Toxin-Free Kids: Natural Products I Trust for My Children

A Hard Truth I Learned the Hard Way

When I first started learning about toxins in everyday products, I naively assumed that kids’ products would be the safest of them all. After all, why wouldn’t companies prioritize the health of our most vulnerable population? But I was wrong. So many of the lotions, shampoos, baby wipes—even the clothes my kids wore—were filled with synthetic chemicals, hormone disruptors, and questionable materials.

It was heartbreaking. And honestly, infuriating. How could this be allowed? I still don’t have a good answer. But what I do know now is that I can’t take labels at face value—I have to do my own research, read the ingredients, and make intentional choices to protect my children’s health in a world that doesn’t always do it for me.

That’s why I’ve slowly swapped out the products we use every day—from bath time to bedtime and everything in between—for safer, non-toxic alternatives I actually trust. Below, I’m sharing the natural products we personally use and love in our home. These are kid-tested, mama-approved, and made with ingredients you can feel good about.

🛁 1. Bath Time Basics

Clean ingredients for squeaky-clean kids.
Most baby washes and shampoos contain artificial fragrance, sulfates, and preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. These are the gentle, toxin-free products I trust for my kids:

• Primally Pure Baby Bar – Gentle, nourishing, and made with clean, tallow-based ingredients. No sketchy additives, just simple skin-loving goodness.

• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Wash – A plant-based formula that’s extra gentle on sensitive skin.

• Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash – A calming, EWG-verified option that’s safe for newborns and toddlers alike.

• Aveeno Daily Moisture Wash & Shampoo - While not perfect, this option is fragrance-free and more affordable. A good stepping stone if you're transitioning.

✨ Tip: Always patch test a new wash and avoid anything with synthetic fragrance or “tear-free” on the label (often code for added chemicals).

🧴 2. Lotions & Oils

Moisturizing without mystery ingredients.
Moisturizing our babies should feel good—not make us worry about what’s soaking into their skin. After finding out that even “eczema-safe” creams sometimes contain petroleum, synthetic fragrances, or hormone-disrupting ingredients, I now stick to nourishing, non-toxic options that actually support the skin’s barrier.

Here are the ones I trust and love:

• Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm – This balm is formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and ceramide NP to soothe and protect eczema-prone skin. It's free from fragrances, parabens, and steroids, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

• Tubby Todd All Over Ointment – A true multitasker. This balm is perfect for dry spots, baby acne, or just keeping skin soft and protected.

• Primally Pure Baby Balm – A rich, soothing balm made with tallow, calendula, and chamomile. Perfect for dry patches, cradle cap, or sensitive spots.

• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Lotion (Fragrance-Free) – Rich and creamy with skin-soothing ingredients and no synthetic fragrance. Great for everyday use.

• Earth Mama Baby Lotion (Unscented or Calming Lavender) – Smooth, safe, and free from anything unnecessary—ideal for sensitive skin.

• Weleda Calendula Body Cream – Plant-based and gentle, with the healing power of calendula. Great for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

👕 3. Clothing & Fabrics

Safe from skin to sleep.
It wasn't until I started researching non-toxic living that I realized just how many chemicals are used in children’s clothing. From flame retardants to toxic dyes, many garments are made with materials that can affect your child’s skin and health. Our skin is the largest organ, and it absorbs everything it comes in contact with, so choosing clean, natural fabrics has been a game-changer for us.

What I look for:

• Organic cotton, linen, or wool

• OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification

• Avoid “wrinkle-free,” “stain-resistant,” or polyester blends

Here are the clothing brands I trust for my little ones:

• Burt’s Bees Baby – Made with 100% organic cotton, this brand offers everything from sleepwear to daywear that’s soft, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals.

• L'ovedbaby – Organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and simple, classic styles make L'ovedbaby a favorite for comfy, clean kids' clothes.

• Primary – Known for their soft, vibrant clothing, Primary’s pieces are made with non-toxic dyes and 100% cotton, making them safe for sensitive skin.

• Hanna Andersson – This brand uses organic cotton, natural fibers, and non-toxic dyes in their children’s clothing. Plus, they’re known for their durable, comfortable styles that last for years.

• Finn + Emma – Their clothing is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, and they use non-toxic dyes. Everything from onesies to pants and toys is made with care and safety in mind.

🍼 4. Feeding & Teething

Because mouths matter.
Feeding and teething products go straight into our babies' mouths — so I quickly realized they need to be some of the cleanest items in the house. I now avoid anything made of plastic (even the ones that say “BPA-free”) and opt for safer materials like silicone, natural rubber, and glass.

Here are a few trusted non-toxic feeding and teething essentials:

• burrbaby Glass Bottles – A minimalist mama favorite. These sleek, durable glass bottles are free of plastic and chemicals and come with soft silicone sleeves for grip and safety.

• Elk and Friends Kids Porcelain Bowls with Silicone Sleeve – Stylish, sturdy, and safe. These porcelain bowls are protected with silicone sleeves to prevent breakage and help little hands hold on.

• Haakaa Silicone Teething Feeder – Made of 100% food-grade silicone and perfect for frozen fruit or soft veggies during teething.

• Green Sprouts Natural Rubber Teether – One solid piece of plant-based rubber, no hidden parts or questionable materials.

• Avanchy Bamboo Suction Bowls & Spoons – Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and great for self-feeding as babies grow.

🧹 5. Diapering & Wipes

Clean bums, clean conscience.
When I first started paying attention to what touches my baby’s skin 24/7, diapers and wipes were at the top of the list. Many conventional options contain fragrances, lotions, and even chlorine — all things I now avoid. These are the brands I trust to be both gentle and effective:

• Coterie Diapers – Soft, high-performing, and free from fragrance, chlorine, dyes, and phthalates. These are our go-to for both daytime and overnight.

