Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a plastic material that is commonly used to coat children’s toys and other products. It has a soft, flexible feel and is scratch-resistant, making it an ideal material for products that are handled by children. However, with recent concerns over the safety of plastic chemicals, parents may be wondering whether using TPU coating on baby products is safe.
The good news is that TPU has been found to be non-toxic and non-reactive when used as intended in infant products. This material has even been recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as one of the most safe materials for use on food contact surfaces due to its low level of residual chemicals after processing. In addition, studies have found that there are no health risks associated with prolonged contact with these materials.
Despite these findings, it is still important to do your research before buying baby products coated with TPU materials. Be sure to check the label for details about how the product was manufactured and any safety certifications given to the item by independent third-party organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). You should also look for product feedbacks from other parents who have bought similar items and ask company representatives questions if you have them
What is TPU Coating?
TPU coating, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane coating, is a soft, flexible plastic that can be found on a variety of products. It is most commonly used as a finish on clothing, bags and other personal items because it provides excellent water resistance and it has the ability to protect from wear and tear. Its texture makes it ideal for protecting against dirt and stains.
TPU coating has also become increasingly popular in manufacturing items for babies due to its safety features. Not only does it provide protection against dirt and moisture but also provides for durability making these products last longer. The non-toxic nature of this type of plastic is important when considering the fact that babies may come into contact with these items directly from their skin or mouths. Additionally, the surface of a TPU coated product will not easily “peel” over time so parents can rest assured that the product they purchase today can be relied upon to be as safe tomorrow as when they first bought it.
There are no reported harms associated with using TPU coated materials as baby products meaning this coating should meet all safety requirements for use with children’s items such as toys and clothing. With its many protective characteristics making safe baby products appears effortless when TPU coating requirements are met in manufacturing operations done by responsible companies who prioritize safety with everything they produce – making them ideal choices for parents looking to buy baby accessories without fear of potentially dangerous chemicals or materials being used in the production process.
Benefits of TPU Coating
TPU coating, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane, is a unique material that provides high-performance benefits in protective products, including baby bibs, diapers, and baby bottles. This waterproof and soft-touch coating resists wear and tear and offers excellent flexibility in both low and high temperatures. It goes through rigorous testing to ensure it does not contain any toxic substances to ensure the safety of your baby’s health.
Benefits of TPU Coating
The main advantage of TPU coating is that it is highly waterproof but breathable. A true seal on a garment or item will provide superior protection against liquids while allowing air molecules to move around freely through a coat of holes or perforations built into the fabric. This keeps the item from feeling sweaty or wet while still providing effective protection in wet environments such as pools, beaches, and more.
Another great benefit of TPU is its superior durability; it performs well when subjected to stretching without losing its shape or properties over time. This allows items made with the material to keep their shape better than other materials over time during wear and washing cycles. Furthermore, surfaces treated with TPU are often easy to clean since dirt does not stick as much compared to other types of coatings and materials used for babies’ products.
It’s also important to note that TPU has been rigorously tested for any traces of toxic substances making it safe for use on contact surfaces for babies such as bibs, soother pacifiers, bottles etc which contact direct skin areas. This helps make sure your baby doesn’t suffer from any adverse skin reactions due to prolonged contact with coated products which could contain hazardous chemicals like some PVC coatings can have if they are not correctly treated prior use
Potential Health Risks
TPU coating is a popular choice for infant items like bottles and nipples, but there is a lot of debate about whether or not it is safe for babies. Some research suggests that TPU coating could leach hazardous chemicals into the liquid, which could then be ingested by babies. There are some possible health risks associated with using TPU coatings that should be considered before deciding to use them in your infant items.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to harden plastics and make them more resistant to heat and damage. It is commonly found in many everyday items, such as baby bottles, sippy cups, food containers, and plastic dinnerware.
The potential health risks of exposure to BPA have been the subject of intensive research for many years. In general, studies have shown that long-term exposure to BPA can lead to increased cancer risk as well as developmental and reproductive problems. Additional effects may include reduced fertility and an increased risk of diabetes.
BPA has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with normal hormonal system functions like metabolism, reproduction, or development. Animal tests suggest that even very low levels of BPA exposure can increase stress hormones in the body and lead to health problems such as obesity or neurological issues like cognitive dysfunction or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Recent studies suggest that early life exposure to BPA may be especially harmful due to its potential impact on brain development and behaviour regulation in children under 5 years old. In addition, infants may be more vulnerable than adults due to their immature digestive systems and tend to absorb higher doses of BPA more quickly when compared with older children and adults.
Therefore it is important for parents to be aware of what materials their infant and toddler products are made from before buying them, particularly items that may come into contact with saliva or food such as mealtime sets, sippy cups and bottles which often contain TPU coating which can leech trace amounts of BPA over time.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in many commercial synthetic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and TPU coatings. They are primarily used to make the material flexible and durable, but the concern is that they can be released into the environment over time.
The risk of exposure to phthalates from TPU coating may vary depending on manufacturer or production process. Some phthalates have been banned from being used in products meant for children, due to potential health risks; others are still permitted depending on the amount present.
Studies have shown that phthalates have potential endocrine-disrupting effects, with some studies suggesting a possible link between exposure to phthalates and health issues such as asthma, diabetes, neurodevelopmental problems in children, and other reproductive issues. Therefore caution should be taken when using TPU coatings with suspected high levels of phthalate content that could raise these potential health risks. It is recommended that consumers avoid coated products if possible or ask manufacturers about safety tests they use to ensure phthalate levels remain low or non-existent in their products.
Alternatives to TPU Coating
Parents often strive to make the safest choices for their babies, and it’s important to know all your options. In looking for a safer, non-toxic alternative to TPU, there are several possible solutions that parents can consider.
First is waxed canvas, which is comprised of an extremely durable cotton fabric decorated with a protective wax coating. This provides waterproofing and stain resistance, making it a popular choice for baby items such as diaper bags and bedding products. The substances typically used in waxed canvas products are vegetable oils like beeswax or linseed oil, free from synthetic chemicals or other additives. It is important to be aware however that this material may wear over time as the wax seeps out of the fabric.
Another alternative is silicone coating, which has recently become available on a wide range of baby products on the market. Because silicone does not contain any harmful chemical properties, such as phthalates or BPA (Bisphenol-A), there is minimal potential for toxicity from using this type of product. Its waterproofing abilities also make it an attractive option when looking for a safe material for baby items such as bottle holders or bedding accessories like crib bumper pads and mattress covers.
Finally Polyester coated PU (Polyurethane) should also be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate safe material for baby products. This water-resistant fabric boasts flame retardancy properties due to its chemical makeup and most such fabrics come with internationally recognized safety certificates that state they are free from harmful substances like lead and formaldehyde emissions which are both known carcinogens (cancer causing agents). Additionally they are usually much softer than TPU coated materials due to the flexible nature of polyurethane making them ideal options when purchasing soft goods such as mattress covers and cradles/play mats.
