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Are you wondering how you can make your baby, infant, or young child’s life chemical free? If so, you’ve come to the right place! There are so many great articles and posts out there about getting your young one toxin and chemical free, but I find you often have to look all over the place for good information. Today, however, I’m going to share twelve easy switches and recipes with you to help you get into a chemical free lifestyle for your baby or young one ASAP!
This is a lengthy post! With twelve different “recipes” you’re going to need to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the great toxin-free goodness I’m about to share!
Let’s see just how easy it is to make chemical free products for your baby using items you probably already have in your home and all natural essential oils! Clean up your act by starting your child (and family!) on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
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Without further ado…
Homemade Laundry Detergent
I’m guessing your little one wears clothes a good portion of the
day. (Don’t we all?) So it only makes sense that what you wash your little
one’s clothing with should be chemical free since they spend so much time in
those clothes! We’ve been chemical free with our laundry since November of
2015. (Yes, I was a little late to jump on this one.) It took me that long to
find a laundry detergent that didn’t require grating a bar of soap. (What can I
say? I’m lazy!)
day. (Don’t we all?) So it only makes sense that what you wash your little
one’s clothing with should be chemical free since they spend so much time in
those clothes! We’ve been chemical free with our laundry since November of
2015. (Yes, I was a little late to jump on this one.) It took me that long to
find a laundry detergent that didn’t require grating a bar of soap. (What can I
say? I’m lazy!)
Here’s what we do. I bought a one gallon container. I poured in
four cups of nearly boiling water and mixed it with three tablespoons each of
borax and washing soda. (Not baking soda, washing soda.) I then gave the
container a good swirl to get them dissolved. Then I added two capfuls of
Thieves cleaner. (You could add two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap if you’d
rather.) Our clothes come out clean without the chemical filled fragrances of
store-bought brands.
four cups of nearly boiling water and mixed it with three tablespoons each of
borax and washing soda. (Not baking soda, washing soda.) I then gave the
container a good swirl to get them dissolved. Then I added two capfuls of
Thieves cleaner. (You could add two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap if you’d
rather.) Our clothes come out clean without the chemical filled fragrances of
store-bought brands.
Now – if you’re not as lazy as me – here’s a version that requires
just a little bit of soap grating. But it is Borax FREE.
just a little bit of soap grating. But it is Borax FREE.
Fabric Softener
Over
the years I’ve gotten very used to using fabric softener with my laundry. Then
I came across a picture stating how many toxins are in this product and did a little digging to see if it was true.
EEK! Thankfully I had not used any fabric softener on my son’s clothing, but I
was using it mine and my husband’s – so we were all being exposed to these
toxins! I decided to look for an alternative, and this might be the easiest
“recipe” of them all.
the years I’ve gotten very used to using fabric softener with my laundry. Then
I came across a picture stating how many toxins are in this product and did a little digging to see if it was true.
EEK! Thankfully I had not used any fabric softener on my son’s clothing, but I
was using it mine and my husband’s – so we were all being exposed to these
toxins! I decided to look for an alternative, and this might be the easiest
“recipe” of them all.
Throw out the fabric softener and start using vinegar.
That’s it! Does it work? Yep! Does it smell vinegar-y? Nope! My husband HATES
the smell of vinegar. After a month of using this as our fabric softener with
no comments, I told him what I was doing. He rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t
say anything since he truly hadn’t noticed. J
That’s it! Does it work? Yep! Does it smell vinegar-y? Nope! My husband HATES
the smell of vinegar. After a month of using this as our fabric softener with
no comments, I told him what I was doing. He rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t
say anything since he truly hadn’t noticed. J
If you
want to be a little bit more “high tech”, you can mix 1 teaspoon of rubbing
alcohol and 15-20 drops of essential oils with your vinegar. If you do this,
you’ll notice a faint smell of the oils when your clothes come out of the
washing machine.
want to be a little bit more “high tech”, you can mix 1 teaspoon of rubbing
alcohol and 15-20 drops of essential oils with your vinegar. If you do this,
you’ll notice a faint smell of the oils when your clothes come out of the
washing machine.
Dryer Sheets
In the little
bit of research I’ve done, dryer sheets are no better than fabric softener.
