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Problems With Baby Shampoo

The immune system of babies is not developed enough, leaving them vulnerable to health hazards, such as baby shampoo toxic components. Bathing your babies is essential for keeping them clean from any bacteria that can be dangerous for their health, but occasionally, the bath can turn out to be more threatening. Various substances that have been used in the production of baby shampoos have proved to be hazardous, but since they haven't been banned, parents have to be extra careful when choosing a baby shampoo.

  1. Sodium Laureth Sulfate

    • Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or SLES, is a detergent commonly used in personal hygiene products, including baby shampoos. Products that contain SLES have been found to contain 1,4-Dioxane, which is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). It is not a direct threat to your child's health, but try to avoid it when you have the option of chemical-free shampoos.

    Phthalates

    • Another potential component of baby shampoos that can be carcinogenic is phthalates. Elevated levels of phthalates have been discovered in urine samples of babies shampooed or powdered with baby products, raising questions about their safety. Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, it is illegal for toys or child-care products to contain concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of DEHP, DBP or BBP--all different types of phthalates.

    Chemically Derived Fragrances

    • Avoid perfumed shampoos, or those that contain fragrances, if your baby has dry or sensitive skin. Parents must be vigilant, especially concerning products with chemically derived fragrances, as they are the main source of phthalates. These chemicals often do not appear on the product's labels, as according to the law, products aren't required to list individual ingredients of fragrances. Alternatives can be organic baby shampoos, which use essential oils for that purpose.

    Formaldehyde

    • Another potentially harmful baby shampoo component is formaldehyde. The substance has been reported to cause burning sensations in the eyes and throat and nausea, as well as breathing difficulties. In the European Union, the maximum allowed concentration of formaldehyde is 0.2 percent, while any product with concentration above 0.05 percent must include an explicit warning to consumers. As with the previously mentioned substances, extremely high concentration in baby shampoos is improbable, but even the allowed concentration can still cause minor problems to babies.

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