Our Product Standards & How We Curate

Our Safety & Sustainability Standards

At Nature Kids Co., we use terms like "non-toxic," "eco-friendly," and "sustainable" to help parents find safer products for their children. This page explains exactly what we mean by these terms, the standards we use, and how we curate our product selection.

Our Approach to Product Curation

We believe parents deserve transparency about what goes into—and onto—their children's products. Our curation process focuses on:

  • Material Safety: Prioritizing products made from materials with established safety profiles for children
  • Chemical Avoidance: Eliminating products containing chemicals of concern (listed below)
  • Environmental Impact: Choosing materials and manufacturers with lower environmental footprints when possible
  • Third-Party Verification: Prioritizing brands that conduct independent safety testing

How We Define Key Terms

"Non-Toxic" Products

When we describe a product as "non-toxic," we mean it meets the following criteria:

  • Free from regulated harmful chemicals including:
    • BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPA alternatives (BPS, BPF)
    • Phthalates prohibited under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
    • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
    • Lead and other heavy metals above regulatory limits
    • Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
  • Made from materials with established safety profiles for children's products (natural rubber, medical-grade silicone, food-grade stainless steel, untreated wood, organic cotton, etc.)
  • Third-party tested when available for additional harmful substances

Important Clarification: We acknowledge that no manufactured product is completely without any chemical composition or environmental impact. Our use of "non-toxic" is shorthand for "free from chemicals of concern as identified by regulatory bodies and independent research, and made from materials with demonstrated safety for children."

"Eco-Friendly" & "Sustainable" Products

When we describe a product as "eco-friendly" or "sustainable," we mean it demonstrates one or more of these specific environmental benefits compared to conventional alternatives:

  • Made from renewable materials: Natural rubber, organic cotton, bamboo, FSC-certified wood
  • Biodegradable or compostable: Natural materials that break down without persistent microplastics
  • Lower carbon footprint: Products with transparent supply chains and reduced transportation emissions
  • Reduced plastic content: Minimizing or eliminating conventional petroleum-based plastics
  • Ethical manufacturing: Fair trade certification, B Corp certification, or documented ethical labor practices
  • Circular economy principles: Recyclable, reusable, or made from recycled materials

Important Clarification: We recognize that all manufactured products have some environmental impact, including energy use, water consumption, and transportation emissions. When we use "eco-friendly" or "sustainable," we're indicating that the product has a demonstrably lower environmental impact in specific, measurable ways compared to conventional plastic alternatives. We do not claim that any product has zero environmental impact.

"Natural" Materials

When we describe materials as "natural," we mean:

  • Derived from plant, mineral, or animal sources rather than synthetic petroleum-based chemicals
  • Minimally processed when possible, though we acknowledge some processing is necessary for safety and durability
  • Free from synthetic additives like artificial colors, fragrances, or chemical softeners

Examples: Natural rubber from rubber trees, organic cotton, unfinished wood, beeswax, mineral-based pigments

"Medical-Grade" Materials

Products described as "medical-grade" contain materials that:

  • Meet FDA standards for use in medical devices or food contact
  • Are biocompatible and safe for prolonged human contact
  • Have been tested for purity and absence of harmful extractables

Examples: Medical-grade silicone, food-grade materials

Chemicals of Concern We Avoid

Based on current research and regulatory guidance, we exclude products containing:

Chemical/Class Why We Avoid It Common in
BPA, BPS, BPF Endocrine disruptors linked to developmental and reproductive harm Plastic bottles, can linings, receipts
Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, etc.) Hormone disruptors, banned in children's products above 0.1% Soft plastics, vinyl, fragranced products
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Often contains phthalates, can release harmful chemicals Plastic toys, teethers, bath toys
Lead & Heavy Metals Neurotoxic, especially harmful to developing brains Paint, ceramics, jewelry, imported products
Formaldehyde Known carcinogen, respiratory irritant Pressed wood, textiles, preservatives
Flame Retardants (PBDEs, TDCPP) Endocrine disruptors, persist in environment Foam products, textiles, electronics
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) "Forever chemicals" linked to immune, liver, and developmental harm Stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick coatings, waterproof items
Artificial Fragrances May contain phthalates and allergens; undisclosed ingredients Personal care products, cleaning products, scented toys

Third-Party Certifications We Value

While not every product we carry has every certification, we prioritize brands that pursue independent verification:

🔬 Safety Certifications

  • CPSC Compliance: Meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
  • ASTM Standards: Passes rigorous safety testing protocols
  • EN71 (European Standard): Meets strict EU safety requirements
  • OEKO-TEX: Textiles tested for harmful substances

🌱 Environmental Certifications

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Organic fiber certification
  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Sustainably sourced wood/rubber
  • B Corp: Meets high standards of social and environmental performance
  • Cradle to Cradle: Products designed for circular economy

🍃 Organic Certifications

  • USDA Organic: For cotton and other agricultural materials
  • GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): For organic rubber products
  • NSF/ANSI 305: Personal care products with organic ingredients

🧪 Material Purity

  • FDA Food Contact Safe: Materials approved for food contact
  • USP Class VI: Medical-grade material certification
  • Greenguard Gold: Low chemical emissions

Our Product Curation Process

Every product on Nature Kids Co. goes through our evaluation process:

Step 1: Material Review

We verify product information for primary materials and ensure they meet our safety criteria (no BPA, phthalates, PVC, etc.)

Step 2: Brand Research

We evaluate the manufacturer's safety testing practices, transparency, and track record

Step 3: Third-Party Verification

We prioritize products with independent testing and certifications

Step 4: Environmental Impact Assessment

We consider material sustainability, manufacturing practices, and end-of-life disposal

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

We stay current with new research and remove products if safety concerns emerge

What We Don't Know (And Why That Matters)

We believe in transparency about the limitations of current safety testing:

Emerging Research

Chemical safety science is constantly evolving. Substances once considered safe may later be found problematic. We commit to updating our standards as new research emerges and removing products if safety concerns develop.

Individual Sensitivities

Even "non-toxic" materials can cause reactions in individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities (e.g., latex allergy to natural rubber). Parents should always consider their child's unique health needs.

Manufacturing Variability

While we select reputable brands, we cannot verify and test every individual product unit. We have to rely on manufacturer practices and information provided.

Trade-Offs

Sometimes "safer" materials have environmental trade-offs, or "greener" options may require more chemical processing. We strive for balance and are transparent about these considerations in our product guides.

Questions or Concerns?

We welcome questions about our standards and product selection. If you:

  • Have concerns about a product we carry
  • Have new research we should consider
  • Want to suggest products for evaluation
  • Need clarification on our terminology

Please contact us at support@naturekidsco.com

This page was last updated: January 2026. We review and update our standards regularly as new research emerges.