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. Ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon) and terephthalic acid are the “building blocks” behind PETE. 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. Is a smart choice for families trying to go green? You start to examine ingredients lists in food, skincare products, and even laundry products. For example, Paediatrics & Child Health, a peer-reviewed medical journal and the official journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society, identifies PETE as a “safer” plastic in this 2008 article discussing Health Canada’s decision to declare BPA a harmful substance. High-density polyethylene is considered to be one of the safest forms of plastic, and it’s also the most commonly recycled plastic. 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. Avoid using plastic or coated roasting and steaming bags. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As useful as these play mats are, it is important to choose the proper material before choosing for babies! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is widely used in the food packaging industry for its safety and purity. This is where the subject gets a little complicated. PETE is a plastic. Baby bibs; Plastic table coverings; Car covers; Mattress protectors; Electric Heaters; Is PEVA Safe? High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a robust, moderately stiff plastic with a highly crystalline structure. 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. PETE is a plastic derived from crude oil and natural gas. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. It’s also made from ethically harvested wood! It is frequently used in plastic for milk cartons, laundry detergent, garbage bins, and cutting boards. 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. Data on its safety and efficacy in infants are lacking. Both of these problems are serious issues for the overall health of the earth and its population! Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic. While you could clean and reuse these containers, they are generally recommended as single-use when dealing with food and beverage. 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. StumbleUpon. Polyurethane foam has been one of the materials for crib mattress pads for many year but questions remain about its safety. According to the panel, polyethylene is safe for in personal care as well as cosmetic products. However, the research is evolving, and it’s hard to say what the final verdict will be. “PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world.”. PE tanks are so much less expensive than SS. Leading health authorities around the world widely consider PETE to be one of the safer plastics. Polyethylene Terephthalate is a BPA-free plastic and does not contain phthalates. It’s very lightweight, which means it requires less energy for shipping. Because of it’s safety and versatility, you’ll find HDPE in many products on the market today. What's in Foam Baby Mats? 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. Today, some of the top “natural,” “non-toxic” and “organic” crib mattress manufacturers make use of PETE in their mattresses. Thank you . The type of plastic used is critically important because many types of plastics will create more chemical off-gassing. Polyethylene glycol 3350 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Polyethylene is a class of thermoplastics practically ubiquitous in consumer products. No (according to this article). By the way, just because you see the symbol for recycling doesn’t mean that it can be recycled! Naturepedic makes a waterproof kids mattress and organic crib mattresses that are waterproofed with plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugar cane. One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. Long an enthusiastic researcher and writer, she realized she could help other families make more informed, non-toxic purchases for their own families by sharing what she found. 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. Here is what you need to know to make an informed, healthy choice for your child. But if the flexible plastic toy isn’t … 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. PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). 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. Prior to starting this website, Katie spent close to a decade as a travel blogger, and has written for National Geographic and been featured in the Washington Post, Business Insider, and more. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay choice for your baby’s crib mattress. You probably know it as polyester (the textile form) or by the #1 recycling symbol on single-use water bottles and food containers. However, this is only part of the story. 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. When used as a textile, it’s known as polyester. If you are looking to replace your plastic bottles and sippy cups, I highly recommend this starter kit from Pura Stainless available on Amazon. Twitter. 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. PVC is also known simply by the name Vinyl, and is used as a wipe clean coating on many 'waterproof' baby bibs. Safe Plastics for Baby – a guide through the numbers. Babies will start crawling when they are three months old. You might also find it in your closet (as polyester) or in carpet, rope, sleeping bag filling, construction materials, and more. 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. The information on this website is for informational/entertainment purposes only. Look for the numbers 1, 2, or 4 on plastic toys. BPA has shown to cause negative effects on the human brain, development of the reproductive system, and increased blood pressure. It’s an energy-efficient packaging material as compared to glass and aluminum. Another common baby item frequently made with HDPE is a baby gate or pen. PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). 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. I'm the dad in charge of Natural Baby life. Wood or bamboo toys. All the rest are bad for you. link to Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives], link to When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. With 10 years of parenting experience across three children, I am constantly learning how to raise children more naturally. You’ll find this plastic in: While safe, the biggest drawback of number two plastic is that some of the products create an environmental hazard if they aren’t disposed of properly. It’s usually opaque and colored during the manufacturing process. How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350? While recyclable, most of the plastic purchased by consumers finds its way into landfills or waterways. Once produced, it remains in our ecosystem pretty much forever. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. That’s why you are unlikely to find these symbols on anything other than food or beverage containers. As I’ve mentioned, HDPE is considered very safe for babies due to its chemical stability. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. I personally wouldn’t worry at all if any of my baby’s food containers or toys were made from HDPE. But, in 2017, some families claimed that MiraLAX caused psychological disturbances in children. Pinterest. According to this 2018 study published in Polymers, “At present, the pollution of microplastic directly threatens ecology, food safety and even human health. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. It comes with two each of their stainless bottles, silicone slow flow nipples, medium flow nipples, XL sippers, travel covers, and seals. We are Geoff & Katie, new parents trying to make sense of life with kids! 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. Here’s how to choose safe plastics and avoid the harmful ones. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. One of the safest plastics for toys is polypropylene. If you drank that beverage in the United States, chances are it came in a PETE bottle. More research is needed on the safety of polyethylene glycol’s use in children. Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, and the overall safety profile for your baby. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common of microplastics.”. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic you probably use a lot in your day-to-day life. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This raises questions about all plastic bottles.”, Safe, Non-Toxic Bath Toys You Can Buy on Amazon (That Your Kids Will Actually Love). Plastic baby bottles have received extra attention recently as research came to light showing many popular models leach Bisphenol-A (BPA), a suspected endocrine disruptor. Even though the jug itself only weighs a couple of ounces, it can easily hold a gallon of milk without coming apart! LDPE is believed to be safe, and is also used to make opaque baby bottles. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. What is polyethylene? Industry associations argue PETE is a responsible environmental choice: However, there’s no getting around the fact that PETE is not biodegradable. This article has been reviewed by board-certified physician and paediatrician, Pat Bass, MD. When used for packaging, it’s known as PET or PETE. And with it, come countless environmental concerns. 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. Facebook. If the question of health and polyethylene terephthalate is a bit unclear, same goes when it comes to the environment. I'm passionate about doing whatever it takes to raise a happy and healthy baby! According to this study published on the Royal Society of Chemistry: “90% of the PET manufactured worldwide employs Sb2O3 [antimony trioxide] as a catalyst. Bright colors, spinning toys, and a bouncing motion that doesn’t tire out mom or dad’s arms: what’s not to love? Polyester requires far more energy to produce than more natural choices, including both conventional or organic hemp and cotton (source). Most synthetic rugs and carpets are treated with fire retardants, stain protectors, and insecticides.They also have VOC's that release the ‘new carpet’ odor and this could trigger serious health complications from allergies to nausea. Foam mats popular in homes, schools, and even childcare centers. 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. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay … 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…. October 2, 2015. Formamide is used to make the foam soft, but it’s considered to be carcinogenic and a developmental toxin. It’s cheap and only uses 100% non-toxic paints, dyes, and sealers. 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. 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. 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. Is EVA safe for babies? ; polyethylene. Now, I’m not saying that anymore. In this case, we recommend a foldable and customizable playpen like this one. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET / PETE) – Is it Safe for Your Baby? The bonus is that consumers will be able to learn what their products are made from as well. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. PETE is fully recyclable (identifiable by recycling symbol number 1). Consider how widely-accepted BPA was until recently. However, a 2003 Danish government funded report into chemicals found in textiles concluded detected antimony levels were not sufficient to cause health concerns. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. This is where some of the concern comes from when parents learn we use polyethylene. Find out more about me here. Now that we’ve covered the details of number 2 plastic (HDPE), you might want to check out the next article on the baby safety of plastic number 3 (PVC). We do our own research and share the results. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with others! Evidence shows that it isn't the best material for a baby to sleep on, with health hazards eminently present. PETE is the most recycled plastic in the USA. When you have children, you begin to look at things in ways you never did before. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA, the EU, and the German Research Foundation.”. Plastic will work, but the plastic needs to be thick enough so the gasses won’t penetrate. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Manufacturers combine its building blocks – ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon derived from crude oil and natural gas) and terephthalic acid – to create a polymer chain. Going from this initial material to a final product involves several stages of processing, followed by liquefaction. From toys to water bottles, we're all surrounded by dangerous plastics. There has been a lot of recent news about plastic bags accumulating in waterways and even being eaten by wildlife. Bonus is that consumers will be able to move around her table and chairs the!! Material for a baby to sleep on, with health hazards eminently present s the catch… on your.. 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