May
11
Filed Under: Website News
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there, from your friends at Safe Mama. We hope you have a safe, wonderful day.
Don’t forget to call your mom! 
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May
9
Filed Under: FAQ, Product Safety, Safe Mama Tips
Last week a Safe Mama reader emailed us to let us know that the company that manufacturers Dr. Brown’s bottles, Handi-Craft, is matching up to 3 bottles per household. All you have to do is send in your UPC codes to the company and they’ll send you back new polypropylene bottles. I spoke with a representative to confirm this, and it is indeed true. However, they’re only sending out polypropylene (a safe plastic) bottles back, even if you purchase glass, just because they don’t have enough glass bottles to currently meet the demand for this particular program. Still, it’s nice to know that they’re helping consumers to replenish their bottle collection with a BPA free alternative. While they still maintain BPA’s safeness and they still are continuing to make polycarbonate bottles, they understand their customers’ concerns. If you’re looking for the newer polypropylene bottles in the stores, they’re pretty easy to find. They’re an opaque plastic with blue ink and there should be a big BPA free sticker on the package.
Now, onto the good stuff. To get your free bottles, simply mail your UPC codes (up to 3) to:
Handi-Craft Company
4433 Fyler Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63116
Your receipt is not necessary.
Thanks to the Safe Mama reader who tipped us off about this great program!
Related articles:
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- Baby Cubes: BPA & Phthalates Free Food Storage for Baby
- FAQ: BPA in High Chair Trays
May
9
Filed Under: SafeMama Press, Website News
My son has a fair amount of Fisher Price toys. A lot of them gifts from grandparents and various friends, sure, but being that he’s an only child, we’ve definitely supplied him enough plastic from China to help put some of those workers into early retirement. It’s not something I’m proud of, and as he outgrows his toys, we’re definitely making a more concerted effort to choose toys that are less noisy, more educational and thought provoking, as well as better for the earth.
We’ve gotten emails from numerous Safe Mama readers regarding Fisher Price’s motives on keeping parents in the dark regarding the materials used in making their toys. Most companies have been very nice about disclosing product materials used in their toys, which warms my heart. Not so much with Fisher Price. It seems that Fisher Price refuses to give out information on exactly what types of plastic are used in their products. No matter how much they’re pushed. Stating that they either “Don’t have that information...” or that the information is “proprietary.” Nearly every person that has called has been assuaged by statements like “all of our products are tested for safety” and “meets strict testing standards.” Quite frankly, we’ve had enough. This is a company that makes up a large percentage of the world’s toys and I find it disgusting that they try to hide behind their legal team to avoid telling consumers what the products are comprised of.
There are lots of other great toy options out there, which we support and plan to support through this website. From here forward, we at Safe Mama will not be purchasing, promoting or otherwise acknowledging anything from a company that so adamantly refuses to disclose product information to its consumers.
We understand, that Fisher Price is within their rights to not disclose material information. By assuring consumers that “It’s made with the highest of safety standards.” they are covering their behinds. That’s all fine and good but as we have all learned or will learn this year is that just because a company stands behind something that the higher powers say is safe, doesn’t always mean it is. In essence, Fisher price is telling us “It’s safe, cupcake…don’t worry your pretty little head about the details.” As if to suggest that as a parent we can’t comprehend what polypropylene is or how the recycling code system works. This isn’t rocket science, but parents today are learning about these things and have a right to know what their toddler might be chewing on.
What applaud companies such as Phillips Avent or Playtex that can come out from behind the “We stand by BPA and it’s safety” wall and disclose their materials because it’s what their customers want. Even though they still support and sell it, we can respect the fact that they are listening to us. Fisher Price, we’re afraid, is being a bully and assuming we’ll all continue to buy their products and get over it. Sorry Fisher Price… until you start giving parents what they need to feel comfortable buying your products, we just won’t buy them.
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May
7
Filed Under: Bisphenol-A, Dear SafeMama, FAQ, Skin Care
Note: This was originally published on April 13th but we reposted with some new data, see below.
