Health

Coughing at Night: How to Stop

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2024

What can feel more frustrating than having a cough? Having a cough that happens more often or gets worse at night. It affects how much you can relax, fall and stay asleep, and get much-needed rest for recovery.

“During sleep, the body regulates our production of cytokines, signaling proteins our immune systems produce to fight off invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria,” says Vontrelle Roundtree, MD, associate chief medical officer at MDLIVE of Evernorth. “If you have a nagging cough that causes you to wake up often throughout the night, it compromises sleep quality, potentially affecting your body’s cytokine regulation and making it difficult for your immune system to combat and recover from sickness.”

Not only does coughing affect your ability to get over any illnesses that may cause the cough, but it may also cause you to have more symptoms that further affect your nighttime rest. “Coughing may also cause dry throat and mouth, postnasal drip, and physical discomfort that makes for a less-than-peaceful sleep experience,” Roundtree says.

Nighttime coughing can happen and feel worse for many reasons. It may be due to problems with your lungs and airways, such as infection, postnasal drip, allergies, and asthma. These can cause coughs that get worse at night, says Samuel Mathis, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Texas Medical Branch. For instance, “with lung infections, lying down helps the cilia [little ‘hairs’ in our lungs] to more effectively move mucus out of the lungs, and the cough reflex is our body’s attempt to get rid of the excess mucus,” he says.

Roundtree says that “moving around during the day makes it easier for the body to loosen trapped mucus. When we lie down to rest at night, this position can make it more challenging for our bodies to naturally clear this mucus, resulting in what we call postnasal drip — nasal secretions that pool in the back of the throat and cause those pesky coughs.”

Nighttime coughs may also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. “GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining and potentially reaching the back of your throat,” Roundtree says. “The act of lying down can cause the reflux to get worse, and then, of course, you may cough more,” says Sarah McBane, PharmD, associate dean of pharmacy education at the University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy.

“To combat nighttime cough due to GERD, elevate your body at an incline to prevent the pooling of mucus, allowing for a more peaceful and less interrupted night’s sleep,” she says.

Other conditions that can cause coughing fits include heart failure and sleep apnea, Mathis says.

You may also have a nighttime cough when you’re taking medications such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure. These are known to have a dry cough as a side effect, Mathis says.

Our body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that helps manage important body functions (including sleep and immune response), may also play a role, Roundtree says. “Some parts of immune function are more active during the nighttime and into the early morning, which explains why you might feel your worst during those hours. While this natural response helps fight off the bacteria making you ill, it may also cause many of our sick symptoms during that time, such as congestion, fever, and increased nighttime coughing.”

How you manage your nighttime cough depends on how serious it is and what’s causing it, Roundtreee says. She advises seeing a doctor if your cough is constant, very bad, and comes with other concerning symptoms.

In the meantime, you can try this expert advice for managing mild coughs at night:

