
• Earth Mama
• Made Of
• Maty’s
• Noleo

A FEW NOTES:

(1) Noleo is not a traditional diaper rash cream. It’s a *liquid cleansing solution* that doubles as a baby lotion slash diaper cream. With only a few simple and natural ingredients, no wonder this brand is becoming very popular among the natural baby products crowd! (Available on the brand’s website or Amazon. EWG verified.)

(2) Earth Mama‘s formulation is also different from traditional diaper rash creams – it includes a blend of organic oils and shea butter and NO zinc oxide or petrolatum which makes it sort of a multi-tasking skin salve besides simply being just a diaper rash cream. (Another organic baby must-have for your non-toxic baby registry! Certified organic. GMO-free.)

(3) The rest of the choices contain varying amounts of zinc oxide as an active ingredient.

#MOMHACK: Did you know you can use sunscreen instead of a diaper rash cream??? (Yep, sunscreen! A game changer for a minimalist baby nursery.)

BABY POWDER

If you wish to use baby powder, there are two ingredients to watch out for:

• talcum powder (talc)
• fragrance

Talcum powder is a very fine powder that can cause breathing issues and lung damage when inhaled. Additionally, this ingredient can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Traditional baby powder based on talc belongs on the toxic baby products list and should be kept far, far away from babies!

Several brands have made the switch to talc-free baby powder well before this topic had gotten in the public eye, and some of the more health-conscious baby brands have always produced talc-free baby powder.

That said, some of the “safer” (talc-free) baby powders are still formulated with synthetic fragrance – a blend of unknown ingredients you won’t find in non-toxic baby products.

#Momhack: You don’t really *need* baby powder! You can easily use this baby powder alternative instead. It’s cheap, natural, easy to get and safe for your baby, and you probably already have it at home!

SOOTHING & FEEDING BABY

BABY BOTTLES

Your options in bottle feeding are:

• plastic
• glass
• stainless steel
• silicone

Which bottle material is the safest for baby?

Plastic baby bottles can leach chemicals and particles; even BPA-free plastics like polypropylene and polyamide (nylon) that have replaced polycarbonate plastic bottles.

Glass baby bottles are generally safer for baby than plastic bottles as glass won’t leach anything into the contents of the bottle, although some glass bottles have been found to contain lead in the decorative paint. The downside is that glass bottles are heavy and breakable.

Stainless steel baby bottles and silicone baby bottles are lightweight and won’t shatter on impact. They are not as inert as unpainted glass bottles but are safer than plastic bottles. Silicone, while not researched as closely as glass or plastic, is considered safe for normal use with bottle feeding. With stainless steel there is a possibility of metal leaching with acidic liquids (nickel would be the most concerning metal).

PACIFIERS & TEETHING

As for teethers, you are faced with the following options:

• plastic
• silicone
• natural rubber
• wood

Avoid: all plastic teethers. Even those labeled PVC/BPA/phthalate-free (which should be all at this point anyway). There is just so much that we don’t yet know about plastic and so many health issues that have been documented and studied. And there ARE safer choices, so why not?

Your best bet: untreated wood. (What about natural rubber?! Yes, I’m well aware we are discussing the best non-toxic and natural baby products in this article. Hear me out.)

Untreated wood is the most inert option. As a bonus, wood is naturally antibacterial.

This option and this one are some of the best choices for a wooden teether. Both are also made in the USA! A simple wooden teether is one of the organic baby must-haves on this list and a great addition to any natural and non-toxic baby registry. If you come across a wooden teether made in China that has any pieces glued together, be aware that a toxic adhesive could have been used.

Both silicone and natural rubber can be a good non-toxic alternative if they are a high quality grade. A series of chemical additives are used in the processing of these materials, and lower quality silicones or natural rubber can contain more impurities, such as siloxanes and nitrosamine compounds. Lastly, another downside of natural rubber is that it can trigger an allergic reaction.

When it comes to silicone teethers, most are made in Asia where there might be little oversight, but there are exceptions. These and these silicone teethers (food grade silicone) are made in the USA if that’s your preference. Additionally, this popular teether is made in China but with medical grade silicone. Medical grade silicone is the highest grade of silicone produced to be free of contaminants and is strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you were to prefer natural rubber teethers, I would recommend looking for ones that are made by a reputable company (like this one or this one).

