MightyNest.com

Aug

4

Cheat Sheet: Safer & Eco-Friendly Lunch Gear

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety, PVC Free | 13 Comments

A while back we did a quick write up of safer alternatives to lunch boxes when all that “lead in lunchboxes” hoopla went down.  Since then there are so many great alternatives to lunch boxes available that it totally warrants a new cheat sheet. Lunchboxes are perfect for little and big kids and help reduce waste that’s clogging up our environment.  Whether stainless steel, canvas or recyclable plastic is your thing – there is a lunch system for you.  No matter what age.  Note: This is not a comprehensive list – if you think a brand should be on here please let us know and we’ll verify it! (Last Updated August 26, 2010)

Lunch Boxes, Bags and Lunch Systems

We looked high and low for lunch boxes and gear that was free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates and either claims to be lead-free or meets CPSIA testing standards for lead.  I’ve noted which brands claim what regarding lead. All of our picks are also free of Microban.   Here are our picks

Lunchable Storage Containers

I also encourage you to download the CHEJ 2010 Back to School PVC Free School Supplies shopping guide and the EWG Back to School Guide for more ideas on having a less toxic school year.

Great places to shop for lunch/food storage gear:

Jun

8

SafeMama Laundry Detergent Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Cloth Diapering, cleaning products | 41 Comments

For years and years, I was a Tide girl.  I loved  my Tide in all its stain fighting glory (especially with a husband who is a habitual leaver of lip balm in his pocket and my rule is, I do the laundry, I don’t check pockets) and optical brightening power.   Then I read about phthalates and other chemicals which could possibly be slowly poisoning my son, and the rest, as they say, is history.    So of course, all of our research has led you here, to another production of the SafeMama cheat sheet. (Know a brand you think belongs here? Let us know!)

Make Your Own!

You can easily make your own detergent with just a few simple ingredients.  I actually have a friend who made her own and liked it.  However, I can’t really attest to how well it gets out grime and dirt, just because she said that they don’t get really dirty (empty nesters, such is the life).  But if you want to try it for yourself, you’re more than welcome to give it a whirl and see how you like it.

What you’ll need (the liquid version, i.e. maybe a little more time consuming, and a little more mess to prepare):

  • One five gallon bucket with a lid (you can usually find them at hardware stores)
  • One bar of soap (any kind is fine, but preferably one that’s free of all the ickies!
  • One box of washing soda (NOT baking soda).  You can find this in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or big box department store.
  • One box of box of borax (optional) (Looking into the safety of Borax use – recipe still works without it)
  • three gallons of tap water
  • a measuring cup
  • a knife or cheese grater, whichever you prefer (you’ll need it for the soap)
  • your favorite essential oil (also optional)

First, put about four cups of water into a pot and turn the heat on high.  You want to heat it up, but not boil it   Then, begin grating or shaving strips of soap into the water.   Once you’ve put all of the soap into the water,  stir until soap particles have dissolved, but your water is soapy.

Next, add three gallons of hot water to your bucket, along with the soap mixture from the stove.  If you want to use essential oil, go ahead and add that too.   Add one cup of washing soda to the mixture and stir.  Once you’re done, let it sit overnight, and let cool.  The next day, you should have a slime like consistency.  For each load, you’ll want to use about a cup to your washing machine.

The Powder Variety (the easier of the two):

What you’ll need:

This is pretty similar to the liquid kind, except you just keep it in powder form.

  • One bar of soap (any kind is fine, but preferably one that’s free of all the ickies!
  • One box of washing soda (NOT baking soda). You can find this in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or big box department store.
  • One box of box of borax (Looking into the safety of Borax use – recipe still works without it)
  • a food processor
  • essential oil (again, optional)

First, you’ll want to cut up your soap into manageable chunks for the food processor.  Chop up the soap until fine.   In a large ziploc bag or container, add one cup of washing soda, along with your soap flakes.  If you’re using essential oil, you can add 5-10 drops to the mixture.   seal the container or bag and shake until well mixed.  Voilà!  You can use this in high efficiency washing machines as well.  Just use less.  One to two tablespoons will do the trick.

Got any other green laundry tips?  Share them with the class!

May

25

Cheat Sheet: Safer Cleaning Supplies

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Eco-Mama, Healthy Home, cleaning products | 8 Comments

One of the first things that went in my house when we started to green (during the whole BPA boom of ’07) was conventional cleaning products. Since then, we’ve tried many green cleaning products. And of course, what do we SafeMama girls do best? That’s right, my friends, cheat sheets. We’d be remiss if we didn’t put together a cheat sheet of safer cleaning products for your home, too.

Of course, there’s also no better product than making your own.  I swear by vinegar and baking soda.

Do It Yourself

Multi Purpose Spray:

Take two parts warm water, to one part vinegar.  Put in a spray bottle and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and viola! You’ve got a multi purpose cleaning spray.  It’s even streak free on windows and mirrors.

To clean your tub and shower:

Put half to one cup of baking soda into a bowl.  Slowly add vinegar in small increments until you have a semi-crumbly paste.  Use on a scrubby sponge to clean.  It works wonders.

To clean your toilets:

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into your toilet tank once a week. Make sure NO ONE uses that toilet for at least 30 minutes. I then add approx. 1/4 cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl and let that sit for a few minutes too. If need you can use a toilet brush to remove tough stains. Then flush! You have naturally disinfected the toilet and refreshed it too! Kills odors!

Toilet Stain Cleaner: 1 cup borax, 1/4 cup lemon or vinegar juice

Mix, then pour into the toilet bowl. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub the stains away.

(toilet cleaning recipes courtesy of dot com women)

Great DIY Ideas and Recipes:

Have any recipes of your own? Do share!

May

4

SafeMama’s 2010 Bug Repellent Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Skin Care | 8 Comments

It’s probably not a shock that products containing DEET, are not on our recommended list. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a widely used active ingredient in insect repellents. Biting insects are attracted to the scent of carbon dioxide gas to find food… in this case, your blood. Skin and breath naturally give off carbon dioxide. DEET masks the scent of carbon dioxide therefore keeping buggies away.

DEET can act as an irritant, and has been reported to be the cause of seizures, insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function. The American Academy of Pediatrics still stands by its safety on children over 2 months old. A brief encounter with DEET might not cause any harm, but long term exposure may. DEET is certainly effective but if DEET gives you the heebs then there are natural alternatives that work just as well to mask carbon dioxide and keep those pests away.

The main ingredients in natural bug repellents rely on oils, most notably citronella, soybean oil, geraniol (oil of geranium), eucalyptus, cedar, rosemary, eucalyptus and sometimes lemon oil. I’ve scoured the stores and the Internet for some better choices and here is what I came up with.