Stay hydrated. This can help loosen mucus and make it easier to get rid of, Roundtree says. Make sure you are providing your body with plenty of fluids. You can do this by drinking water as often as needed and eating water-rich foods like melons, pineapples, strawberries, and oranges.
Drink herbal tea with honey and lemon. Mathis recommends teas for cough due to upper respiratory infections, allergies, and postnasal drip. “A simple remedy that’s very effective for coughing is a nighttime herbal tea with honey and lemon,” Mathis says. “Honey helps coat the throat and prevent irritation and the cough reflex. The lemon has anti-inflammatory qualities that may help cough.” You can also try other hot teas since they may be helpful to soothe an irritated throat, Roundtree says.
Take honey. It’s a natural cough suppressant that helps reduce how often you cough and how serious the coughing is, Roundtree says. “Consider natural or locally grown honey as a bonus,” she says.
Cough drops. These are helpful short-term fixes for soothing an irritated throat and stopping a stubborn, hacking cough, Roundtree says. “They cause the mouth to produce more saliva, thus coating the throat and helping with itching sensations.”
Have a steamy shower. Steam from showers adds moisture to the air, which can help open your airways and loosen up secretions in the nose, Roundtree says. Take a steamy shower before bedtime to relieve your cough and help your body relax for a better night’s sleep.
Think about what and when you eat. If the nighttime cough is due to GERD, McBane recommends avoiding heavy, spicy, fatty, and late-night meals because they may make your GERD symptoms worse and cause nighttime coughing. Foods high in fiber, water, and alkaline can improve your symptoms. So consider eating those instead at least 3 hours before bedtime. These foods include bananas, brown rice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, watermelon, carrots, cucumber, pineapple, and brothy soups.
Try OTC medications for GERD. “Some OTC medication options include antacids like Tums or medications that block the production of acid like famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec),” McBane says. “These medications can help with the reflux-related nighttime cough by decreasing the amount of acid irritating the throat and causing the cough.”
Take an antihistamine. Antihistamine medications, which help with allergies, may be useful for nighttime cough due to postnasal drip. McBane suggests taking an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). She adds that they can help with postnasal drip-related cough by drying up nasal mucus, meaning there will be less fluid to collect in the back of your throat and irritate the tissues there.
Lie with your head raised. If your cough is caused by GERD, one of the easiest remedies is to raise the head of your bed by 4-6 inches, Mathis says. “Just a slight tilt is enough to let gravity keep the stomach acid in the stomach.” McBane suggests elevating the head of your bed using bricks or blocks.
Use a humidifier. “If the cough is due to dry air, consider a humidifier. Try to keep humidity at 40% to 50%,” Mathis says. “Any more than that could make your cough worse or increase your risk of infection.”
Reduce allergens in your home. If your coughing is due to allergies, cutting down the number of allergens around you may help prevent it. A great tip is to clean and dust your home regularly to prevent dust buildup, Mathis says. You can also invest in a HEPA filter to get rid of allergens in the air. If you have pets, have them sleep outside of your bedroom. Wash your bedding regularly, too.
Consider over-the-counter (OTC) medication. When all else fails, an over-the-counter cough medicine can provide relief, Roundtree says. “One that contains dextromethorphan would be best to block the cough reflex, while one containing pseudoephedrine can help stop increased nighttime postnasal drip.” Still, she advises talking with a health care professional before starting any medication.

If these tips do not help with your cough, or if the cough lasts more than a couple of weeks, McBane advises seeing a doctor.

Roundtree also recommends seeing a doctor if your cough lasts over a few days and you have other symptoms like chest pain, nausea, wheezing, or high fever. Mathis agrees, saying that if you cough up blood, have shortness of breath, and your legs or feet swell, you should be checked by a doctor. “They can help you identify the cause of your cough and treat the underlying issue.”

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Health

Vegan, Vegetarian Diets Unlock Extra ZZZs

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Kelly Wairimu Davis, MS

May 8, 2024 — Want to sleep better and longer? Ditch the meat. At least that’s what some experts are saying.

Vegans and vegetarians sleep around 30 more minutes per night than average, and up to 90% of them report good or excellent sleep quality, according to a recent survey published by the Sleep Foundation.

“Poor sleep leads to poor food choices,” according to Abhinav Singh, MD, medical director of the Indiana Sleep Center and medical advisor for the Sleep Foundation. “That is why they are called comfort foods — because nobody who’s tired and sleep-deprived is going to reach for a salad.”

Speaking of salad, people who follow a raw vegan diet fared the best. The paleo or “caveman diet” — which centers around meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables — came in second place, followed by kosher and a standard vegan diet, respectively. All these groups had better sleep than those who follow no specific diet.

But linking a specific diet with better sleep can be a “slippery slope,” according to Cara Harbstreet, a registered dietitian and owner of Street Smart Nutrition. For one, self-reported dietary habits often come with inaccuracies. Survey respondents also had the option of choosing more than one diet.

“There are also different interpretations of dietary patterns, such as what ‘keto’ means to one person may mean something else to another person,” said Debbie Fetter, PhD, assistant professor of teaching in the department of nutrition at the University of California, Davis. “There are many forms of vegetarianism as well. This may mean respondents could classify their dietary patterns differently, which affects the results.”

Instead of focusing on a specific diet, aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, Fetter said, noting that more than a quarter of American adults don’t meet this goal. Also, start incorporating more plants into your diet, she suggested. A whopping 90% of American adults do not get the recommended 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables per day.

“Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on cognitive function, which may lead to impaired decision-making and influence health. For example, if someone is low on sleep, they may choose more energy-dense comfort foods instead of a nutrient-dense option, or they could feel too tired to engage in physical activity,” Fetter said.

Certain nighttime snacks can also help with sleep.

“Tart cherries, yogurt, fatty fish like salmon, and kiwis (all included in the survey questions in some manner) are foods we know could support better sleep when eaten regularly,” Harbstreet said.

