Our Mission: We are igniting a movement that inspires parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals. Donate »

Charity Navigator 4 Star Charity

Quick Tips

Protecting Your Baby From Environmental Toxins During Pregnancy

SEE YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY

  • Schedule prenatal check-ups.
  • If you, or your partner, work with toxic materials, discuss possible harmful exposures.
  • Review alternative remedies and complimentary medicines.

BREATHE CLEAN AIR

  • Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to other sources of smoke.
  • Ventilate your home well by opening windows daily, except on high ozone days.
  • Fix leaks and moisture problems to control mold growth.
  • Properly install and maintain combustion appliances; install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
  • Test for radon gas.
  • Stay away from gas fumes; don’t pump your own gas.

DRINK CLEAN WATER

  • Get your water tested.
  • Let the tap water run for several minutes in the morning to flush lead out.
  • Use cold water from the tap for cooking & drinking.

EAT SMART

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron and folic aid.
  • Buy organic or locally grown produce.
  • Wash and peel non-organic fruits and vegetables
  • Contact your state department of health for fish consumption advisories; consult Healthy Child’s Safe Fish list.
  • Reduce consumption of animal fats.
  • Don’t use ceramic dishes unless they are certified lead-free.
  • Avoid microwaving in plastic containers or wraps; use glass.
  • Avoid alcohol and aspartame sweeteners.

AVOID TOXIC MATERIALS

  • Do not sand or paint. Consider ANY renovation done in your home potentially harmful to your baby.
  • Determine if lead hazards are present in your home
  • Damp wipe lead paint dust from painted windowsills and door jambs.
  • Discard vinyl mini blinds of unknown origin.
  • Avoid gardening within three feet of your home's foundation if built before 1978.
  • Wet mop floors to reduce exposure to dust.
  • Avoid toxic fumes emitted by new carpeting, vinyl flooring and furniture.
  • Don’t use pesticides in your home, or on your lawn and garden.
  • Use less toxic cleaners or natural cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar.
  • Avoid solvents found in nail polish, artificial nails, hair coloring, hair spray and perfumes.
  • Do not use dry cleaners.
  • Use mercury-free, digital thermometers.
  • Do not get silver (amalgam) fillings on your visit to the dentist.

START WITH THIS LIST - it is not designed to be all-inclusive

Back to Checklists »

Print this page | Email a friend


Trusted Partners

View All
  • LiceGuard
  • Happy Baby

About Us

Discover why.


Be inspired.


GET TO KNOW US

Read Closely

It's the trusted guidebook for the Next Generation of Parenting "...that every single parent needs to read..."

PICK UP A COPY
Now In Paperback!

DVD - Easy Steps for Homes, Child Care Centers, and Schools