SafeMama Criteria: Products had to be free of DEET, parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, Sulfates, Dioxanes, Propylene Glycols, and synthetic fragrances. I tried to select all natural products when possible. I have tested a handful of these products and they do work for general kid and adult use. (Note: I went ahead and included any Skin Deep ratings that were available. However, some haven’t been reviewed for accuracy since 2006.)

Last Updated: August 4, 2010

Bug Repellent Sprays

Bubble & Bee 100% Organic Insect Repellent
Main Ingredients: Organic soybean oil, organic lemongrass essential oil, organic peppermint essential oil, organic rosemary essential oil, organic cloves essential oil, organic geranium essential oil
Kathy Says: I have not tried this for effectiveness but it contains all of the oils that naturally repel bugs, which I have seen work with other products. I trust Bubble & Bee immensely and their passion for safe ingredients trumps all others. I strongly recommend giving this one a try.
Skin Deep Rating: 0

All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor Spray

Main Ingredients: Oil of Citronella (10.0%), Oil of Soybean (5.6%), Oil of Peppermint (2.0%), Oil of Cedar (1.50%), Oil of Lemongrass (1.00%), Oil of Geranium (0.05%)
Kathy Says: I’ve been holding out on you. This is one of my hands down favorites. Living in South Florida, mosquitoes are AWFUL. I use this on me and the kids all the time. Effective, stinky.. but effective. I always have this on hand daily. Its a spray lotion too so you can see where you have covered and can rub in to hit spots you missed. Helpful.
Skin Deep Rating: 3

Purple Prairie Bug Stuff
Main Ingredients: Geranium, Lemongrass, Catnip, Rosemary, Eucalyptus
Kathy Says: Have never tried this, and Skin Deep rates it a zero… they carry sunscreen and hand sanitizer too.
Skin Deep Rating: 0

allthingsjill-bug-sprayAll Things Jill Bug Joose Outdoor Spray
Main Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Essential oils of cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, pine, lemongrass & citronella (all organic)
Kathy Says: I haven’t tried this but I love the All Things Jill company and they use all organic ingredients when possible.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Miessence Buzz Free Zone Personal Spray
Main Ingredients: Proprietary blend of essential oils, Catnip Oil
Kathy Says: I haven’t tried this but I know that Miessence uses all natural ingredients and organic ones when available. I’ve had great experiences with the Miessence products I have tried before. I wouldn’t let the “proprietary” scare you on this brand. They are pretty responsible when it comes to ingredients.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A (couldn’t find it)

Brittanie’s Thyme Organic Insect Repellent
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil
Fig + Sage Says: “I’ve been using this for the past three weeks at all hours of the day (and night) and I’m happy to report that I’ve had absolutely NO BITES!!! You see, for me this is a huge feat as I so look forward to months of sunshine and warmth, yet despise the little blood-suckers that want to feast upon me.” Read Fig + Sage’s Review – Thanks for the find!
Skin Deep Rating: 0

Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
Main Ingredients: Clove Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Geranium Oil, Peppermint Oil
Kathy Says: This works better than most I have tried. It smells great too. The only drawback is that the “spray” is not really a spray at all. It comes out in oil form and you have to rub it all over the place to get good coverage. But again, works really well at keeping away bites.  Oily though.
Skin Deep Rating: 0

Bite Blocker® Herbal Spray
Bite Blocker® Herbal Lotion
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil
Kathy Says: This brand also comes in a lotion and wipes, both of which pass our SafeMama criteria. However we haven’t yet had a chance to test them out. Check out their website for effectiveness information. I will be reviewing these in the coming weeks and will update accordingly.
Skin Deep Rating: 2

Jason Quit Bugging Me – Natural Insect Repellent Spray
Main Ingredients: Soy Bean Oil, Geranium
Kathy Says: This comes in a great little spray bottle and goes on evenly. But be careful not to get in the eyes (like all of them), I just caution it here because it tends to mist when sprayed and I’ve gotten it in my own eyes trying to cover my kid. This works pretty well, not as well as others though. The smell is not my favorite either. My mother commented it smelled like wet gym socks. I do like how it sprays on and doesn’t sit on skin like an oil.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Buzz Away Extreme™ Natural Insect Repellent
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil
Kathy Says: This stuff I do like, comes in a great spray. It sprays on a little oily. This stuff claims 8 hour protection but my son still got bit wearing it after an hour or so, so I don’t know if 8 hours is an accurate assumption. I’d still reapply every few hours to be covered. The towelettes are cool but for $8+ you only get 12. Compared to Bit Blocker Wipes, which is about the same price you get 25.
Skin Deep Rating: 0 – 1 (there are two listings)

Aubrey Organic’s Gone! Safe and Natural Outdoor Spray SPF 10 4oz*
Main Ingredients: Padimate O (PABA Ester), Natural Grain Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Soybean Oil
Kathy Says: If this wasn’t made by Aubrey Organics I might be more skeptical. I’m including this because they take great care to provide safe sun and outdoor protection. But they use PABA which some people avoid.
Skin Deep Rating: 7 (Due to the PABA content this rates pretty high.. interesting)

California Baby® Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Spray
California Baby® Citronella Summer Lotion
Main Ingredients: Citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils
Kathy Says: These both work well and don’t smell too strong. I prefer the spray, it’s easier than applying lotions. They are both gentle and haven’t caused any reactions. I managed to find this in the store recently and I like it, it sprays a fine mist so you end up spraying a lot and you have to be careful with the kiddies – it stings if it gets in or near their eyes.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Absolute Green Deet Free Bug Spray
Main Ingredients: Lemon grass Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Neem Seed Oil, Cedar wood Essential Oil
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Bug Repellent Balms

Graham Gardens Bug Bar
Main Ingredients: Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Catnip Oil, Neem Oil, Rosemary Oil (organic oils used)
Kathy Says: Graham Gardens BugBar works awesome. I love carrying a balm with me for trips to the playground (have I mentioned lately I live in the South where bugs are everywhere??) and this stuff covers great and stays on. Spray tend to sweat off so if there is any water play involved it washes off. Not with the BugBar. It’s water resistant (that’s my own observation). Thy have some other really great products that I’ll be reviewing soon!
Skin Deep Rating: 0

badgerstickBadger Anti-Bug Push-Up – 1.5 oz – Stick
Main Ingredients: Citronella Oil (5.0%), Cedar Oil (2.0%), Lemongrass Oil (2.0%), Rosemary Oil (1.0%), & Geranium Oil (1.0%)
Kathy Says: I LOVE this bug balm. I never thought a balm would be enough coverage but I found this at my local grocery store and picked it up. The balm in the push up stick is great and the balm goes on smooth and you can easily cover exposed areas quickly. It works to boot. I really love Badger’s commitment to natural and organic ingredients. Thumbs up!!
Skin Deep Rating: 0

