Why I'm Cutting Down on Plastics for My Baby – What the Research Tells Us About Microplastics

When I first became a mum, I didn’t think much about plastic. Like many people, I assumed the products available in baby shops had been properly vetted—surely someone had checked what materials they were made of and whether they were safe?

It was only after a few months, when I began looking into the ingredients in formula tins and the materials in baby bottles and toys, that I came across research on microplastics. Since then, I’ve been gradually learning how widespread they are—and how deeply they’ve made their way into our homes, food and even our bodies.

This blog is a space for parents who want to understand the issue, not out of panic, but because making informed choices for our children feels more important than ever.

What Are Microplastics and Why They Matter for Babies

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They’re produced when larger plastic items degrade (like food packaging or synthetic clothing), or they’re manufactured in micro form from the start—think glitter or microbeads in some cosmetics.

Once they’re in the environment, they’re incredibly difficult to remove. And according to a growing body of scientific research, they’re turning up everywhere:

• In household dust

• In tap and bottled water

• In food packaging

• In fish and sea salt

• And now, alarmingly, in the human body

A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found microplastics in baby faeces at levels up to 10 times higher than in adults. Another study detected microplastics in human placentas, and more recently, researchers have found particles in breast milk.

It’s still early days in terms of understanding the full health implications, but scientists are particularly concerned about potential links to hormonal disruption, immune system effects, and developmental changes—especially in infants, whose bodies are still growing and far more vulnerable to environmental exposures.

How Babies Get Exposed to More Microplastics

There are several reasons why babies are likely to be exposed to higher levels of microplastics than we are:

• They spend more time on the floor, where dust containing microplastic particles tends to settle.

• They put more things in their mouths, especially plastic toys and teething aids.

• Many baby items are made from or wrapped in plastic, from feeding equipment to clothing made of polyester blends.

Even something as ordinary as a bottle-feeding routine can be a source. A 2020 study published in Nature Food showed that when plastic baby bottles are sterilised and used with hot liquids, they can release millions of microplastic particles into the milk or formula.

It can feel overwhelming—but it also made me more determined to make some changes.

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Baby’s Exposure

We’re not a plastic-free household (very few people truly are), but I’ve started taking practical steps to reduce exposure where I can. That includes:

• Choosing glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic

• Using natural rubber or wooden toys

• Dressing my baby in organic cotton or wool where possible

• Avoiding plastic in the kitchen when preparing and storing food

• Looking for cleaning and laundry products that minimise synthetic microfibre release

These swaps aren’t always easy—or cheap—but they’ve been manageable when introduced gradually. I’ve also tried to avoid the mindset of needing to do everything perfectly. For me, it’s more about reducing risk where it matters most. 

To get you started here's the Plastic- Free Essentials collection.... the must haves to minimise exposure.

Why I Started The Plastic Free Baby Co.

The idea behind this business came from the frustration of not being able to find simple, trusted alternatives without spending hours researching or reading ingredient labels. I wanted to create a place that offered well-designed, genuinely plastic-free baby essentials—backed by research and tested by real parents.

This blog is part of that mission. I’ll be sharing evidence-based guides, breaking down relevant studies into something readable, and offering practical suggestions for making changes without losing your head—or your budget.

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, I’ll be covering:

• Which baby products are the biggest microplastic offenders

• The science behind safer materials like natural rubber, silicone, and glass

• How to reduce microplastic exposure in the home, one room at a time

• What the latest research says about plastics and child health

• And how to find a balance that works for your family

If you’re curious, concerned, or just keen to learn a bit more—stick around. You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s just about knowing what to look out for, and feeling supported as you make changes at your own pace. 

Thanks for joining us on this journey. 
Rowan
Founder, The Plastic Free Baby Co.