Ethan Clarke
Plastic bags and other plastic products have become a common feature of our daily lives, with their presence increasing even more so when a baby is involved. However, the safety of plastic bags, particularly for babies, has been called into question. Plastic bags can pose a suffocation risk for babies and young children, and microplastics in plastic products can also have adverse health effects. This has led to concerns about the potential risks of microplastics in infant formula packaging, breast milk storage bags, plastic toys, and more. As a result, parents are encouraged to opt for fragrance-free products and packaging alternatives like glass or stainless steel. While plastic bags have been used to prevent hypothermia in preterm and low birth weight infants in some studies, it is still crucial to exercise caution when using plastic products around babies to ensure their safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags can cause suffocation | CEN/TR 13387-3 considers a perimeter of more than 360 mm as risky, while EN 71-1 applies 380 mm. |
| Plastic films larger than 100 by 100 mm can cover the mouth and nose | Smaller films will not so easily cover both mouth and nose and are safer. |
| Plastic bags can be used to prevent hypothermia in preterm and low birth weight infants | Plastic bags covering the trunk and extremities of very low birth weight infants reduces hypothermia. |
| Plastic bags may contain harmful chemicals | BPAs and phthalates are often found in plastic products and fragrances. |
| Plastic bags may contain microplastics | Microplastics are small plastic pieces (5 mm) that can be released into food and beverages. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic bags pose a suffocation risk to babies and young children
- Plastic baby bottles and toys may contain harmful microplastics
- Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may cause preterm birth
- Plastic packaging for baby food may contain harmful microplastics
- Plastic alternatives for baby items include glass, steel, rubber, and silicone
Plastic bags pose a suffocation risk to babies and young children
Plastic bags can be dangerous for babies and young children, primarily due to the risk of suffocation. The leading cause of unintentional death among children is suffocation, which includes choking, strangulation, and asphyxiation. Plastic bags, particularly thin ones, can easily cover a child's mouth and nose, blocking their airflow and leading to suffocation. This risk is heightened when the plastic sticks to the child's face, which is more likely with thin plastics.
The danger is not limited to infants and toddlers. Children as old as six months may start crawling and grabbing objects, including plastic bags left within reach. These bags can accidentally, or during play, be pulled over their heads, causing suffocation. The warning signs on plastic bags are there for a reason—statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the head circumference of six-month-old children is larger than the threshold considered risky by safety standards.
The risk of suffocation is not just theoretical but a real danger, as evidenced by the decrease in death rates per million children following California's statute mandating warning labels on plastic bags. Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that plastic bags are responsible for the deaths of about twenty-five American children annually, with infants accounting for 90% of these cases.
To ensure the safety of babies and young children, it is crucial to keep plastic bags out of their reach and dispose of them properly when they are not needed. By taking these precautions, we can reduce the risk of accidental suffocation and create a safer environment for our little ones.
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Plastic baby bottles and toys may contain harmful microplastics
Plastic bags can be dangerous to babies as they can accidentally suffocate a child if the bag covers their mouth and nose. Thin plastics are particularly hazardous as they can easily mould to a child's face.
Plastic baby bottles and toys may also contain harmful microplastics. A study published in Nature Food found that baby bottles made of polypropylene—which represent about 82% of the market—release millions of particles of microplastics when heated or shaken. The study estimated that the average bottle-fed baby is exposed to more than 1.5 million particles of microplastics per day, far more than adults.
The implications for a child's health are not yet fully understood. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is not enough evidence to conclude that microplastics in drinking water pose a risk to human health, but more research is needed. Some pediatricians have expressed concern about the potential health risks, while others urge parents not to panic.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, parents can take some precautionary measures. These include limiting the use of plastic bottles for feeding, opting for alternative materials like stainless steel or glass, and choosing toys made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, or wool. Ventilating indoor spaces and airing out new toys can also help reduce exposure to microplastics and other chemicals.
While the potential harm caused by microplastics in baby bottles and toys is uncertain, it is generally recommended to minimise the use of plastic products and choose safer alternatives whenever possible, especially when it comes to items that come into direct contact with infants and young children.
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Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may cause preterm birth
Plastic bags can be dangerous to babies, primarily due to the risk of suffocation. Warnings on plastic bags are designed to mitigate this risk, and they have been successful in reducing deaths. Babies can accidentally suffocate by pulling plastic bags over their heads during play or accidentally while crawling. Thin plastic bags are particularly hazardous as they can mould to a baby's face, blocking their nose and mouth.
