The Best Child And Baby Safe Cleaning Products - Keeping Your Kids Healthy

Choosing baby safe cleaning products to use at home is crucial for the health of our children, from the moment you become pregnant and all throughout your little one’s childhood. 

Of course, we all want to keep our home as clean as we can for our children’s wellbeing.  But the truth is, traditional cleaning products contain dozens of chemicals that can actually be hazardous to the health of your kids, rather than protecting them. 

But luckily with just a bit of knowledge of what to look out for, we can make informed decisions about what we choose to spray around our kids to keep them as safe and healthy as possible. 

Why Choose Child Friendly Cleaning Products? 

Child friendly cleaning products are typically non-toxic and made with safe ingredients. Whereas traditional mainstream cleaning products usually contain toxic chemicals that can cause a range of health problems, from minor skin irritations to serious respiratory issues. A Norwegian study even suggested that exposure to cleaning products has the same effect on the lungs as smoking 20 cigarettes a day! Definitely not what we want for children, our ourselves for that matter.

Not to mention, many traditional cleaning products can be poisonous if ingested, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and even more serious health problems. And children’s natural curiosity and tendency to put things in their mouths means they are more likely to accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t. 

Children are even more vulnerable to chemical exposure than adults because they have smaller body mass and are still developing. So using child friendly cleaning products that are formulated with natural ingredients helps keep our little ones safer and healthier. These products are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. 

An added bonus is that child safe cleaning products are also typically better for the environment. Traditional cleaning products can contribute to air pollution, plastic pollution, and water pollution, but child safe cleaning products are often made with natural, biodegradable ingredients.

Child And Baby Cleaning Products: What To Avoid to Keep your Little Ones Safe

Child and baby cleaning products should be natural, non-toxic and free from invisible nasties. The best way to determine if a product is safe for use around children is to become an expert at reading ingredient labels and watching out for “red-flag” ingredients. Be wary of the products claiming to be “antibacterial” as these are often include harmful chemicals like pesticides or triclosan. 

Some Ingredients to Avoid 

• Phthalates: These are nasty chemicals hidden in ingredient lists with the word “fragrance” or “parfum”. They can cause hormone disruption and contribute to reproductive issues later in a child’s life.

• Chlorine: A strong disinfectant that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled.

• Ammonia: Ammonia is a common ingredient in glass and surface cleaners and can cause respiratory irritation and burns.

• Bleach: Recent studies have revealed that children who have had exposure to bleach in their homes are more likely to suffer from respiratory illness.

• Formaldehyde: Exposure to this preservative and can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer.

• Triclosan: An antibacterial agent and can cause hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.

• Sodium Hydroxide: This is a strong alkaline substance used in drain cleaners and can cause severe burns if ingested or touched.

• Volatile Organic Compounds: VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution. Exposure to high levels can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.

Go Plastic-Free

Also, if possible, try to choose a refillable cleaning product that isn’t packaged in plastic, to avoid your child inhaling or ingesting microplastics. There tiny particles of plastic have been found in many everyday products, including food and water. When ingested or inhaled they can contribute to many serious health complications. 

Be careful while pregnant

Even before your little one is born it’s beneficial to limit your own exposure to microplastics and toxic chemicals too, as it can have harmful effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. These chemicals can cross the placenta and reach the developing foetus, potentially causing a range of health problems.

Studies have even shown that exposure to microplastics during pregnancy can lead to developmental problems, reproductive issues, and immune system disorders in the foetus.

Toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and BPA, have also been linked to a range of health problems in both the mother and the foetus. Such as disruption in hormonal balances, and reproductive problems. Studies have also shown that exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and premature birth. As well as developmental delays, cognitive problems, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Have safety measures in place 

In addition to choosing child safe cleaning products, it's important to practice safe cleaning habits. Keep any cleaning products out of reach of children, even if they are non-toxic, and follow the instructions carefully.

The Best Baby Safe Cleaning Products 

So now we know what NOT to choose. What’s should we be looking for? 

When choosing baby safe cleaning products, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for products that are specifically labelled as non-toxic, child safe or baby safe. Read the full ingredients list and do an internet search for any ingredient you don’t recognise. 

Opt for products that are fragrance-free or scented with natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. And choose a plastic-free refillable option if possible!

Finally, look for products that are certified by reputable organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), for piece of mind that the product has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards.

Here’s a round up of some of the best baby safe cleaning products to keep your little ones protected: 

• Spruce Non-toxic Cleaning Products: 

Spruce’s non-toxic cleaning products are safe for use around your children. Formulated to be highly effective with no toxic chemicals or synthetic fragrances. All of the ingredients are rated highly by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for non-toxicity. Not to mention, the organic essential oil fragrances are 100% natural and smell divine!

Founder of Spruce Mahira Kalim created Spruce after a decade long journey of health concerns inspired her to embark on a non-toxic lifestyle. Being a mother herself, it was paramount that her cleaning product formulations were totally safe for use during pregnancy and around young children. Which is why they are single-use plastic-free, chemical-free and made with natural ingredients. . 

Check out the full range of Spruce natural Refillable Cleaning Products to learn more.  

• DIY Natural Cleaning Ingredients: 

Another great option is to utilise natural cleaning hacks, with ingredients like lemon, white vinegar, essential oils and bicarbonate of soda. These versatile ingredients can be used to mop up spills, clean stains and deodorise your home without posing a risk to your children. 

Keeping your home clean and safe for your little ones doesn't have to be a difficult task once you know what to look out for. Armed with the right knowledge, you can protect your child's health and minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals. Creating a safer, healthier environment for your whole family. 

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