Simple Steps Journal
What’s in Your Baby’s Crib? The Toxic Truth & What to Look For Instead
Your baby’s crib should be the safest place in your home — a peaceful spot for rest, growth, and development. But here’s the reality: most cribs on the market today are made with toxic glues, synthetic finishes, and questionable materials that can off-gas harmful chemicals right into your baby’s sleep space. At Simple Steps Market, we only offer cribs that meet the highest non-toxic standards — because your baby’s health, sleep, and long-term development depend on it. Here’s our crib checklist — and why each standard is non-negotiable. ✅ Real, Solid Wood (No Particleboard or MDF) Why it matters: Many cribs are made with MDF or particleboard, which contain synthetic adhesives and are prone to off-gassing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. We only carry cribs made from real, solid wood — like maple, oak, or beech — that are durable, natural, and safe. ✅ Glue-Free or Naturally Assembled Why it matters: Conventional cribs often use toxic glues that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air, especially in warm environments. We prioritize cribs that are mechanically assembled (screws, bolts, or natural joinery) to eliminate harmful adhesives completely. ✅ Formaldehyde-Free Why it matters: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be found in glues, finishes, and composite woods. Even “low-formaldehyde” cribs can still off-gas this chemical. We require our cribs to be 100% formaldehyde-free — so you can breathe easy (literally). ✅ Low-VOC or VOC-Free Paints & Finishes Why it matters: Standard crib paints and finishes often contain VOCs, which can contribute to asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, and long-term health risks. We only allow low-VOC or VOC-free finishes that are water-based, food-grade, and safe for babies who love to chew and explore. ✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified Why it matters: This certification is one of the most trusted in the non-toxic world. It means the crib has been independently tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and meets strict standards for indoor air quality — making it safer for babies, especially those with allergies or sensitivities. ❌ Not Made in Asia (Due to Lead Contamination Risks) Why we avoid it: Studies have shown that lead contamination is more common in furniture manufactured in certain parts of Asia, due to poor quality control and the continued use of lead-based paints and finishes. At Simple Steps, we only carry cribs made in the USA, Canada, or Europe, where stricter regulations are in place and quality is more transparent. ✅ Non-Toxic Teething Rails or Finishes Why it matters: Let’s be honest — babies chew on everything. That’s why we look for cribs with natural wood rails or certified non-toxic finishes that are safe if (and when) your baby bites them. Final Thoughts Your baby spends 12–16 hours a day sleeping — and their developing brain and lungs are especially vulnerable to airborne chemicals. That’s why we created this strict crib standard — so you never have to question what your child is breathing in while they rest. At Simple Steps Market, every crib we carry is: ✅ Made from real, solid wood ✅ Free from formaldehyde, glues, and high-VOC paints ✅ Certified non-toxic with GREENGUARD Gold (or better)✅ Sourced from trusted manufacturers with clean, transparent practices Simple ingredients. Simple materials. Safer sleep. Shop our curated selection of cribs.
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How We Choose the Safest Baby Conditioners
Your baby’s delicate hair and scalp deserve the safest, most nourishing care. However, many conventional baby conditioners contain harsh chemicals and toxic additives that can cause irritation and long-term health concerns. At Simple Steps Market, we go beyond labels and marketing claims to ensure that only the safest, most natural products make it to our shelves. Why Conventional Baby Conditioners & Can Be Harmful ❌ Synthetic Fragrances contain undisclosed chemical blends that can trigger skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption. ❌ Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben) are preservatives that disrupt hormones and may contribute to long-term health risks. ❌ Phthalates (commonly found in fragrances) are linked to reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption. ❌ Sulfates (SLS & SLES) strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and further sensitivity. ❌ Carcinogenic Ingredients like Formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), Retinyl Palmitate (may increase skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight), BHA (a hormone disruptor and potential carcinogen), Propylene Glycol (linked to toxicity), DEA & PEGs (may contain carcinogenic residues), and Polysorbate 80 (a potential toxin) pose potential health risks. ❌ Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, can cause skin irritation and potential endocrine disruption with prolonged use. ❌ Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Amodimethicone) can create buildup, clog pores, and prevent the absorption of nourishing ingredients. ❌ Harmful Solvents (Toluene) can cause nervous system damage, respiratory issues, and potential toxicity when absorbed through the skin. ❌ Anti-Microbial Agents (Ammonium Quaternary Compounds, Triclosan) may cause skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. ❌ Skin Irritants (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate), while effective preservatives, can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. Sodium benzoate may also form benzene, a carcinogen, when mixed with vitamin C or exposed to heat. Our Standard: What We Choose Instead ✅ Natural Cleansers & Emulsifiers like coconut-based cleansers and glycerin for gentle washing. ✅ Safe Preservatives like ethylhexylglycerin and radish root ferment filtrate to prevent bacterial growth without irritation. ✅ Natural Oils & Moisturizers like jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to nourish and protect delicate skin. ✅ Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented Options using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. ✅ Non-Toxic, Baby-Safe Formulations free from endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and harmful chemicals. Your baby deserves a conditioner that is as pure and gentle as they are. By choosing safe, natural products, you’re ensuring the best care for your little one’s sensitive skin and hair.
