Baby shampoo caution. Studies show that those baby shampoos, lotions and powders contain phthalates. This is found in many products, including cosmetics, toys, vinyl floors - they stabilize fragrances and make plastic flexible. But, they also can cause reproductive problems (and early puberty for girls).

Concerned parents can look to purchase products that are specifically labeled “phthalate free”, however, beware - this is one chemical that is not required to be mentioned on the label. So even if you don’t see it on the ingredients list, it could still be there.

Be careful with those sippy cups! Especially in the summertime. Heat can cause the plastic to release a dangerous chemical, bisphenol A. Bisphenol A is also known as “environmental estrogen” and is like sex hormones. It is relatively safe when the liquid is cold or room temperature, but when heated over 50 times more of this chemical is released. So mom can find herself facing the dilemma of sippy cups v. breakable glasses.

And you know, today I am beginning to wonder if anything is safe anymore…

The impacts of famine on unborn children. Studies show that pregnant women who lived in famine their first trimester give birth to children with an increased chance of addiction as they grow up. Addiction is related to the brain’s “reward system” and this new conclusion shows that the brain’s reward system is formed very early on.

Children born from malnourished mothers also have increased risk of having other psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, as well as obesity, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. You probably shouldn’t worry as doctors caution that these results will probably not be the same as those in developed countries (you and me). My main reason for posting this is to increase awareness of what people in most of the rest of the world are facing. Quite “Angelina Jolie” of me, eh?