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According to recent research, the "don'ts" of using baby powder on your baby's bottom, now outweigh the "dos." Especially if your baby is a little boy.

It's nearly incomprehensible. Baby powder, one of the sweetest most identifiable scents on the planet, may be responsible for harming our infants.

According to new findings by researchers at the University of Washington (Seattle), baby powder contains artificial chemicals that can be damaging to our infants. In fact, phthalates (chemicals used to keep vinyl soft, and that are also used in baby powder) have been connected to reproductive development issues in baby boys.

The new findings are in direct contrast to the information provided on the official Phthalates site which claims the chemicals have been proven perfectly safe:

"Safety reviews by European and American scientific panels have specifically cleared phthalates for use in toys." (Source: http://www.phthalates.org/what are/index.asp)

It's unknown how babies are exposed to the damaging influence of the chemicals, but according to the medical publication, Pediatrics, (February 2008) exposure is at seriously high levels.

The harmful chemicals are not confined to baby powder; they are also used in baby lotions, baby shampoos, baby dishes and toys. Scientists found high concentrations of three versions of phthalates while studying baby urine samples, of babies whose mothers regularly use commercially-produced pamper products.

According to Medical News Today, researchers say the compounding effects of phthalates is largely unknown, but animal research shows issues which should concern us both as medical professionals, and as parents.

"Scientists don't know what long term effect phthalates might have on human health, but a large number of animal studies and a handful of human studies suggest they affect the development of the reproductive system." (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.co m/articles/96118.php)

On the other hand, the American Chemistry Council has been quick to deflate the claims saying that any recommendations made by the researchers, "are not supported by existing science." (Source: http://featuresblogs.chicagotr ibune.com/features_julieshealt hclub/2008/02/baby-care-produ. html)

Perhaps, in light of the debate, it might behoove nervous new moms to forego the commercially-made baby pamper products, and return to a natural "baby powder," one used for centuries by our fore-mothers: corn starch.

Many stores and pharmacies, like Walgreens, sell pure corn starch as baby powder, in the same type of shaker container. So, it's easy to make the switch. But a box of corn starch at the diaper change table is just as effective. The only difference when using corn starch over baby powder is that it is more absorbent than powder, and clumps up.

But what's a little clumping when measured up against long-term reproductive issues?

After all, don't all mothers want to be grandmothers, too?

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
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