The one set of phthalate-free & PVC-free products out there is the Take-N-Toss tupperware/plasticware by The First Years. You've probably seen that stuff at any of the common stores (Babies R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.). It says in small print on the back of the package that it is "phthalate/PVC-free". I love their cups/bowls/plasticware for my toddler. And my twins (who just turned 1 year old) are just starting to use the sippy cups, which, by the way, have no valve in them, which I think is better because the liquid pours out more easily like a cup rather than like a bottle. They are inexpensive, & when the products get worn out, you can recycle them & buy new ones. They do make a couple of things (like toys) that don't specifically say "phthalate/PVC-free" on them, so I'm not sure about those. But for the most part, The First Years makes "better" plastic things.
I also want to mention that for your soon-to-be-infant, I'm assuming you'll be using at least SOME bottles. If you like the plastic bottles, avoid the clear/hard polycarbonate plastic ones (Avent, Dr. Browns, etc...). These are "bad" plastics that contain Bisphenol-A. I believe a better brand is Gerber Tints (slightly softer, less-clear, and colored bottles). There are others, too, I'm sure. The latest is one called Born Free, which is a new kind of supposedly better plastic - it looks clear/hard, just like Avent bottles. I've seen them at Whole Foods. ... Because we had twins and were ALWAYS washing bottles, We actually switched to the Playtex inserts system (you use this insert into a hollow tube - the insert looks like a giant "bottle condom"!). When the bottle is done, all you have to wash is the nipple/ring. We then put the inserts in the recycling bin. Those inserts have no Bisphenol-A.
I should mention, though, that from what I've been reading (on ewg.org)-- which bottle you use is probably less important than the unfortunate fact that the cans that baby formulas come in are lined w/Bisphenol-A. So babies are exposed to this chemical if they get any formula, but it is much more significant if you use the already-liquid kind. (The powdered kind gets diluted w/water & therefore dilutes the BPA).
As for shampoos/soaps, I'm not sure yet. I'm starting to research that stuff myself right now. I found a good website after reading an article in Cookie Magazine about this topic: Try www.ewg.org (environmental working group)... through their "health/toxics" link, there is a section on Personal Care Products ... or you can go the link directly at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/
Those sites have info on lots of chemicals. It could make you crazy trying to avoid EVERY chemical, though, so be careful you don't drive yourself nuts! Also, I try to remind myself that although many products contain certain theoretically harmful chemicals, often these chemicals are tested at high concentrations in a lab. This may have no correlation with what they actually do in humans when you use a given product containing that chemical.
One more thing. I found this website recently, too - It covers the subject of hazards found in children's toys. It is www.healthytoys.org ... I haven't read through too much of it yet, but it looks like a helpful site!
Hope this info helps!
