Massive paranoia about flame retardants in baby gear and hubby is angry! HELP!!

[Anonymous]

We have a ton of hand me down toys, pack and plays, baby gear that I am sure is all treated. It was given to us as second hand, so we did not pay for it. But I am hesitant to use some of it b/c it has that tag saying it meet Cali law 117. My swing says that too, but when I called Fisher Price they assured me twice that it did not contain fire retardants.

It is so hard to know whether they say truth or not. In theory, manufacturers can meet the law 117 without FRs, by choosing materials that naturally not too flammable. And yet, sometimes they stick FRs there just in case. I really don't know at this point whether to believe customer service answers or not, since they say whatever they are told to say. Manufacturers are not required by law to disclose any info about FRs, so who knows. I can only hope they are saying truth. For now I'm trying to sign all the petitions, and raise awareness regardless these questions, since at the end, we need to have better laws that would regulated this vast amount of chemicals that surrounds us. I want to write to local Parentsconnect, to see if they'll agree to spread info about the petitions, so we could gather as many voices as possible.

[Anonymous]

For now, I'm trying to sign all the petitions, and raise awareness regarding these questions, since at the end, we need to have better laws that would regulated this vast amount of chemicals that surrounds us. I want to write to local ParentsConnect, to see if they'll agree to spread info about the petitions, so we could gather as many voices as possible.

I meant to add the links for petitions again. It will only take a minute to sing them! Please, if it's possible, forward it to your friends and family.

This one is regarding fire retardants, scroll down the window to read and sign the letter:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5393/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6334

This one is regarding TSCA1 chemical safety act that has not been updated since 1976...

http://action.momsrising.org/letter/NewTSCA1/

Thank you for being proactive!
Susanna

[Anonymous]

I signed! thanks!

[Anonymous]

Ha-ha, there goes my "organic" HALO sleeping blanket. Here is the link from their website that tells you about their new "organic" line. They say it's made of organic cotton and is chemical free... and than in features it's listed that it's fire resistant to meet US standards... I can not believe these companies. I don't even want to call companies anymore to find out whether something is treated with chemicals or not. They just won't tell the truth, since they are not required to by law. It's soooo sick! We need to push those idiot greedy lawmakers to finally stop poisoning us and our kids! Here you can check out the HALO statement about organic line yourself:

https://www.halosleep.com/news/10022006/

[Anonymous]

Here is a link for organization that is trying to fight fire retardants laws. You can find a bunch of useful info here.

http://www.greensciencepolicy.org/

[Anonymous]

Oh, I just a had a crazy idea. I love to knit, so I think I'll buy organic wool yarn and will knit organic blankets for my kids, maybe even sleeping blankets. Does anybody know if yarn required to be fire resistant too?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't think the "building blocks" of making fabric would be treated unless they are known specifically to be used for fabrics in the home like couches. I would contact the manufacturer to ask but would really be surprised.

Also, here is the response about the Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib from the company:

Thank you for contacting BabySwede. Please see below what the travel crib mattress is made out of. Please note that Baby Björn does not use any fire retardants and would never use any chemicals they are harmful to children. Thank you for your interest in BabyBjörn!

Mattress Foam:
High resilient polyether foam

Base:
100% polypropylene board laminated with LD-polyethylene foam

Mattress cover:
50% polyester and 50% poly-urethane breathable.

Jennifer Hankey
Organic Baby University

[Anonymous]

So no the Baby Bjorn is not perfect but I got organic sheets and it is still SO much better than the toxic stuff that regular pack and plays are covered in....they are expensive so look on Ebay or Craigslist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So no the Baby Bjorn is not perfect but I got organic sheets and it is still SO much better than the toxic stuff that regular pack and plays are covered in....they are expensive so look on Ebay or Craigslist.

true... i have been trying to avoid using any travel cribs at all!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't think the "building blocks" of making fabric would be treated unless they are known specifically to be used for fabrics in the home like couches. I would contact the manufacturer to ask but would really be surprised.

