The Free PFAS-Free Baby Checklist: What to Choose & What to Avoid
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PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called 'forever chemicals' — are found in far more baby products than most parents realise. From waterproof pram covers to stain-resistant car seat fabric, these synthetic chemicals don't break down in the body or the environment. The good news? Avoiding them is simpler than it sounds. This checklist gives you a quick, practical reference for every area of your baby's world.
1. Clothing Checklist
Look for:
- GOTS certified organic cotton — the gold standard for textile safety
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — independently tested and free from harmful substances
- Natural fibres — organic cotton, merino wool, bamboo (organically grown)
- Brands that publish their supply chain and certifications
Avoid:
- Waterproof-treated or 'water-repellent' fabrics (DWR coatings often contain PFAS)
- Stain-resistant or crease-resistant finishes
- Synthetic blends with polyester or nylon that haven't been independently certified
- Cheap imported babygrows without any certification
2. Bedding & Nursery
Look for:
- Organic cotton mattress covers and fitted sheets
- Solid natural wood furniture with water-based, non-toxic finishes
- OEKO-TEX or GOTS certified nursery textiles
- Untreated wool or organic cotton mattress fillings
Avoid:
- Memory foam or polyurethane foam cot mattresses without independent certification
- Items labelled 'flame retardant treated' — many use PFAS or related chemicals
- Vinyl or PVC changing mats (opt for organic cotton covers instead)
- Waterproof mattress protectors made with unknown synthetic coatings
3. Toys
Look for:
- Solid, untreated or naturally finished wood toys
- OEKO-TEX certified soft toys and stuffed animals
- Paints and finishes described as water-based and non-toxic
- Open-ended toys that don't rely on plastic coatings
Avoid:
- PVC or vinyl toys (especially bath toys and teethers)
- Anything labelled 'stain-resistant' or 'easy clean' without clarity on how
- Cheap painted wooden toys from unknown manufacturers
- Soft foam play mats without OEKO-TEX or equivalent certification
4. Skincare & Cleaning
Look for:
- Short, recognisable ingredient lists
- Plant-based, unfragranced baby skincare
- Fragrance-free, enzyme-based laundry detergents
- Certified organic brands that disclose full formulations
Avoid:
- Synthetic fragrance ('parfum' on labels can mask dozens of undisclosed chemicals)
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and SLES in washes and shampoos
- PFAS-containing stain repellents in laundry products
Shop our curated Low Tox and Plastic Free collections for safer alternatives. Browse our Wooden Toys and Skincare & Haircare ranges, all vetted for certification and transparency.
At Kiddykind, every brand on our platform is individually assessed against these standards before they're listed. We only work with makers who can demonstrate genuine commitment to safer materials, ethical production and environmental responsibility — so you don't have to do the research alone.