For My Kids Herbal Insect Repellent
Main Ingredients: organic coconut oil, organic soybean oil, candelilla wax, organic, tamanu oil, organic lemon balm, organic rosemary, organic lemongrass essential oil, geranium oil, organic catnip oil, and Vitamin E oil.
Kathy Says: I love all of For My Kids, LLC’s products honestly, and this is no exception.  Great size for carrying in your purse or diaper bag.  Comes in 1 and 2 ounce tins.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Wipes

Bite Blocker® Herbal Wipes
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil
Kathy Says: This brand also comes in a lotion and spray, both of which pass our SafeMama™ criteria. However we haven’t yet had a chance to test them out. Check out their website for effectiveness information. I will be reviewing these in the coming weeks and will update accordingly.
Skin Deep Rating: N/A

Buzz Away Insect Repellent Towelettes
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil
Kathy Says: The towelettes are nice, and work well but for $8+ you only get 12. Compared to Bit Blocker Wipes, which is about the same price you get 25.
Skin Deep Rating: 0 – 1 (there are two listings)

Non-Spray Repellents

DEET Free Bug Band
Main Ingredients: Geranium Oil, Polypropylene plastic band
Kathy Says: This wristband is great for kids and can be stored for future use. Geraniol is a great natural repellent. People with perfume allergies may have trouble with this one since its about 20% Geraniol. But if you have a perfume allergy you may have problems with any natural repellent since they rely heavily on scents. NOTE: This company makes wipes and a spray as well, but I didn’t include them due to them containing Sodium Laureth Sulfates in the ingredients.

Don’t Bite Me Patch
Main Ingredients: Vitamin B1
Kathy Says: Unlike the other repellents, this patch uses Vitamin B1 instead of fragrant oils. B1 when excreted from the skin will mask the scent of carbon dioxide (which is what the bugs are attracted to). By applying the patch to the skin directly, rather than taking a vitamin, is the faster absorption. Like lotions (which is why we are so adamant about safe skin care), things applied to the skin go directly into your bloodstream instead of having to travel the digestive system first. So this will take effect quicker. I am not a huge fan of having something stuck to my or my kids skin (seems like it would be an irritant) but the materials.

The patch itself is made of “Acrylic Pressure Sensitive Adhesive with Aloe and Thiamine Hydrochloride on Urethane film laminated to polyethylene coated kraft paper”. I can’t find any solid reason to not use this product (or the wristbands for that matter) other than the waste factor, as they may not be recyclable.

Other natural tips for deterring buggies naturally at home:

  • Eliminate standing water from outdoor areas where you hang out and play.
  • Keep potted rosemary or eucalyptus plants around your patio areas. Marigold’s are supposed to ward off bugs too.
  • Eat food rich in B Vitamins like bananas or eat garlicky food – mosquitoes don’t like it apparently. (Note: Some argue bananas are a bad idea due to potassium.. jury is still out on this one I guess!)
  • If it’s not too hot, wearing longer pants, shirts and socks can prevent bugs from getting to you.

Enjoy the outdoors! Remember to also choose a safe sunscreen for sunny days! Read SafeMama’s 2010 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet report for our top sunblock picks.

Apr

9

SafeMama’s 2010 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Skin Care | Comments Off

SafeMama™ Sunscreen Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone, SLS and a bevy of other chemicals I won’t bother listing.  Brands exhibit a very respectable ingredients list. The sunscreening ingredient we mainly avoid is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful. Below are our selections of safer natural sunscreens that use mineral (or sometimes referred to a physical) sunscreen which is typically Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or any combination of those two.

A note about the Skin Deep ratings. Their ratings are a good start, but take them with a grain of salt. They have a big job over there and sometimes formulas change and their information gets a little outdated. Which is why we stress learning to read the labels!

A note about Micronized and Nano: There have been many reports that micronized vs. nano particles of titanium or zinc oxide have the ability to pass through the skin more easily (which is why they aren’t as white as others). There is also a concern that nano titanium/zinc dioxide particles have higher photo-reactivity than coarser particles and may generate free radicals that can cause cell damage. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by coating the particles to prevent free radical formation. We have listed the exact active ingredient in each sunscreen for a reason. So you as a consumer can decide which is right for you. We will continue to investigate these materials further and share with you our findings. We are comfortable recommending sunscreens with Micronized zinc or titanium (most natural sunscreens ARE). NANO zinc or titanium is something we feel should be avoided if possible.

A note about Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate): Recently the EWG put out their 2010 Sunscreen Guide and with it they made public some information regarding retinyl palmitate and its use in sunscreen. A study done by the FDA revealed it may speed the growth of skin lesions and tumors in lab mice.  The study is still in a controversial stage at this point so instead of removing any sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate we have added a notation to the listing so you can decide for yourself.

Sunscreen Lotions & Creams

Badger All Natural Sunscreen for Face & Body

badger30Protection: SPF 30+ / SPF 15
Active Ingredient: Micronized Zinc Oxide 20.5% (read this)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) SPF 15: 2 (last updated 03/07)

Price: ~ $14.00
Reviews: Kathy says, “I had heard Badger sunscreen was like spreading toothpaste, but I’ve got to say that totally isn’t the case at all. Goes on thick (like any natural sunscreen) but spreads pretty easily, doesn’t have an overpowering smell and really protects nicely. One of my new favorites! Badger says its naturally water resistant and I’d have to agree. One of the few that are 100% chemical free.” Read our full review here!

Notes: For extra protection, choose Badger Lip Balm SPF 15 – safe for you and the kids.

ThinkBaby (ThinkSport) SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
Skin Deep Rating 0 (last updated 2/16/10)

Price: ~ $16.99
Reviews: Kathy says, “ThinkBaby has been working on their sunscreen for sometime in an effort to make the safest sunscreen possible. They use mostly natural ingredients and it has no harsh scent to it. Just good ingredients that protect really well. ThinkBabys sunscreen has also passed the Whole Foods Premium Care requirements. Leave it to ThinkBaby to come out with a safe product. It’s not sticky in the least – in fact it’s more powdery and protects great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and have mostly enjoyed it.”

Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm

Protection: SPF 15 (3rd party tests rated it an SPF 29.5)
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: 2 (last updated 4/30/08)
Price: ~ $27.90
Notes: Kathy says, “Miessence has a great ingredients list packed with almost all Certified Organic ingredients. It goes on smooth, but thicker so it would definitely be water resistant. Watery sunscreens always make me wonder if I’m just sweating them off. Has no strong smell and absorbs well. Used it while out walking the other day and no burns!” Read our full review here

Mexitan Sunscreen Lotions*

Protection: Comes in SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50
Active Ingredient: Titanium Oxide & Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: SPF 50: 1 / SPF 30: 2 / SPF 15: 3 (last updated 4/30/08)
Price: ~ $14.95 – $19.95
 Notes: This brand has a great ingredients list overall. *Contains Retinyl Palmitate. See for details.  Update: A reader emailed us to say that mexitan has taken Retinyl Palmitate out of their sunscreen formulas. I have not heard back from them to confirm this.

