PFAS "Forever Chemicals" in Baby Products
The short answer
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals," are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in water-resistant, stain-resistant, and non-stick products. They have been found in car seats, strollers, bibs, clothing, food packaging, and drinking water. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the body. Research links PFAS exposure to immune system effects, thyroid disruption, developmental delays, and increased cancer risk. While completely avoiding PFAS is difficult, parents can take practical steps to reduce exposure.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Infants may be exposed to PFAS through breast milk (PFAS accumulate in the mother's body and are excreted in milk), formula mixed with contaminated water, and direct contact with treated products. Despite PFAS in breast milk, health organizations including the AAP and WHO still recommend breastfeeding because the benefits outweigh the risks. To reduce exposure: test your drinking water for PFAS (contact your local water utility or use a certified testing service), use a water filter certified to remove PFAS (reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters with NSF/ANSI 53 certification) for formula preparation, and choose untreated cotton clothing and bibs when possible.
6-18 months
As babies become mobile and spend time in car seats and strollers, PFAS in fabric treatments become more relevant. Studies have found PFAS in the fabric of some car seats, strollers, and highchairs, particularly those marketed as water-resistant or stain-resistant. Babies mouth everything, including car seat straps and stroller fabrics. Practical steps: choose products without stain-resistant or water-repellent marketing, consider placing a cotton cover over car seat straps (check car seat manufacturer guidelines for safety compliance), and avoid microwave-popping popcorn bags and fast food packaging, which often contain PFAS.
18-36 months
Toddlers face PFAS exposure through food (especially from food packaging), water, household dust, and consumer products. Studies have found PFAS in many children's products including waterproof clothing, shoes, carpeting, and upholstered furniture. While the science is still evolving and regulation is increasing, practical risk reduction includes: using PFAS-free alternatives when available (look for OEKO-TEX or PFAS-free certifications), filtering drinking water, reducing consumption of food from PFAS-treated packaging, and vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter to reduce household dust (a significant source of PFAS exposure).
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You are taking reasonable precautions to reduce PFAS exposure such as filtering water and choosing PFAS-free products when available.
- Your child is developing normally and you are incorporating PFAS reduction into your routine without excessive anxiety.
- You understand that some PFAS exposure is unavoidable in modern life and you are focusing on practical, actionable steps.
- You live in an area with known PFAS water contamination and want guidance on protecting your family.
- You are concerned about cumulative chemical exposures and want to discuss evidence-based risk reduction.
- You want to discuss whether PFAS blood testing is appropriate for your family.
- Your drinking water has been found to contain PFAS levels above EPA limits and you are using it for infant formula preparation - switch to filtered or bottled water immediately.
- You are concerned about acute chemical exposure from a product your child has been mouthing or ingesting.
- Your child has unexplained health issues and you live in an area with significant PFAS contamination.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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