Baby Products Research Articles

Online Marketing of Baby Care Products in India

India has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for the manufacturers and marketers of baby care products. The growing population in the 0-4 year category provides tremendous opportunities to the baby care product marketers worldwide. The favourable changes happened in the demographic and lifestyle aspects of Indian consumers have largely supported the rapid growth witnessed in the industry. With the advancements in modern technology and internet retailing, customers are able to make their purchases around the clock, without facing the constraints of time and place. Penetration of internet even to the rural India and the increased internet user base has widened the scope of online marketing of baby care products. Customers who buy products for babies are often found to be keen in searching sufficient information about the products before they take a decision with respect to their purchase. Online marketers have enabled the customers in searching, comparing and selecting the best suitable product for their babies at their convenience. Understanding the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats will help the marketers to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through effective strategy implementation.

Fall-related traumatic brain injury in children ages 0–4 years

Introduction: Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for children in the 0–4 year age group. There is limited literature pertaining to fall-related TBIs in children age 4 and under and the circumstances surrounding these TBIs. This study provides a national estimate and describes actions and products associated with fall-related TBI in this age group. Method: Data analyzed were from the 2001–2013 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program (NEISS–AIP), a nationally representative sample of emergency departments (ED). Case narratives were coded for actions associated with the fall, and product codes were abstracted to determine fall location and product type. All estimates were weighted. Results: An estimated 139,001 children younger than 5 years were treated annually in EDs for nonfatal, unintentional fall-related TBI injuries (total = 1,807,019 during 2001–2013). Overall, child actions (e.g., running) accounted for the greatest proportion of injuries and actions by others (e.g., carrying) was highest for children younger than 1 year. The majority of falls occurred in the home, and involved surfaces, fixtures, furniture, and baby products. Conclusions: Fall-related TBI in young children represents a significant public health burden. The majority of children seen for TBI assessment in EDs were released to home. Prevention efforts that target parent supervision practices and the home environment are indicated. Practical applications: Professionals in contact with parents of young children can remind them to establish a safe home and be attentive to the environment when carrying young children to prevent falls.

Formaldehyde Release From Baby Wipes: Analysis Using the Chromotropic Acid Method

Formaldehyde is a common preservative and strong sensitizer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the release of formaldehyde from baby/toddler wet wipes using the chromotropic acid method (CAM). An online search of best-selling baby wipes was conducted. None declared formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Standard CAM procedures were used: a 1 × 1-in square of fresh wipe was placed in a bottle with an open vial of 4 mg/1 mL of chromotropic acid and sulfuric acid solution, sealed, and stored for 48 hours. Formalin and water served as controls. A blinded investigator graded color change (negative, indeterminate, mild, moderate, or strong). For quality control, 20% of all samples as well as all positives were retested. Fifty-one popular and highly reviewed baby and toddler wet wipe products were tested using CAM. Twelve wipes (24%) released formaldehyde (8 mild, 4 moderate/strong). Chromotropic acid method testing of 9 wipes (18%) was indeterminate and 30 (59%) were negative. Almost one quarter of baby/toddler wet wipes released formaldehyde when evaluated with CAM. Patients and clinicians should be aware of this potentially undeclared source of this common allergen.

Trust Me I’m a Midwife: Corporate Sponsorship and Midwifery

Pregnant women and new mothers are a lucrative market for the baby products industry and midwives are able to provide valuable access to this market. The midwifery workforce is therefore wooed by the industry, which provides gifts and sponsorship in order to win favour and increase sales for their products. However, the acceptance of these may have ramifications for our professional integrity. Such association may impact on perceptions of our independent status when it comes to sharing information to enable women to make informed decisions. It may also have more global implications in relation to a sustainable future for the women and babies that we serve.

The Toxicological Analysis of Ni and Cr in Prescription Food for Special Medical Purposes and Modified Milk Products for Babies in Infancy Available in Pharmacies in Poland

Prescription food for special medical purposes (FSMPs) and modified milk products (MMPs) for babies in the infancy period available in pharmacies are increasingly frequently used for newborns and infants-especially in cases where allergies and food-borne diseases are diagnosed. However, there is a lack of scientific study around the safety assessment of the elemental impurities in these products. Importantly, the allergen Ni and the problematic metal Cr are little considered. Hence, the aim of this article was the toxicological analysis of Ni and Cr impurities in prescription FSMPs (n = 6) and MMPs (n = 6) for newborns and infants available in Polish pharmacies. For the best safety assessment, we include three approaches including (1) the levels of Ni and Cr in powdered products, (2) assessment of the daily dose depending on age and body weight of newborns and infants, and (3) the weekly intake of Ni and Cr in samples in comparison to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Our results show that, on the basis of our data, the products from pharmacies in Poland investigated in this study do not represent a real health hazard to newborns and infants, although there may be a requirement for the monitoring of levels of Ni. Our results are pioneer and provide valuable data for other scientists and manufacturers.