As the mother of a 2 year old who does occasionally chew on his toothbrush, I wondered of it’s safety. Apparently, I’m not alone in this and I’ve gotten a dozen emails from parents asking this very question. Do toothbrushes have Bisphenol-A in them?
Safe Mama Jaime, my new resident researcher, (Thanks Jaime!) took on the challenge of finding out what some those little toothbrushes are made of. In the interest of efficiency she contacted the a couple of the most popular child toothbrush carriers Oral-B and Learning Curve. Here are the results:
Oral-B carries a bevy of children’s toothbrushes, and we were pleased to find that ALL children’s toothbrushes are made with polypropylene (#5) plastic. The heads and bristles are made with Dupont Nylon Tynex, thermaplastic elastomer, brass staple wires, pigments, and some have the heat transfers.
Learning Curve reported in:
American Red Cross Toddler Toothbrush 2 Pack: Polypropylene #5 (outer) TPA Krayton (inner) and have nylon bristles
Infant to Toddler Oral Care Kit: Polypropylene #5 with nylon bristles;
Infant Finger Brush: Silicone
Alicia from The Soft Landing has already determined that the Sassy Teach Me Toothbrush Set and the Raz-A-Dazzle Silicone Toothbrush is Non-Toxic/BPA Free as well.
This is just a few popular ones, that thankfully are BPA free.
Updated May 7, 2008:
Gerber Grins & Giggles: Polycarbonate plastic toothbrush head and Nylon bristles. We therefore have to assume this toothbrush is not BPA Free.
We have feelers out on a few other brands so we’ll re-post as we get that information.
Related articles:
- FAQ: BPA in High Chair Trays
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- Bisphenol-free bottles
May
6
Filed Under: Phthalates Info
One of my favorite bloggers, Amanda, who blogs on EWG’s Enviroblog posted a handy crash course on phthalates. In short, phthalates are endocrine disruptors which are linked to reproductive and genital abnormalities. Companies use them to soften plastics, and it’s also used to bind fragrance to a product. You can find them in many household products such as nail polish, skin care, toys, and air fresheners. Amanda has posted a quick list of what to avoid to limit your exposure to phthalates:
Avoid these, and you’ll also be avoiding phthalates:
1. Nail polish: Dibutyl phthalate is often used to make nail polish chip-resistant. Look for it on the ingredients list, where it may be shortened to DBP.
2. Plastics in the kitchen: Take a critical eye to your cupboards. Phthalates may be more likely to leach out of plastic when it’s heated, so avoid cooking or microwaving in plastic.
3. Vinyl toys: Phthalates are what make vinyl (PVC) toys soft, so don’t give them to children. Opt instead for wooden and other phthalate-free toys, especially during that age when they put everything in their mouths!
4. Paint: Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated space.
5. Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the “fragrance” in some products. Since DEP won’t be listed separately, you’re better off choosing personal care products, detergents, and cleansers that don’t have the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list.
6. Vinyl: Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, and items of clothing (like some raincoats) are often sources. Aside from carefully choosing materials when you’re making purchases, there is one easy change you can make: switch to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That “new shower curtain” smell (you know the one) is a result of chemical off-gassing, and it means your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.
7. Air Fresheners: Just like fragrances in personal care products, most air fresheners contain phthalates.
Sounds like a pain. But there are phthalate free alternatives to ALL of these items so it’s totally do-able. here are a few examples:
DBP Free Nail Polish: Nicole by OPI doesn’t contain DBP, Toluene or Formaldehyde. They have a large array of colors and they go on well. No need to go bare nailed anymore. They are available at Target and other beauty stores.
Vinyl Free Shower Curtains: Instead of a vinyl curtain liner, try a fabric one. They make some good mildew resistant ones which you can find at most super stores. Or you can buy them on Amazon… this one is 100% polyester. Not the most fabulous material on the planet but is Phthalate and Vinyl free.
