EWG Verified® Summer Must-Haves for Parents (That Go Beyond Sunscreen)

Summer means more sun, sweat and outdoor fun ... but it also means more exposure to potential irritants. 

From sunscreen to sippy cups, the Environmental Working Group’s EWG Verified® mark helps parents find safer, healthier options for their little ones, and at Lullaby Earth, we believe in simple, worry-free choices. That’s why we’re all about EWG Verified® products, and why we love when third-party certifications (like those held by many of our own Lullaby Earth mattresses) help take the stress out of summer shopping.

Finding kid-safe products can be a lot of work and you can end up spending a lot of time reading product label after product label. Eventually you may notice many products claim to be “safe,” but are they telling the truth or just marketing? Who can you trust? If this sounds familiar, the EWG Verified mark can help.

The EWG Verified certification is a stamp of approval from the Environmental Working Group. They’re a nonprofit dedicated to empowering consumers to make safer purchases by evaluating products. When a product is EWG Verified, every ingredient has met the organization’s strictest scientific standards for health and transparency. 

With more outdoor playtime during summer, having clean, trusted essentials on hand is a must. Plus, knowing what to look for before you make an impromptu trip to the store saves you time and stress! 

Let’s walk through some everyday summer categories where EWG Verified products can help make your parenting choices a little simpler – and a lot cleaner.

Babies' and kiddos' skin is more absorbent, more sensitive and more vulnerable to both UV rays and questionable sunscreen formulas. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are endocrine disruptors, so steer clear of any sunscreens with those on the label. Also be wary of products with vitamin A (also called retinyl palmitate or retinol) because this can speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions on exposed skin. Instead, opt for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – these are the only active sunscreen ingredients the FDA has evaluated to be safe and effective.

As far as the SPF value goes, opt for a sunscreen between SPF 30 and 50. There’s no need to purchase anything higher than 50 because when applied correctly, there is only a 1% difference between SPF 50 and 100.

When you find a sunscreen boasting the EWG Verified mark, it means the product has been tested and meets scientific standards for sun protection, while avoiding ingredients linked to known health harms.

Here’s a quick list of what to look for when shopping: 

• Mineral-based ingredients (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
• No questionable ingredients (like oxybenzone or vitamin A)
• Lotions and sticks instead of sprays
• No undisclosed fragrances
• Don’t be tricked by high SPF labels

Mosquitoes and other biting insects aren’t just annoying – they can also carry disease or leave little ones itchy and inflamed. Your kiddo can suffer from scratching at bites for days, potentially leading to an infection. The Environmental Working Group recommends a few bug repellent ingredients that offer strong protection with fewer health concerns when used correctly. These include 20% picaridin, 20% IR3535 and 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).

While DEET is also effective, EWG recommends it only when there's a high risk of disease transmission, and it should never be used on infants under two months. OLE should be avoided in children under 3.

EWG doesn’t currently have EWG Verified bug repellents, but they do maintain a regularly updated guide with top-rated products and detailed ingredient info to help parents make safer, smarter choices.

Look for:

• Age-appropriate formulas 
• Clearly labeled concentrations of active ingredients
• No undisclosed fragrance blends

And be sure to follow usage instructions carefully. More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to littles and their sensitive skin. 

Thanks to sunscreen, sweat and pool chemicals, kids often need more time in the bath during summer months. But more frequent baths can also mean more chances for irritation, especially with conventional baby washes and shampoos.

Many bath products contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens or synthetic fragrances, which can dry out sensitive skin or trigger reactions.

Products with the EWG Verified mark are certified to be formulated to get the job done without ingredients linked to skin irritation or hormone disruption. Each one is thoroughly reviewed for ingredient safety and transparency.

Look for:

• Sulfate-free cleansing agents
• No synthetic fragrance (or undisclosed “parfum”)
• Tear-free, gentle formulas

Before your child is potty trained, their diapers are the only product they come in contact with more than their crib mattress – so the materials they’re made from really matter. According to EWG, some conventional diapers can contain ingredients linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions or potential hormone disruption, including certain fragrances, lotions and dyes.

The EWG Verified® mark helps parents identify diapers, wipes and diaper balms made with non-irritating, breathable ingredients. Products that earn this mark avoid components like chlorine-based bleaching agents, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

Look for options with:

• No added fragrances or lotions
• Chlorine-free processing
• No parabens, phthalates or known allergens

Choosing diapers with the EWG Verified® mark gives parents added peace of mind that every material has been carefully reviewed for health and safety.

Summertime fun can create a lot of laundry! In fact, you might not see the bottom of the laundry pile until summer is over. But many commercial laundry detergents contain residues that linger on clothing and bed sheets, potentially irritating your baby’s skin with every wear.

Detergents with the EWG Verified mark are formulated without harsh surfactants, optical brighteners or undisclosed “fragrance” blends. They’re evaluated not just for stain-lifting power, but for long-term safety.

Look for:

• No artificial dyes or brighteners
• Fragrance-free or clearly labeled scent sources
• Safer surfactants (no SLS or SLES)

Hydration is key during the heat of summer, especially while kiddos are sweating. While providing extra hydration and frequent snack breaks, remember that not all bottles, sippy cups or food containers are created with safety or kiddos in mind. Some plastic food containers can contain BPA, PVC, phthalates or melamine, which are linked to hormone disruption and other health risks.

Though not all feeding gear is eligible for EWG verification, the organization provides extensive research and ingredient guidance on plastics and coatings to help parents make informed choices. 

Look for options that:

• Are BPA-free and phthalate-free labeling
• Avoid melamine and #7 plastics
• Are made of stainless steel or silicone when possible

When you can’t find a Verified mark, lean on EWG’s recommendations for materials and brands that meet higher standards for safety and transparency.

Clean choices shouldn’t stop when your little one lays down to rest. Warm weather can lead to hot, sticky sleep – so choosing safer, healthier and more breathable sleep products is key.

At Lullaby Earth, we make breathable mattresses for babies and big kids alike – and we’re proud to say all of our mattresses are EWG Verified. A safer sleep space means fewer worries when the temperature rises.

Look for options that are: 

• Made without vinyl/PVC, polyurethane foam, formaldehyde, fiberglass, phthalates or GMOs
• Free from chemical flame retardants or barriers
• Firm and supportive
• Made without latex or other known allergens 

Being a parent in the summertime is no small task. But with a little help from the EWG Verified label – and the confidence that comes with knowing what’s in (and not in) your child’s everyday products – you’ve got this. Here’s to fewer question marks on ingredient labels, and more time enjoying the sunshine with your favorite messy, sweaty, giggling crew.