Last Updated on July 19, 2021 by Sarah
Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Lets face it, babies love to poop! So exposing their little bottoms to an organic or non-toxic changing pad is a great way to help reduce chemical exposure when they’re tiny.
The trouble with so many of today’s modern baby products, from changing pads to play mats, is that they contain chemicals such as BPA, phthalates and flame retardants – chemicals increasingly linked with a number of heath concerns.
It’s impossible to avoid these types of chemicals completely, but you can reduce exposure to them by shopping around for baby products that are as toxin free as possible.
Chemicals To Avoid In Baby Changing Pads
As with play mats, petroleum based polyurethane foam is a common material in baby changing pads. Polyurethane is often treated with flame retardants, a suspected endocrine disruptor.
Keep in mind as well, that even if a polyurethane product states it is flame retardant free, it may still ‘off-gas’ VOCS (volatile organic compounds). This means potentially harmful VOCS may release into the air, where it’s possible to inhale them. Whilst some argue low level exposure to VOCS from won’t do much harm, other research suggests otherwise. More research into the effects of VOCS in the home is also needed.
So instead, look for organic and toxic free changing pads made from natural materials or, where polyurethane foam is used (it’s quite hard to avoid), look for the CertiPUR-US or Greenguard certification. This indicates the product is at least free from flame retardants or has low levels of indoor chemical emissions.
Here are 3 non toxic changing pads for baby that cut down on the chemical load.
3 Organic & Non Toxic Changing Pads For Baby
1 – Naturepedic
Free From: Vinyl, PVC, phthalates, polyurethane foam, latex, soy, flame retardant chemicals/barriers.
Certifications: GOTS & Greenguard Certified
Supporting healthier sleep & lifestyles since 2003, Naturepedic produce non toxic products that eliminate materials such as flame retardants and polyurethane foam. Their Organic Changing Pad is a popular choice with parents & features a 100% food-grade polyethylene support layer filled with unbleached, undyed organic cotton. There’s no polyurethane foam or latex in the changing pad at all, which is non-allergenic & easy to clean. A safety buckle helps secure baby while changing and snap screws easily secure the pad to a dresser. GOTS & Greenguard certified.
2 – Moonlight Slumber
Free From: Phthalates, vinyl, PVC and spray on fire retardants
Certifications: Greenguard & CertiPUR-US Certified
If the Naturepedic changing pad doesn’t quite fit your budget, Moonlight Slumber’s Contoured Changing Pad is a more affordable option. Keep in mind it does contain foam, but it’s CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foam’s been tested for low chemical emissions & heavy metals such as mercury & lead. It’s also Greenguard certified. The wipe clean changing pad cover is made from a blend of medical-grade, stretch knit polyester, which is waterproof & easy to clean & a safety buckle helps keep baby secure. If you’re not a fan of polyester, you also get an organic cotton cover included with the pad, which will help protect baby’s sensitive skin.
3 – Sealy Baby
Free From: Phthalates, vinyl, PVC, spray on flame retardants
Certifications: Greenguard & CertiPUR US Certified
Well known for their natural crib mattresses, Sealy Baby’s changing pads are a popular choice with parents. Whilst the changing pad does contain foam it uses a percentage of soy oils for a more natural changing surface. The actual percentage of soy oils in the changing pads is not specified but it is Greenguard Certified, meaning it’s been passed for low chemical emissions & safe for indoor use. It’s also CentiPUR US Certified. The waterproof cover is PVC free & the changing pad attaches easily to most changing tables & dressers.
Organic & Non Toxic Changing Pad Covers
Already own a baby changing pad? If you already have a changing pad and don’t want the expense of another, investing in an organic cotton cover is an affordable, more natural option that will help protect baby’s delicate, porous skin. Here are 2 popular options:
Burt’s Bees
This organic cotton changing pad cover from Burt’s Bees is a huge hit with parents. It’s made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, fits standard 16″ x 32″ changing pads & comes in a wider range of colours & patterns. There’s a choice of jersey or terrycloth knit & reinforced side openings allow for changing pad buckle straps to easily pass through. Machine washable.
ALVABABY
Another popular organic cotton changing pad cover, the ALVABABY is a great value option, as the price includes 2 separate covers in a soft, organic cotton. There’s loads of choice in terms of fun designs and colours & the cover fits standard 32″ X 16″ changing pads. Machine (up to 30 degrees is recommended, with a cold rinse) or hand washable.
A Natural Wool Alternative To A Changing Pad
If you want to go completely natural and avoid plastic or foam altogether, another practical non toxic changing pad option is a simple wool change pad or puddle mat. Whilst not waterproof, wool is highly absorbent and pretty effective at repelling water, making it a good non toxic changing pad option. They don’t usually come cheap, but pure organic wool is about as natural as you can get.
Try places like Etsy, where you can usually find handmade puddle mats made from organic, super soft wool – sometimes also felted for added leak protection. Alternatively, this wool puddle mat from Holy Lamb Organics features a 100% natural moisture barrier, created without fillers or additives.
Non Toxic Changing Pads: Conclusion
If you want to avoid polyurethane foam completely, it’s hard to beat Naturepedic for one of the best non toxic changing pads on the market.
If you do opt for a mat containing foam, shop around for ones that are Greenguard & CertiPUR-US certified. This means a product has been tested for chemical emission levels and the presence of things like heavy metals.
An organic cotton changing pad cover is also an affordable way to help protect baby’s sensitive skin, or if you want to skip plastic completely, consider an organic wool puddle mat.
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