By Shay Lawrence
No matter how hard you try, your child will be exposed to toxins through simple daily tasks and activities. These toxins are found in materials we see and use daily, and in products readily available on supermarket shelves. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce this exposure – and the change starts at home!
Reframing Purchases
Reducing the amount of toxins you and your little one are exposed to begins by rethinking how you make purchases and decisions regarding which items to bring into your home.
No matter how hard you try, your child will be exposed to toxins through simple daily tasks and activities.
The ‘low-tox’ lifestyle movement is about making conscious choices about your home environment. It involves considering the ingredients used in items such as cleaning products, and choosing more natural, cleaner alternatives.
It can be surprising how many toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. Consider toothpaste, a product most of us use every day. Most kinds of toothpaste contain chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), propylene, fluoride, and artificial sweeteners which are hard on the liver. Finding a natural toothpaste replacement that does not include these chemicals is good for your whole body and an important step in reducing toxins in your environment.
This mindset can be applied to every area of the household and over time, you and your little one will notice the positive impact making changes has on your health.
Once you’ve detoxified common spaces in your house, you can start looking at the areas your little one will be spending the most time in – like the nursery!
Getting Started
Step one of embracing a low-tox mindset is detoxing your home. This involves evaluating what you are currently using and making substitutions for more natural alternatives.
Start by asking yourself questions like: are you exposing yourself to any artificial fragrances in candles or car fresheners? Do you spray flies or bugs regularly, and do you need the max heavy-duty cleaner for day-to-day use? Are the clothes you wear made from highly synthetic fabrics, and are there any you could replace with similar cotton garments? What toxins might be hiding in your fridge? Are there any less packaged replacements that could make it to your shopping list?
These can be a great place to start in creating a lower-tox environment and ensuring that everyone in your household is exposed to as few toxins as possible.
Making Changes For Bub
Once you’ve detoxified common spaces in your house, you can start looking at the areas your little one will be spending the most time in – like the nursery!
