Jan

21

California Baby Reformulation Drama

Filed Under allergies, Product Safety, Skin Care | 44 Comments

Pin It

    There has been some drama going on around Facebook regarding a reformulation of the product line by California Baby. Before you panic I wanted to present the facts to you so that you may make an informed decision.  Since I’m Mrs Bad News Bear around here I’ll just simply fill you all in and you can do what you want with that information.

    Several months ago a friend/reader (Hi Cecelia!) messaged me on Facebook asking me if I noticed that California Baby Shampoo now contained sodium benzoate, when before, it did not.   I wasn’t fully aware but I checked and sure enough this was the case.  I don’t follow each skin care line and monitor their ingredients lists daily so this was news to me.  I didn’t think enough of it at the time until yesterday when I wandered on to California Baby’s Facebook page and saw a large quantity of angry comments about relabeling and calendula creams and miscommunication and changing of calendula and burns and …. wow.  It’s a little out of control so I want to sort out the information provided to us.

    • CA Baby added sodium benzoate to their shampoos and body washes, hand soaps, and bubble products.  It’s not in every product  but several now feature this ingredient.  They have an explanation as to why this ingredient was added in their statement (which has now been deleted). Updated:  Many of the products have been reformulated but these are the ones who have had sodium benzoate added. Other ingredients have also been changed with the new labeling so please check your products if you are having any concerns.
    • Some products have had up to 10 ingredients changed or altered.  (Thank you Kaitlyn!)
    • CA Baby changed some ingredients in their calendula creams, including preservatives (no sodium benoate but caprylhydroxamic acid and glyceryl caprylate which are “naturally derived from coconut”)
    • They removed safflower oil and replaced it with “organically grown canola oil”.
    • They switched their calendula oil to a more concentrated calendula oil that they make in-house – it’s darker in color and has a slightly different smell.  They are using less of it because of it’s increased potency and moved it down the ingredients list accordingly.
    • CA Baby did not announce any reformulations immediately which caused some uproar on the Internet. They have apologized and made a statement on their FB Wall (It was deleted).  They said they have updated all the ingredients lists on their website.  The only list I see missing is for the hair detangler.
    • Comments regarding reactions to their creams and complaints were posted to the CA Baby facebook wall and deleted.
    • Many parents contacted CA Baby to complain about the reactions and say that their complaints were waved off and the company has told them that it was the “same great product it has always been” instead of informing them of a reformulation. (This is what I’ve been told by parents, I’m not stating it as a fact. Just to cover my butt legally – I did not witness these calls.)

    You can read about the above points in California Baby’s Facebook statement. (Deleted.)

    I got a handful of emails from moms telling me that their babies were experiencing burns and rashes after using their new formula calendula creams and body washes, etc.  CA Baby addressed it in their statement which is now gone,  but I cannot say for certain why a reaction has occurred. (Because I wasn’t there – it would be false of me to make assumptions.. I’m not suggesting I don’t believe you that you had a reaction, because I do. I just can’t comment on why you had reactions.)

    Updated: I can only say, if you are experiencing this, stop using it and try something that doesn’t contain any essential oils. (I’m suggesting this because if you are having a reaction to any cream or lotion, switching to something very basic is a good idea.  There is also Rosemary, Lavender and Clary Sage oils in the Calendula Cream as listed. There is no telling what is to blame.  All we know is that this product caused a reaction for some people.)   I had always previously recommended their calendula cream for rashes and eczema and if its working for you I don’t see any reason to stop. (Unless you are purely disgusted by their practices then by all means!)  But if you are not comfortable with it, there are other safe skin care products and techniques you can try.

    Stephanie of Bubble & Bee Organics also has posted a very poignant article called Why Companies Reformulate that talks about why things like this occur.

    Melinda from one of my favorite companies Earth Mama Angel Baby has published an article on the topic of reformulations as well.

     Updated: I want to mention that I was not aware of the severity of the complaints being removed or about  the responses from the CA Baby company when they received complaints.  I think CA Baby made some very bad mistakes in handling this situation and it is disappointing.  My goal with this post was to help answer a few questions I was receiving regarding the formulas, not to defend CA Baby.  I am on your side and my only mission on SafeMama is to help people find answers.