Rapid and on-site electrochemical detection of bisphenol A and arsenic indrinking water using a novel electrode array

The paper describes a novel dip-and-gauge hand-held sensor device for the rapid, cost-effective, and on-site detection of bisphenol A and arsenic in drinking water samples. Different working electrode diameters ranging from 1.5 mm to 4 mm were designed and fabricated to construct a new electrochemical biosensor. The sensor was employed for the chronoamperometric detection of bisphenol A and voltammetric determination of arsenic in drinking water samples. Bisphenol A measurements resulted in a detection limit of 10 ng mL$^{-1}$ with a linear range of 0-4000 ng mL$^{-1}$. Baby products and bottles have to be completely free of bisphenol and hence a liquid-phase microextraction method has been developed to reduce the detection limit further to 0.6 ng mL$^{-1}$. Arsenic detection was investigated in the concentration range of 0.4-250 ng mL$^{-1}$ with a detection limit of 1.9 ng mL$^{-1}$. The current study showed that the designed electrode array allows low detection limits (below threshold levels), although a bare gold surface is used for the study. Hence, together with a hand-held sensor device that works by simply dipping the sensor chip into a water container, this cost effective system has the potential to be used either by household consumers or for on-site inspection purposes.

CHANGE OF MICROBIOTAS OF MAIZE-BASED EXTRUDED PRODUCTS WITH VEGETABLE ADDITIVES DURING STORAGE

Recently, sugar maize has become more and more widely used for the production of new types of food. Its use in the production of cereal products for babies makes it possible to use no sugar in their composition, switch to the production of dietary and prophylactic products, which acquires high importance against the background of “rejuvenation” of diabetes and the manifestation of other nutritional diseases. To enhance the consumer properties of the finished product, to give it the appropriate taste, colour and aroma, as well as to enrich with vitamins, mineral components, flavonoids, phytoncides and glucosides, the following raw materials were selected as the main components for their preparation: maize grains, hullless barley grains in the ratio 1:1, liquorice root (2–4%), carrot roots (2–4%). The article presents the results of microbiota studies of extruded grain products with plant additives during storage. The obtained samples were stored in the laboratory in polypropylene, plastic packaging and cardboard boxes at room temperature of the air +(15–20)°C and air humidity 60–75%. The obtained results allow us to establish that with prolonged storage of commercial samples of extruded grain products with the inclusion of vegetable additives in different temperature and humidity conditions, as the shelf life increases, the number of bacteria decreases. The absolute number of spore-forming bacteria in the samples under study, which were stored in synthetic packaging, remained at the same level, and their relative content in the total bacterial flora increased. On the basis of the research, it has been established that the enrichment of products extruded from sugar maize grain with vegetable additives does not impair their microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics during long-term storage in unregulated conditions. It also allows expanding the range of this type of products.

Formaldehyde Release From Personal Care Products: Chromotropic Acid Method Analysis.

Preservatives such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers (F/FRs) are found in personal care products. Studies from Europe and Israel have indicated that products with undeclared F/FRs on product labels may have detectable levels of formaldehyde. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of formaldehyde in samples of US personal care products. Fifty-four baby and adult products were tested with the chromotropic acid method. A blinded investigator graded the color change as mild, moderate, or strong. All 8 products declaring F/FRs resulted in a deep purple color change, indicating a strong reaction. Of the 46 products with undeclared F/FRs, 4 (8.6%) were found to release formaldehyde. All 4 resulted in a light purple color change, indicating a mild reaction. Overall, 4 of 54 products (7.4%) had label information, which did not match chromotropic acid method testing results. Clinicians and formaldehyde-allergic individuals should be aware of the limitations of product ingredient labeling in managing allergic contact dermatitis to formaldehyde.