The survey found that yogurt eaters had the highest sleep quality (61%). Fruit and berry munchers were a close second (58%). Those who snack on cookies, cake, and brownies surprisingly came in third (53%). But only indulge in the latter on occasion, according to Singh, the author of Sleep to Heal.

“Processed foods and sugary treats should be infrequent, especially before bed, [because] eating processed foods at 10 p.m. can spike your blood sugar, which activates your kidneys,” he said. “Then your sleep quality is poor because [of] micro awakenings and even bathroom breaks at night, which can then start to fuel some insomnia habits.”

And a word of caution: it can be tricky to label certain foods as sleep-promoting or not, especially when we do not have critical information about the people who selected those foods.

“For instance, based on this survey, people who consumed cereal reported having the worst sleep quality — but we don’t know about these people’s lifestyles, sleep conditions, dietary or physical activity habits, socioeconomic status, stress level, and more that can all have an impact on their sleep. It may not be because of the cereal,” Fetter said.

Insomnia was the most common sleep disturbance among respondents in the survey. If you are having trouble falling asleep, here are a few things you can try: Skip spicy meals before bedtime, as it can lead to heartburn. Have a scheduled bedtime and wake-up time and stop drinking caffeine 6 to 8 hours before bed. Creating a wind-down routine — such as reading a book, journaling, or coloring in an adult coloring book — can also promote good sleep hygiene, according to Fetter. You could also try a “sleepy girl mocktail,” a viral trend that is a nonalcoholic concoction of sparkling water, tart cherry juice, and a magnesium supplement.

“How well it works is still up for debate,” Harbstreet said, noting that some people swear by it, others found no difference, and others reported the carbonation or sugar content seemed to negatively impact sleep.

For more information on better sleep, see WebMD’s Tips for Better Sleep.

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Health

Author Insights from Shannon Olsen on Writing, Teaching, and Books

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2024

School Specialty

In this inspiring episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung spoke with Shannon Olsen, a beloved children’s book author and former second-grade teacher. Shannon shared her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time author, highlighting her passion for creating educational resources and children’s books that foster a sense of family and collaboration in the classroom.

Shannon discussed her popular books, including her best-selling Our Class is a Family and her latest, Collaboration Station, which she wrote during the challenging times of distance learning. These books reinforce the importance of community and teamwork among students while transitioning back to in-person learning.

You’ll hear insights from Shannon on how her personal experiences and challenges as a teacher inspired her books. She shares touching stories about how her role as an author has positively impacted her own children and students across the country.

For aspiring authors, Shannon also offers practical advice on how to get started with writing and publishing their own books.

host nancy chung and author shannon olsen on a video interview, each holding up a children's book — *The Schoolyard Podcast host Nancy Chung and author Shannon Olsen hold up two of Shannon’s books.*

Tag, You’re It!

The episode wrapped up with our regular segment called “Tag Your It,” where Shannon and Nancy chose the book characters they’d like to be for a day. Listen in to hear their answers!

For more educational resources and to learn about Shannon’s author visits and publishing consultations, visit her website at www.lifebetweensummers.com.
To shop her best-selling books, visit her website at https://lifebetweensummers.com/shop/.
To view her TPT page, visit https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Life-Between-Summers.

Join us next time on The Schoolyard Podcast, where we continue to explore the magic of learning and the impactful stories of educators.

Shannon Olsen

Shannon Olsen creates resources for elementary school teachers, including picture books. She is the author of #1 best-selling books, including Our Class is a Family and both books in the series A Letter From Your Teacher. The themes are focused on building class community and positive relationships in the classroom.

Several of her books have reached the Amazon Top 20 Charts for all books sold. Her first book, Our Class is a Family, earned the #1 spot on Publisher’s Weekly for Top Children’s Picture Books. In August 2020, Amazon selected the book cover to be featured on their 83-foot billboard in front of Penn Station in New York City.

Prior to becoming an author, Shannon earned her BA in English and MA in Teaching from the University of California Irvine. With fifteen years of classroom experience as a second-grade teacher, she creates and sells downloadable resources for elementary teachers through Life Between Summers LLC. Her educational resources are available through the Teachers Pay Teachers website and her online shop at lifebetweensummers.com.

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Health

Best Organic And Non-Toxic Baby Wash Brands (Mom-Tested!)