Loving Naturals Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 24.8%
Skin Deep Rating: 0
Price: ~ $9.99 – $18.99
 Notes: This brand was rated the top choice on EWG.  Has a great ingredients list, no ickies – totally natural.  I haven’t tried it yet but it seems promising.

Green Goddess Kids Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 6% and Zinc Oxide 6%
Skin Deep Rating: 2
Price: ~ $12.00
 Notes: This brand rated really well with EWG .  Has a great ingredients list, 70-80% organic, no icky ingredients.  I haven’t tried it yet but it looks great… they also have a variety of adult versions and a face sunscreen too.

Mama Rose’s Naturals Sunblocker All Natural Sunscreen

sunblocker

Protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (inquiring further information)
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $15.00 – 18.00

Notes: Seems to be chemical free, comes in an SPF 50 which is the highest natural sunscreen SPF we’ve seen. Available online through the companies website. Kathy says “I really like this sunscreen and it’s one of the few times I’ve seen an SPF higher than 30 on a natural sunscreen. Goes on white, but its never sticky or slimy like others can be. CAN get a little chalky but I think that’s due to the high SPF. Rinses off easily when swimming so I save it for long days outside instead of the beach or pool.”

Elemental Herbs Kids Sunscreen

Protection: Kids SPF 20
Active Ingredient: 25% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: Kids SPF 20: 2 (last updated 1/09)
Price: ~ $8.99 – $19.39

Notes: Comes in 1 and 3 ounce sizes and in a SPORT, SPORT TINTED and a KIDS version.  The Sport Tinted version is SPF 22.

Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stuff

Protection: SPF 15, SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 10% (spf 15) and Zinc Oxide 20% (spf 30) (Z-Cote)
Skin Deep Rating: SPF 30: 1 (last updated 2/24/10)
Price: ~ $7.99
Notes: Purple Prairie has some great products and this one in particular has a fabulous ingredients list.  Totally chemical free and uses mostly organic ingredients.  Looks fantastic.  And how cute is the packaging?

Episencial Sunny Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 35
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 10% & Zinc Oxide 4%
Skin Deep Rating N/A

Price: ~ $14.99
Reviews: Kathy says, “I’ve been using this for a few weeks and really like it. It has no strong scent, goes on smooth and isn’t cakey or waxy. Has a lotion texture to it and absorbs great. Thumbs up!” Full review coming soon.

Weleda Children’s Sun Screen

weledaProtection: SPF 18
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 7.6%, Zinc Oxide 0.4%
Skin Deep Rating: 4 (last updated 6/08)
Price: ~ $14.00 (no longer available anywhere)

Reviews: Statia Says: “Neither of us has tried this sunscreen yet, however by the ingredients listed, we feel it makes the list and is considered one of the safer sunscreens out there.”

Soleo Organics Chemical Free Sunscreen

soleoProtection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.3% (Non-Nano)
Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 03/08)
Price: ~ $9 – $23.00

Reviews: Coming Soon

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunscreen

cababyProtection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 18)
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide (CA Baby does not specify particle size)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) Skin Deep Rating SPF 18: 2 (last updated 03/07)
Price: ~ $17.99 – 19.99 No fragrance: $17.00 – 19.00 With Citronella: $19.00 – 25.00

Reviews: Kathy Says: “CA Baby SPF 30 goes on thick and works well but it’s sticky.”

Statia Says: “We have the bug blend and it goes on well, not as sticky, but it has a strong smell.”

Variations: These come in a No Fragrance version and a Citronella version (which Kathy can never find)

Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen (w/ or w/o Hemp Seed Oil)

burts2Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 15)
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.58%)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 3 (last updated 04/10) SPF 15: 3 (last updated 04/10)
Price: ~ $9.99 – 11.00

Reviews: Statia Says: “I wasn’t really that impressed with this stuff. It was immediately cakey upon contact with the skin, and yet, I still felt really sticky. I felt gross all day.”

Kathy says, “I made friends with the SPF 30 version… it is a little tough to get on but it protects like the rest. It’s not my first choice, but it works.”

Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

erbavivaProtection: SPF 15
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $26.00

Reviews: Kathy says, ” This sunscreen blends in wonderful and there is no over powering scent whatsoever – great for faces too. I use it mostly on myself as a daily sunscreen since the SPF is lower. Works great under make up too.” Full review here.

Kabana Skin Care Green Screen

greenscreenspf20Protection: SPF 20
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $16.50 40z.
Company Website: KabanaSkinCare.com

Notes: Made from 8 edible-grade organic and natural ingredients and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide for protection. This only has an SPF of 20 (also available in tinted SPF 22 and SPF 15) but it a great option as far as safe ingredients go. We’re anxious to give it a try. Kathy says “I tried a sample of this and I love that its mostly natural, but it makes you look pretty white and powdery looking. Does protect and isn’t greasy.”

Sunblock Sticks

Purple Prairie Sun Stick

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Z-Cote)
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 2/24/10)
Price: ~ $7.49
Notes: Purple Prairie has some great products and this one in particular has a fabulous ingredients list.  Totally chemical free and uses mostly organic ingredients.  Looks fantastic.

TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick

trukidstick
Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide 8%
Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 3/08)
Price: ~ $8.99
Reviews: Kathy says “I carry one of these in my bag for those ‘oops I forgot’ moments or unexpected uses. I rub a little on faces and cheeks for quick protection. Makes getting tops of ears and noses easy too…stays on well. “

SuperGoop Dr. T’s Quickstick

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 5%
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $9.00
Important Editor’s Note: This is the only SuperGoop product we feel comfortable recommending. SuperGoop has reformulated their sunscreens to eliminate parabens and some synthetic ingredients but they still contain phenoxyethanol. They aren’t horrible but there are more natural choices.

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunblock Stick

cababystickProtection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $14.99

Sunscreen Usage and Sun Tips

Follow the directions on the sunscreen you use for proper sun protection. However, our motto is “everything in moderation”. This means sun exposure too of course. It’s ok to be out in the sun for 20 minutes without covering every square inch of your kid with SPF 80. Sun exposure is good for us, (Vitamin D!), and it’s been studied that people – especially kids – with regular moderate time in the sun are healthier and may have less risk of developing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other auto-immune deficiencies. But sunburns are not good, so choose a safe sunscreen and apply according to the directions for days when extended sun exposure is on the docket!

When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure. No need to bake in the sun all day… keep cool and stay in the shade! Investing in some SPF Protected clothing for the kids is a good idea too. Reduces the need for so much sunscreen and can have a UVB protection of up to 50. Snapper Rock makes great SPF Swimwear for kids. We also like Baby Banz Sun Hats for baby and kids… they also have a wide brimmed bucket hat with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+. The wide brim helps keep sun off kids faces. If you can avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10-2 it’s recommended.