Children’s Car Seats Contain Legacy and Novel Flame Retardants

Brominated and phosphorus-based flame retardants (PFRs) were measured in foam and fabric samples from 18 newly marketed children’s car seats. The concentrations of two cyclic phosphonates {PMMMPs, 5-ethyl-2-methyl-2-oxido-1,3,2-dioxaphosphinan-5-yl)methyl methyl methylphosphonate and bis[(5-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-5-yl)methyl] methyl phosphonate p,p′-dioxide} were quantitatively measured for the first time in the North American environment and were much higher than those of other flame retardants. Median PMMMP concentrations were 73.6 μg/g, accounting on average for 52% of the total FR concentrations, indicating an intentional addition of PMMMPs during the manufacturing process of these car seats. Two other emerging PFRs [tris(2,4-di-Hi Katie,t-butylphenyl) phosphate (TDTBPP) and resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP)] were detected for the first time in baby products at median levels of 1.11 and 6.15 μg/g, respectively. Other frequently detected PFRs included triethyl phosphate (TEP), tr...

Overview of high-risk Food and Drug Administration recalls for cosmetics and personal care products from 2002 to 2016.

There have been several recent controversies surrounding cosmetic products that have impacted health. Dermatologists are often the first to encounter these issues, and recalls are one metric of a safety profile of cosmetics and their impact on health. To analyze all recalls of cosmetic and personal care products from 2002 to 2016. This observational study describes all FDA cosmetic and personal care product recalls, acquired via a Freedom of Information Act request, from 2002 to 2016. The total number of Class I, Class II, and Class III recalls, number and origin of manufacturers, number of products affected, and main reason for recall were collected. A total of 14 Class I, 266 Class II, and 33 Class III recalls were recorded. Baby products comprised the largest product category accounting for 24% of all recalls (76/313). 76% of recalls were due to bacterial contamination (237/313), followed by unapproved components, labeling issues, and skin irritation. The 14 Class I recalls accounted for 1.9 million products in distribution. Cosmetic recalls impacted millions of products and had the potential to cause serious harm. Dermatologists have the ability to strengthen public safety by reporting adverse events, encouraging recalls of harmful products, and lobbying through dermatology organizations for meaningful change to current cosmetic regulation.

Amazon unveils chemical policy

A new chemical policy is coming to a small corner of Amazon’s vast online bazaar. The retailer says its private-label consumer products will be formulated without 54 chemicals found to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, persistent, bioaccumulative, or otherwise potentially harmful. Private brands are a small but growing portion of Amazon’s sales. The site sells a handful of baby, personal care, cleaning, and cosmetics products labeled as Amazon Essentials, AmazonBasics, and less-obvious names such as Presto. The restricted chemicals generally fall under the categories of parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates, and formaldehyde donor preservatives. Amazon’s list also includes the antimicrobial triclosan. The move comes one month before the release of an annual report grading retailer chemical policies from Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a consortium of consumer advocacy groups. Amazon scored a D in the 2017 report. Similarly, Rite Aid drugstores scored a D+ last year; last month, the ch...

Analysis of phthalate esters in two different baby care products available in United Arab Emirates

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in a wide range of products and are known to affect the human health adversely. Hence, the present study was carried out to identify and quantify the presence of four phthalates namely dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the two baby products i.e. baby oils and baby lotions. The daily exposure levels and hazard index of each phthalate were also calculated. It was an analytical study where two different brands of samples of baby oil and baby lotion each, from the date of manufacturing of 3, 10, and 20 months were collected. The extraction of phthalates from different samples was done and analyzed using HPTLC. Results showed the presence of all four phthalates, although some phthalates were not present in 3 M samples. The maximum concentration of all the phthalates was found in 20 M samples. Their concentration increased with the storage time indicating the possibility of leaching and migration of phthalates from the container into the product. The hazard indices for phthalates estimated for baby oil and baby lotion were found below 1, which denotes that the daily phthalate exposures are within the regulatory limits. It is important to consider that the exposure to phthalates can occur not only by dermal contact of these baby products but also through other routes. Hence, the study signifies the importance of phthalates concentration in such regularly used products.