(insert sad face) So how are we supposed to keep our clothes static free? Let
me tell you, it’s pretty easy!
bit of research I’ve done, dryer sheets are no better than fabric softener.
(insert sad face) So how are we supposed to keep our clothes static free? Let
me tell you, it’s pretty easy!
The
first thing I tried was aluminum foil balls. They really do work! Take about
three feet of aluminum foil, crumple it up into a ball, and throw it into your
dryer. You now have chemical free dryer balls! I use two balls per load, but
I’ve heard you can use up to four. Also, I noticed after a month that they were
not working as well – so I replaced them.
first thing I tried was aluminum foil balls. They really do work! Take about
three feet of aluminum foil, crumple it up into a ball, and throw it into your
dryer. You now have chemical free dryer balls! I use two balls per load, but
I’ve heard you can use up to four. Also, I noticed after a month that they were
not working as well – so I replaced them.
The
next project I’m going to attempt are these wool dryer balls from Overthrow
Martha. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!
next project I’m going to attempt are these wool dryer balls from Overthrow
Martha. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Now
that we’ve covered the laundry room, it’s time to venture into the bathroom! I
didn’t realize that all those suds we enjoy so much are actually chemicals that
put toxins into our bodies. Not wanting that for my little boy, I sought out
alternatives! Thankfully I came across an easy to make shampoo that also
doubles as a body wash! Here’s the direct link to the recipe. I also use this myself quite often now that I’m ridding my bathroom items of chemicals. But that’s a whole ‘nother blog post for another time…
that we’ve covered the laundry room, it’s time to venture into the bathroom! I
didn’t realize that all those suds we enjoy so much are actually chemicals that
put toxins into our bodies. Not wanting that for my little boy, I sought out
alternatives! Thankfully I came across an easy to make shampoo that also
doubles as a body wash! Here’s the direct link to the recipe. I also use this myself quite often now that I’m ridding my bathroom items of chemicals. But that’s a whole ‘nother blog post for another time…
Baby Lotion
Alright,
so now you’re baby is all clean, dried off, and it’s time for some lotion. Yet
again we want to make sure we are putting only chemical free items on our
babies. The easiest recipe I have found is to mix equal parts of coconut oil
with aloe vera. If desired, you can 2-3 drops of essential oils in as well.
(Lavender would be good for right before bed, but any scent you like is fine.)
I love the smell of this! I always joke that our little man smells sort of like
a pina colada and I could eat him up! J
so now you’re baby is all clean, dried off, and it’s time for some lotion. Yet
again we want to make sure we are putting only chemical free items on our
babies. The easiest recipe I have found is to mix equal parts of coconut oil
with aloe vera. If desired, you can 2-3 drops of essential oils in as well.
(Lavender would be good for right before bed, but any scent you like is fine.)
I love the smell of this! I always joke that our little man smells sort of like
a pina colada and I could eat him up! J
Baby Butt Cream
We all
know that those little tushies need some extra loving from time to time. While
you can certainly use the store bought brands, I’ve found best results for our
little guy with this super simple, two ingredient mixture. Use 1/3 cup coconut oil combined with 5-10 drops of lavender. You’ll want to store this in a glass
container since essential oils can break down plastic, but it’s well worth it!
Use one of those larger baby food jars, or simply save a glass sauce container
from the kitchen. Scoop out a bit each time you need it, add it to baby’s
bottom, and put the diaper on as usual. Smooth as a baby’s bottom! 😉
know that those little tushies need some extra loving from time to time. While
you can certainly use the store bought brands, I’ve found best results for our
little guy with this super simple, two ingredient mixture. Use 1/3 cup coconut oil combined with 5-10 drops of lavender. You’ll want to store this in a glass
container since essential oils can break down plastic, but it’s well worth it!
Use one of those larger baby food jars, or simply save a glass sauce container
from the kitchen. Scoop out a bit each time you need it, add it to baby’s
bottom, and put the diaper on as usual. Smooth as a baby’s bottom! 😉
Another
go to we have on hand is plain ol’ cornstarch. It works great as a little butt
helper as well!
go to we have on hand is plain ol’ cornstarch. It works great as a little butt
helper as well!
