From time to time, ethical writers will go into a frenzy about formaldehyde danger for babies and how traces of formaldehyde on cotton fabric will shortly bring about the end of the human race as we know it… starting with our smallest citizens.
Could it be that the recurring kerfuffle about formaldehyde is just hypochrondria-hype? Should all parents be very afraid about clothing their baby from their first day in soft cotton baby singlets? Or even plain baby t-shirts and rompers? Let’s see if we can separate fact from fiction regarding this particular chemical and what threat – if any – it may pose to baby’s health and wellbeing.
Firstly, it’s a fact that formaldehyde is a toxic chemical. Just the word itself sounds like something you really wouldn’t want to get a baby very close to. Isn’t it used for pickling laboratory organs? Well fundamentally, but formaldehyde is also one of several chemicals that are used in fabric factory production. But do the ends justify the means? Or is the threat blown out of all proportion?
There are essentially two kinds of solutions for woven material which contain formaldehyde. One kind washes out without delay and the other is made to bind forever to textile, performing efficiently and emitting its inherent toxicity over time. Of course, it’s those wonderful ’no iron’ and crease-resistant treatments which fall into this category. These manufacturing processes contain formaldehyde-based resins that will persist on the fabric over its lifetime. It’s elementary to test for formaldehyde. For the whole time that the ‘permanent press’ treatment is noticeable on the fabric, the formaldehyde is giving off its toxicity to whatever extent.
The good news for babies the world over, most baby clothes are made from plant-based cotton fabric. During the manufacturing process, cotton fabric is treated with a solution which contains formaldehyde. This “size” formula makes the cotton fabric smoother and more crease-resistant. The increased surface sheen also makes the material more even more smooth, so it can be cut and sewn by machinists faster in the factory. This enhanced smoothness helps all the way along to the shops and boutiques, where clothes can be displayed straight out of the packing box without re-ironing.
So yes, chances are that the new baby t-shirts you buy anywhere carry a detectable formaldehyde presence. But anyone who has bought a brand new t-shirt, given it one wearing and put it through the laundry cycle will know that “brand new feel” and “silky” finish… these generally suitable qualities will not survive the first wash.
For parents who are concerned about the idea of formaldehyde in baby t-shirts etcgarments and blankets), the solutions are very straightforward:
1. It’s straight into the washing machine for all new baby clothing items properly with laundry soap or detergent before putting them on baby.
2. Beware buying, giving or receiving baby wear that claims to be “wrinkle-free” or “little ironing required”.
Taking heed of these no-nonsense precautions will mean that little ones can enjoy all the comfort and practicality of cotton baby clothing, without this clever choice weighing too heavily on the consciences of their families.