#Momhack: Freezing a washcloth can do wonders for irritated gums, too! (Just make sure the washcloth hasn’t been washed with a harsh laundry detergent. More on that in a minute…)

When it comes to pacifiers, your options are:

• silicone
• latex/rubber

See *teethers* above for information on silicone and natural rubber (latex).

Keep an eye out for synthetic latex (thermoplastic elastomer) which is made from petroleum. It’s a form of plastic made with a number of additives, and leaching of these chemicals is a concern. In addition, both natural rubber and synthetic latex have the potential to leach nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances, many of which are carcinogenic.

BABY FORMULA

Breast milk is superior to baby formula, it’s a fact that can’t be argued. But, not every baby has access to breast milk and a baby’s gotta eat, right?

#nojudgement #fedisbest

When evaluating baby formula for babies without specific dietary needs, caution should be taken to go over basic nutritional facts before even acknowledging the marketing jargon on the front label.

3 baby formula factors to pay attention to:

• carbohydrate type
• digestibility of the protein
• the oil blend used

***A comprehensive guide for the best options in baby formulas is in the works!***

Resources to use in the meantime:

• Sugar in Breast Milk VS. Baby Formula
• Is Palm Oil in Baby Formula Safe?

GENERAL BABY CARE

BABY TOYS

Finding natural & non-toxic baby products for safe play time isn’t too difficult; the problem is that not very many options are available in brick-and-mortar stores. You’ll have a much better luck online.

General guidelines for safer baby toys:

• limit plastic baby toys (why: chemical leaching)
• limit hand-me-down toys (why: tightening regulations; previous recalls)
• avoid squishy toys made from PVC (why: endocrine disruptors)
• avoid cheap toys made in China (why: can contain hazardous chemicals)

Wooden toys are an excellent choice as long as non-toxic glues and finishes are used.

Soft toys for baby should ideally be made with natural, gently treated fabrics. Organic GOTS-certified cotton is your best bet for fabric toys intended for teething babies. Stuffed toys are typically filled with synthetic fibers and aren’t unsafe to handle for babies, but I would personally avoid frequent instances of teething babies mouthing stuffed toys filled with synthetic fiberfill.

As for plastic toys, plastic is best limited in quantity for very young babies because of a higher likelihood of toxicity. That said, certain types of plastic appear to be safer than others, so you’re not completely left in the dark if you don’t want to be limited to more basic toys made with natural materials.

Further resources:

• Best Organic & Natural Baby’s First Toys (0-12 months)
• Best Non-Toxic Bath Toys for Baby

BABY CLOTHES

You can find all kinds of chemicals in baby clothes, such as pesticide residues, flame retardants, toxic dyes, wrinkle-free and weather-resistant additives, formaldehyde finishes, and even compounds emitted by plastic or other decorations on clothing. But because it’s hardly ever possible to find out what exactly went into each and every piece of garment we buy, it’s best to keep things simple.

Best baby clothes material: natural fabrics.

It’s always a good idea to choose natural fibers (such as cotton or hemp) over synthetics (like polyester) for baby clothes because natural fabrics are breathable and feel better against the skin. (Read about the safety of polyester for babies here.) Bamboo fiber is another popular option – a semi-synthetic material that’s very soft and gentle for sensitive skin.

Is organic cotton better for babies? An infant’s skin is very sensitive and more permeable than the skin of an adult, so any residual chemicals on the clothing surface are more likely to be absorbed. Organic cotton is grown without conventional pesticides which reduces exposure to toxins, and it’s softer than conventional cotton. That said, clothing made with organic cotton can still be processed with harmful chemicals. GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the highest standard in fabric safety and guarantees that no harsh chemicals were used in the entire production process from the farm all the way to the finished product.

Always wash all new baby garments before using (tips for gentle laundry detergents included in this safe baby products guide!), and think twice about plastic decorations on your baby’s clothes which add to the cuteness factor but can leach chemicals.

