Nontoxic Rain Gear for Babies

by tedgar | More from this Blogger

11 Oct 2009 08:52 AM

Polyvinyl chloride, anyone? PVC plastic has been in the news a lot lately. PVC has significant environmental impacts: its production and disposal release dioxins. Generally, PVC production involves the use of phthalates to soften the plastic. There are concerns that these phthalates can cause cancer and damage the immune system. For parents who are looking for PVC-free rain wear for their children, there are options.

Polyurethane is the easiest PVC alternative to source. It's water tight, washable, and it doesn't tear easily. Think windbreakers - the material that you're imagining is likely polyurethane. Even through polyurethane is made out of fossil fuels, it's less toxic to create and more inert when babies chew on it. A Canadian company called Puddle Gear makes polyurethane rain gear that is certified nontoxic. Their rain wear is also reflective. Caluna Loves, Lands End, LL Bean and CWD Kids also have nontoxic rain gear available, and many of these sell their jackets online - a must for the busy family!

If you're looking at rain boots, there are so many fun and lively prints to choose from. Unfortunately, a lot of these are made with soft PVC plastic as well. For a natural alternative, choose rain boots that are made of real latex rubber. The original rubber was made out of latex from the Hevea or rubber tree. Natural rubber boots often have a jersey cotton lining. While plastic boots can often be quite cold on the feet, natural rubber is warmer and preserves heat. The Hatley line of children's rain boots is the cutest one I've found, and Hatley also makes funky boots in adult sizes as well! Rugged Bear makes natural rubber boots too.

Parents are at the forefront of the consumer demand for nontoxic, child-friendly, and environmentally-friendly products. As demand for PVC-free materials grows, expect to see these areas of rain gear expand in the future.

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Tricia Edgar is a mom of one lovely daughter. Before her daughter was born, she decided to be guided by the needs of her child, and this led her to attachment parenting philosophies.

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