With the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, The temptation to buy baby items at very low prices is great. However, behind the bargains lie real dangers to the health of the little ones.
Several studies and reports by European consumer organizations have sounded the alarm: many of these products do not meet the strict safety standards of the European Union, exposing babies to toxic chemicals and physical risks.
This article explores the documented dangers, explains why these products escape regulation and presents safe alternatives in Portugal so that you can make informed choices and protect your most precious asset.
The Red Alert: Toxic Chemicals and Safety Failures
Investigations conducted by organizations such as Greenpeace, a Euroconsumers and ChemTrust have revealed a worrying scenario. Tests on dozens of children's products bought on platforms such as Shein and Temu found systemic failures to comply with European legislation.
A report by the European consumer organization Euroconsumers, published in November 2025, tested 27 children's products from Shein and concluded that none of them met EU compliance standards. In the case of Temu, 26 out of 27 products tested were found to be non-compliant, with 8 showing highly serious flaws, such as the presence of dangerous chemicals and a risk of suffocation.
The dangers are not limited to small parts coming loose. The most invisible threat lies in the chemicals used to make these items.
“These are not isolated cases of some products slipping through the net, but rather systemic deficiencies in the compliance and risk management systems of both platforms.” - Euroconsumers, 2025
Dangerous Chemicals Found in Children's Products
Laboratory tests have consistently identified the presence of toxic substances in concentrations well above the legal limits in the EU.
| Chemical Found | Risks Associated with Baby's Health |
| Phthalates | Hormonal disorders and problems in the reproductive system. |
| PFAS (Eternal Chemicals) | Associated with cancers, reduced fertility and damage to the immune system. |
| Lead and Cadmium | Highly toxic heavy metals that can cause permanent neurological damage. |
| Formaldehyde | Known to cause irritations, allergies and classified as a carcinogen. |
These chemicals, present in clothes, toys and accessories, can be absorbed through a baby's sensitive skin or ingested when they put objects in their mouth, posing a chronic and silent risk to their development.
Why are these products on the market?
The main reason why these dangerous products find their way into the hands of European consumers lies in the business model of “dropshipping” and the difficulty of inspection. Unlike a traditional importer, who is legally responsible for ensuring that products meet EU standards before selling them, these platforms act as intermediaries.
Products are shipped directly from thousands of manufacturers and individual sellers (often outside the EU) to the consumer's home. This decentralized model makes oversight by national authorities almost impossible. Although European legislation, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), In this case, the approach is reactive rather than preventive, requiring platforms to remove dangerous products when notified.
How to Protect Your Baby: Where to Find Safe Products in Portugal
Faced with this scenario, the most effective solution for parents is to make conscious consumer choices, opting for stores and brands that demonstrate a clear commitment to safety. The ideal is to look for companies that:
- Be based in Europe and are therefore legally responsible for the safety of the products they sell.
- Work with recognized European brands and that comply with safety certifications (such as EN71 for toys and OEKO-TEX for textiles).
- Have an explicit focus on safety and child development, demonstrating a careful curation of its catalog.
Safe alternatives in Portugal
| Store | Main Focus and Differentials |
| Baby Kangaroo | Portuguese online store focused on child development. It sells exclusively certified European brands (REACH, EN71, CE). |
| Watermelon for Babies | It specializes in ecological and certified articles. It works with brands such as Little Dutch, Konges Sløjd and BIBS. |
| Bonabeb | With a physical store in Lisbon, it focuses on European design and renowned brands such as Stokke, Maxi-Cosi and BeSafe. |
| Vertbaudet | French brand with a strong presence in Portugal. Childcare offer developed in compliance with EU safety standards. |
Are you looking for safe products for your baby?
Visit to Baby Kangaroo and discover a careful selection of items from certified European brands, designed for your child's healthy development.
Conclusion: Safety is Priceless
While Shein and Temu's prices may be appealing, the risks associated with unregulated baby products are too high. Exposure to toxic chemicals and physical hazards can have serious and lasting consequences.
Choosing Portuguese and European stores that are transparent about the origin and certification of their products is not just a choice, it's an act of protection. Investing in items from brands that comply with EU standards is the only way to guarantee that what comes into contact with your baby is truly safe.
References
- Euroconsumers (2025). Systemic failures in product compliance on TEMU and Shein. Available at: euroconsumers.org
- Greenpeace Germany (2022). Taking the shine off SHEIN: Hazardous chemicals in SHEIN products break EU regulations. Available at: greenpeace.org
- CHEM Trust (2025). New report finds hazardous chemicals in Shein clothing above EU limits. Available at: chemtrust.org