Polyethylene is a class of thermoplastics practically ubiquitous in consumer products. 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. Formula-feeding Powdered formulas are the best choice for parents who want to avoid bisphenol A in their baby's diet. Natural Baby Life aims to be the best resource for learning everything you can about raising your little one! PETE might sound scary and take a few tries to pronounce (pol-eeee-eth-ul-eeen tet-ra-fal-ate). One environmental concern associated with PETE use is microplastics. In addition to being food-safe, it is also resistant to bacterial growth, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. However, there is also evidence that antimony from polyester clothing can be hazardous to the wearer, as well. PETE is super useful from an industrial perspective, because it can be liquified and shaped into almost any shape. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA, the EU, and the German Research Foundation.”. How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350? Wood or bamboo toys. Data on its safety and efficacy in infants are lacking. 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. As useful as these play mats are, it is important to choose the proper material before choosing for babies! Here is what you need to know to make an informed, healthy choice for your child. Polyethylene glycol 3350 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Sumangala Says: January 14th, 2010 at 2:16 pm. It’s very lightweight, which means it requires less energy for shipping. According to this 2018 study published in Polymers, “At present, the pollution of microplastic directly threatens ecology, food safety and even human health. My local coffee place puts hot espresso into bottom of pet cups before adding ice. We never use polyurethane foam or flame retardants. This is indeed concerning. In addition to contributing to microplastic pollution and being non-biodegradable, PETE can cause water pollution. 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 information on this website is for informational/entertainment purposes only. Polyurethane foam has been one of the materials for crib mattress pads for many year but questions remain about its safety. No. ), Plastic lumber (such as raised garden beds). These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. While recyclable, most of the plastic purchased by consumers finds its way into landfills or waterways. Polythene (noun) A light thermoplastic used in packaging etc. Facebook. Safe Plastic #5 – Polypropylene. I assume virgin, non pigmented PE. According to the panel, polyethylene is safe for in personal care as well as cosmetic products. 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). ; polyethylene. At the time of writing, most health authorities consider PETE a “safer plastic.”. 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. There has been a lot of recent news about plastic bags accumulating in waterways and even being eaten by wildlife. Now, I’m not saying that anymore. 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. It’s also made from ethically harvested wood! Avoid using plastic or coated roasting and steaming bags. In fact, you’ll probably find PETE throughout your home if you go looking for it: “It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a robust, moderately stiff plastic with a highly crystalline structure. 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. The molecular structure of polyethylene is simple and … ADVERTISEMENT. 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. You’ll also find this material in bottles of juice, chocolate syrup, and vinegar. The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bathtub (and Why You Need One). Plastic will work, but the plastic needs to be thick enough so the gasses won’t penetrate. Last updated on Mar 26, 2020. In this article, we’ll answer all the questions you never knew you had about buying a crib mattress made using polyethylene terephthalate. Your daughter will be able to move around her table and chairs the way she wants. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Polyethylene is Safe and Non-Toxic Blocking chemical off-gassing is not so simple. In fact, PETE makes up more than 50% of the synthetic fiber used in the world today. One of the reasons why, according to the CIR, is that polyethylene polymers are large. 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. Both of these problems are serious issues for the overall health of the earth and its population! It’s a great moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance, and it’s a more stable form of plastic than PET. 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. Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) is an extremely dense version of polyethylene, with molecular weights typically an order of magnitude greater than HDPE. Companies use it as a mattress filling, as waterproofing, and as a fabric (in the form of a polyester – the textile version of PETE). By the way, just because you see the symbol for recycling doesn’t mean that it can be recycled! A bone chilling article showed babies … 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. 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. Your son will be able to throw his trucks down the stairs and not have to worry about breaking them. If you are looking to replace your plastic bottles and sippy cups, I highly recommend this starter kit from Pura Stainless available on Amazon. 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. Today, some of the top “natural,” “non-toxic” and “organic” crib mattress manufacturers make use of PETE in their mattresses. “PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world.”. Thank you . Going from this initial material to a final product involves several stages of processing, followed by liquefaction. When you have children, you begin to look at things in ways you never did before. High-density polyethylene is considered to be one of the safest forms of plastic, and it’s also the most commonly recycled plastic. 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. Combined, I have 10 years of parenting experience across three children - with another on the way! 0. You start to examine ingredients lists in food, skincare products, and even laundry products. It’s usually opaque and colored during the manufacturing process. However, multiple and extensive studies have investigated antimony as a possible cause of SIDS and failed to confirm a link. You might also find it in your closet (as polyester) or in carpet, rope, sleeping bag filling, construction materials, and more. It is easily recyclable and it can be found in items such as milk jugs and baby furniture. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 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. Consider how widely-accepted BPA was until recently. 