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Why We Only List Certified Organic Cotton Baby Clothing
Your baby’s skin is delicate—it’s thinner, more absorbent, and more sensitive than an adult’s. That’s why at Simple Steps Market, we only list baby clothing made with certified organic cotton. When it comes to what touches your baby’s skin all day (and night), every fiber matters. Why Conventional Baby Clothing Can Be Toxic Most conventional baby clothing is made with cotton, but what many parents don’t realize is that conventional cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. These pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides don’t always wash out during manufacturing—and that means your baby could be exposed to toxic residue every time they wear a onesie or pair of pajamas. On top of that, conventional baby clothes are often treated with chemical dyes, synthetic finishes, and flame retardants, all of which can irritate sensitive skin or even disrupt hormone function over time. Some brands also use formaldehyde to prevent wrinkling or shrinkage—yes, the same chemical used in embalming. Why Certified Organic Cotton Matters At Simple Steps Market, we only carry clothing made from certified organic cotton, grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or toxic fertilizers. But it’s not just about the cotton itself—certification matters. We look for third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to ensure the entire process—from farm to finished garment—is clean and non-toxic. Here’s why that’s so important: Safer for your baby’s skin: Organic cotton is softer, more breathable, and less likely to cause rashes or irritation. No hidden chemicals: Certified organic cotton clothing avoids harmful dyes, finishes, and flame retardants. Better for the planet: Organic farming uses less water, promotes healthy soil, and protects farmers from toxic exposure. When we say we’ve done the research for you, we mean it. We only list clothing that we’d confidently put on our own children—because you deserve to shop with peace of mind. Explore our curated selection of non-toxic, certified organic cotton baby clothes—because your baby’s first wardrobe should be as pure as they are.
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Choosing Low-Emission Baby Monitors for Your Family
At Simple Steps Market, your baby's safety is our top priority. While baby monitors offer peace of mind, many conventional models emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that may pose health concerns. To address this, we carefully select monitors that meet our stringent low-emission standards, ensuring both safety and functionality. Our Selection Criteria We feature baby monitors that are: Low-Emission Analog Models: These monitors operate on lower frequencies, emitting significantly less EMF compared to digital counterparts. Low-Emission Digital Models: Utilizing advanced technology, these monitors minimize EMF exposure while providing clear audio and video. Why Conventional Baby Monitors May Be Harmful Many standard baby monitors rely on wireless technologies that emit continuous radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of EMFs has been linked to potential health risks, especially for infants whose developing bodies are more susceptible. Studies suggest that excessive EMF exposure may impact sleep patterns, immune function, and overall development in young children. The Importance of Low-Emission Monitors By choosing low-emission baby monitors, you reduce your baby's exposure to potentially harmful radiation. Our selected monitors provide the essential features parents need—such as clear audio, reliable connectivity, and user-friendly interfaces—without compromising on safety. At Simple Steps Market, we've done the research to ensure that the baby monitors we offer help you keep a watchful eye on your little one while prioritizing their health and well-being. Explore our curated selection of low-emission baby monitors and make a safer choice for your family.
