Nontoxic Summer Essentials
I am often asked what my favorite nontoxic or low-tox summer essentials for kids are. Given that most items will get a lot of sun exposure, it’s that much more important to be mindful of plastic toys or packaging containing bisphenols or other endocrine-disrupting chemicals that leach in the hot sun. With that in mind, here’s what we are currently using and loving:
PLAY:
Bamboo Sand Toys: Plastic-free and biodegradable sand toys made of bamboo fiber and USA-grown cornstarch that are just as durable as plastic ones in my opinion. If they are lost in the ocean or buried in the ground, they will breakdown into organic matter in about one year! These are popular among kids of all ages for sandbox and beach day play.
Bubbles: Bubble Tree bubbles are sold in reusable and refillable aluminum bubble bottles with a non-toxic bubble solution (about 95% of most bubble solutions contain carcinogens in the preservatives they use). Bubble Tree’s bubbles are free of phthalates, sulfates, DEA, NPE, parabens and formaldehyde.
Nontoxic Chalk: Sidewalk chalk can be contaminated with lead and artificial dyes.
Silicone Water Balloons: Reusable water balloons made of thin silicone that are easy to fill up and close with magnets on the rim. I love that these are waste-free, allow for easy clean-up, and more sustainable.
Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds: These eco popsicle molds are great alternative to plastic molds. PVC Free, Phthalate Free, Leaching Free, and lower carbon footprint than plastic. Both the popsicle molds and sticks are stainless steel.
SUN PROTECTION:
Jan & Jul Sun Hat: 100% cotton with a grow-with-me smart design that adjusts to fit baby, toddler and kids, allowing you to size up to use the same sun hat for your child for multiple seasons. It’s made of UPF 50+ breathable cotton with no harmful chemicals or dyes and comes in a lot of print options.
IZIPIZI Sunglasses for Kids: These sunglasses have polarized lenses to help reduce eye strain and protect children’s eyes which are permeable to UVA damage until adulthood. The frames are hypoallergenic and BPA-free.
My Wooden Element: Sunglasses (for adults) made from real wood, recycled plastic and cellulose acetate, which is biodegradable
BEACH + POOL BAG items:
Coyuchi Beach Towels: 100% Organic cotton GOTS-certified beach towels. I love that they are thin and don’t take up much space in my beach bag but still absorb a lot of water.
Bumkins Wet Bag: These bags are a diaper bag and/or beach bag must have to keep wet clothes/bathing suits separated. They are easy to wash and use for countless things. The bags are made of PVC free material which is important as PVC aka Vinyl is one of the most harmful/toxic plastics for children due to the dioxins, phthalates, PCBs, etc.
Bkr Glass Water Bottle: A glass water bottle with a silicone sleeve is always our first recommendation for a nontoxic water bottle option. For a stainless steel option, look to Klean Kanteen for the best lead-free option on the market.
Wild Carrot Herbals Baby Powder: This is a great item and hack for getting sand off after a day at the beach or sandbox. The powder works by absorbing excess moisture on the skin, therefore making sand easier to brush off and not stick to the skin. Sprinkle some on any sandy area of the body, then just wipe away with your hands or a towel.
Mosquito patch stickers: These mosquito stickers are a recent find and I love them! They have citronella essential oils and deter mosquitos from landing on you. They last all day and have a long shelf life. I put them on the back of my kids shirts rather than directly on the skin.
Primally Pure Nature Spray: Natural mosquito repellent made with non-toxic ingredients. It is free of DEET and full of organic ingredients
Badger Bug Repellent: I find that the Badger repellent works well and they are all free of Deet, Picaridin, Parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.
Primally Pure Dry Shampoo: A non-toxic must have for summer vacations and beach days.
Hamilton Babies Detangler: (discount code: DRORGANICMOMMY) and Pipette Leave-In Detangler: Everyone has a personal preference as to which detangler is best for their kids, but everyone agrees a detangler is a must-have! Both options are free of parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, synthetic fragrance, etc.
Under Luna conditioner: (discount code DRORGANICMOMMY) I also use a quarter of this in this spray mist bottle and combine it with water as a detaingler.
SWIM:
Grovia swim diaper: Non-Toxic Swim diaper. Made with 2 layers of hemp/cotton and it dries pretty quickly
Simple Folk swimwear: Love this brand as they source toxin-free fabrics and dyes. All of their products are GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified.
City Threads rash guard and swim shorts: Great option for rash guards and I use these swim shorts. All their fabrics are free of all harsh chemicals or dyes.
Goggles or this option: Goggles are important to wear while you swim to protect your eyes from UV rays and the irritation that comes from chlorine in pools. These two are available on my Amazon shop
Of One Sea natural runner kids wetsuits.
SHOES:
Keen Water Shoe: These are my new favorite water shoes. They are made with a PFC-free DWR. This is the style that I have.