Consider how widely-accepted BPA was until recently. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with others! PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They’re combined to create a polymer chain, processed, and liquified before being shaped into its final form.Most of the PET manufactured in the world uses Sb2O3 [antimony trioxide] as a catalyst. 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. (Age, Weight, & Safety!). ), Plastic lumber (such as raised garden beds). 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. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay … Here’s how to choose safe plastics and avoid the harmful ones. There has been a lot of recent news about plastic bags accumulating in waterways and even being eaten by wildlife. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. It’s a great moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance, and it’s a more stable form of plastic than PET. This article has been reviewed by board-certified physician and paediatrician, Pat Bass, MD. PETE is super useful from an industrial perspective, because it can be liquified and shaped into almost any shape. The perfect example of a food container made from HDPE is your standard milk jug. Once produced, it remains in our ecosystem pretty much forever. Think back to the last time you drank bottled water or soda from a plastic bottle. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Data on its safety and efficacy in infants are lacking. Bright colors, spinning toys, and a bouncing motion that doesn’t tire out mom or dad’s arms: what’s not to love? You need to know that some producers are not honest about the ingredients of foam products. ; polyethylene. Is EVA safe for babies? A bone chilling article showed babies … 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, this is only part of the story. 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. This is indeed concerning. Importantly, you won’t find any BPA or phthalates inside plastic number 2 because they aren’t used in the manufacturing process. It’s cheap and only uses 100% non-toxic paints, dyes, and sealers. You’ve probably seen the triangular arrow symbol on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers and weren’t sure what it meant. If you are looking to replace your plastic bottles and sippy cups, I highly recommend this starter kit from Pura Stainless available on Amazon. Thank you . 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. 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. Your son will be able to throw his trucks down the stairs and not have to worry about breaking them. You’ll also find this material in bottles of juice, chocolate syrup, and vinegar. Here is what you need to know to make an informed, healthy choice for your child. In its foam form, polyethylene is used in packaging, vibration dampening and insulation, as a barrier or buoyancy component, or as material for cushioning. I personally wouldn’t worry at all if any of my baby’s food containers or toys were made from HDPE. Manufacturers combine its building blocks – ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon derived from crude oil and natural gas) and terephthalic acid – to create a polymer chain. Babies will start crawling when they are three months old. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. Sumangala Says: January 14th, 2010 at 2:16 pm. 40% of PETE’s energy use is at the raw material level, making recycled PETE far less energy intensive than “new.”. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Combined, I have 10 years of parenting experience across three children - with another on the way! I need to know if polyethylene tanks are safe for honey storage during short periods (less than 1 week). Plastic will work, but the plastic needs to be thick enough so the gasses won’t penetrate. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET / PETE) – Is it Safe for Your Baby? But if the flexible plastic toy isn’t … banned the use of BPA in sippy cups, baby bottles, and baby formula containers. 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. Don’t believe us? WhatsApp . Antimony, which is widely used in PETE manufacturing, is considered to be the most problematic aspect of PETE from a health perspective. 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. ADVERTISEMENT. 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). We do our own research and share the results. No. It’s very lightweight, which means it requires less energy for shipping. 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. Formula-feeding Powdered formulas are the best choice for parents who want to avoid bisphenol A in their baby's diet. In a landfill, plastic takes thousands of years to decompose and marine wildlife can be poisoned or killed by plastic trash floating in their homes. No it’s not dangerous but maybe if you do it every day you’ll have problems. PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). (Age, Weight, & Safety! 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. 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. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is widely used in the food packaging industry for its safety and purity. It sounds very similar in name but is a completely different type of material. We never use polyurethane foam or flame retardants. To ensure your child has a safe playing environment with non-toxic, plastic toys then follow these guidelines: Avoid PVC: This is easily enough done—just don’t buy anything with a resin #3 in the chasing arrows. However, a 2003 Danish government funded report into chemicals found in textiles concluded detected antimony levels were not sufficient to cause health concerns. PETE is fully recyclable (identifiable by recycling symbol number 1). Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA, the EU, and the German Research Foundation.”. Baby jumpers can be fun for babies and a true joy for parents. Polyurethane foam is no longer deemed safe for babies, as shown by a study published in Environmental Science & Technology. Last updated on Mar 26, 2020. The information on this website is for informational/entertainment purposes only. At this time, parents should prepare baby floor mats for crawling for them to crawl freely on. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common of microplastics.”. 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. Leading health authorities around the world widely consider PETE to be one of the safer plastics. That’s why you are unlikely to find these symbols on anything other than food or beverage containers. Natural Baby Life aims to be the best resource for learning everything you can about raising your little one! Pinterest. Research obsessed about finding the best stuff for our family, we thought we’d share our hard work with you. 