Baby product labels, explained
What "non-toxic", TCF, EWG Verified, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD Gold, BPA-free and other claims on baby products actually mean, and which ones are independently checked.
Non-toxic, clean, natural
None of these words has a legal definition for baby products, so on their own they guarantee nothing. Look for the specific claims and certifications below.
Hypoallergenic
There's no federal standard or definition for "hypoallergenic", according to the FDA. A brand can use it without testing.
Source: FDA: "Hypoallergenic" cosmetics
Fragrance-free vs unscented
Fragrance-free means no fragrance was added. Unscented can still include a masking fragrance to cover a smell. For sensitive skin, fragrance-free is the one to look for.
TCF and ECF
Two ways of whitening the pulp in diapers, wipes and paper. Totally chlorine-free (TCF) uses no chlorine compounds. Elemental chlorine-free (ECF) uses chlorine dioxide, which produces far fewer dioxins than the old chlorine-gas process. TCF is the stricter claim.
PFAS-free
PFAS are long-lasting "forever chemicals" used for water and stain resistance. There's no federal PFAS limit for diapers, wipes or clothing, and "PFAS-free" claims are rarely independently tested. Independent screening, like Mamavation's organic fluorine tests, is more telling.
Source: EPA: PFAS explained
BPA-free
The FDA no longer allows BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups (2012) or in infant formula packaging coatings (2013). "BPA-free" plastics can use alternatives such as BPS, so for things babies chew, silicone, natural rubber or solid wood are simpler choices.
Phthalate-free
US law already limits eight phthalates to 0.1% in plasticized parts of toys and child care articles that children can reach. "Phthalate-free" goes further, but most compliant baby products are already under the limit.
Lead-free
Children's products sold in the US must have no more than 100 ppm total lead in accessible parts, and stricter limits apply to paint. Recalls for lead still happen, mostly with imported painted toys and jewelry.
Source: CPSC: Total lead content
EWG Verified
A mark from the Environmental Working Group. Products must avoid EWG's chemicals of concern, disclose ingredients fully and meet its manufacturing standards. Brands license the mark.
Source: EWG Verified
MADE SAFE
A nonprofit certification that screens product ingredients against lists of chemicals known or suspected to harm human health or the environment. Certified products are listed in its MADEWORKS index.
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard. Certifies textiles from fiber to finished product: at least 95% certified organic fiber for the "organic" grade (70% for "made with organic"), with limits on dyes and processing chemicals.
Source: Global Organic Textile Standard
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Tests finished textiles for harmful substances. Product Class 1, for babies and toddlers under 3, has the strictest limits. It covers any fiber, organic or not.
Source: OEKO-TEX: STANDARD 100
GREENGUARD Gold
A UL certification for low chemical emissions (VOCs) into indoor air. Gold has stricter limits meant for sensitive people such as children. You'll see it on crib mattresses, cribs and furniture.
CertiPUR-US
A certification for polyurethane foam, common in mattresses and pads. Foam samples are screened for chemicals linked to cancer, genetic defects and reproductive harm, and tested for heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
Source: CertiPUR-US: About the program
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
The official ecolabel of the Nordic countries, used on diapers and wipes. It restricts chemicals of concern and sets environmental requirements across the product's life.
Source: Nordic Swan Ecolabel
ASTM and "ASTM certified"
ASTM International writes voluntary safety standards. The CPSC has made many of them mandatory for durable baby products such as cribs, bassinets, high chairs and play yards, so "meets ASTM standards" often just means it meets the law.
JPMA certified
A voluntary program from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Products are tested by an independent lab to ASTM standards and relevant laws.
Source: JPMA: Certification program
Flame-retardant-free sleepwear
US rules require children's sleepwear to be flame resistant, unless it's snug-fitting or sized for infants 9 months and under. That's why cotton baby pajamas fit snugly: it lets them skip flame-retardant treatments.
Dermatologist tested
Means a dermatologist was involved in testing, not that the product passed any particular standard. It's a marketing claim rather than a certification.
See how these feed into our scores in how we score, or browse the best non-toxic diapers and organic baby clothes.