The Unplastic Shop Donate
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Protecting Their Future

From the toys they cuddle to the bottles they drink, children are uniquely vulnerable to the toxins in plastic – like phthalates and BPA. Exposure to these chemicals in childhood is linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and long-term health risks.

Our children’s bodies are no place for plastic.

Protecting their developing systems today is the most powerful investment we can make in their future health.

Infants can ingest up to

4 million microplastic particles

per day from plastic bottles.

top kid’s room
swaps

  • Switch to Glass or Silicone: Replace plastic baby bottles with thermal-shock resistant glass or medical-grade silicone to prevent the leaching of millions of microplastics.
  • Choose Natural Play Materials: Swap soft plastic teethers and toys for natural rubber, FSC-certified wood, or organic cotton alternatives that are safe for mouthing.
  • Opt for Organic Textiles: Transition away from synthetic polyester bedding and costumes to 100% organic cotton, wool, or hemp to reduce microplastic dust in the nursery.
  • Upgrade the Play Surface: Replace foam “puzzle” mats (often made of EVA or PVC) with cork, natural rubber, or organic cotton play mats to eliminate chemical off-gassing.
  • Select Plastic-Free Diapering: Choose cloth diapers or certified plastic-free disposables to reduce the constant skin contact with synthetic liners and SAP gels.
  • Ditch Vinyl Accessories: Swap vinyl bibs and changing pads for food-grade silicone or organic cotton versions to avoid high concentrations of phthalates.

Label alert

  • Anti-Microbial

    Indicates harsh chemical additives that can interfere with a child’s developing immune system.

  • Flame Retardant

    Found in foam mattresses and linked to developmental and neurological issues in children.

  • BPA-Free

    Misleading label that often masks the presence of equally harmful BPS or BPF.

Learn which products are
the worst offenders

  • 01

    Drinkware

    Bottles, Sippy Cups, Training Cups

    Everyday feeding products can expose infants to plastic chemicals during a critical window of development.

    • Sippy and training cups are frequently made from hard polycarbonates or polypropylenes that degrade over time, leaching chemicals into juices and water.
    • Heating or sterilizing plastic baby bottles can release large amounts of microplastics and additives into milk or formula.
    • Repeated washing and wear accelerate plastic breakdown and chemical migration.

  • 02

    Toys & Bibs

    Bath Toys, Teething Rings, Wipe-Clean Bibs

    Known as the “poison plastic,” vinyl is loaded with plastic-softening chemicals that can migrate during normal use.

    • PVC frequently contains phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and developmental concerns.
    • Pacifiers, teething rings and soft chew toys made from soft vinyl that can release phthalates and plastic additives during prolonged chewing.
    • Waterproof bibs can off-gas phthalates and other additives into the air and onto skin during extended contact.

  • 03

    Stuffed Animals

    Plush Toys, Soft Comfort Objects

    Most “plush” toys are made from polyester and filled with plastic pellets, shedding microplastic fibers that children inhale while sleeping.

    • Flame retardant treatments and stain-resistant coatings may add chemical exposure.
    • Microplastics fibers can be ingested when infants and toddlers mouth soft toys made from polyester or contain plastic components.
    • Many toys contain plastic pellets, safety eyes, and foam inserts that can off-gas chemical additives, like phthalates and flame retardants.

  • 04

    Play Surfaces

    Foam Mat, Synthetic Rugs

    Soft foam mats often contain formamide or acetophenone, chemicals used in the manufacturing process that off-gas directly into a child’s breathing zone.

    • Some mats are made from EVA or PVC, which may contain additional plastic additives.
    • Chemical vapors released from foam (off-gassing) can concentrate near the floor, where toddlers breathe.
    • Heat and wear can increase chemical release over time.

  • 05

    Baby Care

    Disposable Wipes, Bath Soap, Lotion

    Most disposable wipes are non-biodegradable plastic-based cloths saturated with preservatives and fragrance.

    • Wipes are made from polyester or polypropylene fibers and leave chemical residues on skin.
    • Baby lotions and bath soaps may contain parabens, fragrance, and penetration enhancers that increase skin absorption.
    • Infant bath products may contain preservatives, like phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrance that can irritate sensitive skin.

Infants have higher exposure relative to body weight, making early-life chemical migration more concerning.

kid’s room
resources

Protect the next generation. Learn more about choosing safer toys and bedding that keep harmful chemicals away from your children’s developing bodies.

Learn More
  • Shop Smart

Pregnancy Safe Product Guide from Million Marker

  • Healthy Living

The Healthy Baby Guide from the Plastic Pollution Coalition

  • Healthy Living

Tips for Choosing Safer Toys for Children Guide from Toxic-Free Future

  • Healthy Living

Children’s Healthy Living Tips from EWG

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