• Honest Wipes – Made with 99% water and plant-based ingredients, they’re thick, durable, and easy on sensitive skin.

• WaterWipes – Another great option, especially for newborns. Just two ingredients: water and a drop of fruit extract.

• Ecoriginals Diapers – Made with over 90% biodegradable materials and no harsh chemicals. A more sustainable, clean option.

• Primally Pure Baby Powder – While not a diaper or wipe it is frequently used during diaper changes. Talc-free, non-toxic, and made with soothing herbs and clays that keep baby dry without irritating their skin.

💇🏾‍♀️ 6. Haircare for Little Ones

Gentle products for growing crowns.
Finding safe, effective haircare products for kids—especially for textured or curly hair—can be a real challenge. For a long time, I assumed that baby and children’s hair products would be automatically gentle and toxin-free. But many mainstream options still contain synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and other ingredients I try to avoid.

After digging deeper, I found brands that not only work beautifully on my children’s hair but also align with my non-toxic values. Here are a few I trust and use:

• Innersense Organic Beauty – Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner
  This is my go-to for gentle detangling and moisture. It’s lightweight, smells subtle and natural, and is packed with organic ingredients that nourish rather than coat or dry out curls. While it’s technically an adult product, Innersense is a clean brand with high standards—and this formula is gentle enough for children’s delicate hair and scalps.

• Earth Mama Organics – Sweet Orange Baby Wash & Shampoo
  This castile-based cleanser is incredibly gentle, made with organic ingredients, and has a light natural scent from organic sweet orange oil. It doubles as both a body wash and shampoo, making it a perfect simple option for sensitive little ones.

• Alaffia – Kids Shampoo & Body Wash (Unscented or Naturally Scented)
  Alaffia is a mission-driven brand rooted in West African traditions, and their kids’ line is both effective and affordable. Their shampoo & body wash is free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, making it a great option for everyday use on little curls and coils.

✨ Tip: Keep routines simple, moisturize often, and use satin bonnets or crib-safe sheets for nighttime protection.

🧸 7. Toys & Playtime

Because not all toys should be toyed with

When it comes to toys, I used to focus mostly on fun and educational value — not what the toys were made of. But after learning how many plastics, paints, and synthetic fabrics contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, I started making more mindful choices.

Kids put everything in their mouths, and their skin absorbs more than ours — so safe, non-toxic materials matter.

Here are the toy brands and types I trust:

• Lovevery Play Kits – Montessori-inspired and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, and baby-safe materials. No questionable plastics or dyes.

• PlanToys – Eco-friendly wooden toys that use organic pigments and water-based dyes. Plus, they're super durable.

• Green Toys – Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic (mostly milk jugs) and free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.

• Grapat & Grimm’s Wooden Toys – Beautiful, open-ended wooden toys finished with non-toxic stains and natural oils.

• Cuddle + Kind Dolls – Hand-knit with cotton yarn, these heirloom-quality dolls are not only adorable but ethically made and safe for cuddling.

💤 8. Sleep & Bedding

For the deepest sleep possible

Sleep is sacred in our home, and so is the environment we create for it. Babies and young children spend so many hours sleeping—and often sweating—so what they’re sleeping on and under matters just as much as what they wear. Unfortunately, many conventional mattresses, sheets, and sleepwear are treated with flame retardants, synthetic dyes, and wrinkle-resistant coatings that can off-gas or absorb into their skin.

Here are a few of my favorite non-toxic sleep solutions for kids:

• Naturepedic Crib & Kids Mattresses
  GOTS-certified, MADE SAFE®, and completely free of flame retardants, Naturepedic mattresses are a high-quality investment for safe sleep.

• Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
  Another fantastic option—made with organic latex, cotton, and wool, and certified by multiple third-party standards. Their durability makes them a great value over time.

• Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton Pajamas & Sheets
  Affordable, accessible, and made from 100% organic cotton. Their fitted crib sheets and zip pajamas are soft, breathable, and GOTS-certified.

• Coyuchi Organic Kids Bedding
  If you're looking for super-soft, high-end bedding made from organic cotton or linen, Coyuchi’s kids’ line delivers on both comfort and safety.

Just like with clothing, I’ve learned that simplicity and natural materials make all the difference. Better bedding = better sleep, for them and for us.

🎒9. On-the-Go Essentials

Whether we’re heading to the park, running errands, or visiting family, I always try to keep our diaper bag stocked with clean, practical items I can trust. It’s easy to grab whatever’s convenient when you're in a rush—but I’ve found that a little planning helps me stay aligned with our non-toxic lifestyle even outside the house.

Here are some of my favorite toxin-free essentials for life on the go:

• Coterie Wipes (Travel Packs)
  Gentle, fragrance-free, and formulated without parabens, alcohol, or phenoxyethanol. They come in convenient, travel-friendly packs that make clean-ups easy anywhere.

• Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger (for newborns)
  Made with organic cotton and designed to mimic the feeling of being held, it’s perfect for park days or naps at grandma’s. Not for unsupervised sleep, but a great support when out and about (or even at home).

• Lifefactory Glass Bottles
  Durable, BPA-free, and wrapped in protective silicone sleeves. They’re ideal for travel and don’t leach harmful chemicals like many plastic options do.

• Stasher Silicone Snack Bags
  Reusable, non-toxic, and endlessly handy for snacks, pacifiers, or even wipes. I keep a couple in every bag.

Being prepared with safer options helps me feel more confident wherever we go—and keeps my kids safe from unnecessary exposure to harmful materials.

🙏🏾 Final Thoughts

Choosing toxin-free products for your children doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—replace one thing at a time—and trust that each little switch adds up. The peace of mind that comes from knowing what’s not in your kids’ products? That’s priceless.