Infants' Exposure to Organophosphate Esters (OPES)

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are frequently used as flame retardants and plasticizers in consumer products, including those specifically designed for use by infants (e.g. carseats and play mats). Though data suggest nearly everyone is exposed to OPEs, exposure levels among infants and the factors associated with higher levels of exposure are largely unknown. As a part of the ongoing CHildren’s Immune ResPonse (CHIRP) Study, urine samples were collected from central North Carolina children at 2 and 12 months of age (89 samples from 61 individual children). Using mass spectrometry methods we measured 6 urinary OPE metabolites in samples. Bis(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) were detected in 100% of sample and other metabolites were also detected frequently [>80 of samples contained isopropyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP), bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) 1-hydroxy-2-propyl phosphate (BCIPHIPP), bis(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (BCIPP), and tert butyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (tb-PPP)]. Median metabolite concentrations were generally substantially higher than those reported for older children or adults. Age was inversely associated with chlorinated metabolites. For example, BCIPHIPP levels were 3.7 times higher at 2 months of age than at 12 months of age (10β=4.7: 95% Confidence Interval: 3.1, 6.2). Breastfeeding was associated with significantly higher BCIPHIPP levels (10β=1.7: 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5) and suggestively higher levels of several other metabolites, indicating that breastmilk may be a source of exposure to OPEs. Demographic characteristics were associated with urinary metabolites (e.g. maternal education and race) as was the season of sample collection. Ownership and use of various baby products was also associated with OPE metabolites, but patterns varied by age and metabolite. Cumulatively, results indicate that infants have higher levels of exposure to OPEs, raising concerns given infants’ sensitivity to environmental insults.

Prevalence of potential contact allergens in baby cosmetic products.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an increasing problem in children. We sought to investigate the extent of haptens or contact allergens present in baby cosmetic products. Computer programming scripts were written to web-scrape UK supermarkets and pharmacies. In total, 438 unique 'baby products' were identified, and constituent ingredient information was extracted. Data were cross-referenced against 10 standardized patch test reference series. We found that 88% of products had at least one reference contact allergen. There was a mean of 2.21 (range 1-15) reference allergens per product. The most abundant compounds were parabens, fragrances, cetyl/steryl alcohol, methylisothiazolinone, sodium lauryl sulfate and lanolin alcohol. Branded products and those marketed as 'sensitive/gentle/organic/fragrance-free' appeared to contain a greater number of reference allergens than those not marketed as such. This study highlights the increasing number of cosmetic products targeted to children in the UK, and the extent of potential allergens present in these products.

Characterisation of silver release from nanoparticle-treated baby products

ABSTRACTWe tested six kinds of commercially available baby products containing nano-silver and divided them into two categories: baby food containers and baby oral care products, according to usage. We measured the total mass of silver, particle size, particle number concentration and the mobility under different simulated conditions. The total mass of silver in baby products and migration solutions was quantified by ICP-MS analysis, and the size of the migrated particles was investigated by single particle ICP-MS and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer. Nano-silver has different migration behaviour in different materials, and the total mass of silver released in 3% acetic acid was generally highest for plastic material, while highest in 10% ethanol for silicone material. For baby food containers and baby oral care products, the total amount of silver in the migration solutions varied from 2.98 to 126.46 ng/dm2 and from 2.01 to 2.83 ng/g, respectively. The research shows that the use of baby products containing silver may expose babies to silver nanoparticles.

Effects of pH, UV-B radiation and NaCl on anthocyanin stability from vivid blue petals of Clitoria ternatea L., a potential natural colourant from legume crop

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of pH, UV-B radiation and NaCl on anthocyanin extracted from vivid blue petals of Clitoria ternatea L. (legume crop), as a potential natural colourant for food, dye or coating technology.Design/methodology/approachThe anthocyanin from petals of Clitoria ternatea was extracted using 0.5 per cent trifluroacetic (TFA) in methanol solution. The liquid colourant was exposed to different pH (1, 4.5 and 5.5), UV-B radiation and sodium chloride (NaCl). The results were compared using UV-vis spectrophotometric analysis.FindingsAnthocyanins are sensitive and quickly degrade in the presence of light. In the dry powder form, the anthocyanin is easier to maintain and preserve (storage).Research limitations/implicationsAnthocyanins extracted from vivid blue petals of Clitoria ternatea L. are sensitive and quickly degrade in the presence of light.Practical implicationsThe anthocyanin pigments extracted from Clitoria ternatea L. petals with methanolic acid were successfully coated on glass slides. The combination of binders and pigments had produced environmental paint which added with stabilisers (additives) for better durability. Acrylic has been known for its high weathering and embrittlement resistance, good mechanical and electrochemical properties and gloss retention.Social implicationsThis anthocyanin is suitable as natural colourant especially in baby products, cosmetics production or for coating and varnish application.Originality/valueTill date, the natural colourant of Clitoria ternatea L. petals is widely used in food. However, this result is a new finding, as there is no report on the potential of applications of this natural colourant for coating technology. Therefore, the current study with appropriate extraction method was significantly based on the relevant literatures of coating production from pigment by using other plant species. The findings and conclusion highlight the practicality as the potential applications in coating technology.

