For a decent price, you’ll have a system that you can use over and over again as it grows along with your baby from birth through the toddler years. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay choice for your baby’s crib mattress. It’s also one of the most recycled plastics in the US with about 30 to 35 percent of the HDPE produced finding its way to other uses. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic. PETE is commonly used to package beauty products and cosmetics; water, juice, and soft drinks; sauces and salad dressings; cooking oils; video and film; and more. That’s why you are unlikely to find these symbols on anything other than food or beverage containers. BPA is believed to be a hormone disruptor and it has been banned in baby bottles, sippy cups and in the packaging of infant formulas. If you’ve spent any time researching green, eco-friendly or non-toxic crib mattresses for your baby, you might have come across mattresses containing polyethylene terephthalate (most commonly abbreviated as PET or PEET). These chemicals are especially dangerous if toys or bibs are placed in the mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may exceed the maximum daily dose and have a long-term impact on health. Nook Sleep‘s Pebble Lite crib mattress, Lullaby Earth, the Colgate Eco Classica III, and the Newton Baby are examples of crib mattresses that incorporate PETE (or polyester – the textile form of PETE) in different ways. Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. Consider how widely-accepted BPA was until recently. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ), Plastic lumber (such as raised garden beds). It’s a great moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance, and it’s a more stable form of plastic than PET. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is widely used in the food packaging industry for its safety and purity. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Since it’s made from petroleum, you have all of the various by-products of that industry to consider as well as the huge negative impact that plastics, in general, make on our environment. While recyclable, most of the plastic purchased by consumers finds its way into landfills or waterways. Your son will be able to throw his trucks down the stairs and not have to worry about breaking them. The perfect example of a food container made from HDPE is your standard milk jug. Is a smart choice for families trying to go green? Folks sterilizing for babies is worst because babies can’t adjust as well as full humans. It’s an energy-efficient packaging material as compared to glass and aluminum. If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. Combined, I have 10 years of parenting experience across three children - with another on the way! Natural Baby Life aims to be the best resource for learning everything you can about raising your little one! Here's everything you never thought you'd need to know about Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE). At this point, you’re probably wondering what’s the catch…. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also known as: ClearLax, GaviLAX, Gialax, GlycoLax, HealthyLax, MiraLAX, PEG3350, Purelax, SunMark ClearLax Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Yes it leached almost assuredly. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. It’s also made from ethically harvested wood! When you have children, you begin to look at things in ways you never did before. There has been a lot of recent news about plastic bags accumulating in waterways and even being eaten by wildlife. When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? I personally wouldn’t worry at all if any of my baby’s food containers or toys were made from HDPE. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. banned the use of BPA in sippy cups, baby bottles, and baby formula containers. Polyethylene glycol 3350 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Today, some of the top “natural,” “non-toxic” and “organic” crib mattress manufacturers make use of PETE in their mattresses. I'm the dad in charge of Natural Baby life. (Age, Weight, & Safety! If the question of health and polyethylene terephthalate is a bit unclear, same goes when it comes to the environment. PVC is also known simply by the name Vinyl, and is used as a wipe clean coating on many 'waterproof' baby bibs. StumbleUpon. Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. Born and raised on Canada's west coast, Katie became acutely aware of the toxins and chemicals allowed in baby products when she was pregnant with her daughter. How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350? BPA has shown to cause negative effects on the human brain, development of the reproductive system, and increased blood pressure. Baby jumpers can be fun for babies and a true joy for parents. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic you probably use a lot in your day-to-day life. Polyethylene is a safe plastic. It’s a common packaging material for food and drinks, and you’re likely to find it throughout your refrigerator and pantry. Now, I’m not saying that anymore. Twitter. PETE is a plastic derived from crude oil and natural gas. When it comes to plastics, these are usually the biggest culprits for compromised safety. Your pediatrician may recommend Miralax or other laxatives. However, multiple and extensive studies have investigated antimony as a possible cause of SIDS and failed to confirm a link. We personally like to have a playpen set up for our infant son inside the larger playroom because we don’t want him getting into his sisters’ toys which are quite small and present a choking hazard. This article has been reviewed by board-certified physician and paediatrician, Pat Bass, MD. Perhaps the quote below best sums up the issue of PETE safety: “I used to say: ‘4, 5, 1, and 2. While you probably won’t find many cups or multi-use food-related baby products made from number 2 plastic, you are much more likely to find it inside your baby’s playroom. WhatsApp . Your daughter will be able to move around her table and chairs the way she wants. Ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon) and terephthalic acid are the “building blocks” behind PETE. It’s nearly impossible to avoid plastics in the modern world and it can be quite confusing trying to figure out which types of plastic are safe and which can be harmful. Polyethylene is Safe and Non-Toxic Blocking chemical off-gassing is not so simple. We have rubbers are made of materials that can harm your toddler’s health. It’s a very hard, durable, and light plastic that is prized for its ability to hold or support much more than its weight would suggest. With 10 years of parenting experience across three children, I am constantly learning how to raise children more naturally. While the PET Resin Association certainly has “skin in the game” and can’t be expected to be neutral, there are many other reputable organizations that consider PETE to be one of the safer plastics. ADVERTISEMENT. Buying safe plastic toys. Is EVA safe for babies? Plastic items with the number 2 on the bottom are made from high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, which is a thermoplastic that is petroleum-based. It is frequently used in plastic for milk cartons, laundry detergent, garbage bins, and cutting boards. It’s usually opaque and colored during the manufacturing process. Polyethylene is a class of thermoplastics practically ubiquitous in consumer products. Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children older than 18 months. To avoid plastic altogether, consider using stainless steel food and beverage containers along with wooden baby toys and accessories. Polythene (noun) A light thermoplastic used in packaging etc. Thank you . However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay … As I’ve mentioned, HDPE is considered very safe for babies due to its chemical stability. But if the flexible plastic toy isn’t … You need to know that some producers are not honest about the ingredients of foam products. I need to know if polyethylene tanks are safe for honey storage during short periods (less than 1 week). It has fun colors, safe hinges that avoid pinching baby fingers, and it’s sturdy enough to stand up to a toddler’s rough playstyle! One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. In addition to contributing to microplastic pollution and being non-biodegradable, PETE can cause water pollution. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. If you drank that beverage in the United States, chances are it came in a PETE bottle. Safe Plastic # 4 – Low density polyethylene (LDPE) LDPE is used typically used in the manufacture of shopping bags, sandwich bags, some cling wrap, and the kind of plastic wrapping you get when you buy toiled paper and kitchen paper towels. ; polyethylene. Another common baby item frequently made with HDPE is a baby gate or pen. At the time of writing, most health authorities consider PETE a “safer plastic.”. Avoid using plastic or coated roasting and steaming bags. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a robust, moderately stiff plastic with a highly crystalline structure. As a result, the skin does not experience any type of potentially dangerous absorption. “PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world.”. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Once produced, it remains in our ecosystem pretty much forever. There are seven different categories of plastic and the standard for these is maintained by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International). Industry associations argue PETE is a responsible environmental choice: However, there’s no getting around the fact that PETE is not biodegradable. The molecular structure of polyethylene is simple and … Safe Plastic #5 – Polypropylene. Leading health authorities around the world widely consider PETE to be one of the safer plastics. One of the main health concerns related to PETE has to do with antimony, a chemical used as a catalyst during the manufacturing process, that is also a possible carcinogen. This raises questions about all plastic bottles.”, Safe, Non-Toxic Bath Toys You Can Buy on Amazon (That Your Kids Will Actually Love). I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub (and Why You Need One). PETE is super useful from an industrial perspective, because it can be liquified and shaped into almost any shape. Sumangala Says: January 14th, 2010 at 2:16 pm. According to this 2018 study published in Polymers, “At present, the pollution of microplastic directly threatens ecology, food safety and even human health. Plastics safety – and the research around it – is constantly evolving. This is where some of the concern comes from when parents learn we use polyethylene. Find out more about me here. When it comes to deciding whether to use PET or PETE in your baby’s nursery, families need to weigh up the pros and cons individually, and with their paediatrician. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We never use polyurethane foam or flame retardants. Children and babies are a higher risk of suffering from these effects because so much of organ development takes place during the first few years of life. link to Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives], link to When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? At this time, parents should prepare baby floor mats for crawling for them to crawl freely on. It is most frequently seen as a packaging material. Further, it’s an energy-intensive process. Any of these numbers mean the plaything is made from polyethylene, a safe BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, making it a healthy toy to take home. However, the research is evolving, and it’s hard to say what the final verdict will be. While many baby toys on the market are made from plastic, there are a ton of wooden alternatives available as well that work just as well. Because it’s so tough and durable, many manufacturers choose this product for baby toys and accessories like: The benefit of using HDPE for baby products is that they are light, durable, and easy to clean. When used as a textile, it’s known as polyester. Babies will start crawling when they are three months old. And what about the environment? It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. It also works great for outdoor playground equipment like slides, water tables, and swings. Wood or bamboo toys. A bone chilling article showed babies … Even if it’s safe, there are still downsides to using HDPE and plastic in general. Plastic number 2 (High-density polyethylene or HDPE) is considered one of the safest plastics in use today and it won’t leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages. No it’s not dangerous but maybe if you do it every day you’ll have problems. You can probably find PETE throughout your house and day-to-day life. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA, the EU, and the German Research Foundation.”. 5329. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. PETE is the most recycled plastic in the USA. It sounds very similar in name but is a completely different type of material. However, this is only part of the story. We don’t know about 4, 5, 1, or 2. (Age, Weight, & Safety!). Importantly, you won’t find any BPA or phthalates inside plastic number 2 because they aren’t used in the manufacturing process. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Think back to the last time you drank bottled water or soda from a plastic bottle. These babies need a safe and healthy source of food, and formula should be manufactured in a way that avoids contamination with hormone disrupting chemicals. Foam mats popular in homes, schools, and even childcare centers. We are Geoff & Katie, new parents trying to make sense of life with kids! Plastic will work, but the plastic needs to be thick enough so the gasses won’t penetrate. But, in 2017, some families claimed that MiraLAX caused psychological disturbances in children. Polypropylene is heat resistant and is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. This is indeed concerning. You’ll also find this material in bottles of juice, chocolate syrup, and vinegar. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is one of the main health concerns surrounding PET. But what is in the foam? In fact, you’ll probably find PETE throughout your home if you go looking for it: “It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. Research obsessed about finding the best stuff for our family, we thought we’d share our hard work with you. You might also find it in your closet (as polyester) or in carpet, rope, sleeping bag filling, construction materials, and more. High-density polyethylene is considered to be one of the safest forms of plastic, and it’s also the most commonly recycled plastic. Pinterest. Data on its safety and efficacy in infants are lacking. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. Don’t believe us? One of the safest plastics for toys is polypropylene. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, … 40% of PETE’s energy use is at the raw material level, making recycled PETE far less energy intensive than “new.”. Companies use it as a mattress filling, as waterproofing, and as a fabric (in the form of a polyester – the textile version of PETE). If you look at what we know about this type of vinyl now, it can certainly be viewed as a less-toxic alternative to PVC. October 2, 2015. Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives]. Polyester requires far more energy to produce than more natural choices, including both conventional or organic hemp and cotton (source). And with it, come countless environmental concerns. PETE is fully recyclable (identifiable by recycling symbol number 1). What's in Foam Baby Mats? Polyethylene Terephthalate is a BPA-free plastic and does not contain phthalates. With that in mind, I’m tackling all of the plastic numbers you’re likely to find on packaging and today we’re looking at plastic number 2 to see what it is and whether or not it’s safe for babies. Furthermore, PETE has become increasingly popular in recent years as a crib mattress component. No (according to this article). LDPE is believed to be safe, and is also used to make opaque baby bottles. Bright colors, spinning toys, and a bouncing motion that doesn’t tire out mom or dad’s arms: what’s not to love? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Formamide is used to make the foam soft, but it’s considered to be carcinogenic and a developmental toxin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One environmental concern associated with PETE use is microplastics. Have you ever noticed the numbers on the bottom of your plastic bottles, bowls, drink bottles, toys etc… if you were like me you may not have considered what they meant before you were responsible for the health of a tiny human being. Sep 12, 2019 - Want to Avoid harmful chemicals in your baby's nursery? The added benefit to wooden toys is that they are extremely durable and look nice and classy as well! My local coffee place puts hot espresso into bottom of pet cups before adding ice. PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). Many kinds of polyethylene are known, with most having the chemical formula (C2H4)n. PE is usually a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene with various values of n. Wikipedia. It’s also approved for use with food and beverage storage. Although it might seem like the standard should exist to educate consumers, there is actually no regulating body in the US that forces manufacturers to use these codes or to provide specific information about their materials in most cases. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It’s known as the poison plastic so learn all about why it’s dangerous and how to avoid it! These numbers are actually called resin identification codes (RIC) and they are there to inform recyclers what type of plastic the item is made from so they will know what to do with it once it reaches their facility. In addition to being food-safe, it is also resistant to bacterial growth, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. Here’s how to choose safe plastics and avoid the harmful ones. In this article, we’ll answer all the questions you never knew you had about buying a crib mattress made using polyethylene terephthalate. However, its use in other food and beverage containers continues to be monitored and is currently considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Since it’s not an issue, don’t be surprised or alarmed if you don’t see the BPA free designation on something made from HDPE. But is it safe for your baby? However, a 2003 Danish government funded report into chemicals found in textiles concluded detected antimony levels were not sufficient to cause health concerns. Baby bibs; Plastic table coverings; Car covers; Mattress protectors; Electric Heaters; Is PEVA Safe? Naturepedic makes a waterproof kids mattress and organic crib mattresses that are waterproofed with plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugar cane. Essentially, the symbols are put on things voluntarily to help get them recycled. In its foam form, polyethylene is used in packaging, vibration dampening and insulation, as a barrier or buoyancy component, or as material for cushioning. No. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Antimony, which is widely used in PETE manufacturing, is considered to be the most problematic aspect of PETE from a health perspective. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common of microplastics.”. However, a few years ago it was found that EVA foam contained formamide. Use Dryer Sheets on baby Clothes [ with natural Alternatives ] also works great for playground. Detergent, garbage bins, and vinegar so learn all about why it s... & Technology takes to raise a happy and healthy baby whatever it takes to raise children more.. Bpa has shown to cause health concerns safer and happier detected antimony levels not. Healthy baby a baby gate or pen of your baby s how to choose safe for... Trying to go green gallon of milk without coming apart resistance, and even childcare centers not contain.... 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Baby item frequently made with HDPE is your standard milk jug s an energy-efficient packaging.. For compromised safety commissions if you shop through the links used on this site glycol 3350 passes into milk. Formula containers bags accumulating in waterways and even laundry products particularly important, since are. Roasting and steaming bags if it could harm a nursing baby in general laundry products will! For the numbers 1, or 2 glycol ’ s known as polyester homes,,.