2013 Greenpeace report regarding chemicals in clothing, Shanna Swan, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. If you drank that beverage in the United States, chances are it came in a PETE bottle. One of the safest plastics for toys is polypropylene. Industry associations argue PETE is a responsible environmental choice: However, there’s no getting around the fact that PETE is not biodegradable. 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! When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? 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. Baby jumpers can be fun for babies and a true joy for parents. PETE is the most recycled plastic in the USA. More research is needed on the safety of polyethylene glycol’s use in children. 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. WhatsApp . Folks sterilizing for babies is worst because babies can’t adjust as well as full humans. Polyethylene Terephthalate is a BPA-free plastic and does not contain phthalates. If you want to buy a MATTRESS that is already waterproof, then get a mattress that has a built-in covering made with polyethylene. Here’s how to choose safe plastics and avoid the harmful ones. Wooden playthings typically don’t contain any chemical-filled plastics. 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. Find out more about me here. It is most frequently seen as a packaging material. 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. Is a smart choice for families trying to go green? I personally wouldn’t worry at all if any of my baby’s food containers or toys were made from HDPE. I'm the dad in charge of Natural Baby life. You probably know it as polyester (the textile form) or by the #1 recycling symbol on single-use water bottles and food containers. These cookies do not store any personal information. It’s a common packaging material for food and drinks, and you’re likely to find it throughout your refrigerator and pantry. Twitter. PETE is fully recyclable (identifiable by recycling symbol number 1). Don’t believe us? At this time, parents should prepare baby floor mats for crawling for them to crawl freely on. And with it, come countless environmental concerns. The type of plastic used is critically important because many types of plastics will create more chemical off-gassing. At least you don’t fill bottle right after washing so if it leached it leached into cleaning fluid not your baby’s mouth. 5329. Antimony trioxide is a suspected carcinogen, and is one of the main health concerns surrounding PET. It sounds very similar in name but is a completely different type of material. It’s cheap and only uses 100% non-toxic paints, dyes, and sealers. It’s 100% approved for food contact by the FDA. 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). 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. But is it safe for your baby? Even though the jug itself only weighs a couple of ounces, it can easily hold a gallon of milk without coming apart! Furthermore, PETE has become increasingly popular in recent years as a crib mattress component. This raises questions about all plastic bottles.”, Safe, Non-Toxic Bath Toys You Can Buy on Amazon (That Your Kids Will Actually Love). It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Yes it leached almost assuredly. Plastics safety – and the research around it – is constantly evolving. Foam mats popular in homes, schools, and even childcare centers. No it’s not dangerous but maybe if you do it every day you’ll have problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. We don’t know about 4, 5, 1, or 2. 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. 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. 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). The added benefit to wooden toys is that they are extremely durable and look nice and classy as well! PETE is a plastic. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common of microplastics.”. 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. We have rubbers are made of materials that can harm your toddler’s health. We are Geoff & Katie, new parents trying to make sense of life with kids! The perfect example of a food container made from HDPE is your standard milk jug. Babies will start crawling when they are three months old. But, in 2017, some families claimed that MiraLAX caused psychological disturbances in children. Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children older than 18 months. You need to know that some producers are not honest about the ingredients of foam products. 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. 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. The presence of any impurities would be so low that there are no toxicity concerns. 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. 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. What's in Foam Baby Mats? 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. PE tanks are so much less expensive than SS. 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. 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. Let’s dive into what exactly number 2 plastic is, where you will find it, … Perhaps the quote below best sums up the issue of PETE safety: “I used to say: ‘4, 5, 1, and 2. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. 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. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. To avoid plastic altogether, consider using stainless steel food and beverage containers along with wooden baby toys and accessories. The safety of products manufactured for use by children is particularly important, since children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures. Fortunately, some plastics are pretty safe when it comes to the health of your baby. 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. When used for packaging, it’s known as PET or PETE. 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. You can probably find PETE throughout your house and day-to-day life. StumbleUpon. It’s also approved for use with food and beverage storage. When it comes to plastics, these are usually the biggest culprits for compromised safety. Can I Use Dryer Sheets on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives]. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also known as: ClearLax, GaviLAX, Gialax, GlycoLax, HealthyLax, MiraLAX, PEG3350, Purelax, SunMark ClearLax Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Manufacturers combine its building blocks – ethylene glycol (a hydrocarbon derived from crude oil and natural gas) and terephthalic acid – to create a polymer chain. Polyester requires far more energy to produce than more natural choices, including both conventional or organic hemp and cotton (source). 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. This is where the subject gets a little complicated. (Age, Weight, & Safety! 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