In addition to the physical dangers of plastic bags, there is growing evidence that exposure to certain chemicals in plastic products during pregnancy may be unsafe for babies. Phthalates are chemicals used in personal care products, such as cosmetics, as well as in solvents, detergents, and food packaging. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, pregnant women exposed to multiple phthalates during pregnancy have an increased risk of preterm birth. Phthalate metabolites were detected in over 96% of urine samples from pregnant women, and higher concentrations were associated with a higher probability of preterm birth.
The study, led by Dr. Kelly Ferguson, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), analyzed data from more than 6,000 pregnant women in the United States. The results showed that women with higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites in their urine were more likely to deliver their babies preterm, defined as three or more weeks before the mother's due date. Preterm birth can pose risks to both the baby and the mother, so identifying risk factors is crucial.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, individuals can take measures such as selecting phthalate-free personal care products, choosing fragrance-free options, eating fresh home-cooked meals, and avoiding processed foods packaged in plastic. While it is challenging to eliminate exposure to these chemicals entirely, even modest reductions can positively impact the health of mothers and their children.
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Plastic packaging for baby food may contain harmful microplastics
Additionally, chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach from plastic containers into food when they are microwaved, dishwashed, or used to store still-warm leftovers. BPA, or bisphenol A, has been linked to a variety of health concerns even at very low levels. While BPA is no longer used in baby formula packaging, it was detected in 79% of the food samples tested by Consumer Reports. Phthalates, another chemical commonly found in plastic, were present in even higher levels and were detected in all but one food item tested.
The health effects of microplastics are still not fully understood, but exposure to these substances can affect children more than adults because their bodies and organs are still developing. To minimize the risk of exposure to harmful microplastics and chemicals, it is recommended to use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic for storing food and beverages. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables can also help improve nutrition and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are more likely to contain harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, plastic bags can pose a serious danger of suffocation to young children. Thin plastic bags can easily mould to a child's face, covering their mouth and nose and leading to suffocation. This risk is especially high for infants, who may crawl into plastic bags or pull them over their heads during play. To address this hazard, warning notices are printed on plastic bags, and safety standards, such as CEN/TR 13387-3 and EN 71-1, provide guidelines to help mitigate the risk of suffocation associated with plastic packaging.
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Plastic alternatives for baby items include glass, steel, rubber, and silicone
Plastic bags are dangerous for babies and young children, as they pose a serious risk of suffocation. The thin plastic can easily mould to a child's face, covering their mouth and nose. As such, it is important to keep plastic bags away from babies and young children and to be aware of plastic alternatives for baby items.
One alternative to plastic is glass, which is a safe and healthy option for baby bottles. Glass is easy to sterilise in boiling water, recyclable, and durable. However, glass bottles are heavier than plastic ones, which can make it difficult for babies to self-feed. Silicone and fabric sleeves are now available to help prevent breakage. Stainless steel is another alternative for baby bottles, as it is virtually unbreakable, durable, and naturally insulating. Although steel bottles are heavier, new designs have made them easier for babies to hold.
For baby tubs, a nylon mesh sling or recyclable polypropylene Tummy Tub can be used in a sink or regular tub. Organic cotton diapers and bamboo-fibre nappies are also available as alternatives to plastic, as well as biodegradable, flushable gDiapers. Organic cotton bibs are a safe, reusable alternative to vinyl and can be found at Kate Quinn Organics, Our Green House, and Taraluna. Baby Planet offers a stroller recycling program, and organic cotton slings are also available as an alternative to plastic strollers. For weaning, biodegradable cups, plates, and cutlery can be purchased, as well as a bioplastic biodegradable potty.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bags can be dangerous for babies, especially those that are crawling and can grab a plastic bag left within reach. Plastic bags with an opening perimeter smaller than 360 mm are safer and do not fit over the heads of children aged 6 months or older. Plastic films larger than 100 x 100 mm can also cover the mouth and nose of a baby, causing suffocation.
Plastic food containers labelled "biobased" or "greenware" are considered safe for storing food. Glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers are also safer alternatives to plastic.
Exposure to phthalates, a chemical used to make plastics more flexible, has been linked to an increased chance of preterm birth and childhood asthma. Microplastics, which are small plastic particles, are a potential risk to human health, especially for infants.
Plastic bags have been used to prevent hypothermia in preterm and low birth weight infants in developing countries. Covering the trunk and extremities of these infants with plastic bags can help maintain normal temperatures and reduce the risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