    I am compiling some recommendations on creams that may be suitable replacements for the CA Baby Calendula Cream.  In the meantime, if you are in search of a new product line to use, please visit my Safer Skin Care Cheat Sheet for ideas.

    Jan

    19

    SafeMama on The Honest Company Launch

    Filed Under Healthy Home, Product Safety, Skin Care | 33 Comments

    Pin It

      Hi everyone! I’ve been so busy but I am researching my little heart out so bear with me.  I have gotten a ton of email from all of my loyal SafeParents on what I thought of the new products that were launched this week by Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan’s new company The Honest Company.  I have been waiting with baited breath for the launch of their products and I know many of are wanting to know my thoughts…

      Are the products really good? Or greenwashing? Is it worth buying? What do you think about the ingredients? Would you buy it? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

      I can answer some of those questions, but I have not received any advance samples of any of the products so I can’t give you any first hand information.  But I have spent some time reading their website and can provide some insight based only on what they have published.

      A little back story… Jessica Alba has been a wonderful representative for mothers everywhere who want and demand better regulation of chemicals in our every day products.  As a mother herself she has gone to Capitol Hill to use her influence to lobby for these changes.  She teamed up with Christopher Gavigan of Healthy Child Healthy World to bring safer products to the main stream. I love them both for doing this.  As SafeMama I really do support their efforts because I know they are coming from a good place… but I also have my loyalties rooted in you, my readers.  My obligation is to you, to ensure that you get a straightforward idea of products that you use for your families. So The Honest Company, while I am supportive and happy to see their appearance on the market, will get put through the SafeMama Ringer just like everyone else.  No special treatment.  First, the positive:

      Cleaning Products

      I don’t have much to gripe about with the cleaning products.  They look safe and effective and have a very limited amount of ingredients which is a plus.  The dish soap simply states its made of  ”Ingredients: Water & coconut oil derived surfactants”. It seems a little vague but it’s all we can tell so far. I’m really curious to see how they perform.  Will get back to you at a later date and possibly a separate review of those.

      Diapers & Wipes

      The Honest Diapers are adorable and I am curious to check them out. They are made with plant based materials with a core of corn starch and acrylic polymers.  The outer shell is comprised of plant fibers and spandex.  They are a safer alternative to regular disposables.  Do not be fooled into thinking they are biodegradable though.  If I had a choice between these and Pampers, you are right in assuming these would be a much safer choice for baby. There are no phthalates from perfumes or dyes and no PVC or chlorine.  They look promising if you are not into cloth diapering, these might be a good choice for the price.

      The Honest Wipes are biodegradable and they look great, but there is not a detailed ingredients list published so I can’t comment on the ingredients until I have them in my hands.

      Skin Care Products

      The positive: All the Honest Company skin care products are free of SLS, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances & dyes, formaldehyde, petrochemicals & common allergens.  Plus!

      I am pretty happy with their approach, using organic ingredients when possible and focusing on making a product that isn’t loaded with petro chemicals.  However, in a few products here and there I found some things that I know you try to avoid, as do I, so I might be more selective about which ones I order. (I hate that this is taking on a negative approach but what can I do).

      The baby skin care mainly is decent and chock full of lovely acceptable ingredients like Organic aloe and shea butter but  did find a few minor things that bothered me.  Sodium Benzoate (some experts believe that the presence of a benzene ring mixed with other ingredients, like vitamin C, could create a carcinoenic by product – that may not be the case here but there is a tangerine ingredient and citric acid present with it so I thought it was worth mentioning.  Studies have shown Sodium Benzoate to be safe, but because of the other ingredients listed I was weary. ) is present in a few products, the hand wash contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Phenoxyethanol - both of which I have struggled with and had many arguments with product makers over the safety of them.  I still firmly maintain that they are not ideal.  They’re not awful in the grand scheme but if you’re being picky….

      These discrepancies are found in the types of products most natural product makers struggle with: Water based products and foaming products.  Products that require water as an ingredient are to make the product thinner like lotions.  The drawback is that it requires a preservative and that’s where we tend to find trouble. Sodium benzoate is a preservative, Phenoxyethanol is a preservative and so are parabens.  Preservatives are needed in water based products to lengthen the life of a product and to keep harmful bacteria from developing.