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. We don’t know about 4, 5, 1, or 2. Yes it leached almost assuredly. But what is in the foam? This is where some of the concern comes from when parents learn we use polyethylene. Polyester requires far more energy to produce than more natural choices, including both conventional or organic hemp and cotton (source). I assume virgin, non pigmented PE. However, most current research and international safety standards suggest it’s an okay choice for your baby’s crib mattress. You can probably find PETE throughout your house and day-to-day life. One environmental concern associated with PETE use is microplastics. What is polyethylene? My local coffee place puts hot espresso into bottom of pet cups before adding ice. It’s known as the poison plastic so learn all about why it’s dangerous and how to avoid it! Wooden playthings typically don’t contain any chemical-filled plastics. At least you don’t fill bottle right after washing so if it leached it leached into cleaning fluid not your baby’s mouth. However, the research is evolving, and it’s hard to say what the final verdict will be. Polyethylene Terephthalate is a BPA-free plastic and does not contain phthalates. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a robust, moderately stiff plastic with a highly crystalline structure. But, in 2017, some families claimed that MiraLAX caused psychological disturbances in children. Further studies (6) (7) claim that PEG 3350 is safe for children and infants younger than 18 months old to relieve chronic constipation. 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. PE tanks are so much less expensive than SS. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. Polythene (noun) A light thermoplastic used in packaging etc. BPA has shown to cause negative effects on the human brain, development of the reproductive system, and increased blood pressure. PETE is a plastic derived from crude oil and natural gas. There are seven different categories of plastic and the standard for these is maintained by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International). It is most frequently seen as a packaging material. At this point, you’re probably wondering what’s the catch…. 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. When used as a textile, it’s known as polyester. 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. Much of the research has focused on antimony leaching from bottled water stored in PETE containers, especially at higher temperatures. 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. Even if it’s safe, there are still downsides to using HDPE and plastic in general. When used for packaging, it’s known as PET or PETE. Folks sterilizing for babies is worst because babies can’t adjust as well as full humans. It’s usually opaque and colored during the manufacturing process. It’s also common in squeeze bottles for certain foods. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Foam mats popular in homes, schools, and even childcare centers. Perhaps the quote below best sums up the issue of PETE safety: “I used to say: ‘4, 5, 1, and 2. You probably know it as polyester (the textile form) or by the #1 recycling symbol on single-use water bottles and food containers. It’s an energy-efficient packaging material as compared to glass and aluminum. All the rest are bad for you. As I’ve mentioned, HDPE is considered very safe for babies due to its chemical stability. 5329. The type of plastic used is critically important because many types of plastics will create more chemical off-gassing. And what about the environment? Wood or bamboo toys. By the way, just because you see the symbol for recycling doesn’t mean that it can be recycled! Find out more about me here. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is one of the main health concerns surrounding PET. Baby bibs; Plastic table coverings; Car covers; Mattress protectors; Electric Heaters; Is PEVA Safe? Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, and the overall safety profile for your baby. 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. At the time of writing, most health authorities consider PETE a “safer plastic.”. Because of it’s safety and versatility, you’ll find HDPE in many products on the market today. Polyethylene is Safe and Non-Toxic Blocking chemical off-gassing is not so simple. It’s also approved for use with food and beverage storage. Safe Plastics for Baby – a guide through the numbers. Buying safe plastic toys. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. 2013 Greenpeace report regarding chemicals in clothing, Shanna Swan, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. 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. I'm the dad in charge of Natural Baby life. 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. The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub (and Why You Need One). However, a few years ago it was found that EVA foam contained formamide. In this article, we’ll answer all the questions you never knew you had about buying a crib mattress made using polyethylene terephthalate. A 2013 Greenpeace report regarding chemicals in clothing found: Antimony … was detected in fabrics from all 36 articles investigated, which were composed either of polyester, or a blend of polyester and other fibres. Look for the numbers 1, 2, or 4 on plastic toys. 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. Essentially, the symbols are put on things voluntarily to help get them recycled. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also known as: ClearLax, GaviLAX, Gialax, GlycoLax, HealthyLax, MiraLAX, PEG3350, Purelax, SunMark ClearLax Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children older than 18 months. Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, … I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. 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. According to this 2018 study published in Polymers, “At present, the pollution of microplastic directly threatens ecology, food safety and even human health. Formamide is used to make the foam soft, but it’s considered to be carcinogenic and a developmental toxin. 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. 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. However, multiple and extensive studies have investigated antimony as a possible cause of SIDS and failed to confirm a link. Companies use it as a mattress filling, as waterproofing, and as a fabric (in the form of a polyester – the textile version of PETE). PETE is a plastic. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Polyethylene glycol 3350 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. The molecular structure of polyethylene is simple and … 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. Sep 12, 2019 - Want to Avoid harmful chemicals in your baby's nursery? However, there is also evidence that antimony from polyester clothing can be hazardous to the wearer, as well. 