Hand-me-down VS. brand-new baby clothes: even though second-hand baby clothes might have once been processed with harsh chemicals, used clothes are less likely to contain residues of chemical treatments than brand-new clothing, assuming they have been washed at least several times. ON THE OTHER HAND, second-hand baby clothes can be contaminated with chemicals from previous laundering. It’s best to wash any hand-me-down baby clothes without a detergent if you have a bunch, otherwise just add them to your laundry pile.

BABY LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Don’t be fooled by sneaky labels and marketing tricks, and beware of baby-specific laundry detergents. Take DREFT, for example, the holy grail of baby laundry that’s “#1 choice of pediatricians.” It has to be gentle and perfectly safe to use, right? WRONG. In reality, Dreft is just as harsh for baby’s skin as Tide. (Don’t believe me? See the rating and ingredient breakdown here.)

Ignore “baby laundry detergents.” ALL OF THEM.

Instead, use a *safe laundry detergent* for your entire family. (Sometimes the best natural baby products are not “baby products” after all…)

The reason for using a single detergent for the whole family is that while your baby’s clothes and bedding get special treatment from a safe detergent, your regular detergent can still leave toxic residue in the washing machine and make its way into baby’s loads. That same residue can also linger in your clothes which can be another way you could expose your baby to chemicals that may be harmful.

Strip your washer! If you’ve been using one of the mainstream laundry detergent brands up until now, you might want to rid your washer of any residues from previous use. Simply run one or two hot cycles in an empty washer or use the cleaning cycle if your washing machine has that option (baking soda for extra cleaning power is optional).

Ingredients best avoided in a laundry detergent include optical brighteners (additives that make fabrics appear whiter and brighter), synthetic fragrances (long-lasting – bond to clothing), dyes (synthetic colorants that add no cleaning power), ethoxylated ingredients (can leave residual contaminants), and methylisothiazolinone (MI/MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/CMIT) which are preservatives associated with allergic reactions.

The following laundry detergents are among the safest for baby:

• Attitude
• Better Life
• Molly’s Suds
• Soap Berries

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR BABY

PETROLEUM JELLY

Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) is a household staple in the average U.S. home. It’s used in the healing of cuts and burns and as skin protection from the elements (the reason it’s popular in diaper rash creams).

Petroleum jelly is not a product manufactured with intent. The clear gooey substance is a by-product left over from the crude oil refining process. It was first discovered in the mid-1800s when the machinery on oil drilling sites suddenly started to clog.

Is petroleum jelly safe for babies?

As such, petroleum jelly is considered safe and non-toxic, AS LONG AS it has been sufficiently purified. The reason petroleum jelly often ends up on the toxic baby products lists aside from its unsustainable profile is due to the risks of possible contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) resulting from insufficient purification. PAHs are problematic and persistent chemicals that have been associated with cancer [source, source].

Highly refined (highly purified) petroleum jelly is not carcinogenic, and much of petroleum jelly on the U.S. market should be highly refined. But that doesn’t mean ALL is. Given that petroleum jelly can come in different grades of purity, it’s best to go with a brand you trust if you use or plan on including petroleum jelly in baby care. (For what it’s worth, VASELINE® Petroleum Jelly is highly refined – triple purified.)

The best petroleum jelly alternative? If you want to try something more “green” and pure, this product is amazing and petrolatum-free! (+ Certified organic.) Another must-have for a natural and non-toxic baby registry!

BABY OIL

Mineral baby oil is like petroleum jelly’s second cousin – another by-product of the oil refining industry.

Like petroleum jelly, mineral baby oil is considered safe for baby and non-toxic as long as it’s highly refined.

Keep in mind that mineral oil is often combined with synthetic fragrance. Just one synthetic fragrance can contain many chemicals of concern.

Some of the most popular mineral baby oil alternatives are unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil or argan oil, or commercial plant-based baby oils like this one. (Apply on damp skin to lock in moisture and start slow and watch for reactions.)

Pro tip: Use mineral oil in place of furniture polish.

BABY SHAMPOO & LOTION

Skin is the largest and most permeable organ of the human body. Many cosmetic ingredients well tolerated by adults can be too harsh for baby’s sensitive skin and can cause skin irritation in babies. In addition, virtually anything you put on your baby’s skin has good chances of crossing the skin barrier and ending up in your baby’s bloodstream.