Enjoy the outdoors! Be sure to check out our Safer Bug Repellent Report for safe choices to keep the buggies at bay.

Mar

29

2010 Infant Formula Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety, Product Safety | 9 Comments

This one was really hard to write.   It was a bit of phone calling, a lot of digging and a lot of reading. I had no real intention of doing a baby formula cheat sheet but Healthy Child Healthy World asked me to help out and then I became so engrossed in it that I compiled all this information.  So I’m going to share it with you. I want to preface this by saying I am a big supporter of breastfeeding.  I breastfed both my children, but I know people use or supplement with formula… that’s just the way it is and I do not judge anyone for the choices they make.  Now let’s brush up on what I was looking for:

BPA in Packaging:  Back when I began this site, there was BPA in practically everything and before any real big buzz started.  My first phone calls to Enfamil in November of 2007 went something along the lines of “There is BPA in the can lining and its approved by the FDA so don’t worry your pretty little head over it.” As time went on an the news and research piled up, companies started to investigate BPA free packaging to cover their butts.  I’m happy to report that the majority of powdered baby formula is now packaged in BPA Free packaging.

DHA/ARA: The majority of formula on the market, including organic, contains added DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.  Most of the formula companies use a DHA product from a company called Martek BioScience (life DHA – you can see the logo on most formula labels).  The controversy, if you can call it that, is that the method of extraction uses hexane, acid and bleach to extract the oils.  All the companies I spoke to that use life DHA told me that it’s the “only FDA approved method of DHA extraction” and that there are no detectable levels of hexane in the formula.  Only one company that we found uses an alternative method of DHA extraction, and that’s Nature’s One.  Their DHA and  ARA are derived from egg phospholipids using a water process. (Please not that Nature’s One does not put DHA/ARA supplements in their formulas.  It comes as a separate powder parents may add themselves) Nature’s One says this method is also FDA approved.

Added Carbohydrate: I didn’t get into specifics of every brand but when I learned that Similac Organic uses Organic Sugar Cane (sucrose) as opposed to Organic Lactose, I wanted to check and see what other brands used. In Europe they instituted a ban on sucrose in infant formula due to its link to childhood obesity (except for babies with allergies). The European Union adopted the new rules based on the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Food, which found that sucrose provided no real nutritional benefits, and could bring about a fatal metabolic disorder, and contribute to overfeeding. The FDA does not  regulate what sugars can be used (or how much per serving), as long as they are safe. I’m not saying Similac Organic is a bad choice, but if you are concerned about the use of sucrose I looked into what other brands used for easy comparison.  Every other brand I looked into uses Organic Lactose or Lactose. You will have to consult with your pediatrician on this one.

Fluoride: Whether you are pro-or anti- fluoride, there are some who may not know that it is present in infant formula.  So now there is fluoride in your water, in your infant formula and you’ve possibly got the kid on fluoride drops and you’re kid could be at risk of fluorosis? The Journal of American Dental Association recommends breastmilk of course, but for those using formula, they recommend using ready-made (we disagree due to the BPA content of some of the packaging). Their secondary recommendation for powdered formula is to use fluoride free or low fluoride water (purified, demineralized, deionized or distilled, as well as reverse-osmosis filtered water). The JADA published some test results last October of fluoride levels in popular infant formulas.  I picked out the numbers for you so you may cross reference on our spreadsheet yourself.  But you can download the report here as well to see the full report: Assessing a Potential Risk Factor for Enamel Fluorosis: A Preliminary Evaluation of Fluoride Content in Infant Formulas (PDF).  Optimal fluoride level in drinking water is 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. (I should mention that I learned a lot about fluoride and about the JADA report from SAFBaby.com.  They have a great deal of thoughtful and thorough information so please check them out.)

Perchlorate: Also known as rocket fuel. Stories broke on the news last April that trace amounts of rocket fuel was detected in infant formulas. The CDC tested formula for perchlorate because of concerns that it can damage thyroid function. The did 3 tests on a sampling of baby formula brands including Enfamil, Similac,  Publix and Kroger brands. To sum it up, formulas with lactose tested highest (Similac topping the results with the highest detected).  You can see the full range of results in the CDC’s document: CDC: Table of Perchlorate Levels in Powdered Infant Formula (PDF). Let it not be said that perchlorate is found in just about everything, including breastmilk.  So unfortunately there is no way to avoid it all together.  Natures One offers this information regarding perchlorate in their formula.

Now that you know all this (aside from hating me for bringing it up) you can take a look at this information in our cheat sheet which makes this all more at-a-glance. Healthy Child Healthy World will be publishing some pocket shoppers guides too which I’ll link up when they are ready to go.

DOWNLOAD IT! (PDF) (Last updated: April 3, 2010)

Quick SafeMama™ Formula Feeding Recommendations

  • Choose Powdered over liquid (BPA in can lining)
  • Choose organic formulas over non-organic (pesticides and hormones in cow’s milk)
  • Use spring/distilled or filtered water for preparing formula
  • Choose glass, silicone, BPA-Free bottles
  • Do not microwave water or formula in plastic (It’s not recommended to microwave formula at all – heating water in glass is ok)
  • Wash plastic bottles with mild detergent by hand to prevent leaching over time, replace when they become worn

*Disclaimer: I feel I should remind you that it’s important to discuss this information and any dietary changes you plan to make with your Pediatrician before doing so.  We always recommend breastfeeding when and if possible for the first 12 months.Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about any of the formula we mention, feel free to call the company and ask them.  They were all relatively helpful.

Mar

22

SafeMama Baby Pool Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, PVC Free | 10 Comments

Last year we had gotten the question about baby and wading pools for small kids.  What better way to spend a summer afternoon than sitting in your backyard with some friends and letting the kids splash around?  It’s a nice cheap afternoon.  The kids are having fun, you’re working on your tan (in moderation of course), and you’re able to have a somewhat peaceful conversation with other adults.  One of my friends has what we refer to as “block party,” during the summer.  She puts every outdoor toy in her driveway, along with her pool and we all just hang out under umbrellas while the kids have fun.   The only drawback is, her pool is vinyl, which makes me a little paranoid sometimes.   I tend to be phobic of chemicals, so this year, I was determined to search for better alternatives.  I wasn’t going to stop until I found a suitable alternative.  And thankfully, I came up with a few ideas.

PVC Free Baby Pools

EverEarth Inflatable Pool: Looks like a regular blow up pool but it’s made of TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) which according to EverEarth is biodegradable and phthalate free.  They also have a full line of pool toys, inflatables, swimmies, and rafts. Woo!  Check out their website for the selection.  I don’t think these are available just yet but as soon as they are I’ll update and let you know where to find them.  I have to thank Inhabitots for the find – thanks!