Published

13 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Anjali Shah

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

Welcome to my guide on the best organic and non-toxic baby wash brands! This helpful guide is the perfect resource for parents of babies and young kids looking for a healthier soap for sensitive, delicate skin. I break this post down into detailed sections with the safest baby washes, ingredients to avoid, and brands to stay away from so that you can feel confident in your purchase!

Collage of the best organic and non-toxic baby wash brands on a white background.

As a mom of two, I always want to be mindful of what products I use on my kids. There are so many brands out there that seem clean and healthy, but unfortunately, sneak in potentially harmful ingredients that I prefer to avoid as much as possible. I never want to introduce any products that will irritate my kids’ skin, and body wash tends to be a big culprit if you aren’t careful of ingredients!

Since I have tried so many nontoxic baby bath products over the years, I’ve been able to narrow my list down to the best of the best! I created this guide to save you time, as I’ve already done all the research myself! These are some of the safest baby soaps on the market, and my family has had great experiences with these brands. Keep on reading to discover the perfect fit for you and your little ones.

What Does “Non-Toxic Baby Wash” Mean?

In the simplest terms, a non-toxic baby wash is free from potentially harmful chemicals, toxins, and irritants. Keep in mind, however, that products can be advertised as natural and healthy while still containing problematic ingredients. When it comes to finding the best non-toxic baby wash, I have a list of standards that I expect to see and prefer for my family.

I personally look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas without any parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. I also love buying from brands that have special certifications and clinical testing, so that I can feel confident in the quality and safety of the product! I will break all of this down in more detail later in this post. Keep reading below to learn more about my favorite brands for nontoxic baby shampoo and body wash!

Best Non-Toxic Baby Wash Brands

EllaOla Organic Baby Shampoo And Body Wash

Bottle of EllaOla nontoxic baby wash and shampoo.

Why I Love It: EllaOla’s products are all favorites of mine, and their organic body wash appears first on my list because it’s my top pick for the best non-toxic baby wash!

EllaOla’s mission really resonates with me, because it was founded by a mom who struggled with finding a solution for both of her kids’ eczema. Disappointed by the ingredients in most eczema products available, she decided to create the cleanest most-effective option for kids to help as many families as she could!

She developed EllaOla’s formulas with 3 Harvard pediatric dermatologists for 2 years before EllaOla launched. Not only that, she vetted over 100 ingredient suppliers globally and only used the best quality ingredients from the best country of origin (e.g. sunflower seed oil from France, coconut oil from Philipine, Jojoba oil from Argentina, etc.).

Both of my kids are prone to eczema, and I’ve noticed a major difference when I use EllaOla’s body wash for them vs. other brands. With EllaOla, their skin is a lot smoother, less irritated, and less itchy overall.

I also feel good using their wash because their clinically tested tear-free shampoo and body wash is hypoallergenic, EWG, and USDA Biobased verified, and boasts the National Eczema Association Seal. EllaOla is formulated to be extra gentle, and bans over 2,500 ingredients including top allergens such as fragrances, essential oils, dyes, parabens, sulfates / SLS / SLES, propylene glycol, and more.

Not only does EllaOla have one of the best organic baby soaps, they also make a non-toxic hydrating lotion, a non-toxic hydrating bath soak (which also doubles as a washcloth thanks to the organic cotton bag!), and have an eczema skincare bundle which I absolutely love! Find their full collection of clean baby bath products and more here.

Where To Buy: EllaOla’s website, Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $2.50 / Fl Oz on Amazon

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Made with 14+ vitamins and minerals

National Eczema Association Seal

MADE SAFE non-toxic certification

A bit on the pricier end for this list

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Babo Botanicals Sensitive Newborn Foam Wash

Bottle of babo botanicals non-toxic baby wash.

Why I Love It: Babo Botanicals non toxic baby soap is developed specifically for newborns, babies, and toddlers to clean and nourish even the most sensitive skin. In addition to being fragrance free and cruelty-free, it is also EWG Verified® to meet the strictest standards for safety and health. I really love the nourishing ingredients in this baby wash, like shea butter, oat, and aloe vera.

Babo Botanicals was also founded by a mom who wanted to create better products for her kids, and for kids around the world. I love that they are also a Certified B Corp, which means it’s been verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability (source).

Made with 23 plant-based ingredients, including their certified organic Nutri-Soothe® Herbal Blend, you can feel good about using this body wash for your baby during bath time!

