You soothe your baby’s skin with lotions, powders and shampoos that will help him feel and smell like, well, a baby. But many baby-care products today contain phthalates, synthetic chemicals used in plastics, vinyl products and fragrance that recent research suggests may be harmful to little ones.

A study from Seattle Children’s Hospital research institute reveals a strong association between an infant’s phthalate levels and his exposure to these products. “Phthalates have been associated with conditions such as allergies, asthma and changes in reproductive hormones,” says Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, lead author of the study, “and infants are especially vulnerable to phthalate exposure because of their developing endocrine and reproductive tracts.” Check packaging to find phthalate-free baby-skin-care items.

For example, Lavera has offered phthalate-free products for 20 years. Try the multi-purpose baby cream, enriched with almond and jojoba oils, to nourish dry skin on the face, body or diaper area ($15, lavera.com).