PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, get their "forever chemical" nickname because they don't break down. Not in the environment. Not in the human body. They accumulate, which is part of why researchers keep finding them in places they didn't expect.
That finding, published by researchers at Mount Sinai in early 2026, showed that prenatal PFAS exposure is broader and more complex than prior research had indicated.[2] The EWG's response noted that babies are "exposed to more 'forever chemicals' before birth than previously known."[3]
The health concerns linked to PFAS exposure include low birth weight, weakened immune responses, and disruption of hormonal development. The research is ongoing, but the direction is consistent: lower exposure is better, especially in early life.
Where PFAS Show Up in Baby Products
PFAS are used in manufacturing to make materials water-resistant, stain-resistant, and non-stick. In the baby product world, that means they commonly appear in:
- Crib mattress covers marketed as "waterproof"
- Changing pad covers with "easy wipe" surfaces
- Stroller fabrics and rain covers
- Bibs and feeding mats with stain-resistant coatings
- Baby carriers with water-resistant outer fabrics
- Carpet and flooring treatments
The challenge is that PFAS aren't always disclosed on product labels. They may be applied as a finishing treatment rather than listed as an ingredient, and there's no legal requirement to disclose them in most product categories.
Watch out for: Any product described as "waterproof," "stain-resistant," "water-repellent," or "easy to clean", without a PFAS-free certification. These terms often indicate PFAS treatment. This is especially worth checking for anything that will be in regular contact with your baby: mattress covers, changing pads, bibs.
Drinking Water Is Also a Source
PFAS contamination of drinking water is a separate but related concern. EWG's analysis published in early 2026 specifically highlighted how PFAS in drinking water can impact infant health, with particular concern around formula preparation using tap water.[4]
If you're concerned about PFAS in your tap water, a reverse osmosis filtration system is one of the few approaches shown to be effective at removing them. Standard carbon filters are not sufficient for PFAS.
What You Can Actually Do
PFAS exposure can't be eliminated entirely, they're too widespread in the environment at this point. But reducing exposure from direct product contact is practical and meaningful:
- Skip stain-resistant and waterproof product treatments unless the brand explicitly certifies PFAS-free. MADE SAFE certification prohibits PFAS.
- For mattress protection, look for certified organic options like the Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Pad, wool's natural lanolin makes it water-resistant without chemical treatment.
- For strollers and carriers, look for brands that use GOTS-certified fabrics without additional chemical finishing.
- For changing pads, seek out PFAS-free certifications, the Naturepedic Organic Changing Pad is one of the few certified options.
The certification to look for: MADE SAFE explicitly screens against PFAS and lists them in their banned substances. A product with MADE SAFE certification has been screened against over 15,000 toxic chemicals including PFAS. It's one of the most reliable signals for PFAS-free status.
Keeping Perspective
The 2026 research is genuinely concerning, and it adds to a growing body of evidence that PFAS exposure starts earlier and from more sources than previously understood. At the same time, it's worth being clear about what the research does and doesn't say: it documents exposure, and it associates PFAS with health outcomes. The research on specific products and specific health effects in individual children is still evolving.
The practical response isn't panic, and it's making informed substitutions where the alternatives are readily available and the contact time is high. A PFAS-free crib mattress cover and a PFAS-free changing pad are straightforward swaps. They don't eliminate all exposure, but they meaningfully reduce it from sources where your baby spends the most time.
This post contains affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure. We are not medical professionals. For personalized medical guidance, consult your pediatrician.