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $1.90 / Fl Oz at Walmart when purchasing 3-pack

Fragrance-free, but has a great natural scent thanks to the shea butter!

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Certified organic ingredients

Formula is a little watery, but this comes down to preference

Buy Now

California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash (Unscented)

Bottle of California Baby non-toxic baby wash.

Why I Love It: California Baby’s unscented shampoo and body wash is gentle and non-drying, made for all ages! This product stands out to me for its 100% plant-based system, which is the first of its kind to utilize isolates of basil and anise.

This baby wash is USDA Biobased certified, vegan, contains organic ingredients, and is free from fragrance, essential oils, and harsh chemicals. It is also strictly allergy tested with no risk of contamination, making it one of the cleanest baby soaps on the market!

California Baby was developed by a mother over 28 years ago. All products are blended & manufactured in California Baby’s own FDA Registered manufacturing facility in Los Angeles. California Baby is proudly family owned & operated.

I would often use this for my kids when they were infants, because it was a super easy two-in-one wash – so I could use it both as a shampoo and body wash which was so convenient!

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $2.12 / Fl Oz on Amazon

USDA Certified Biobased, vegan

Allergy tested, 3rd party tested

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

I love that they grow their own calendula on their certified organic farm!

Made with organic ingredients

Free of common allergens like gluten, soy, sesame, oat, dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts

Not EWG Verified (but scores 1 for low hazard)

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Carina Organics Unscented Baby Shampoo & Bodywash

Bottle of Carina organics baby shampoo and body wash.

Why I Love It: Carina Organics keeps things simple with their unscented baby wash! This hypoallergenic and tear-free product is formulated specifically to lather less and rinse easily for a gentle yet effective cleaning.

I love that their ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced, and that all of their products are free of cortisone, steroids, DEA (diethanolamine), sulfates, salt (sodium chloride), propylene glycol, aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.

They’ve been around since 1972, and have been replacing chemical and synthetic ingredients with natural and organic plant extracts, essences, and oils from the beginning – so you know that this is a brand you can trust!

Where To Buy: Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $1.90 / Fl Oz on Amazon

Gluten & soy free (common allergens)

Uses some Certified Organic ingredients

Not EWG Verified (but scores 1 for low hazard)

Buy Now

Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Bottle of Dr. Bronners Organic Baby Soap.

Why I Love It: Another great option on my list is Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile soap. With the minimal ingredient list and EWG Verified, I would feel good about using this soap for my kids!

It provides a gentle foam and leaves skin soft and clean. Not only is this one of the best organic baby wash options for your little one’s skin, but it can also be used around the house as a natural cleaning product (the label of the bottle provides instructions on how to do this).

This baby wash is made with 70% certified organic & fair trade ingredients, and comes in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles to help reduce waste & have a positive environmental impact.

I love that with this product, no parent will have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals that their kids could come in contact with in the home!

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $0.85 / Fl Oz at Walmart

Simple, minimal ingredients

Concentrated and can be diluted to last longer

Sustainable and eco-friendly

I love that it has over 18 uses!

Some may prefer to avoid palm oil (but Dr. Bronner’s is certified fair trade)

Not a “no-tear” formula (be cautious around eyes)

Buy Now

Earth Mama Baby Wash (Fragrance-Free)

Bottle of Earth Mama's non-toxic baby wash.

Why I Love It: Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash is next on my list, with a similar formulation to Dr. Bronner’s. I recommend this baby wash to friends and family with very sensitive, eczema prone skin, as it was awarded the Seal of Acceptance™ by the National Eczema Association.

This baby wash impresses me with its simple yet soothing ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, and shea butter. It is free of artificial fragrance, preservatives, Triclosan, phthalates, and sulfates.

Just like Dr. Bronner’s, this can also be used in DIY household cleaners in addition to just using it as a body wash for your baby!

While this baby wash does come in scented versions like lavender, sweet orange and ginger, I prefer their unscented version since it’s the least likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $1.03 / Fl Oz on Amazon

Clinically tested for irritation

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

National Eczema Association Seal

Can double as a household cleaner

Not a “no-tear” formula (be cautious around eyes)

Buy Now

Esembly Wipe Up Wash Kit

Why I Love It: The Esembly Wipe Up Wash Kit comes with a refillable foamer bottle and a concentrate designed to be diluted with water before use. The concentrate can refill the foamer bottle about 5 times! This gentle, fragrance-free formulation is made with organic oils and castile soap.