Molded Plastic Pools: This is your typical and least expensive option if you’re looking to go with something PVC and phthalate free.   You can typically find these anywhere, including grocery stores, toy stores and department stores like, Target and Wal Mart.   They range from $8 to $20 depending on the size.  They’re generally made of LDPE (low density polyethylene, which is #4 on the recycling scale).  Sometimes they have a recycling code on them, and sometimes they don’t.   But they are a good option if you’re looking for something inexpensive and fun.  The only drawback to these is that they tend to be a pain to empty, but that’s a pretty low con to deal with for the price.

Sun Smarties Pop up Pool: Another great, but a little more expensive option is one that I found over at One Step Ahead, called the Sun Smarties Pop Up Pool.  I was really excited about this find, and went ahead and ordered one (I can’t give you any details on it yet, though, because it’s back-ordered until next month.  Thankfully it’s still late winter and not summer yet!).  This pool just seems like an all around great option. The great thing about this pool is that it pops up easily folds up so flat, that you can pack it with you if you’re going on vacation!  Neat.   It comes with a sun canopy that clips on easily, which is great because you can move it around as the day wears on to make sure that your child has all day sun shade (but remember to still put sunscreen on them.  You know how kids are, in out in out in out).   Because of its ease of use, you can also get use out if it in the winter by using it as a ball pit.   It also comes in three sizes, which is a nice plus.  The smallest model retails for about $40, but the biggest one is pretty pricey at $90.   The Sun Smarties pop up pool is made from puncture resistant polyester.   Once I get mine, I’ll add my two cents to the information.

Statia Says (5/20/09): I received my pool and unfortunately, I’m going to have to remove the Sun Smarties Pop up Pool from our list.  Sadly, when I opened my pool, I noticed the plastic liner suspiciously looked like PVC (which is not mentioned in the product description).  However, One Step Ahead will not confirm what the liner is made of, so I’ll leave this information here in case One Step Ahead wants to clarify any information, or if any of you went ahead and ordered the pool.   I’m so disappointed, because this seemed like a great space saving option.

Little Tikes Butterfly Beach Sand and Wading Pool: This is a really cute, fun option for smaller toddlers.  The pool is somewhat small, so use would be limited, but if you really wanted to, you could fill both sides with water for more pool room.  Sometimes though, all kids need is just a little bit of water to have a lot of fun.  I also like that you can fold it up when it’s not in use and that there’s an umbrella to give the kids some shade on a hot day.  Little Tikes products are made of polypropylene (#5 plastic), which is recyclable in nearly all areas and Little Tikes products hold their value really well, so when you’re done with it, you could sell it to recoup your cost or donate it.

Phthalate free vinyl pool Perhaps this isn’t the most eco-friendly option, but there are PVC pools that are phthalate free.   They’re made without using all of the phthalates to soften the pvc.  I’ve researched and found some options, particularly one company by the name of Intex, that makes them, but they seem to be hard to find.  Maybe as the demand becomes higher, they will be more readily available.   There is however, the issue of how it could be recycled, and if it could be recycled easily, given that most PVC is made with phthalates.  I haven’t done a ton of research on it yet, since summer is still around the corner.   But it’s on my list of things to look into.

Little Tikes Wade Lagoon: This is beyond expensive as an option for something phthalate free, but it is phthalate free, nonetheless.   Little Tikes inflatables are all made of a mix of polyethylene and phthalate free PVC (as confirmed by a rep from little tikes).  All Little Tikes products are free of phthalates and BPA, so that’s comforting to know.  This product is built to last, which is one of the things I love about Little Tikes.  The inflatable products are expensive, but they definitely hold up to a beating (we have one of their bouncers, and a very active jumpy little boy, so I know how sturdy they are).   The good thing about this, is that you’d no doubt get quite a few years out of it, and it would probably last until your kids outgrew it and again, Little Tikes products hold their value, so you can sell it later on down the road and extend its life a little longer.

Another option that isn’t technically a “wading pool” but could also be used as a pool, would be a stock tank.  I’ve seen these as options around the internet, and while they could get pricey, they are a little bigger than your typical plastic molded pool.  I actually researched this option, but we’re a little low on garage space, so I went with the foldable pool instead, to save space.  They’re extremely sturdy and are higher on the sides than an actual wading pool, which might be nice if you wanted to say, fill it up on a hot summer day and kick the kids out, while the mom’s enjoyed some nice cold beverages.   I’m just sayin’…

Know a product you think belongs in this list? Let us know!

Mar

15

SafeMama’s 2010 Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Product Safety, Skin Care | 1 Comment

SafeMama 2010 Skin Care Cheat SheetWelcome to the next generation of our 2010 Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet! As we’ve grown and learned, we have become more aware of other ingredients, aside from parabens and phthalates, we wish to avoid. We also realize that there are different trains of thought (how many chemicals you’ll tolerate) and budgets to consider so we decided to simplify this list and split it up. For more detailed information on why we avoid certain ingredients please check our glossary. Below is a listing of brands we recommend. (Last Updated July 23, 2010)

Notice: Please do not redistribute this list anywhere without our prior written consent. If you would like to share this information with your readers, please use the handy little button we created for doing just that and link back here. We spent time away from our kids, pouring over ingredients lists, digging in the Skin Deep Database and learning about chemicals and processes. Please help us make that worth our time and energy by not copy/pasting our work on other websites, communities, forums or blogs without permission. Thank you!

Want to know about skin care & beauty products? Check out LovelyMama for product reviews and recommendations.  Us Mommies need safe skin care too!

BEST CHOICES: SafeMama’s Top Picks

The following brands are, according to the latest ingredient information, 100% chemical free. They also rate well in the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics database and are responsible companies. These are listed in alphabetical order for each rating group and not in a preferential manner. [Key: Brand Name, (Skin Deep rating range for baby items only, if available - Skin Deep ratings start at 0 being the best and goes up to 10 being the most hazardous)]

BETTER CHOICES

These are also really GREAT Choices: All baby care items are free of Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone, SLS and a bevy of other chemicals I won’t bother listing. Brands exhibit a very respectable ingredients list. (Note: In some brands cases they carry several products that are chemical free however have one or two items that were not.) I personally use many items from brands in this section.

GOOD CHOICES

Brands are Paraben, Phthalate, Propylene Glycol, PEG, Propylene Glycol Free though had one or more products containing cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium benzoate, dimethicone, and/or phenoxyethanol. Some of these brands had traces of just one questionable ingredient and others had several, or contained more chemically processed ingredients than we were comfortable with. These are still far better choices than most mainstream baby products and would recommend them. You will need to investigate the products yourself and make a judgment call.

Gluten Free Brands

These brands are gluten free according to their informational materials, for those needing to avoid gluten in their skin care. (Not comprehensive)

  • 100% Pure Kids
  • California Baby
  • Episencial
  • Nature’s Paradise Organics
  • TruKid Skin Care

Basic Skin Care Tips:

Read labels carefully. Beware of the basics -paraben, fragrance, PEG’s, and propylene glycol. Use our list as a guide.

