You may be unknowingly exposing your baby to harmful chemicals without even realizing it. A study recently found high levels of phthalates (pronounced thowl-ates) in urine samples of babies who were in contact with baby shampoos, lotions or powders. The chemicals - commonly found in toys, medical supplies and cosmetics - may pose potential reproductive issues in babies.

When used in animal testing, phthalates were suspected to be the cause of reproductive birth defects, however because there is not yet any conclusive scientific evidence proving the effects on humans, the chemicals face no restriction by the federal government.

The study's lead author, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a University of Washington pediatrician, said, "The bottom line is that these chemicals likely do exist in products that we're commonly using on our children and they potentially could cause health effects."

Babies don't usually need special lotions and powders, and water alone or shampoo in very small amounts is generally enough to clean infant hair, Sathyanarayana said

That's just great. First we found out lead in toys could be poisoning kids, now chemicals in common baby products may cause reproductive defects. Short of confining your kids to a bubble to protect them from every harmful substance they're exposed to on a daily basis, the only other option is for parents to start serioiusly monitoring what they're letting kids eat, play with and wear. I can't imagine you'll be able to completely avoid exposure to chemicals and harmful substances, but at the very least, mitigating the risk by utilitzing natural food, body care products and toys is a start.

» The Associated Press