Can phthalates in soft plastic baby toys harm a developing baby during pregnancy?

What's actually in it

Soft, flexible plastic toys are often made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). To make PVC soft and bendable, manufacturers add chemicals called phthalates. One of the most common is DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate). Phthalates aren't locked into the plastic. They slowly leach out, especially when a child chews, sucks, or squeezes the toy.

Pregnant women can be exposed to DEHP through contact with these products at home or by handling them while shopping for baby gear. DEHP also shows up in vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and food packaging.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf looked at what happens when a developing fetus is exposed to DEHP during pregnancy. The researchers found that gestational DEHP exposure impaired testicular development in male offspring. it disrupted the communication between immune cells (macrophages) and the cells that produce testosterone (Leydig cells).

This matters because testosterone is critical for normal male development in the womb. When DEHP interferes with that process, it can lead to reduced testosterone levels and abnormal reproductive development.

DEHP has been restricted in children's toys in the EU and US, but older toys, imported products, and non-toy household items may still contain it. There's also a 2026 study in Neurotoxicol Teratol showing that prenatal phthalate exposure is also linked to changes in cognitive development in children.

If you're pregnant or buying baby gear, avoid soft PVC plastic products. Look for toys labeled phthalate-free, or choose natural rubber, silicone, or untreated wood instead.