Shopping at a “natural” store doesn’t mean everything is paraben and phthalate free. Read labels, know how to decipher the ingredients and don’t be fooled by the word “natural” or “organic” on the label. These words are not regulated the way food is… just because it says natural/organic doesn’t always mean it is.

Be wary of the term “fragrance”. Synthetic fragrances are a phthalate culprit so if you can, try to use products with organic or natural essential oils only if you are unsure. Unscented products can also contain phthalates by using a fragrance masking agent.

Use less products. This seems like a no-brainer but many people use way more than they need. Babies are born with the most perfect skin (usually) and it will never again be as perfect as it is when they’re babies.  Their sin is also sensitive and susceptible.  They don’t need to be slathered in lotions and powders. A little warm water and a washcloth is all they really need. When kids get older and grimier (like mine) a little soap and warm water does the trick and you can spot treat any dry skin problems or rashes.

Make Your Own: Some Castille Soap and water goes a long way!

Note: We support all the brands listed above regardless of what rating they have received.  We also realize everyone has their own standard of “greenness” and feel that there is a product to suit the needs of every child.  Experiment and mix and match until you find which brands work best for you, your family and your budget.  If there is a brand you think is missing from this list, please contact us and let us know and we would be happy to review it for inclusion.

When my son was first born, I probably got sixty bottles of different types of Johnson’s Baby Wash. They had one for every day, one for calming, one for colds. It seemed like they had just about everything I needed. Not having any idea what a paraben or a phthalate was, it was my staple. Once I started doing research (you would think that I would have done this prior to having my baby, but then again, you wouldn’t think they would make a baby shampoo that was laden with chemicals. Fool me once…), I was horrified to learn that I was using something harmful on my son’s delicate skin. I stopped using it immediately and sought other alternatives. I will admit though, I became so used to the smell of the Johnson’s calming baby wash, that I kept a bottle, just for the tactile memory. Every now and then, I’ll give it a little sniff, and it transforms me back to those early days of his newborn baby head. Since then, I’ve done A LOT of research on baby shampoo, and have tried many brands. When my daughter was born, I even brought my own body wash to the hospital and refused to let them use what they had on hand (most likely Johnson’s). Between Kathy and I, I’m pretty confident that we’ve tried just about every brand that’s out there. We’ve pored over ingredients and compared lathering capabilities. And here’s what we’ve come up with.

Feb

11

Cheat Sheet: Natural Toothpaste & BPA Free Toothbrushes For Kids

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Bisphenol-A, PVC Free, Product Safety | 12 Comments

We get a lot of questions about toothpaste and fluoride and “my Dentist says my son needs fluoride drops”  here and I am still kind of wishy washy about fluoride.  Especially after having read the great articles on SAFBaby regarding Fluoride… it really makes you wonder whether it’s the best thing.  Whether you are anti or pro fluoride, you might also be concerned with the other ingredients in toothpaste such as: sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, artificial colors, and triclosan. Here’s a quickie Cheat Sheet based on the natural toothpastes for kids we have tried or know of that are free of the ingredients in question. I figured a new list of BPA Free toothbrushes was appropriate too.

Last updated: July 18, 2010

Natural Toothpastes

  • Weleda Tooth Gel (Fluoride Free) – Skin Deep Rating: 3
  • Kiss My Face Kids Toothpaste (Fluoride and Fluoride Free): Sweetened with Stevia – Skin Deep Rating: 3 (w/ Fluoride: 4)
  • Toms of Maine (Fluoride and Fluoride Free): NOTE: The only caveat with this one is that it  contains sodium lauryl sulfate so if that’s a problem for you skip it and try one of the other brands. – Skin Deep Rating: 3 (w/ Fluoride: 4)
  • Burt’s Bees Kids Toothpaste (Fluoride and Fluoride Free) – Skin Deep Rating: 1 (old formulation)
  • Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste (Fluoride Free) – Skin Deep Rating: 2
  • Jason Natural Cosmetics Orange Kids Only Toothpaste: (Fluoride and Fluoride Free)  Certified organic, wheat and gluten free – Skin Deep Rating: 2 (w/ Fluoride: N/A)
  • Natural Dentist (Fluoride and Fluoride Free) – Skin Deep: 4 – They only have a rating for the kids toothpaste with Fluoride
  • Miessence Organics Toothpaste (Fluoride Free) - Skin Deep Rating (0-1)
  • Toothsoap (Fluoride Free)

(Note: It was just pointed out to me that some aluminum toothpaste tubes may contain BPA so depending on whether recyclable vs possible traces of BPA is your concern, you can make that call.

Make Your Own

Our friends at LuSa Organics (they make awesome soaps and body care… I live for their body scrubs) posted a great blog post and tutorial for making your own toothpaste.  Check it out:

LuSa Organics Homemade Toothpaste

  • 2 tsp Natural Liquid Soap (try unscented Dr. Bronner’s or similar)
  • 4 Tb Coconut Oil
  • 1 Tb Water
  • 2 Tb Xylitol (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp Stevia powder
  • 10-20 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
  • 5-10 drops Spearmint or Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Boil a small pan of water. Measure out 1 Tb and stir into it Xylitol (optional). Stir to dissolve. Melt coconut oil and add to water mixture. Measure in soap and stevia and blend (a stick blender works well if you have one. Otherwise use your regular blender or whisk by hand like mad).  Blend while the formula cools enough to stay combined. Add essential oils and transfer to a clean squeeze or pump bottle. Cool completely, shake well.

Read their full post here… make sure to also check out their skincare items…. Looooove!

BPA / PVC / Phthalate Free Toothbrushes

Here’s a quick list of the toothbrushes we know of that are BPA and PVC free from our previous search for safer toothbrushes, FAQ: What’s In My Toddlers Toothbrush, along with a couple new ones.

I *JUST* stumbled onto The Soft Landing’s safer toothbrush finds in their blog. (I should have known Alicia would be on top of this one!)  She says the following are all BPA/PVC/Phthalate Free too:

Dental Sealants

many people worry about BPA in dental sealants and it’s a real concern, especially for kids.  Our pediatric dentist uses UltraSeal XT Plus (Made by UltraDent Products. Inc.) which contains no BPA according to the company.  So if your dentist tells you it doesn’t exist, educate them or find a dentist that is up to speed on issues like BPA in dentistry.

Feb

10

Baby Wearing: Baby Carrier Round-Up

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets! | 12 Comments

When we were preparing for the arrival of our son, three years ago, I never really got into the whole baby wearing thing.  It’s not that I didn’t want my baby close to me, I just didn’t realize that there were many options beyond the BabyBjorn-like carriers.  Being that he was my first, I didn’t mind carrying him around everywhere.