Watch out for these ingredients:

(common culprits that score high on the toxic baby products lists)

• unspecified fragrance (unknown ingredients)
• ingredients ending with -eth (followed with a dash and number – such as ceteareth-20 or laureth-10; risks of contamination with cancer-causing ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane)
• PEG ingredients (risk of contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane)
• methylisothiazolinone (MI/MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/CMIT); (preservatives associated with skin allergies and eczema)
• ingredients ending with -paraben (like propyl- or methylparaben; preservatives that may affect the endocrine system)

Brands known for some of the best non-toxic baby products in skin care:

• Attitude
• BareBaby Organics
• Earth Mama
• Made Of
• Puracy

Good to know: Babies don’t need to be bathed very often at all, definitely not daily. Baby’s skin contains natural oils, and frequent washing removes these oils. Likewise, while some babies are definitely prone to having dry skin, routine use of oils or creams isn’t necessary. Dry skin can also simply be the result of overdoing it with baby baths or using a product that doesn’t work with your baby’s skin.

SUNSCREEN

There are many chemicals of concern when it comes to conventional sunscreen products.

CHOOSE physical sunblock for your baby, which will contain mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or both.

This is my favorite baby sunscreen, as well as this one for older kiddos, made with uncoated large-particle zinc oxide. In fact, our whole family uses these sunscreens exclusively. (Nope, Badger isn’t paying me to say this.)

Good to know: Apply sunscreen only when needed – we can all use some extra vitamin D3!

THE NURSERY

***If you co-sleep, the following applies to your bedroom as well.***

CRIB MATTRESS

Conventional crib mattresses can be made with vinyl/PVC, chemical flame retardants, toxic adhesives, and fabrics that have gone through various chemicals treatments. They can emit a number of toxic chemicals and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

If you can, choose a crib mattress made with natural materials like organic cotton, wool, 100% natural latex, or at least a blend with these materials.

I highly recommend a Naturepedic crib mattress for anyone seeking the best natural baby products that are made with care. Here are a few highlights and why I’m such a huge fan:

• GOTS and UL GREENGUARD GOLD (top level!) certified.
• Free of formaldehyde, vinyl/PVC, phthalates, toxic adhesives, chemical flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds (used to make fabric water- and stain-resistant).
• Made in the USA!
• Made with USDA-certified cotton.
• Non-toxic waterproofing made of food-safe plant-based LDPE (low density polyethylene).

Naturepedic has 3 crib mattress options: Classic, Breathable, or Breathable Ultra. All types are available with coil springs in the core or patented lighter core.

Use code wholesomechildren15 at checkout for 15% off and SWEETDREAMS for free ground shipping!

• Classic – waterproof, single/double firmness options (infant vs. toddler sleep surface).
• Breathable – 2-stage firmness (infant vs. toddler sleep), removable washable layer with a wipe-clean waterproof surface underneath, higher coil count.
• Breathable Ultra – same as Breathable + thicker and more quilted top layer.

CRIB SHEETS

Baby crib sheets should be made from natural fibers. If you’re able to, consider splurging on quality crib sheets like some of the GOTS-certified organic crib sheets below (use this link if products are not displayed correctly, but double check each item for GOTS certification since I don’t have any control over the feed).

Why GOTS? GOTS certification guarantees that the fibers are sourced from organic farming and haven’t been subjected to any harmful chemicals during processing. In addition, GOTS certification doesn’t permit child labor and guarantees fair wages together with a safe and clean working environment.

Also consider these Naturepedic crib sheets – made with organic cotton in a GOTS-certified facility, available in ivory or white color, for standard and oval-shaped cribs.

CRIB MATTRESS PAD

The majority of waterproof crib mattress pads on the market utilize vinyl/PVC and polyester. Vinyl/PVC exposes babies to a number of harmful chemicals and is dubbed the most toxic plastic. Polyester is a cheap synthetic fabric.

Related: Is Polyester Safe for Babies?

For a safer choice, look into crib mattress pads made with natural fibers and a waterproof barrier made from polyethylene (food-safe plastic) or a thermoplastic polyurethane film (TPU) – a unique type of rubber-like plastic that’s doesn’t off-gas or emit endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Safer natural crib mattress pads:

• Naturepedic
• Sleep & Beyond
• I’m A Little Teapot
• PUREgrace

PLAY MATS & ACTIVITY GYMS

The safest and most natural choice for a baby play mat would be a gently processed, quilted cotton fabric. But that also means you won’t be able to wipe it clean and dry it fast.

