Can early-life microplastic exposure stunt your child's physical growth?

What's actually in it

Babies are exposed to microplastics from baby bottles, formula packaging, teething toys, food containers, and household dust. These tiny plastic particles enter their bodies through food, drinks, and the air they breathe. Infants crawling on floors pick up even more particles on their hands.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Int measured microplastic exposure in young children in China and tracked their physical development. The researchers found that children with higher early-life microplastic exposure had differences in height, weight, and body composition. The effects were different for boys and girls.

Microplastics may interfere with hormones that control growth, including growth hormone and thyroid hormones. Since these hormones work differently in boys and girls, the sex-specific effects make sense.

Use glass baby bottles and stainless steel sippy cups. Store baby food in glass containers instead of plastic. Wet-mop floors regularly to reduce microplastic dust, and choose wooden or silicone teething toys over plastic ones.