When we found our our second was on her way,  I had read more about baby wearing and knew if I was going to get anything done with two kids, I’d have to look into options for carrying her around hands free.    I have two reviews included in this write up.  Both are carriers that I purchased.  I’ll also list other types of carriers as well.

Baby wearing has tons of benefits, aside of letting you get things done, without having to put your fussy infant down.  It’s a great bonding tool for you and your baby as well.   Babies love the closeness of being snuggled up next to their mothers, especially newborns.   Babies who are worn, also tend to cry less, and in my experience, this may be true.  My son was horribly fussy for eight weeks.  Fussy, actually doesn’t begin to describe it.  He screamed every night for 3 hours.   Whether this is as a result of him not being worn, I’ll never really know, but my daughter, who I wore regularly, was more mellow.  That is of course, until you put her down, and even now, she’s still like that.  Hell hath no fury!   Baby wearing is also great for development.  Because they’re close t you, they’re more comfortable with absorbing their surroundings.  Of course, with attachment parenting, comes a longer streak of dependence on you.  However, studies show that they become independent at an earlier age.

Finding the right carrier is crucial to making baby wearing work for you.   If you have a carrier that hurts your back, or is uncomfortable to wear, it’ll just make you more stressed and less likely to use it.

Types of Carriers:

Wraps: When I first got a Moby Wrap, I was overwhelmed.  It’s a bit of a learning curve,  putting on, but once it’s on, it’s insanely comfortable.  My daughter LOVED this carrier as a newborn, because she could sleep against my chest in the frog position for hours, and it never caused me any pain.   The drawback to this carrier, is that the fabric can be a little heavy for hot summer days.  However, if you were so inclined and handy, you could probably make one yourself in a stretchy muslin fabric and use it in the summer.  I, sadly, can’t even sew a button back on my pants.   For quicker use, put it on before you get in the car.  That way, when you arrive at your destination, you have it all ready to go, and all you have to do, is slip the baby in.    I don’t use it much right now, only because my daughter is a hefty 24lbs at 8 months.  At her age, I’m not quite ready to wear her on my back yet, but she’s getting a bit too heavy to use the wrap to wear her in the front. The Moby Wrap isn’t the only type of wrap carrier.  This is just the one I have.

The Soft Structured Baby Carrier:  This is a type of soft structured carrier (another example would be the typical BabyBjorn).  I purchased the ERGO Baby Carrier prior to flying down to visit Kathy last October.   I knew with two kids, I wanted to streamline my travel process.  A light stroller for my son, and a carrier for the baby.  I knew it would be easier to carry her, and also less worry of people coming up with their germy hands and touching her.  It worked like a charm.  One of the other benefits of baby wearing.  People have to get in YOUR personal space to touch your baby, and are less likely to do so.   Bonus!   I have to say, this is probably the most comfortable carrier on the planet and super easy to put on (just two clips and you’re done).  Even at 24 pounds, my daughter is STILL super comfortable to wear.   My main beef with this, is that she can’t face out in front of me.  It’s either inward facing, or on the back.   So she gets a bit more impatient in it now than she used to, but it is still worth every penny.  It’s a lighter fabric and has plenty of ventilation, as well as a sun/rain cover for their head.   I recommend this carrier to everyone.

Mei Tai Carrier: A mei tai carrier is kind of a cross between a wrap and an Ergo.  It’s generally a square piece of fabric with straps at the corners to tie together.  The result is versatility, with different wearing positions, your carrier has a longer life.   Mei tais have been used by Asian culture for years.  There are tons of WAHM’s making Mei Tai’s and if you’re able to sew, you can make your own.

Ring Slings:  Ring slings are a great option for quick and easy adjustment.  These are more of a pouch type sling, with a ring that the fabric loops through for easy tightening.   You can wear your baby as an infant in a cradle position, or on your hip.   These are especially great for nursing in as well.   The only drawback with ring slings, is the rings themselves.  When choosing a ring sling, make sure the ring is well made and sturdy.   There have been cases where the rings break, which could cause your baby to fall.  SO be sure to choose one from a trusted company like:

Pouch Slings:  Slings or “Pouches” are pretty similar to ring slings, just without the ring part of the sling.  These are nice because they come in sizes for a more specific fit.   They can be worn similarly to ring slings as well, and because they’re one piece, are relatively easy to get on and get a baby in quickly.   I’m not personally a fan of them when a baby gets heavier.  It doesn’t distribute weight very well, and you end up with sore shoulders (this may be because I’m already top heavy to begin with, so your mileage may vary).  But it is nice because it’s not bulky, and fits in a diaper bag easily, making it perfect for quick on the go trips.

Structured Backpacks:  This is pretty self explanatory.  Backpack carriers, generally have a frame and are a bit bulkier.  They’re great for things like hiking or longer days where you might need more support and a child more comfort.   I know men tend to prefer these as they’re a bit more masculine looking.   Some of them are pretty swanky too.  With pockets for holding things as well as sun canopies for coverage from the elements.

There are so many options for baby wearing, that there’s something out there for everyone.  I’m a little remiss that I didn’t find a lot of these options with my son.  My daughter loves being worn, and for me, I find that it’s so much easier when trying to wrangle a toddler.  Not to mention, it’s been great for keeping her warm during the winter.   There are even carrier covers, so that you don’t have to bundle them up in a heavy coat and take them in and out of a sling.   I find that if I steal my husband’s jacket, I can zip it up over both of us, and this works perfectly, but it’s nice to know that the option is there.

Baby wearing tips:

It’s easy to get frustrated when learning how to wear your baby.   Follow some of these tips and you’ll be a pro in no time:

  • Practice practice practice.  Practice with stuffed animals before your baby is born.  Practice around the house when your baby is born.   The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
  • Read the instruction manual.  As with any baby gear, reading the manual is essential.  You not only want to get the most out of your baby wearing apparatus, but you want your baby to be safe.
  • Check on your baby often.  If you’re wearing your baby in a cradle hold, make sure their they have sufficient air flow.  Also make sure their heads are tilted back enough to allow easy breathing.
  • Invest in a good carrier.   You want something that is going to be comfortable to wear, otherwise, you’re going to end up ditching the idea, more often than not.   If your carrier is comfortable, you won’t notice that you’ve got a baby attached to the front of you.  Unless of course, they punch you in the nose, or grab your hair.
  • Invest in a few carriers.   Depending on your activities, you might want to have a few different types of carriers on hand.   Also, if both parents like baby wearing, you’re bound to have different tastes in carriers.  Your husband/partner may not like wearing something pink and floral. Worst case: If you hate them, they retain value if they’re in god condition so you can get some of your money back on eBay.

Baby wearing resources:

Got any other tips or advice?  A favorite carrier?  As usual, leave ‘em in the comments.

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