In the realm of baby products, particularly those that are in constant contact with sensitive skin, the materials and chemicals used in their manufacturing process are a top concern to parents. While it all started for Lil Helper with cloth diapers, we now offer waterproof blankets (Lifesaver Mats), reusable menstrual pads, wet bags, snack bags, wipes, and more. Our mission is to infuse joy, empathy, and dignity into the "messy parts of life." But beyond our mission to make leaky humans live more joyfully lies a deeper commitment to safety and sustainability. This post delves into whether Lil Helper's products are organic, PFA free, and sustainable.
The Quest for Safe Materials
Lil Helper has always prioritized what comes into contact with your baby's skin. This principle has guided us from our days as "just a cloth diaper company" through to our current expanded product range. While we do manufacture almost all of our products in China, we are committed to safety and sustainability and Mohammed regularly visits the factory where our products are made.
Our HyPs Menstrual Pads are certified tested to be free from PFAs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and PFOAs (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), ensuring they're safe for use.
Moreover, all Lil Helper products adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), undergoing rigorous testing to certify they're free from harmful substances such as BPA, parabens, formaldehyde, lead, and phthalates.
Organic or Not?
When it comes to being eco-friendly and choosing reusable products, many folks also prioritize natural organic fibers. However, Lil Helper's approach diverges somewhat on this front. While we do use bamboo - a material often associated with green living - these components are blended with polyester. For instance, the stay-dry blue bamboo liner found in all HyPs is made from a 50/50 mix of bamboo and polyester.
The choice not to pursue OEKO-TEX certification or label products as organic stems from this blend usage. The inclusion of polyester makes Lil Helper's offerings ultra user-friendly and durable compared to pure natural fibers which often require multiple washes before becoming fully absorbent. Natural fibers also tend to break down faster - an aspect at odds with our goal for products to last long enough to be passed down through siblings or even families.
We’ve tested out the value of this by creating cloth diapers for over 10 years. Some of our original cloth diapers are still in use! And many families report using the same set of cloth diapers across siblings, and then still being able to pass them along to another family when all their kiddos are potty trained!
Sustainability Through Durability
One might wonder how sustainable Lil Helper’s products can be if we aren’t organic or entirely made from natural fibers. Herein lies an important aspect of sustainability that goes beyond material composition: durability. By creating products that stand the test of time – such as the Tank Cloth Diapers which have served multiple children over several years – Lil Helper champions a form of sustainability focused on reducing waste and promoting reuse over time.
This approach aligns with the broader vision of eco-friendliness by minimizing the need for frequent replacements and thereby lessening the environmental impact associated with production and disposal processes. It’s a testament to how sustainability can take different forms depending on product lifecycle considerations.
BONUS FUN FACT
Our best kept secret? Our HyPs and combo bags are made from recycled plastics. Yes, really. We should really brag about that more!
TLDR: PFA Free + Sustainable, but not Organic
Evaluating whether Lil Helper is organic requires understanding that while our products may not meet traditional definitions due to the inclusion of polyester blends alongside natural materials like bamboo; they still embody principles important for eco-conscious folks: safety from harmful chemicals (being PFA-free) and long-term usability contributing towards waste reduction.
Sustainability at Lil Helper is framed not just by what materials are used but how long those materials last in serviceable condition – an equally vital consideration in our journey towards more sustainable living practices. Thusly viewed through the lens of durability-as-sustainability alongside chemical safety certifications like CPSIA compliance; yes - in its unique way - Lil Helper is indeed contributing positively towards making parenting more sustainable. And we hope to add a little joy along the way too.
Got more questions about our products? Let us know in the comments below!