I think it’s great that this soap helps prevent diaper rash, and that you can pair the wash with their cotton towels / wipes to help clean your baby’s bottom without harsh chemicals and fragrances. The cotton wipes are also great on sticky hands or as a washcloth in the tub!

Where To Buy: Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $4.63 / Fl Oz on Amazon (this is a concentrate so a little goes a long way)

Simple, minimal ingredients

Can be used as body wash and cloth wipes solution

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Made with organic ingredients

Not EWG Verified (but other Esembly products score a 1)

Buy Now

Green Goo Unscented Aloe Baby Castile Soap

Bottle of Green Goo castile soap for babies.

Why I Love It: This multipurpose baby wash includes plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, olive oil, and coconut oil for a soothing experience on delicate skin. It is a great option for babies, toddlers, or anyone with sensitive skin!

This company is women-owned and family operated, and they’re a certified B corporation as well. All of Green Goo’s products are all-natural, organic, cruelty-free & paraben-free. And their all-purpose wash is enriched with aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, shea butter & more, and is 100% vegan too!

Where To Buy: Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $1.00 / Fl Oz on Amazon

Simple, minimal ingredients

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Mainly sourced from organic ingredients

Multi-purpose (not just a body wash!)

Not EWG Verified (but scores 1 for low hazard)

Buy Now

HealthyBaby

Why I Love It: HealthyBaby shampoo and body wash is EWG Verified so you can feel confident that it is one of the cleanest baby washes on the market. While it does include a longer ingredient list, it is packed with nourishing botanicals and probiotics! I love that HealthyBaby focuses on supporting the skin microbiome.

Not only that, but they are dedicated to helping the environment and are a Certified B Corporation. Each of their refillable bottles replace single-use plastic and are designed specifically with your baby in mind with stainless steel that does not leach or shatter. All you have to do is order their cleaning concentrate refill when you run out!

Where To Buy: HealthyBaby Website

Price Per Ounce: $2.81/ Fl Oz on their website (this is a concentrate so a little goes a long way)

Concentrated formula – lasts up to 250 baths

Includes stainless steel refill bottle

Considered fragrance-free (but does contain components of essential oils)

Committed to helping the environment

Not a “no-tear” formula (be cautious around eyes)

Buy Now

Hello Bello Shampoo & Body Wash (Fragrance Free)

Bottle of Hello Bello non-toxic baby wash.

Why I Love It: Hello Bello Shampoo & Body Wash is a great hypoallergenic option, free from all common allergens like gluten and soy. It is made with a blend of soothing botanical extracts for an extra gentle clean. Plus, this is a USDA Certified Biobased Product!

Their fragrance-free line has almost no scent at all, but leaves your baby’s skin super soft and balanced.

This all natural, non-toxic baby wash is pediatrician-approved, hypoallergenic, tear-free, not tested on animals, and is designed with babies, budgets, and the planet in mind. Not only that, Hello Bello believes in giving back and has donated over 7 million diapers (and endless wipes and care products) to parents in need!

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $0.63 / Fl Oz

USDA Certified Biobased Product

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Not EWG Verified (scores a 2)

Buy Now

Attitude Baby Wash

Why I Love It: The Attitude 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash is EWG Verified and Dermatologist tested with 98.1% naturally derived ingredients. The brand highlights the blueberry leaf extract, which offers calming and protective properties for your little one’s skin.

Attitude also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free, they are PETA certified, and their products are never tested on animals. Lastly, they are also ECOLOGO Certified, which means that their wash is certified by ECOLOGO as sustainable and biodegradable product.

Where To Buy: Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $1.02 / Fl Oz on Amazon

Free of sulfates, parabens & phthalates

Hypoallergenic and non-irritating

Not a “no-tear” formula (be cautious around eyes)

Buy Now

Honest (Fragrance-Free)

Bottle of Honest Company baby body wash and shampoo.

Why I Love It: The Honest Company baby wash is made with babies and sensitive skin in mind, using nourishing ingredients like calendula extract and aloe vera. This hypoallergenic wash is free of fragrance, phthalates, parabens, dyes, and other concerning ingredients.

It also happens to be tear-free, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. I appreciate that this is a USDA Certified Biobased Product and a great option for those with eczema since it boasts the National Eczema Association Seal!