Good to know: If a fabric play mat features a non-slip backing on the underside, it may be PVC (best avoided).

Most play mats on the market are made with polyester which is a synthetic material but generally safer than foam-based play surfaces. Foam is a very complex material that can be produced from a variety of materials via many different methods with very little, if any, disclosure.

Plant-based foam is becoming increasingly popular over polyurethane foam made from petrochemicals, but it’s not necessarily a non-toxic material. While marketed as “natural” and “green,” plant-based foam is typically made with a blend of petroleum-based and natural materials rather than natural materials only – as the name implies. It’s heavily processed either way. More importantly, plant-based foam can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) just like standard polyurethane foam.

A few options for a cute, safe, non-toxic play mat for baby:

CHANGING PAD

Changing pads are typically made with polyurethane foam (usually petroleum based and treated with chemical flame retardants), PVC/vinyl waterproofing layer, and synthetic rubber anti-skid bottom.

The biggest concern with changing pads would be the foam due to off-gassing of flame retardant chemicals and possibly other chemical compounds.

HOWEVER, in this case, the waterproofing barrier essentially encloses the foam within, reducing the risk of off-gassing. As for the PVC/vinyl layer, while by definition it’s not a material that the best natural baby products would be made with, a simple cover (that you would use anyway) will create a barrier between the material and your baby’s skin, although that obviously doesn’t take care of chemical vapors that can off-gas.

If I had a non-toxic baby nursery to put together right now and a limited budget, a changing pad would be among the less concerning items for me. (Just my honest opinion.)

That said, there ARE safer options to explore that are made without PVC/vinyl and foam like this non-toxic changing pad if your budget allows for the cost (organic cotton, food-safe waterproof layer – made from non-GMO sugarcane, UL Greenguard Gold certified, GOTS certified, cover sold separately). In all honesty, there are way pricier changing pads on the market that aren’t even quite as functional as this one. If you’re looking for top natural baby products for your non-toxic baby registry, this would be a great item to add.

NURSING PILLOW

If you’re getting a nursing pillow (you may not even need it – I have personally not used one with either of my babies), the main material of concern would be foam, especially if a non-certified type of foam is used.

Unlike a changing pad that’s used periodically throughout the day for a short amount of time where I think you’re OK cutting yourself some slack and saving some money, I would recommend splurging on a “cleaner” nursing pillow. It takes longer to feed a baby than to change a diaper, and a typical nursing pillow doesn’t have any solid barrier between the foam and fabric. Any amount of off-gassing will therefore have a more pronounced effect.

A non-toxic nursing pillow should not contain foam that’s likely to off-gas harmful chemicals. Polyester filling is safer than foam. I’d be less concerned about the fabric on a nursing pillow over the filling, but obviously natural is better, and GOTS-certified is best.

Safer (and unique) options for nursing pillows include this one (filled with buckwheat, removable organic cotton cover), and this one (filled with sustainably sourced U.S. wool, organic cotton exterior shell; removable cover available for purchase).

NURSERY FURNITURE

Nursery furniture (like any other furniture) can contain all kinds of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

For non-toxic nursery furniture, aim for solid wood.

Furniture manufacturing these days relies heavily on the use of engineered wood like MDF (medium density fiberboard) and particleboard because these materials are much cheaper than solid wood. These manufactured wood materials are made by pressing wood waste like wood chips and sawmill shavings together and commonly utilize formaldehyde adhesives which can off-gas from the furniture for YEARS after you bring it home (even if you can’t smell anything).

Additionally, even furniture made from solid wood can contain formaldehyde-based adhesives and/or VOC-emitting finishes.

One option in minimizing toxic chemicals in your baby’s nursery is to get furniture made from unfinished solid wood. This gives you the option to leave the wood as is or finish it yourself with natural oils or water-based finishes.

Furthermore, for a verifiably non-toxic product, take note of any certifications such as GREENGUARD, GREENGUARD GOLD (stricter VOC emissions requirements), or GREEN SEAL, which indicate the use of safer materials, adhesives, and finishes.