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. Industry associations argue PETE is a responsible environmental choice: However, there’s no getting around the fact that PETE is not biodegradable. As a result, the skin does not experience any type of potentially dangerous absorption. The added benefit to wooden toys is that they are extremely durable and look nice and classy as well! Polypropylene is heat resistant and is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. Furthermore, PETE has become increasingly popular in recent years as a crib mattress component. LDPE is believed to be safe, and is also used to make opaque baby bottles. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It is very unlikely to leach chemicals into food or beverages and doesn’t pose a risk for your baby even if its stored for long periods or exposed to warmer temperatures. Both of these problems are serious issues for the overall health of the earth and its population! In fact, PETE makes up more than 50% of the synthetic fiber used in the world today. Another common baby item frequently made with HDPE is a baby gate or pen. Safe Plastic #5 – Polypropylene. You might also find it in your closet (as polyester) or in carpet, rope, sleeping bag filling, construction materials, and more. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. More research is needed on the safety of polyethylene glycol’s use in children. 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. PVC is also known simply by the name Vinyl, and is used as a wipe clean coating on many 'waterproof' baby bibs. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic you probably use a lot in your day-to-day life. Polyethylene is a class of thermoplastics practically ubiquitous in consumer products. We are Geoff & Katie, new parents trying to make sense of life with kids! No (according to this article). If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. Your daughter will be able to move around her table and chairs the way she wants. In addition to being food-safe, it is also resistant to bacterial growth, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. With 10 years of parenting experience across three children, I am constantly learning how to raise children more naturally. 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. It’s a common packaging material for food and drinks, and you’re likely to find it throughout your refrigerator and pantry. 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). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. link to Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives], link to When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? 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. According to this study published on the Royal Society of Chemistry: “90% of the PET manufactured worldwide employs Sb2O3 [antimony trioxide] as a catalyst. One of our favorites is this wooden baby rattle/teething ring combo available on Amazon. In this case, we recommend a foldable and customizable playpen like this one. It is frequently used in plastic for milk cartons, laundry detergent, garbage bins, and cutting boards. We have rubbers are made of materials that can harm your toddler’s health. Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) is an extremely dense version of polyethylene, with molecular weights typically an order of magnitude greater than HDPE. Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives]. 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. Avoid using plastic or coated roasting and steaming bags. 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. To avoid plastic altogether, consider using stainless steel food and beverage containers along with wooden baby toys and accessories. Now, I’m not saying that anymore. 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. 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). Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a common, everyday plastic. One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 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. It comes with two each of their stainless bottles, silicone slow flow nipples, medium flow nipples, XL sippers, travel covers, and seals. Plastics safety – and the research around it – is constantly evolving. What's in Foam Baby Mats? While you could clean and reuse these containers, they are generally recommended as single-use when dealing with food and beverage. “PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world.”. PETE is the most recycled plastic in the USA. As such, it is important parents inform themselves of the pros, cons, risks and benefits of using products made from polyethylene terephthalate in their baby’s nursery. It’s also made from ethically harvested wood! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While we do our best to ensure the info is accurate at the time of writing, we’re not perfect and recommend you confirm things on your own! It also works great for outdoor playground equipment like slides, water tables, and swings. While recyclable, most of the plastic purchased by consumers finds its way into landfills or waterways. Twitter. Ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon) and terephthalic acid are the “building blocks” behind PETE. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You start to examine ingredients lists in food, skincare products, and even laundry products. When you have children, you begin to look at things in ways you never did before. 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! In addition to contributing to microplastic pollution and being non-biodegradable, PETE can cause water pollution. Is a smart choice for families trying to go green? How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350? Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. According to the panel, polyethylene is safe for in personal care as well as cosmetic products. 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. Your pediatrician may recommend Miralax or other laxatives. And with it, come countless environmental concerns. Going from this initial material to a final product involves several stages of processing, followed by liquefaction. 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. Naturepedic makes a waterproof kids mattress and organic crib mattresses that are waterproofed with plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugar cane. 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. When it comes to plastics, these are usually the biggest culprits for compromised safety. 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. I'm passionate about doing whatever it takes to raise a happy and healthy baby! These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Polyethylene is a safe plastic. From toys to water bottles, we're all surrounded by dangerous plastics. Further, it’s an energy-intensive process. EVA is considered to be a safe alternative to PVC, as it doesn’t require plasticizers like phthlates, and it’s BPA free. October 2, 2015. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. As useful as these play mats are, it is important to choose the proper material before choosing for babies! Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. High-density polyethylene is considered to be one of the safest forms of plastic, and it’s also the most commonly recycled plastic.