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $1.14 / Fl Oz on Amazon

National Eczema Association Seal

USDA Certified Biobased Product

Hypoallergenic and non-irritating

Some reviewers complain that it is drying/ not hydrating

Buy Now

Vivvi & Bloom

Why I Love It: Vivvi & Bloom 2-in-1 Fragrance-Free Wash & Shampoo is another healthy, gentle option for babies! Thanks to it being EWG Verified and clinically tested, you can feel confident in this product. With soothing shea butter and glycerin, this baby wash will leave skin feeling hydrated.

This gentle baby wash is paraben-free, sulfate-free, non-toxic, free of phthalates, phenoxyethanol, dyes, gluten, silicones and essential oils. Additionally this product is not tested on animals and is 100% vegan.

They’re also an eco-friendly company! Their packaging is made with 100 percent recycled content, contributing to the reduction of virgin plastic use.

Where To Buy: Amazon, Walmart

Price Per Ounce: $1.17 / Fl Oz on Amazon or Walmart

Pediatrician & dermatologist tested

Clinically proven gentle & safe

Not tested on animals and vegan

Buy Now

Evereden

Why I Love It: Finally, on my list of best nontoxic baby soaps is the Evereden Baby Shampoo & Body Wash. This fragrance-free option is EWG Verified and Eczema-Approved, so even the most sensitive skin can enjoy it! It’s designed to balance the pH of your baby’s skin, with plant-oils to help soothe dry or sensitive skin.

It’s also tear free! And while it’s well suited for the newborn years, it can easily just transition into your child’s toddler years making it super versatile for all ages.

But I love most about Everdeen is that their products are made with the help of three Harvard and Stanford doctors who are all moms themselves!

Where To Buy: Amazon

Price Per Ounce: $2.01 / Fl Oz on Amazon

National Eczema Association Seal

USDA Certified Biobased Product

Free of Sulfates, Parabens & Phthalates

Dermatologist developed, tested, and approved

Pricier than some on this list

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What To Look For In Non-Toxic, Organic Baby Wash

Designed For Babies: When shopping for a baby wash, I think it is important to look for one that is specifically made with babies and sensitive skin in mind! These formulations will always be more gentle and non-irritating.

Organic Ingredients: I love brands that prioritize organic ingredients in their formulations, being as close to 100% organic as possible. In addition, I like to look for natural, plant-based ingredients that are more nourishing to the skin.

Fragrance Free: Essential oils have their place, but when it comes to baby products I prefer to stay away from both synthetic and naturally fragranced products. Fragrance free baby wash will be the most gentle and safe, reducing risk of any irritation to the skin.

EWG Verified: While this isn’t completely necessary, I do find it comforting to see that EWG verification. This indicates that the product meets EWG’s strictest standards, free from any harmful chemicals or contamination concerns.

Tear-Free Formula: I don’t rank this one as high in importance, but I still think it is something to consider! While there are a lot of high quality, non toxic baby washes that are not tear-free, you might prefer to avoid the potential discomfort. I always suggest being careful around the eye area regardless, but if you want to stress less, this may be the way to go for you!

Ingredients To Avoid

Fragrance: Not only is fragrance potentially irritating to the skin, it is also often undisclosed. I don’t love the idea of not knowing where this fragrance is sourced from and what hidden chemicals are in a product. Synthetic fragrance contains phthalates, which are a well-known endocrine disruptor.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds): PEGs are commonly used as emulsifiers and cleansing agents in cosmetic products. It is best to avoid PEGs as they can contain carcinogenic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide (source).

Other Ethoxylated Ingredients: PEG, PPG, polysorbate, laureth, ceteareth, and steareth are all ethoxylated ingredients that you may see on personal care product ingredients. As mentioned above with PEGs, these ingredients can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide which are carcinogenic (source).

Benzyl Alcohol: This is used in many cosmetic products as a preservative, solvent, or fragrance component. Delayed contact dermatitis reactions, as well as systemic reactions have occurred after contact with benzyl alcohol. (source) According to the EWG, it is ranked high for allergies & immunotoxicity.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Used as a surfactant, cocamidopropyl betaine is commonly found in body washes and shampoos. It is known to cause irritation and allergic contact dermatitis and may be commonly contaminated with toxic impurities (source). When found in products that are rinsed off quickly, there is less of a concern but I think it is still important to be aware of the potential risks!