Baby Wipes
If
you’re going with all-natural products for baby, it only makes sense to go that
route with your wipes as well. This recipe from Kinda Krunchy only uses five
total ingredients (all of which I have in my house), so it shouldn’t be too
hard to crank out. She recommends using
paper towels, but using cloth for those wet-only diapers would save on the
garbage and make this even more economical since you could wash and reuse
those! {Kudos to you if you go cloth all the time!}
you’re going with all-natural products for baby, it only makes sense to go that
route with your wipes as well. This recipe from Kinda Krunchy only uses five
total ingredients (all of which I have in my house), so it shouldn’t be too
hard to crank out. She recommends using
paper towels, but using cloth for those wet-only diapers would save on the
garbage and make this even more economical since you could wash and reuse
those! {Kudos to you if you go cloth all the time!}
Hand Purifier
We’ve
covered many great chemical-free baby essentials so far, but there’s still
more! Let’s talk hand purifier. We all know that occasionally we need to change
a diaper in a less than ideal situation, and sometimes there just isn’t water
to be found. That’s where a hand cleaner does wonders!
covered many great chemical-free baby essentials so far, but there’s still
more! Let’s talk hand purifier. We all know that occasionally we need to change
a diaper in a less than ideal situation, and sometimes there just isn’t water
to be found. That’s where a hand cleaner does wonders!
I’m
probably not the only one, but I once read an article about a little girl who
got into strawberry scented hand sanitizer – only the mom didn’t
realize it. Mom found the little girl passed out and rushed her to the ER. The
doctors could not find out what was wrong. Finally they did a tox screen and it
came back that the little girl was drunk! WHAT?! The alcohol in the sanitizer
got her. EEK!
probably not the only one, but I once read an article about a little girl who
got into strawberry scented hand sanitizer – only the mom didn’t
realize it. Mom found the little girl passed out and rushed her to the ER. The
doctors could not find out what was wrong. Finally they did a tox screen and it
came back that the little girl was drunk! WHAT?! The alcohol in the sanitizer
got her. EEK!
Now, I
don’t know about you, but I do NOT want that to happen to my child! The recipe
I’m about to share isn’t something I’d want my child eating up either – but at
least with this I know it’s made from chemical-free ingredients that won’t harm
him! This recipe is super easy to whip up, and you’ll only need a grand total
of five items.
don’t know about you, but I do NOT want that to happen to my child! The recipe
I’m about to share isn’t something I’d want my child eating up either – but at
least with this I know it’s made from chemical-free ingredients that won’t harm
him! This recipe is super easy to whip up, and you’ll only need a grand total
of five items.
Cleaning Wipes
Babies
are messy! Between the spit up, the food, the spit up (yes, again!), and the
spills – there can be a lot to clean up! I needed some type of cleaning wipe,
but I didn’t want it full of chemicals. Sometimes I use those wipes on little
man’s toys, and then he puts them in his mouth. EEK! That last thing I want is
for that adorable mouth to take in a lot of toxins!
are messy! Between the spit up, the food, the spit up (yes, again!), and the
spills – there can be a lot to clean up! I needed some type of cleaning wipe,
but I didn’t want it full of chemicals. Sometimes I use those wipes on little
man’s toys, and then he puts them in his mouth. EEK! That last thing I want is
for that adorable mouth to take in a lot of toxins!
Here’s
the cleaning wipe recipe I use and love! Take a roll of paper towels and cut it
in half with a surrogated knife. In a container mix 1.5 cups of distilled water
with one capful of Thieves cleaner. Put your paper towel roll (minus the
cardboard tubing) into a container and pour the mixture over the top. That’s
it! I use these bad boys to clean the counter, high chair, occasional floor
spills, and even the bathroom! Thieves smells great, and it really works!
the cleaning wipe recipe I use and love! Take a roll of paper towels and cut it
in half with a surrogated knife. In a container mix 1.5 cups of distilled water
with one capful of Thieves cleaner. Put your paper towel roll (minus the
cardboard tubing) into a container and pour the mixture over the top. That’s
it! I use these bad boys to clean the counter, high chair, occasional floor
spills, and even the bathroom! Thieves smells great, and it really works!
Don’t
have any Thieves cleaner? No problem! Try this recipe instead. It’s got a few
more ingredients, but it still wouldn’t be too hard to pull off.
have any Thieves cleaner? No problem! Try this recipe instead. It’s got a few
more ingredients, but it still wouldn’t be too hard to pull off.
