The Dirty Truth About Baby Products — And How to Choose Safer Ones – Podcast Ep 192

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Audible

As parents, we always want the best for our babies. But figuring out what’s truly safe can feel overwhelming, confusing, and honestly… a little icky. From misleading labels to hidden toxins, the world of baby products isn’t always as clean as we think it is or should be.

That’s why this episode of Chick Chat goes deep into the truth behind baby products, what parents should really care about, and how to choose items that are safe, non-toxic, and genuinely good for your little one.

Joining me as our guest is someone who always keeps it real: Arin Schultz, Naturepedic’s Chief Growth Officer, dad of four boys, and one of my favorite people to talk about this stuff with. If you’re a long-time listener, you may remember him from Episode 124 (our potty-training deep dive!).

This time, we’re uncovering the dirty side of baby products and how to choose safer ones for our babies.

Why This Conversation Matters

Babies spend more time sleeping, breathing, and touching their environment than any other age group, and their developing bodies are far more vulnerable to chemicals like:

• VOCs
• flame retardants
• formaldehyde
• polyurethane foam
• PVC/vinyl
• synthetic latex
• chemical adhesives

Many of these are commonly found in nursery furniture, crib mattresses, bedding, and everyday items labeled “eco‑friendly” or “natural.”

We fully believe that parents deserve to know what’s real and what’s “greenwashed.”

What We Covered in This Episode

1. Hidden toxins in baby products (what shocked Arin most)

Arin shares what he’s learned after nearly a decade in the organic mattress industry, including the shocking chemicals allowed in conventional crib mattresses and kids’ furniture, and how easy it is for companies to mislead parents.

2. Greenwashing: phrases and fake certifications that don’t really mean anything

We break down common marketing claims like:

• “eco-friendly”
• “green”
• “plant-based”
• “natural blend”
• “Bamboo” (spoiler: it’s usually rayon)
• “organic cotton cover” (while the inside is full of junk)

Arin shares which labels actually matter, so you know what to look for.

3. “It’s just a mattress” … or is it?

Most babies spend 12–16 hours a day on their crib mattress, breathing in whatever materials it’s made from. Mattresses are also one of the largest sources of indoor air pollution in the home! This is why choosing a truly organic, non-toxic mattress matters.

4. What “organic” means in the mattress world (and what companies get away with)

Arin explains the difference between:

• GOTS-certified organic mattresses
• GREENGUARD Gold (what it does and doesn’t mean)
• EWG Verified
• Made Safe certification
• Mattresses that are technically “low VOC” but still contain toxic core materials

5. Myth-Busting with Arin

We put popular beliefs to the test, including:

• “All crib mattresses in the U.S. are safe.”
• “You don’t need organic if you have a mattress protector.”
• “Flame retardants are required by law.”
• “Firm = uncomfortable.”
• “Mattresses stop off-gassing once opened.”

His answers? So good.

6. Budget-conscious parents: where to start

We know that not everyone can buy everything organic. And you should know that you don’t need to buy an entirely organic nursery. In this episode, we talk about:

• How to prioritize purchases
• What matters most for your baby’s health
• Which swaps make the biggest impact

7. True or Toxic?

I did a rapid-fire through popular baby items with Arin:

• foam play mats
• “bamboo” crib sheets
• silicone baby products
• memory foam toddler pillows
• waterproof protectors
• MDF furniture

Arin gives us the real deal and what we need to know.

8. Parenting wins… and fails

And for fun, Arin shares his favorite dad win — and a fail. (I think many of us can relate.)

This episode is proudly sponsored by Naturepedic, the leader in certified organic mattresses and sleep products for families.

Since 2003, Naturepedic has been committed to eliminating harmful chemicals from baby and kids’ sleep spaces. They use certified organic materials, avoid flame retardants and polyurethane foam, and focus on protecting both your baby and the planet.

See how their products are made in our exclusive factory tour!