Safer gifts under $25 for baby showers

Expectant parents and caregivers can find the number of products designed for babies overwhelming. Baby registries can help organize their needs but can be a challenge to plan.

Adding to the complication is that the vast selection of baby-specific products can include many with harmful ingredients. Since their bodies are still developing, babies are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure that can lead to health harms. 

For example, exposure to volatile organic compounds can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system and cause diarrhea and earache in infants. Another class of chemicals, phthalates, can affect growth and development hormones in children. 

EWG Verified® can help you winnow your registry list. Products with this mark have been reviewed by our scientists and meet our highest standards of ingredient safety and transparency. 

This article is full of EWG Verified products that would be a welcome addition to any baby registry. What’s more, they’re all available for $25 or less. And if you’d like more options, visit our Amazon storefront, where you’ll find more EWG Verified baby products. 

Daily care 

When you’re selecting baby care products, remember their skin is more sensitive, needing special attention and care.  

If you are searching for a full-body moisturizer, consider Proudly Ultra-Rich Body Butter. Proudly’s products are designed especially for melanated babies.

Botao Baby Strawberry Flavored Toothpaste is an effective, fluoride-free option for your baby’s first teeth. 

Sunscreen can be an important addition to a registry. Remember that if your baby is younger than 6 months old, keep them out of direct sunlight. Young skin is still developing, so it is thinner and damages more easily. Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is one option to help keep your baby safe. Our Guide to Sunscreens also provides a variety of other effective baby and child products.  

Bathtime 

Some bathtime products contain harsh or harmful chemicals. HealthyBaby’s 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash System is designed for babies’ sensitive skin. It is formulated with botanicals and probiotics that support healthy, balanced skin. 

Bathtime shouldn’t always be a chore. One way to add some magic is by using Honest’s Gently Nourishing Bubble Bath. The formula is tear-free and designed for all skin types. 

EllaOla Baby Bath Soak is another gentle and effective bathtime product, helping soothe irritated skin. The individual “tea bag” packets make it perfect for travel. 

Diapers

Your baby will spend most of their early years in diapers. Yet the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to publicly disclose their ingredients or test products for materials of concern. Due to babies’ developing skin, it’s important that diapers are free from any potentially harmful chemicals.

HealthyBaby and Attitude diapers carry the EWG Verified mark of transparency and safety. 

Diaper changing

Babies need a lot of diaper changes – 2,500 in the first year alone, to be exact. Baby wipes and diaper creams are essential elements of any diaper-changing kit, but they can also contain harmful ingredients. 

EWG Verified also marks safe and effective diaper change products. Kudos Premium Wet Wipes, Pura Baby Wipes and Attitude Baby Leaves Diaper Cream gently and effectively clean babies’ skin and prevent irritation.