During cold and flu season, we hear from manufacturers of disinfectants that we as parents need to use their products to keep our babies healthy, but we have natural alternatives to chemical disinfectants, sanitizers, antimicrobial effects, and products designed to help us feel fearful—with the possibility of alleviating that fear through consumption.
Women’s Voices for the Earth, an organization working to eliminate toxic chemicals that impact women’s health, has published the study Disinfectant Overkill, which outlines how an obsession with TOO clean can cause unanticipated, negative health effects. They recommend basic handwashing, food safety, and natural cleaning products to avoid introducing harmful disinfectants into our lives to clean what doesn’t necessarily need to be cleaned.
Avoid Spreading Germs Naturally
To avoid spreading germs, wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap. Simple!
While you are out and about, don’t touch doorknobs. My children are great at remembering to use sleeves or shirttails to hold door handles. That’s one step.
You can’t avoid all germs, though. If you feel the need to clean your hands while you are away from home, consider a hand sanitizer that uses natural ingredients with no harmful health effects.
Clean George Hand Purifier
Clean George spray on hand sanitizer relies on the natural antiseptic properties of Tea Tree Oil and Manuka Oil combined with moisturizing properties of Sweet Almond Oil, Acai Pulp Oil, Clay from the Swiss Alps and Beeswax. bynature.ca’s NatureMom is never without a bottle away from home.
Cleanwell Hand Sanitizer
Cleanwell Hand Sanitizer uses essential oils from plant to kill 99.99% of the germs that can make you sick. The naturally non-toxic, alcohol-free formula is safe for kids and for sensitive skin. The flip top is easy to use one handed, which is how we operate with babies.
Natural Prevention
Good nutrition and plenty of sleep should be your family’s first defense against illness. If you are going to take additional preventative measures, you can give your child vitamins from natural sources.
Baby D Drops
Baby D Drops is a liquid vitamin D designed specifically for breastfed babies and infants. Only 1 drop is required to provide the full daily dose as recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics. We also carry D Drops for adults, recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sambucol for Kids
Sambucol is a black elderberry extract rich in immune supporting flavonoids, natural antioxidants that have a remarkable ability to stimulate the body’s immune system. This clinically tested liquid speeds flu recovery by up to 4 days. We carry adult formula Sambucol also.
Natural Cold and Flu Pack
These natural cold and flu prevention products are what NatureMom uses with her two young girls throughout the winter months. She finds these help immensely. The colds in their home have decreased substantially, and, with two kids in daycare, that is no small feat. She particularly loves that these are all-natural products that are safe for her little ones. I hope you find the same success with them in your home as you use natural alternatives to fight cold and flu this season.
Image © Igor Vorobyov | Dreamstime.com