      Products that need to have a foaming action are another one.  You need a surfactant to make that luxurious bubbly foam we all enjoy.  But many times those surfactants (usually it’s SLS in mainstream products) that are the troublemakers.  Companies reached for Cocamidopropyl Betaine as a “safe” alternative but I’ve read otherwise.  Some people might not find it troublesome.  Some do.  That decision is yours.

      When it comes to the easier products like Healing Balm, The Honest Company has come through. But safe healing balms and rash creams are easier to find. Theirs is Certified Organic which is a nice bonus.  I’m also relatively pleased with their new Honest Sunscreen which uses non-nanoparticle databa zinc.  Some will argue that the Vegetable Emulsifying Wax is undesirable and should have a higher score in the EWG Skin Deep database but I don’t have a firm opinion on that yet.

      Overall, some skin care products look great, – fantastic even, and others look like they tried and fell short on a few ingredients by probably listening to a chemist that said “phenoxyethanol is better than parabens so you can use that”.  Which is correct, but if we’re going for 100% safe we want nothing remotely controversial in our baby’s skin care.

      Would I buy them?

      So.  Again, I respect the intentions of this company… transparency of ingredients and practices, their mission to provide more affordable safer products to parents, is wonderful and I support them in this endeavor.  But I always promise, like The Honest Company, to be HONEST with you about the products you use and buy.  I will hopefully be able to examine things more closely in the future and I hope this answers some of your questions about what I think of their new products.

      I would buy some of their products, yes. Are they perfect? I think that’s an unreasonable expectation. but not everyone agrees with my perspective on things.  For some, it might be exactly what they are comfortable with.  If it’s a matter of The Honest Company versus Johnson & Johnson … The Honest Company wins hands down every time.

      Aug

      12

      Safer Nap Mats by Wildkin (Giveaway from The Glass Baby Bottle!)

      Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Product Safety | 190 Comments

      Pin It

        Those of you who have kids starting in preschool this year may or may not be looking for a nap mat.  When my youngest son started a long day program they told me he needed a nap mat for their rest time.  Ok.  So I asked where to buy it and they directed me to their stash in the main office.  Horrified, I bought a vinyl trifold mat filled with foam (and likely doused with flame retardants).  I lost sleep over it.  So when I got home I SCOURED the internet for something better.  At the time all I could come up with was some handmade ones on Etsy and lucky for me (sarcasm) she stopped making them. I found a “phthalate free” version of the nap mat (KinderMats I think) but it was still filled with flame retardant foam.  I even contacted a safe mattress company and said “The world needs safe nap mats, please make some, I’m begging you“.  Long story short I never got my hands on anything decent and I still cringe at the thought of my kid laying on that toxic infestation.  Ok I’m being dramatic but it bugged me.

        SafeParents, you now have an OPTION.  Let us rejoice. Finally.  A company called Wildkin, which is a new discovery for me this year, makes all kinds of things for kids like back packs, lunch bags, pencil cases and yes NAP MATS.  These smooshy nap mats are naturally flame retardant and never treated with toxic chemicals.  YAY! No vinyl, no phthalates, no lead, and no flame retarding chemicals.  These are totally worth it.  If I had the option I would have pounced.

        They come in a variety of cute patterns for boys and girls and they also feature a detachable pillow and an attached blanket that has a cotton flannel interior.  You can roll them up and fasten them with velcro and have a handy carrying handle.  They are totally machine washable too.  These are perfect for day cares and preschools that require a nap mat, and would make a cute sleeping bag for home or travel.  I love these and am so glad to have found a safer alternative to those vinyl foam mats.

        OMG Where Can I Get One?: You can get Wildkin Nap Mats from one of my absolute favorite non-toxic resources The Glass Baby Bottle (and by the way I am so jealous that I didn’t have one of these when I needed one.)  They also carry a great variety of  items for baby and kids. They are an awesome family run business and I love supporting her and her family by shopping with them.  I hope you will too.

        WIN A NAP MAT!

        The Glass Baby Bottle (Have I mentioned I love them?) has so generously offered to give a Wildkin Nap Mat to one of my readers.  If you win you can choose one mat in the pattern of your choosing (based on availability). Lucky!!!

        Here’s How To Enter (Required):

        Visit The Glass Baby Bottle and have a look around.  Let me know in the comments what items they carry that would help you the most in leading a less toxic lifestyle.

