New parents face an overwhelming number of product choices, and the stakes feel higher when it's for your baby. Children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure because their bodies are still developing and they have a higher surface-area-to-weight ratio than adults. This guide breaks down what to look for (and avoid) across every major baby product category.
Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups
Avoid: Polycarbonate plastic (#7 PC) — it contains BPA. Even "BPA-free" plastics may contain BPS or BPF, which have similar endocrine-disrupting properties.
Choose: Glass bottles (Philips Avent, Lifefactory) or bottles made from medical-grade silicone. If you prefer plastic, look for bottles made from polypropylene (#5 PP) or Tritan copolyester, which don't contain bisphenols.
Diapers & Wipes
Watch for: Fragrances (synthetic musks and phthalates), chlorine bleaching (which can leave dioxin residues), and lotions containing propylene glycol.
Choose: Fragrance-free, chlorine-free options. Brands that use plant-based materials and skip unnecessary additives score highest in our database.
Skincare & Sunscreen
Avoid: Oxybenzone and octinoxate (endocrine disruptors found in chemical sunscreens), artificial fragrances, and parabens.
Choose: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide as the active ingredient. For moisturizers, look for simple formulations with shea butter, coconut oil, or calendula.
Nursery & Sleep
Mattress: Look for CertiPUR-US certification (for foam) or GOTS certification (for organic materials). Avoid flame retardant-treated mattresses when possible — newer models use barrier fabrics instead of chemical treatments.
Bedding: Organic cotton or bamboo. Avoid wrinkle-free or stain-resistant finishes, which often use formaldehyde or PFAS treatments.
Toys
For young children who mouth toys, stick with unpainted wood, food-grade silicone, or organic cotton. Avoid soft PVC plastic toys — PVC often contains phthalates as plasticizers. Hard plastics (ABS, polypropylene) are generally safer.
Scan Everything
The fastest way to check any baby product? Scan it with Rabbithole. We'll flag every ingredient of concern and suggest safer alternatives. Start with the products your baby contacts most — bottles, diapers, and daily skincare.