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What to Look for in Baby Food (And What to Avoid at All Costs)
Baby food should be simple — just real food, nothing else. But walk down the baby food aisle in most stores, and you'll find jars and pouches filled with sugary fruit purees, low-quality oils, and ingredients you’d never cook with at home. At Simple Steps Market, we believe your baby’s first foods should be as close to nature as possible — nourishing, clean, and free from anything that doesn’t belong in a baby’s body. Here’s what we require from every baby food brand we carry — and why it matters. ✅ Organic Why it matters: Organic baby food is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers — meaning no glyphosate, no GMOs, and no chemical residues. Since babies are still developing detox systems, they’re far more sensitive to environmental toxins. Organic is the first line of defense. ✅ Real Food — Not from Concentrates or Reconstituted Purees Why it matters: Most baby food is made from cheap fruit and vegetable concentrates or watered-down purees that are heavily processed and stripped of natural fiber and nutrients. We only allow baby food made from whole, real food ingredients — just like you’d make at home. ❌ No Added Sugar Why we avoid it: Babies don’t need added sugars — not now, not ever. Early exposure to sweeteners can lead to sugar cravings, insulin resistance, and a preference for overly sweet foods later in life. We look for foods that support balanced blood sugar and natural taste development. ❌ No Added Vegetable Oils Why we avoid them: Seed and vegetable oils (like canola, sunflower, or soybean oil) are high in inflammatory omega-6 fats and can oxidize during processing. That’s the last thing we want in a baby’s growing body. Instead, we prioritize healthy fats from egg yolk, grass-fed meats, and olive or coconut oil (when used minimally and properly). ✅ Nutrient-Dense Ingredients Why it matters: Babies need more nutrients per bite than adults, which is why we look for baby food with ingredients like: Pasture-raised meats & organ meats (rich in iron, zinc, B12) Wild-caught fish (for DHA and brain development) Organic root veggies & squashes (gentle, fiber-rich) Bone broth, ghee, or coconut cream (for healthy fats) We go beyond just avoiding harmful ingredients — we look for true nourishment. ✅ No Fillers, Gums, or Preservatives Why it matters: Many shelf-stable baby foods are preserved with citric acid, ascorbic acid, or gums to extend shelf life and preserve color. These can irritate sensitive digestive systems. We only allow baby food that is preserved naturally through freezing, pressure cooking, or safe heat sealing — never at the cost of your baby’s gut health. ✅ Transparent Sourcing & Labeling Why it matters: We require brands to be honest about where their ingredients come from and how their food is processed. No vague terms like “natural flavors” or “fruit blend.” If you wouldn’t cook with it in your own kitchen, it won’t be on our shelves. Final Thoughts Your baby’s first bites shape their long-term health, taste preferences, and metabolism. At Simple Steps Market, we make it easy to choose foods that are real, nourishing, and 100% free from the junk hiding in most mainstream brands. Every baby food product we carry is: ✅ Organic ✅ Made from real, whole foods ✅ Free from added sugar, seed oils, concentrates, gums, and preservatives ✅ Designed to nourish — not just fill Because your baby deserves more than just “safe.” They deserve truly clean. Simple choices. Real food. Healthier beginnings. Shop our curated list of baby food now!
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How We Choose the Safest Baby Lotions
Your baby's delicate skin deserves the safest, most nourishing care. However, many conventional baby lotions contain harsh chemicals and toxic additives that can cause irritation and long-term health concerns. At Simple Steps Market, we go beyond labels and marketing claims to ensure that only the safest, most natural products make it to our shelves. Why Conventional Baby Lotions Can Be Harmful ❌ Synthetic Fragrances contain undisclosed chemical blends that can trigger skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption. ❌ Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben) are preservatives that disrupt hormones and may contribute to long-term health risks. ❌ Phthalates (commonly found in fragrances) are linked to reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption. ❌ Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, can cause skin irritation and potential endocrine disruption with prolonged use. ❌ Petroleum-Based Ingredients (Mineral Oil) create a barrier that can clog pores, trap toxins, and may contain carcinogenic contaminants like PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). ❌ BHA & BHT are synthetic antioxidants that can cause skin irritation, hormone disruption, and have potential carcinogenic effects. ❌ Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea) pose risks of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and increased cancer risk. ❌ Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs) may be contaminated with harmful carcinogens like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, and can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Our Standard: What We Choose Instead ✅ Fragrance-Free or Naturally Scented Options using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. ✅ Safe Preservatives like ethylhexylglycerin and sodium benzoate to prevent bacterial growth without irritation. ✅ Natural Oils & Moisturizers like jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to nourish and protect delicate skin. ✅ Non-Toxic, Baby-Safe Formulations free from endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and harmful chemicals. Your baby deserves a lotion that is as pure and gentle as they are. By choosing safe, natural products, you’re ensuring the best care for your little one’s sensitive skin.