DECOR

A few more tips for a non-toxic nursery:

• Paint – look for zero-VOC or low-VOC interior paint and primer. Even zero-VOC paints give off slight odor, so give yourself enough time so that you’re finished well ahead of bringing baby home. This will allow the paint to air out to some extent.

• Window treatments – older types of blinds can contain lead – keep that in mind particularly if you’re positioning the crib near a window (if needed, you can check any surfaces in your home for lead with a simple test and get instant results). Other than that, fabrics break down over time (especially when exposed to sunlight) and can release harmful chemicals embedded in the fibers, but fabric window treatments wouldn’t be my top concern unless you’re going for a top-down non-toxic nursery.

• Flooring – hardwood floors with area rugs is a safer option over wall-to-wall carpeting. Carpets are a major contributor to indoor air pollution due to off-gassing, especially when the carpet is brand new. In terms of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and the avoidance of toxic baby products, an older carpet is less risky than a brand new one that was just installed.

BABY GEAR

BABY CARRIER

Ergonomic baby carriers (the type of a carrier that allows your baby to sit) made with natural fabrics are the best and safest option. Baby carriers that let your baby dangle by the crotch don’t support baby’s spine and hips properly and should be avoided.

This baby carrier is my absolute favorite! It has been one of my most used baby items, and one of my favorite baby items to use!

STROLLER

Strollers may be made with a number of materials that can contain various processing chemicals such as flame retardants, formaldehyde and other VOCs, heavy metals, phthalates, PFAS, and especially AZO dyes.

A stroller is typically used on a somewhat limited basis (as opposed to a crib mattress or baby diapers where the exposure effects are more pronounced) and often outdoors where off-gassing is less of an issue. That said, it’s still a good idea to look for the least toxic stroller for your baby.

It is, however, typical for stroller brands to disclose limited information on the materials used or chemical treatments for any of their fabrics.

If you’re concerned about toxic chemicals in the stroller of your choosing, check for certifications by third-party organizations that screen for harmful pollutants and emissions.

One stroller brand to consider is Bumbleride. Bumbleride strollers are made with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics and solution dyes (meaning the dyes are added in the raw/liquid stage of the fiber making process which significantly reduces the likelihood of leaching). They’re made without polyurethane foam, vinyl, or PVC. Their strollers are free from PFAS, fire retardants (except in the UK where it’s mandatory), BPA, phthalates, chlorine, and formaldehyde. Certifications: Bluesign, OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Nuna is another brand known for safe non-toxic baby gear made with high quality, durable materials. They use organic and GOTS-certified fibers, merino wool, and Tencel lyocell in many of their products. Their strollers are free of chemical flame retardants and are naturally flame resistant, and they are GREENGUARD Gold certified which is a certification with the highest chemical emissions (VOCs) standards.

CAR SEAT

Even though car seats are no longer required to be treated with flame retardants (as of 2017), most car seat manufacturers still treat theirs. Old habits die hard, I guess?

WATCH OUT FOR brominated (HBCD, TBC, UBC) and chlorinated flame retardants (TDCPP and TCPP). LOOK FOR non-halogenated, phosphate-based flame retardants instead, or car seats made with Oeko-Tex certified fabrics. Or, obviously, non-treated car seats, which would be the best option for a non-toxic car seat.

Another option is to buy a car seat made with wool which is naturally flame resistant. UPPAbaby Mesa car seats Jordan and Henry (but ONLY these two models!) are made with wool and contain NO chemical flame retardants. Unfortunately, while it might be ideal to match the car seat brand with the stroller, UPPAbaby is not clear on the materials they use in their strollers.

BABY SWING / BOUNCER

There is a wide variety of baby swings and baby bouncers on the market made with a number of different materials. It’s not typical for manufacturers to share details on the materials used and whether they contain toxic dyes, harmful flame retardants, phthalates, formaldehyde or other VOCs.

I would personally avoid any type of foam components in a baby swing or a bouncer. I would be less concerned about polyester fabrics or polyester batting that many of these products contain, although natural fibers would be my strong preference.

There is one brand that stands out – BabyBjörn.

