When my daughter Matilda was born in June of 2008, my quest began for the perfect body wash, shampoo and lotion.  I started reading the ingredients on brands that have been around for many years and are trusted by many parents.  I was shocked at all the chemicals they use in their formulations.  Many of them contain 1,4 Dioxane,Quaternium 15, Parabens, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (just to name a few).

What shocked me even more is that these chemicals were being used in products claiming to be “natural” and for “sensitive skin.”  Yes, these chemicals are from nature, but does that mean they are safe to put on a baby’s body?

When I finally settled on baby wash, shampoo and lotion for Matilda I went with a company that has a good reputation for making safe cosmetics.  The packaging even says “96.08% Natural”. After using it for a few months, Matilda developed eczema.  Her doctor said it could have been a number of different things:  allergies, detergent, genetics (I have lived with eczema for most of my life.), etc.  First thing I did was change her baby soap to no fragrance castile soap and the eczema cleared up in a week.  Eventually I realized it was probably the fragrance that was causing her to break out.

This whole experience motivated me to develop Squeaky Clean Tot, a website where parents can rate and review non-toxic, safe and BPA free baby and toddler products.

I know there are a lot of false claims out there so every product I list (especially anything that applies to baby skin) is thoroughly researched.  I use Cosmetics Database for all skincare products.  I will only post the product if it has a score of “2″ or below, meaning a low hazard.  If the product is not in their database, I go through each ingredient on the label and check the hazard score.  I will only post it if I feel the product is safe to use on Matilda.  I use the same method for all household cleaners and laundry supplies.  If I am suspicious about an ingredient I won’t add it to our database, even if they are a reputable company.

I invite you to visit my site and help other parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to.  I know I feel more comfortable taking advice from parents than a company trying to sell a product.  You will find over 900 items in our database, in 45 different categories, including shampoos, lotions, cradle cap remedies, eczema relief, BPA free utensils, dishes, pacifiers, breast pumps, household cleaners, and laundry supplies. New products are added daily.  Most of the companies are smaller businesses, but you will also find some familiar ones like Burt’s Bees, Neutrogena, Munchkin, Avent and Playtex.

To celebrate our launch we are having a giveaway that runs through October 20.  Our grand prize is a stainless steel Safe Sippy, Earth Mama Angel Babybody wash and shampoo and a personalized luggage tag.  Visit Squeaky Clean Tot for details on how to enter.

I hope you visit our site often to post a review or if you are researching a new product.  I also invite your comments, suggestions and feedback either on this blog or at Squeaky Clean Tot

Bio: The author and founder of Squeaky Clean Tot, Tina Evans is mom to Matilda, aged 16 months.  She enjoys traveling, reading and watching scary movies with her husband.  She works as a part-time assistant and spends the rest of her free time with her sweet baby girl and making the world safer for other parents!

Editor’s note: So what do you think of her idea?  Does it sound like a good resource for you?