As a team of women at MADE SAFE, the majority of whom are moms, we understand that every parent wants the safest, most effective products for their child. But knowing how to choose a safe gift can be hard. Do you have a new mom in your life? Or know parents of a little one? With the holiday season rush approaching, we’ve made gift-giving simple by hand-selecting our favorite MADE SAFE® certified products for moms and dads.
Babies and children are uniquely vulnerable to toxic chemicals in the things we use every day. They aren’t just little adults; their immune, neurological, endocrine and entire bodily systems are still developing, and a substantial body of research shows that even small exposures during critical windows can lead to breast cancer, infertility, learning disabilities, and other serious health problems later in life. The good news is that every step, no matter how small, to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals weights the scales toward better health.
We’ve vetted all the products in our gift guide through our rigorous scientific process, which means that they’re made without known behavioral, reproductive, and neurotoxins, carcinogens, hormone disruptors, heavy metals, high-risk pesticides, flame retardants, toxic solvents, and harmful VOCs. In addition, ingredients have been examined for bioaccumulation (builds up in our bodies), persistence (stays in the environment) and aquatic toxicity.
With MADE SAFE certified products, you can feel good about giving the gift of non-toxic living. Here’s what the parents and caregivers in your life need to have this holiday season:
(If you want more, check out our Healthy Baby Guide.)
Bedtime
■ Mattresses and Bassinets: Naturepedic baby bassinets, baby mattresses, and kids mattresses
Why we love them: Conventional mattresses are often made with polyurethane (aka memory) foam, an ingredient derived from fossil fuels with the capability to off-gas respiratory irritants, contain toxic flame retardant chemicals, and are covered in waterproof vinyl that can off-gas harmful VOCs. Naturepedic uses only organic cotton, wool, latex, and steel springs. No flame retardant chemicals. No vinyl.
Why we love Naturepedic: Naturepedic was founded by a grandfather searching for an acceptable crib mattress for his grandchild. When he couldn’t find one, he decided to set his own standards for safer sleeping surfaces. GIFT IT.
■ Protector Pads: Happsy Mattress Protector Pad
Why we love it: Instead of vinyl, which can off-gas harmful VOCs, Happy’s Mattress Protector Pad is made with a waterproof non-toxic barrier that is MADE SAFE certified.
Why we love Happsy: Happsy focuses on offering safe and affordable options. They’ll deliver their products to your door—including Mattress Protector Pads and even beds-in-a-box. Happsy makes buying non-toxic products for your bedroom easy and affordable. GIFT IT.
■ Toppers: Lullaby Earth Airflow
Crib Topper
Why we love it: This topper sits between the mattress and the sheet to increase airflow, keeping your baby cool and comfy. Unlike conventional toppers, Lullaby Earth doesn’t use flame retardants, off-gassing waterproofing chemicals, or other harmful ingredients.
Why we love Lullaby Earth: The company understands what it’s like to be a parent. Parents need affordability, effective and safe product designs, and easy clean-up. Their products either wipe clean or can be thrown in the washing machine. Easy! GIFT IT.
Diaper Bag Essentials
■ Bottles: Pura Stainless Infant, Toddler and Kids Bottles
Why we love it: Pura Stainless is the only 100% plastic-free bottle out there! It’s made completely of stainless steel and silicone. It’s also the only bottle on the planet to have been MADE SAFE Certified.
Why we love Pura Stainless: Pura’s patented universal lid system allows all Pura bottles to work with any silicone lid Pura makes. This Baby Grows… Bottle Evolves strategy means that a single bottle can transform from an infant bottle to a sippy cup or a straw bottle for toddlers, and finally to a sport bottle (and vice versa)—with just a simple swap of the Pura lid. GIFT IT.
■ Remedies: Oilogic Ouchies & Boo Boos Essential Oil Ointment
Why we love it: Oilogic formulated their ointment with essential oils like clove, tea tree, and orange peel to soothe minor bumps, burns, and scrapes. Sunflower, olive, shea, and vitamin E serve as moisturizers.
Why we love Oilogic: The company always uses 100% pure essential oils and dilutes them properly in their products, so you can feel confident using them on your child. GIFT IT.
Want more product recommendations and ideas on protecting little ones from toxic exposures? Check out our Healthy Baby Guide.