Also, here is the response about the Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib from the company:

Thank you for contacting BabySwede. Please see below what the travel crib mattress is made out of. Please note that Baby Björn does not use any fire retardants and would never use any chemicals they are harmful to children. Thank you for your interest in BabyBjörn!

Mattress Foam:
High resilient polyether foam

Base:
100% polypropylene board laminated with LD-polyethylene foam

Mattress cover:
50% polyester and 50% poly-urethane breathable.

Jennifer Hankey
Organic Baby University

thanks! I was wondering about the Baby Bjorn. I contacted them about the materials and they never got back to me! jennifer, I went to your website. do you give guidance on how to buy organic items?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha-ha, there goes my "organic" HALO sleeping blanket. Here is the link from their website that tells you about their new "organic" line. They say it's made of organic cotton and is chemical free... and than in features it's listed that it's fire resistant to meet US standards... I can not believe these companies. I don't even want to call companies anymore to find out whether something is treated with chemicals or not. They just won't tell the truth, since they are not required to by law. It's soooo sick! We need to push those idiot greedy lawmakers to finally stop poisoning us and our kids! Here you can check out the HALO statement about organic line yourself:

https://www.halosleep.com/news/10022006/

i don't get it. Halo assured me that their organic line is not treated. I don't use sleep sacks anyway b/c they tend to bunch up around the baby's face when the baby is sleeping and that makes me nervous. I just try to dress her in 100% cotton onesies and footies. I try to use an organic onesie against her skin and then a cotton (but not organic) footie. I have a lot of hand me down clothes that I use and none of them are organic.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who is NOT concerned about flame retardants effecting their children, should read this:

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbde/

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/28/3584223/viewpoints-flame-retardants-are.html#ixzz1KovJFB1P

http://www.5minutesforgoinggreen.com/299/avoiding-flame-retardants-in-cozy-childrens-pajamas/

[Anonymous]

OP, is the furniture in your house chemically treated? Because once your LO gets older, they will be all over your floors, rugs, and furniture. What about your own clothes? you will be holding the baby often, no? And what about children's board books, just going out on a limb but they probably contain some kind of chemicals and your Lo might chew on them.

My point is that the big exposures- bottles, crib bedding- are worthwhile, but you simply cannot protect your LO from everything. All you can do is minimize risks.

And, if you are feeling this "paranoid" now...beware post-partum. Anxiety can be overwhelming once the baby arrives.

[Anonymous]

Hi again! It is Jennifer from Organic Baby University! The problem with giving guidance about buying organic is exactly what all you ladies are running into. I literally contact company after company to try to find out what is really in their products. It is tough and I more often than not I have to do it a zillion times to get an answer. My site will be free starting next week and it includes lists of organic safe products on my guides and checklists from companies that i have researched. Also, I am starting a blog series about flame resistant products next week. You can already check out my one on car seats as this is SUPER important since kids spend SO much time in them! You know, Pottery Barn treats their organic sheets with chemicals for "easy care" and won't disclose what this is...typically easy care means that it doesn't need ironing which typically means treatment with TEFLON! This is an awful type of chemical that will get in your body and stays for over 40 years and does all sorts of damage.


To the women who say don't worry about it because it causes stress I say it is important to avoid dangerous chemicals for our children where we can! I don't suggest stressing out about it, rather educating yourself, then purchasing safer products so you won't stress about it. Once you have done this then you have done what you can. People who ignore this so it won't stress them out will just allow the companies to continue to poison our children because nothing will ever be done to change it. I don't think this is the best choice. We vote every time we make a purchase a product, and if we choose safer products, companies will follow the money, and our children will benefit.

[Anonymous]

Oh by the way I think I have partly found and partly created a FR free glider!!! Yay! I have been looking for 2 years and the only ones I have found are $3500 plus! This will be around $450-500 I think when I am done...stay tuned!

Jennifer
Organic Baby University

WE GO FREE NEXT WEEK!