Are DEHP replacement plasticizers safer around babies?
Use caution with flexible plastic around babies, especially high-contact medical and chewing items. A 2026 Environment International human neurosphere study found DEHP and TOTM showed the highest developmental neurotoxicity potential among the tested plasticizers.
What is actually in it
DEHP is a phthalate plasticizer used to soften some PVC plastics. Some products now use replacement plasticizers such as DEHT, DEHA, or TOTM.
The study behind this page focused on plasticizers used in medical devices, including situations that matter for newborn care. It does not directly test baby bottles or toys. Still, it supports caution with soft flexible plastics that babies touch, chew, or use often.
What the research says
A 2026 Environment International study used human neurospheres to compare DEHP with 3 alternative plasticizers. The researchers looked at 7 neurodevelopmental endpoints. DEHP and TOTM showed the highest developmental neurotoxicity potential. DEHA looked least hazardous in this test system.
This is human-cell lab evidence. It does not prove that one soft toy affects a baby brain. It does show that replacement plasticizers need real testing before they are treated as safer.
What to do at home
Avoid old PVC toys, sticky soft plastic, and hand-me-down flexible plastic items with unknown age or material. Choose solid wood toys for chewing and play when practical.
For medical devices, follow clinician guidance. For everyday play and feeding gear, reduce soft plastic where swaps are easy.