A Recent Study Suggests They Might Be — Even in Our Own Homes
As parents, we work so hard to give our little ones the safest start — we read every label, prep thoughtful meals, and choose the softest clothes and toys with care. But a new study published in July 2025 has uncovered something deeply unsettling: many toddlers may already be carrying toxic chemicals in their bodies before they even reach kindergarten.
The research, conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and reported in PEOPLE Magazine by Anna Lazarus Caplan, analyzed biological samples from 1,581 preschool-aged children across the United States. The findings? Almost every child showed signs of exposure to harmful substances like phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS — chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the body or the environment.
These chemicals are commonly found in:
- Plastics
- Food packaging
- Personal care products
- Household dust
And even fabrics
Yes — the very things our children wear, snuggle into, and sleep in.
“Our findings make clear that young children are disproportionately exposed to many toxicants that may impact their development,”
— Dr. Jessie Buckley, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins and senior author of the study
These substances, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, have been linked to:
- Hormonal disruption
- Developmental delays
- Fertility issues later in life
- Increased risk of chronic disease
And what’s most sobering? Most of these exposures are happening right inside the home — in places we assume are safe.
So What Can We Do?
Until stronger consumer protections are in place, it’s up to us — as parents and caregivers — to make thoughtful, informed choices. And that’s exactly why The Cotton Lane exists.
From the very beginning, we’ve committed to using safest-possible materials in everything we make. Our new TENCEL™ pajamas are made from a certified, closed-loop fiber system that’s free from harmful chemical residues, unlike bamboo rayon or many flame-retardant-treated synthetics. They’re naturally breathable, buttery soft, and gentle on sensitive skin — without the greenwashing or guesswork.
Because when it comes to our children, soft shouldn’t mean unsafe.
Final Thoughts
This study is a wake-up call, but it’s also a reminder that small, everyday choices — like what we dress our babies in, what they sleep on, and what surrounds them — truly matter. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it thoughtfully.
And we’re here to help you do that, one cozy romper at a time.
Sources:
- PEOPLE Magazine (July 2025): Toddlers Already Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Before Kindergarten, Study Finds
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Study on Preschool-Age Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (2025)
