Researchers at the University of Washington tested dozens of babies' urine and found, the more of these baby products they used, the higher their levels of man-made chemicals called phthalates. The products include creams, lotions, powders, and shampoos.

"We're concerned because there's been a recent body of data showing that phthalates are developmental and reproductive toxicants," said Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana of the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The data is primarily from studies of animals, not humans. The Food and Drug Administration says it's not clear what effect phthalates have on human health. Phthalates are used in baby products to help the fragrance stay on the baby's skin.

An independent panel of experts found low levels of phthalates is safe in cosmetics. The question is whether those same levels are safe for babies.

"Parents can be confident these products are safe,” said John Bailey, a spokesman for the Personal Care Products Association.

The industry points out this study never tested products themselves, and all but one of the phthalates they found aren't even used in baby products.

"To reach a conclusion that the phthalates that are found are coming from these products are not supported by the data," said Bailey.

Phthalates are widely used in plastics. The industry asks whether the levels in these babies have come from plastic diapers, or even plastic gloves and containers used in the research.
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By the way, some doctors suggest, when cleaning and diapering young babies, soap and water, or even just water, is good enough.