Why I Switched to a Low-Tox Life as a Mom of Many

When people ask me why I switched to a low-tox life as a mom, I usually pause, because the answer isn’t simple. It’s layered. It’s personal. And it started in the most unexpected way.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Back in 2018, my healthy, energetic four-year-old son suddenly wasn’t himself. He had mysterious symptoms that no one seemed to take seriously. Low-grade fevers, bruising easily, unexplained exhaustion, and loss of appetite. I voiced my concerns again and again, only to be brushed off and told I was being dramatic, that it was “just a virus.” But my gut told me something was wrong. It took six agonizing weeks before a lab draw was finally done. And on Thanksgiving night, we were told the words no parent ever wants to hear: our son had cancer.

Nothing prepares you for that moment. Life, from that point forward, would never be the same. And while there are so many things we couldn’t control about his diagnosis, I became obsessed with what we could control, starting with our home environment.

Realizing How Many Toxins Were in Our Daily Lives

As I began to research, I was shocked. From laundry detergent and dish soap to air fresheners and baby wipes, our home was full of everyday products containing chemicals I couldn’t even pronounce. I’d never questioned it before. I thought if something was sold in stores, it had to be safe.

I was wrong.

And suddenly, I couldn’t unsee it. My mission to protect my family took on a whole new meaning. I knew we needed a change.

Starting Small (On a Budget)

I wasn’t in a place to toss everything and start fresh. We’re a big family on a tight budget, and switching to all organic and non-toxic products seemed impossible at first. But I gave myself permission to start small.

As each product ran out, I found a low-tox replacement. I began reading labels, following trusted low-tox bloggers, and asking questions to learn more. Over time, this became our normal.

Choosing a low-tox life as a mom didn’t happen overnight. It was one swap at a time. One ingredient check at a time. And surprisingly, it wasn’t as expensive as I feared it would be.

The Mental Shift That Came with the Lifestyle

The peace of mind I felt that came with these changes was unexpected. I stopped worrying about my kids getting into the cleaning cupboard. I felt calmer knowing the baby wipes we used on our little ones weren’t filled with harsh preservatives. There was less overwhelm, not more.

Low-tox living gave me back a sense of control when so much had felt out of control.

What Held Me Back in the Beginning

The biggest hurdles? Budget, overwhelm, and information overload.

When I first started, it felt like the low-tox world was only for people who could afford $50 candles or $20 shampoo. I didn’t know where to begin, and everything felt out of reach. However, once I found affordable alternatives and learned to tune out the noise, it became easier.

I want you to know that a low-tox life as a mom isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

My Best Advice If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re feeling called to make the switch to a low-tox lifestyle, but feel paralyzed by cost or confusion, here’s what I tell every mom: Choose one product. Just one.

Start with the item you use most often (for us, it was laundry detergent). Research a low-tox version that fits your budget. Try it. When it runs out again, try another swap. You don’t have to do it all at once.

And remember, you’re not behind. You’re beginning exactly when you’re meant to.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a low-tox life as a mom of many isn’t always easy, especially on a tight budget. But it’s one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done for my family. It’s not about fear. It’s about making mindful choices, one by one, day by day.

You’re not just switching products. You’re reclaiming your home, your health, and your peace of mind.