Air Fresheners we covered once before but just as a refresher, ditch the Glade and opt for plants (lucky bamboo is a great indoor air cleaner) or try soy candles.
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May
5
Filed Under: Product Reviews, Skin Care
A while back, I had emailed Rosemary, the founder of the Love Me, Baby Me, in regards to some concerns that were voiced by our readers, stating that they had purchased some of the products, only to find PEG’s on the label. Rosemary had assured me that all the products had recently been reformulated to be free of PEG’s, and on top of that, sent me one of their Precious Paks, which contained 2 ounce sample sizes of all of the Love Me, Baby Me line (perfect for traveling).
When I first opened up the bottles to smell, I was at first, a little taken back. I’m so used to everything smelling so strongly of lavender and medicine, that I was surprised. The smell is different, and at first, I wasn’t sure that I liked it, but it grew on me. It’s very floral, like a fresh spring day. Even my husband liked it, which I thought for sure he would have thought it was too girly for our son.
The website states that a little goes a long way, with all of their products and that is true. One of the things I hate about a lot of the chemical free products, is the lack of lather. I have to use two to three times as much shampoo, which makes it more expensive in the long run. Love Me Baby Me lathers fabulously. The creamy cream has a little bit of lingering greasiness, but once it absorbs, it leaves my skin soft (why yes, I did steal the lotion, like you’re surprised).
All of Love Me, Baby Me’s products are free of parabens, phthalates, SLS’s dioxanes, propylene glycol, and other PEG’s.
Edited To Add: I completely forgot to add, which Rosemary so kindly pointed out to me, that the line was also recently reformulated organic as well. Their base uses an infusion of an organic botanical herbal tea, They also use a proprietary blend of pure flower extracts from Europe as their preservative system, which gives Love Me Baby Me its unique scent. And it really is unique.
Related articles:
- Product Review: Little Twig
- Cheat Sheet: Paraben and Phthalate Free Baby Products
- Product Review Series: Erba Organics
May
3
Filed Under: Bisphenol-A, Safe Mama Tips
The Environmental Working Group published a study last year that was done on Bisphenol-a in canned food. Now that bottles and containers are under scrutiny in the media, I think it’s important to point out that BPA lurks in more than just your sippy cup. The EWG has been banging pots and pans together over BPA in canned for for a long time now and for good reason. The levels found in common cans of soup and baby formula are more than unsettling.
What’s even more upsetting is that while people are clamoring about where to return baby bottles, what they don’t know is that they could be exposed to much higher levels from canned food and canned infant formula than they realize, putting the bottle issue at the bottom of our lists of concerns.
Studies show canned foods are a predominant source of daily BPA exposure in our lives. Food and drink cans are lined with a BPA-containing plastic. Beverages appear to contain less BPA residues, while canned pasta and soups contain the highest levels. EWG found that the worst foods tested put pregnant women and formula-fed infants within an unacceptable margin of safety to levels that cause harmful effects in laboratory animals. Typical exposures are within a 10 to 100-fold range of the effects that cause harm in a laboratory setting.
If you’ve been reading us for any amount of time you’ll know what the adverse effects of BPA exposure are, but the extent could be far more extensive than we realize putting pregnant women and children at higher risks. Now, you don’t need to go checking for symptoms or anything, because there is none to speak of. The unknown and the possible effects are what makes the issue worrisome. What you can do, is make subtle changes to start eliminating BPA or reducing your exposure.
- Choose glass over canned when possible. It is true, lids on glass jars can have some traces of BPA from the coating but the levels of BPA in a glass container versus a can are substanital.
- Choose fresh or frozen. Frozen veggies are sometimes flash frozen right after harvest so they maintain a higher nutritional value than canned. Or scrap it all and buy fresh… even better, fresh organic.
- Choose powdered formula. If you don’t breastfeed, choose a formula in powdered form. Liquid baby formula has some of the highest BPA levels that the EWG tested. Read their recent study on BPA in baby formula.