Toy Cleaner
By now
you’ve noticed that everything goes into your baby’s mouth, right? Those toys
need to be washed! And by now you know that I’m going for a chemical-free
cleaner any chance I can! So here’s what I do. I fill the sink about half full
of hot water, add a splash of vinegar and 1-2 capfuls of Thieves cleaner, and I
let the toys sit for 30 minutes. (If they can be thrown in the washing machine,
that’s my first choice! Less work! 😉 ) Clean, sanitized toys that baby can
safely play with (and munch).
you’ve noticed that everything goes into your baby’s mouth, right? Those toys
need to be washed! And by now you know that I’m going for a chemical-free
cleaner any chance I can! So here’s what I do. I fill the sink about half full
of hot water, add a splash of vinegar and 1-2 capfuls of Thieves cleaner, and I
let the toys sit for 30 minutes. (If they can be thrown in the washing machine,
that’s my first choice! Less work! 😉 ) Clean, sanitized toys that baby can
safely play with (and munch).
Now you’re
probably saying, “But Heather, what about those toys that can’t go in the
dishwasher or laundry?” Great question! If possible, I’m going to use the
cleaning wipes mentioned in post #11. But if that still doesn’t work, here’s
what I do. Take a spray bottle and put in three cups of water with one capful
of Thieves cleaner. Mix it up, spray it on the toys, and let them dry. Easy,
peasy, clean toys!
probably saying, “But Heather, what about those toys that can’t go in the
dishwasher or laundry?” Great question! If possible, I’m going to use the
cleaning wipes mentioned in post #11. But if that still doesn’t work, here’s
what I do. Take a spray bottle and put in three cups of water with one capful
of Thieves cleaner. Mix it up, spray it on the toys, and let them dry. Easy,
peasy, clean toys!
Floor Cleaner
Once
your little one is crawling all over the floor, you’re not going to want those
harsh chemicals entering their body. Thankfully there’s also a chemical free
version of this as well. (Bet you saw that one coming, didn’t you? 😉 )
your little one is crawling all over the floor, you’re not going to want those
harsh chemicals entering their body. Thankfully there’s also a chemical free
version of this as well. (Bet you saw that one coming, didn’t you? 😉 )
Fill
your mop bucket or sink with hot water. Add in 1-2 capfuls of Thieves cleaner.
Mop your floors as usual!
your mop bucket or sink with hot water. Add in 1-2 capfuls of Thieves cleaner.
Mop your floors as usual!
Immune Booster
As the people who watch little ones, we want them to stay as healthy and happy as possible! One way you can do this is to boost your little one’s immune system naturally! Grab a roller bottle (or use an empty essential oils bottle with a roller top) and fill it with 5 drops of Thieves, 5 drops of Tea Tree, 5 drops of Lemon, and 2 drops of Frankincense. (You may want to use less on a very young infant, or a little more if your child is older. Keep in mind the safety guidelines for hot oils!) Fill the rest of the container with coconut oil, pop the roller top on, and you’re all set! I roll this on little man’s feet at least 2-3 times a day. It produces many giggles and leaves us both smiling – him because it feels funny and me because I know he’s immune system is in tip top shape!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As you may have noticed, many of these recipes call for essential oils. Where can you get them? Oh, I’m so glad you asked! Essential oils are not necessary in order to go chemical free, but they are a great bonus! Once you start using them, you’ll see that they can be used for a multitude of reasons every day. Many can be used on baby when safely diluted, and you can use for a variety of reasons in your home.
Check out this link to see how you can actually get your hands on these awesome
essential oils.
essential oils.
I am not here to diagnose, prescribe, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am not a medical professional. You should not use any of the information on this site to replace the medical advice given to you by your primary care physician. More than likely, however, your doctor will not be trained in essential oils, so do your own research first. Be your own health advocate! To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not. I DO offer information to support and teach each of you how to rely on yourself to build better health. I seek to create a community of women and men who support each other on the path to wellness using non-toxic, safe, and natural approaches. Be well! Please note these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This post is for informational purposes only.
This post is linked up with The Modest Mom Blog, A Mama’s Story, Milk & Cuddles, Time Warp Wife, Your Modern Family, Worshipful Living, The Deliberate Mom, Classical Homemaking, The Squishable Baby, Sincerely Paula
