A classic picture of new parenthood is the scene where Mom gently lathers baby shampoo in her newborn's downy hair or massages in powdery fresh baby lotion after a bath. But while Mom is performing these regular routines, could she be unnecessarily exposing her baby to a potentially harmful substance?

A recent AAP study shows the use of baby lotions, powders and shampoos is linked to higher levels of phthalates in infants. But what are phthalates? Are they harmful to humans, and in particular, babies? And if so, how can you avoid exposing your newborn – and your family – to their ill effects?

According to the study, "Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure," phthalate exposure is found in almost all babies, even normal, healthy babies. But "Mother's use of baby lotion, baby shampoo and baby powder [is] related to higher concentrations of three phthalate metabolites – MEP, MMP, MIBP in the babies' urine," says Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, acting assistant professor of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and one of the study's authors. The findings, she says, were strongest in infants 8 months old or younger – "babies who might be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity," she says.

So what are phthalates? According to Dr. Sathyanarayana, they are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of household and industrial products such as cosmetics, personal care products, plastic toys, vinyl products and products with fragrance (such as soaps, lotions, balms and powders). Phthalates are used "in the fragrance component of many cosmetics and personal care products," Dr. Sathyanarayana says. "Phthalates help retain color, scent and help increase absorption of personal care products." They are also used to give plastics more flexibility.

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