Not only are BabyBjörn baby bouncers highly rated, they are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified which means that the fabric has been tested against a list of nearly 350 harmful chemicals to keep your baby safe. These baby bouncers are non-battery operated, lightweight, and suitable for newborns up to 2 years old. They have a modern simplistic design. There are two versions available – Balance Soft and Bliss, which come with a different frame color (black/gray) and a variety of fabrics ranging from cotton to cotton blends and 100% polyester. The fabric seat covers are removable and interchangeable.

HIGH CHAIR

When shopping for a high chair, you’ll have to decide if you want a wooden high chair or a plastic one. Wood is natural and eco-friendly, plastic is lightweight and more affordable of the two.

If your preference is a wooden high chair, go for solid wood over engineered wood (MDF, particleboard, etc.) to avoid exposing your baby to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Also pay attention to the finishes – opt for zero- and low-VOC finishes, and water-based paints and lacquers.

Most high chair seat covers are made of polyester, faux leather, or other synthetic materials. It’s to make clean up simple.

Three of the highest rated high chairs constructed of quality non-toxic materials are made by Stokke. Stokke is a Norwegian company that uses safer non-toxic finishes. All Stokke’s high chairs are JPMA certified and meet or exceed ASTM standards for structural stability and safety. They are pricier than mainstream high chairs but not priced outrageously high at the same time like some other brands are.

• The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is a sturdy wooden high chair with a relatively small footprint that comes with a plastic baby seat adapter and a 5-point harness. It’s fully adjustable, so it grows with your child and eventually transforms into a regular chair. (In fact, the chair alone can hold up to 300 lbs/136 kg which is truly impressive.) This particular model is meant to be used at the table, or you can upgrade for a Tripp Trapp model with a cushion and tray (plastic).
• Stokke Clikk is a wooden/plastic high chair that has the typical high chair look (and a larger footprint due to its legs). It’s intended for up to 33 lbs (15 kg), or ages 6-36 months. It has a wooden base and a plastic seat and tray (polypropylene, which is a BPA-free material), and a 5-point safety harness. A padded cushion (cotton with a waterproof layer) is optional.
• Lastly, the Stokke Steps High Chair is made of solid wood/plastic and includes the base wooden chair, baby set with a 5-point harness, plastic tray, and a cushion (waterproof, OEKO-TEX certified). Or, you can get a more basic version of this set with just the chair and a baby set (no tray or cushion) and use it at the family table. It has a modern minimalistic look and four legs instead of a base compared with the Tripp Trapp model. Like Tripp Trapp, it grows with your child though not quite to the same extent – this model safely holds up to 187 lbs (85 kg).

One con that some parents are sharing about the Stokke high chairs is that baby’s cups and bowls with a suction plate don’t stick to the tray.

Safer products for your baby

My intention is NOT to freak you out with this safe baby products guide, all right? I consider myself to be very health-conscious, but I also realize that it’s impossible to keep our babies safe from EVERY SINGLE harsh or potentially harmful chemical out there. Besides, it’s super easy to go nuts when you start researching safe and non-toxic baby products. There has to be balance.

I have created this non-toxic baby products guide so that you have a good place to start if you want to explore healthier options in baby care made without harmful substances and unsafe materials.

If you have a small budget and want to protect your baby from harmful chemicals, I recommend focusing on the areas that have the most time-pronounced effect on your baby, such as sleeping, diapering, and clothing (plus laundering). Even a small change can make a difference in the bigger context.

Use this information as a guide in the areas you’re most concerned about, and replace or not get in the first place baby products in specific categories on your own terms.

Safer, eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives for baby are often pricier than their conventional counterparts. Sometimes by a whole lot. But you almost always get what you pay for – a peace of mind, and a healthier environment for your baby. Every time I feel the nagging urge to buy a safer, more expensive product in any area of our home, I think of spending the money as investing in the health of our family. Good health is not a given these days, and I think it’s worth investing in.

On that note, if you’re looking for ways to save money so that you can buy some of the safer and healthier non-toxic baby products on this list, take a look at these unnecessary baby products that you may not really need (or want!) after all… despite the popularity some of them get. Dollar to dollar, that could save you a good chunk of cash right there.

Is there a category missing on this non-toxic and natural baby products guide that you’d like me to add? Let me know!