- Seek out BPA Free Canned Goods. Some companies are starting to emerge with a new method of lining cans. Eden Organic is a good example. Their beans (only) are canned in BPA Free cans.
Sources: EWG’s Report on Canned Food
Related articles:
- More about Bisphenol in canned foods.
- Safe Mama talks with the EWG about BPA in Baby Formula
- Similac Responds to Request to Stop Using BPA
May
2
Filed Under: Articles, Bisphenol-A
Great news for California today. The senate health committee voted 6-3 to approve the “Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act,” by Senator Carole Midgen.
The bill bans any detectable level of the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from all toys and child care products sold in California. Bisphenol A is a widely used synthetic chemical and a key ingredient in plastics, including baby bottles, formula cans and the lining of other canned products.
Eight other states are moving legislation to do the same. If you don’t think that writing to your local senator makes a difference, this is proof.
Source: California Chronicle
Related articles:
- Canada Bans Polycarbonate Baby Bottles with Bisphenol-a
- Congress Investigates BPA in Baby Formula Cans
- Phthalates Ban in Washington on the Horizon
May
1
Filed Under: product finds
I found these Sassy Earth Brights teethers and rattles the other day while perusing my local Babies R Us. These are a great alternative for parents who are trying to get rid of all the plastic teethers in their house. The rattles are made of hardwood with water based stains and finishes, along with nice bright colored fabric to catch baby’s eye. I wish they had these when my son was into teethers. There were so few plastic toys he was interested in at that age, which in hindsight was a good thing. Hmm, maybe he knew something we didn’t.
Related articles:
- FAQ: Teethers made of EVA Safe
- Alternatives To Teething Rings
- BPA Free Pacifiers and Teethers Cheat Sheet
Apr
30
Filed Under: Bisphenol-A, FAQ
Dear Safe Mama, What about my child’s high chair trays? He eats off of it… does it have BPA? Phthalates? The plague? Help!
We’ve been asked a few times what materials high chairs are made of. The focus of all the BPA attention in the news and online has been on bottles and formula. Now that parents are becoming more aware of it they want to know more. Just where does it lurk? High chair trays were a smart place to wonder about since many people serve food off them to their kids, sans plates. I know I did. Why wash two things when you can wash one. But now people are wondering if serving food off them is the best idea in light of BPA. If trays were made of BPA laden polycarbonate plastic, the levels would be low and probably not have the same “danger” associated as bottles. But parents don’t care about “safe levels” anymore and just don’t want it in their products. Period.
Rest easy worried parents. So far it’s looking as though the material of choice for high chair trays is polypropylene (#5 on the recycling scale) and is BPA Free. Resident researcher Safe Mama Jaime did some legwork and called a few high chair companies. Here are the results:
Chicco: Trays are Polypropylene
Graco: All trays polypropylene except the wooden chair uses ABS plastic for the tray
Evenflo: Majestic Tray liners are polypropylene
Of course this isn’t every high chair known to man, but it’s a good indication that trays are mainly BPA Free. However, I have heard from friends that their trays are marked with a #7 on the recycling scale. Flip your tray over and check. If this is the case for you, please call the manufacturer and ask them to tell you what material it’s made of. If you find out please visit us and let us know your findings, either here in the comments or via email and we’ll add to this list.
Related articles:
- Baby Cubes: BPA & Phthalates Free Food Storage for Baby
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- IKEA Kids rainbow cups & utensils BPA Free
US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Child-Related Product Recalls- Baby Bottle and Food Warmers Recalled by Munchkin Due to Fire Hazard
- Playworld Systems Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard Caused by Defective Clevises
- Children's Storage Bins Sold at Lowe?s Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Nintendo Recalls Lapel Pins Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
- Infant Santa Outfits Recalled by Avon Products Due to Choking Hazard; Sold in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
- ConsumerAffairs.Com Recalls and Safety Alerts
- EWG
- Consumer Reports
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