How to Choose a Baby Shampoo

Sulfate free shampoos for baby tear free organics

I never would have guessed that choosing a baby shampoo would be more complicated than walking down the aisle of the nearest Target or Walmart. But, as I learn more about preparing for baby, I see words pop up such as "formaldehyde" or "sulfate" in relation to baby shampoo. How is this possible?

Over 80% of baby shampoos contain formaldehyde. Toxin levels of children who use tainted shampoos are dramatically higher than for those who use sulfate free organic shampoos for baby.

This article will give you the tools to choose safe, cleansing shampoo for the apple of your eye. We will go over sulfate free shampoos for baby that are tear free, organic and fragrance free. I will not only mention several brands of baby shampoo that are safe, but give you the tools to navigate the world of marketing at your local Target or Walmart store. I will also provide a link to sign a petition to make safer baby shampoo products.

Instructions

1. 

   AVOID CERTAIN CHEMICALS - The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found in an independent labratory testing that 61% of popular baby shampoo products contain both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. Both chemicals are proven to be cancer causing and are byproducts of ingredients in the shampoo.

   To avoid buying baby shampoos containing these carcinogens you will have to read labels and avoid: sodium myreth sulfate, quaternium-15, PEG compounds, chemicals ending in "xynol," "ceteareth," and "oleth", DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.

   **Reading the labels at your local store may be time consuming. I suggest looking up products at Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database (link in resource section below) before going shopping. Every shampoo listed in the article is void of these harmful chemicals and follow the steps I recommend taking when choosing baby shampoo.

2. 

   GO ORGANIC - One of the best ways to avoid chemicals is to choose brands that are Certified Organic. There are many levels of certification with the USDA Certified Organic Seal being the highest.

   Nature My Body Organic Fragrance Free Baby Shampoo (featured in the picture) is certified organic, sulfate and chemical free and tearless. It is $21.79 for an 8.5oz pump. (See link in the resource section below for more info.)

3. 

   READ HYPOALLERGENIC LABELS ACCURATELY - Ridiculous as it may sound, the EWG study showed that 80% of products marketed as hypoallergenic, gentle and soothing actually contained ingredients are linked to allergies and skin irritation.

   Your best bet at finding truly hypoallergenic baby shampoo is to try organic products aimed at helping with cradle cap, eczema and dermatitis.

   California Baby Tea Tree and Lavendar Shampoo and Body Wash is tear frea, has no chemical byproducts (is sulfate free) and although it is not certified organic it has a score of 1 on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Scale (which is very good). California Baby costs $11.49 for an 8.5oz bottle. (See link in the resource section below for more information).

4. 

   AVOID FRAGRANCES - The ingredients of fragrance formulas aren't required to be listed on bottles for baby shampoo. Chemicals, called phthalates, which are found to be linked to reproductive problems are found in a lot of fragrances. What a great reason to go fragrance free.

   Otopia Hair and Body Wash for Newborns is certified organic, is fragrance and aroma free with no added essential oils and is especially formulated for extra sensitive skin. It is $15.99 for 10.1 oz.

5. 

   CHOOSE TEARLESS - While it may seem common sense that a baby shampoo would be tearless, a lot of organic and non organic brands can really sting when they get in the eyes. Make sure to purchase a tearless or tear free shampoo, especially for babies under one year of age.

   Fresh Organics (pictured here) is tear free, sulphate free, no parabens, no formaldehyde. It is $7.99 for 8oz. (see link in the resource section below for further info).

6. WRITE CONGRESS - Go to the link in the resource section labeled "Sign the Petition Here" to ask legislators to give the FDA the authority to regulate cosmetics.

Tips & Warnings

• Use coupons and enter giveaways to get free or cheaper organic baby shampoos. Many companies will give you a sample if requested.

• Baby Shampoo should not be used on babies until their umbilical cord has fallen off and the circumcision healed. Before that it is recommended that parents give their children sponge baths.

• Several companies have disputes against the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Their defense is that the chemicals present are in too small an amount to hurt children. Personally, I would rather play it safe than sorry. Chemicals will have a much bigger effect on a baby than they will any other time in his/her lie.

Resources

• There's a Carcinogen in Your Baby's Shampoo
• Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
• Nature My Body Organic Fragrance Free Baby Shampoo
• California Baby Tea Tree and Lavendar Shampoo & Bodywash
• Otopia Hair and Body Wash for Newborns
• Organic Baby Conditioning Shampoo and Wash
• Sign the Petition Here!!