Implications for pediatric dermatologists: FDA-reported cosmetic adverse events and baby products

Implications for pediatric dermatologists: FDA-reported cosmetic adverse events and baby products

Volatile chemical emissions from fragranced baby products

Fragranced consumer products have been associated with adverse effects on human health. Babies are exposed to a variety of fragranced consumer products, which can emit numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some considered potentially hazardous. However, fragranced baby products are exempt from disclosure of all ingredients. Consequently, parents and the public have little information on product emissions. This study investigates VOCs emitted from a range of fragranced baby products, including baby hair shampoos, body washes, lotions, creams, ointments, oils, hair sprays, and fragrance. The products were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) headspace analysis. Of the 42 baby products tested, 21 products made claims of green, organic, or all-natural. Results of the analysis found 684 VOCs emitted collectively from the 42 products, representing 228 different VOCs. Of these 684 VOCs, 207 are classified as potentially hazardous under federal regulations, representing 43 different VOCs. The most common VOCs emitted were limonene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, alpha-pinene, linalool, beta-myrcene, acetone, and beta-pinene. A comparison between ingredients emitted and ingredients listed reveals that only 5% of the 684 VOCs, including 12% of 207 potentially hazardous VOCs, were listed on the product label, safety data sheet, or website. More than 95% of both green and regular products emitted one or more potentially hazardous VOCs. Further, emissions of the most prevalent VOCs from green, organic, or all-natural products were not significantly different from regular products. Results from this study can help improve public awareness about emissions from baby products, with the aim to reduce pollutant exposure and potential adverse effects on babies.

PENGARUH KONSUMSI EKSTRAK DAUN SAUROPUS ANDROGYNUS (L) Meer (KATU) DENGAN PENINGKATAN HORMON PROLAKTIN IBU MENYUSUI DAN PERKEMBANGAN BAYI DI KELURAHAN WONOKROMO SURABAYA

Breast milk contains more than a hundred kind of nutrient that needed for baby’s growth and development. But now theres so many mother that didn’t give breast milk because they didn’t produce enough. One of the method that can increase the poduction of breast milk is with giving the breast feeding mother katu’s leaf. This research head for analyze influence of consumption the leaf of Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr (Katu) that related with raising prolactin hormones of the breast feeding mother and babies development in Wonokromo Surabaya district. This research is Quasi Experiment research with using the post test-only control group design. The population that being the target for this research is all of the breast feeding mother that consume katu’s leaf as many as 18 and 6 people as control. The research unit as many as 24 respondent obtained with using simple random sampling technique. Free variable is extract of katu’s leaf and dependent variabel is prolactin hormones and baby’s development. Collect the data with using check list, and examination of blood samples with pra screening of development questionnaire Result of One Way Anova test between consume katu’s leaf extract with the level of prolactin hormones obtained a significant difference (p = 0,000). The conclusion of this research is the treatment 2 and 3 have the significant result. To increase the production of breast milk and baby’s development maximally the breast feeding mother be expected to consume the katu’s leaf 2 until 3 times a day.

Adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration from 2004 to 2016 for cosmetics and personal care products marketed to newborns and infants.

Despite their ubiquitous use and several recent health controversies involving cosmetics and personal care products for children, the Food and Drug Administration has little oversight of these products and relies on consumer-submitted adverse event reports. We assessed the recently released Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System database for adverse event reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for baby personal care products and to determine whether useful insights can be derived. We extracted the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System data file from 2004 to 2016 and examined the subset classified according to the Food and Drug Administration-designated product class as a baby product. Events were manually categorized into product type and symptom type to assess for trends. Only 166 total adverse events were reported to the Food and Drug Administration for baby products from 2004 to 2016. The majority of reports indicated rash or other skin reaction; 46% of reported events led to a health care visit. Pediatric dermatologists should consider submitting cosmetics and personal care product adverse event reports and encouraging consumers to do so likewise insituations in which a product adversely affects a child's health.