Parabens: Parabens are used as preservatives in many personal care products. They are another endocrine disruptor, imitating estrogen in the body. Women’s exposure to parabens has been associated with poor reproductive health and there are potential links to breast cancer.

Sulfates: Sulfates are foaming agents commonly used in formulations for body washes and shampoos. There are various types of sulfates with the most well-known being sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA). Sulfates are known to cause irritation to the skin and are particularly harmful for those with sensitive skin or eczema (source).

Phthalates: Not only are phthalates used in cosmetics like shampoo and cleansers, but also toys, packaging, and fragrances. They are considered to be one of the top endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormone function which impacts normal growth and fertility.

Formaldehyde Releasers: Formaldehyde releasers such as sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate are used as an antimicrobial preservative, and form formaldehyde in products like shampoo, soap, and baby wipes. These types of preservatives are associated with allergic contact dermatitis and sensitization (source). Other ones to look out for include polyoxymethylene urea, diazolidinyl urea, bromopol, and DMDM hydantoin.

Talc: Luckily talc is not as popular in baby shampoos and body washes, but it is important to check the ingredients. Talc is linked to cancer and can be contaminated with asbestos (source).

Triclosan: This is used to prevent bacterial contamination, commonly used in soaps and body washes. Some studies have shown that a high dose of triclosan can impact thyroid hormones, and there is concern for antibacterial resistance with repeated use of triclosan-containing products (source).

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): BHT is another common preservative found in both personal care products and food. It has been linked to toxic effects in lung tissue.

Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone: MIT and MCI are popular preservatives used in personal care products to prevent bacteria or yeast growth. MIT has been linked to neurotoxicity and both are largely associated with allergic reactions.

Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in personal care products like body wash. While phenoxyethanol is more harmful in powder or spray formulations due to inhalation (source), I still wanted to make note of it on this list. It can cause skin, lung and liver irritation, along with potential for kidney and nerve damage (source).

Brands That Are Just Ok

Weleda 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo + Body Wash: I do love the soothing calendula in this formula but it also includes fragrance and essential oils.

Babyganics: While Babyganics does offer a fragrance-free baby wash that is pediatrician and dermatologist tested, I recommend only using this in a pinch. It contains capramidopropyl betaine and ethylhexylglycerin which could cause irritation (source).

Burt’s Bees: Burt’s Bees offers a fragrance-free foaming shampoo and wash made for sensitive skin, but it does contain phenoxyethanol.

Puracy: The Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is tear-free, hypoallergenic, and pH balanced with 98.8% natural ingredients. However, they do not offer a fragrance-free option at this time.

Scented Earth Mama Organics: While these are made with no synthetic fragrance, triclosan, sulfates, phthalates, or parabens, the lavender oil may be irritating to a baby’s delicate skin.

Scented Hello Bello: Overall, the Hello Bello scented baby washes are clean and non-toxic with EWG verification. They are hypoallergenic, tear-free, and dermatologist-test, but the fragrance may cause irritation.

Scented Honest: The entire Honest baby shampoo and body wash line is made without parabens, phthalates, or SLS/SLES but the extracts and oils could irritate sensitive skin.

Scented Dr. Bronners: While Dr. Bronner’s soaps are EWG Verified and a great option for most adults, the scented soaps use essential oils, which have the potential to be irritating for delicate baby skin.

Pipette Baby Shampoo & Wash: Pipette offers a EWG Verified, fragrance-free option, which would be a good choice, but I would suggest avoiding the fragrance options in case your baby is sensitive.

Brands To Avoid

Aquaphor’s Gentle Wash & Shampoo: This product contains sodium myreth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine, so it is best to avoid!

Cetaphil Baby Body Wash: This body wash contains sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, PEGs, and fragrance. I suggest leaving this one on the shelf!

Dove Baby Night Time Wash: With cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium benzoate, and fragrance included in the ingredients, I do not recommend this baby wash.

Johnson & Johnsons: Their Baby Bubble Bath and Wash contains PEGs, fragrance, cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, and sodium benzoate.

Baby Magic: While this brand does make a “Delicate Wash” it still includes fragrance (parfum) and phenoxyethanol, with many products also containing PEGs, cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium laureth sulfate.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found my guide for the best nontoxic baby wash brands to be helpful! With so many options and confusion behind what is considered “clean” I know it can feel overwhelming to find the best fit for your baby. For the best all-in-one pick, EllaOla is definitely the one I would choose, but any of the “best of” brands would be great choices as well!