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5 Hidden Toxins in "Natural" Baby Products (And What to Use Instead)
As parents, we all want what's best for our little ones. When we first found out we were expecting, like most parents-to-be, we immediately started researching the safest products for our baby. What we discovered was shocking: many products marketed as "natural" or "gentle" actually contain ingredients that might be harmful to developing bodies. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on five common toxins hiding in supposedly "natural" baby products – and sharing our favorite truly clean alternatives. 1. Fragrance/Parfum: The Mystery Ingredient The Problem: When you see "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label, it might seem harmless – after all, who doesn't love that "baby fresh" scent? But this single word can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, which may disrupt hormones and affect development. Look for instead: Products that specify "fragrance-free" (not just "unscented"), or those that disclose all fragrance ingredients with terms like "scented with essential oils of lavender and chamomile." Our pick: Blossom Baby Fragrance-Free Wash that uses gentle cleansers derived from coconut and contains absolutely no synthetic fragrances. 2. Parabens: The Preservative Problem The Problem: Parabens (including methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) are preservatives found in many baby lotions and shampoos. They prevent bacterial growth, which sounds good – but studies suggest they may also mimic estrogen in the body. Look for instead: Products preserved with natural alternatives like radish root ferment filtrate, sodium benzoate derived from fruits, or simply products with shorter shelf lives but cleaner ingredients. Our pick: Pure Baby Organic Lotion, which uses a proprietary blend of plant-based preservatives and comes in airless packaging to maintain freshness without harmful additives. 3. Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): The Thickening Agent The Problem: PEGs are petroleum-based compounds used to thicken products or help ingredients penetrate skin. They can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane – both carcinogens. Look for instead: Natural thickeners like plant-based glycerin, aloe vera, or xanthan gum. Our pick: Nurture Baby Cream with organic shea butter and aloe vera providing moisture without petroleum derivatives. 4. Flame Retardants: The Silent Sleeptime Threat The Problem: Many conventional baby pajamas and mattresses contain chemical flame retardants that have been linked to hormone disruption, lower IQ, and other developmental concerns. Look for instead: Naturally flame-resistant fabrics like wool or snug-fitting cotton pajamas (which meet safety standards without chemicals). For mattresses, look for those using wool as a natural flame barrier. Our pick: Dreamland Organic Cotton Snug-Fit Pajamas and our Peaceful Night Wool-Wrapped Crib Mattress. 5. Bisphenols (BPA, BPS): The Plastic Problem The Problem: While many products now advertise "BPA-free," manufacturers often substitute other bisphenols like BPS, which may pose similar health concerns. These chemicals can leach from plastic bottles, especially when heated. Look for instead: Glass or stainless steel bottles and food containers. If you do use plastic, avoid heating it and look for those explicitly labeled "bisphenol-free" (not just "BPA-free"). Our pick: Little Sippers Glass Bottles with Protective Silicone Sleeve – providing durability with none of the chemical leaching concerns. Why This Matters Your baby's developing systems are more vulnerable to environmental chemicals than adult bodies. Their skin is thinner, their liver and kidneys are still developing (affecting how they process toxins), and relative to their body weight, they experience greater exposure to anything in their environment. Every little reduction in harmful chemical exposure adds up to a healthier start for your little one. That's why at Simple Steps Market, we do the ingredient detective work for you – so you can shop with confidence, knowing everything that touches your baby meets the highest standards for safety. Begin Your Non-Toxic Journey Whether you're making changes one product at a time or doing a complete nursery overhaul, remember that every small step toward reducing toxic exposure matters. What non-toxic swaps have made the biggest difference for your family? Share in the comments below!
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