Toxic Chemicals in Baby Clothing: What Parents Should Know

The clothing we wear daily is often taken for granted, yet its potential health impacts are significant—especially for babies and young children. Lydia Dupree, a biochemist with a background in cancer research and a passion for non-toxic living, has dedicated her career to uncovering the hidden dangers in clothing and sharing actionable solutions.

In this discussion, Lydia explains the science behind toxic chemicals in fabrics, their health impacts, particularly for children, and steps families can take to reduce exposure. Below is the full transcript of the conversation, lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Evidence-Based Registry (EBR): Lydia, could you start by introducing yourself and sharing how you became focused on toxic chemicals in clothing?

Lydia Dupree: Thank you for having me. My background is in biochemistry, specifically looking at how nutrients and toxins affect the body. I started out in cancer research, studying leukemia cells and the role of cholesterol in their growth. Over time, I explored the effects of toxins in food and beauty products.

About four years ago, I stumbled upon an article about bamboo fabric. It explained that bamboo is not naturally soft enough for clothing and requires significant chemical processing, including toxic additives. That realization was a turning point for me. Clothing wasn’t something I’d considered a potential health risk, but it clearly needed more attention. Since then, I’ve been researching the topic and helping families make safer choices.

When we talk about toxic chemicals in clothing, what does that mean?

It’s important to note that not all chemicals are harmful. Chemicals are the building blocks of everything around us. When we talk about toxic chemicals, we’re referring to those that negatively affect health, like endocrine disruptors.

In clothing, these chemicals serve specific purposes: dyes for bright colors, treatments for stain or wrinkle resistance, and finishes for moisture-wicking properties. For instance, polyester, which makes up 60% of the clothing market, is derived from crude oil and contains plastic-based dyes. Additives like formaldehyde are used to make fabrics wrinkle-resistant. These chemicals can leach from fabrics into our systems, especially when we sweat or wear clothes for long periods.

Why are these chemicals so prevalent in clothing production?

It boils down to cost and convenience. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics are cheap and versatile, making them the go-to material for mass production. Similarly, treatments like stain resistance and wrinkle resistance add appeal without significantly increasing costs for manufacturers.

Unfortunately, these shortcuts come at a hidden cost to health. For example, formaldehyde is commonly used in clothing production but is known to irritate the skin and respiratory system. Children’s clothing often includes these same treatments, despite their potential risks.

What’s the difference between conventional and organic cotton?

Conventional cotton is grown with synthetic pesticides and herbicides, which can harm both the environment and human health. Organic cotton avoids these chemicals, relying on natural farming methods instead.

Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) ensure that clothing meets stringent organic standards from farming to production. This includes monitoring for toxic dyes and finishes. Cotton, particularly organic cotton, is also gentler on sensitive skin, making it an excellent choice for babies.

What can families do to reduce exposure to these chemicals?

Start small. Focus on the items your family wears most frequently, like pajamas, workout clothes, or baby clothing. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose organic cotton when possible.
2. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which often contain plastic-based dyes.
3. Look for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or Bluesign, which verify that products are free from harmful chemicals.
4. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove residual chemicals.

If you want to take it a step further, consider undyed clothing to eliminate the risks associated with toxic dyes altogether.

How do these toxins affect babies differently from adults?

Babies are uniquely vulnerable for several reasons. Their body mass is much smaller, so the same level of chemical exposure can have a greater impact. Their immune systems are also still developing, making them less equipped to handle harmful substances.

For example, chemicals like PFAS and phthalates can interfere with growth and development, while others, like formaldehyde, can weaken their immune response. Babies spend a lot of time in contact with fabrics—whether it’s clothing, blankets, or chewing on textiles—further increasing their exposure.

Opting for breathable, organic cotton clothing can significantly reduce these risks and provide a safer option for their sensitive skin.

Many parents feel overwhelmed by this kind of information. What’s your advice to them?

It’s completely understandable. Parenting is already stressful, and adding another concern can feel overwhelming. My advice is to start with high-contact items, like what your child wears most often or sleeps in. Gradually swap these for safer alternatives.

Remember, no wardrobe is perfect, and that’s okay. Small, intentional changes over time can make a big difference.

You’ve said before that “sustainable doesn’t mean non-toxic.” Could you elaborate?

Sustainability focuses on reducing environmental impact, like lowering carbon emissions or using recycled materials. Non-toxicity, on the other hand, focuses on human health.

For example, recycled polyester is considered sustainable, but the recycling process itself involves toxic chemicals, and the fabric can still leach harmful substances. While the two concepts can overlap, they’re not the same, and it’s important to consider both when making choices.

Where can people learn more about your work?

Visit my website, Day Into Eve, where I’ve compiled a list of non-toxic clothing and lifestyle brands. I also offer a downloadable shopping guide to help families make safer choices. You can connect with me on Instagram as well—I’m always happy to answer questions or create content based on what people want to know.