        For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

        • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
        • Fan/Like  The Glass Baby Bottle on Facebook (first name, last initial)
        • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
        • Follow @GlassBabyBottle on Twitter (Twitter name)
        • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
        • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
        • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments): Enter to #WIN a safer nap mat from @GlassBabyBottle on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 8/19 http://ow.ly/67KRp

        One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until August 19, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!  Thank you to The Glass Baby Bottle for this great giveaway!

        Congratulations to Marla W., Commenter #28!

        Jul

        21

        Purple Prairie Bug Stuff Review

        Filed Under Product Reviews, Product Safety, Skin Care | 2 Comments

        Pin It

          So as you can probably guess, the cheat sheet for bug repellents got back burnered this summer.  Seriously, I don’t know how anyone gets anything done in the summer time.  I feel like I am constantly shuttling kids from one place to another and when I’m not, I’m trying to keep them busy with projects so I can work. (Have I mentioned I have a web design job too? Shoot me.) Summer is impossible! So in lieu I wanted to do a quick review of a bug spray that I have been testing out for my friend at Lullaby Organics.  She sent us the Purple Prairie Bug Stuff and Bug Lotion to try out.

          I live in Georgia this time of year.  Near Atlanta.  Which should just be renamed Hot Swamp because holy, it is hot here.  I’m talking muggy, baking bread on the driveway hot. It’s ridiculous.  So the only time of day we can play with the kids outside is when the sun goes down.  And of course, as many of you can relate, once the sun is out of sight, swarms of mosquitoes and little biting bugs come out to play too.

          Since Purple Prairie has such a nice sunscreen I was excited to try their bug products too.  I habitually doused myself and the kids with the spray a few nights in a row and then switched off to the lotion for a few nights.   Most natural bug repellents smell pretty pungent from the oils they use to repel bugs.  The idea is to mask the scent of your CO2 and body scent so that the bugs cannot find you.  Reapplication is key with natural bug repellents.  That said, they are still smelly.  Purple Prairie utilizes a variety of bug repelling oils instead of chemicals to help scare off bugs. However they have figured out how to make it a little less smelly than others.  It still has the telltale scent of citronella but it’s not quite as overpowering as some.

          We had the most success with the Bug Lotion this year.  Sure it’s a little more of a pain to apply but it seemed to yield less bites overall, perhaps because the concentration on the skin is higher versus the spray.  Believe me, I know the appeal of a spray since it’s so much easier.  But I had to use a lot to get adequately coated.  The lotion lasts a little longer and I didn’t see as many bug bites on myself compared to the spray.  I also like the price point on these, though again I have to say the lotion is more bang for your buck.  If you live somewhere that doesn’t have a big bug issue in the summer than the spray might work out nicely.

          My only gripe with natural repellents is that the ingredients are iffy for use on kids under three.  Though, I’d rather risk an essential oil on my 2 year old than DEET.

          Get Bug Stuff: You can buy both the Purple Prairie Bug Stuff Spray and Lotions on Lullaby Organics!

          May

          21

          Ditching Waste In Baby Steps with Glass Dharma (Giveaway)

          Filed Under Eco-Mama, Food Safety, Product Safety | 152 Comments

          Pin It

            My iced coffee with Glass Dharma straw

            I was at the Palm Beach Zoo a few weeks ago with my boys – it’s something I do with them on a regular basis.  We stopped for lunch at the “cafe” before heading over to the Tiger exhibit and we ordered waters for the table.  When they were delivered they were in tall cups with no lids or straws because the zoo doesn’t use them.  It’s safer for the animals and it’s wasteful.  I was thrilled and found myself thinking “Why isn’t it like this everywhere?“.  Something so small as a plastic straw fills up so much un-recycled trash.. think about how many are used at sports stadiums, restaurants, airports… we protect the environment and the animals at the zoo, why not every animal everywhere?

            The cost of convenience is contributing to a trash filled earth where there are literally islands of garbage the size of Texas floating in the ocean.  That’s purely disgusting.  I’m not perfect, but I make an effort to recycle, to buy things with less packaging and to reuse what I have rather than buy something new.  I am working on giving up wasteful things in my home and trying with all my might to educate my kids to be aware and respect the planet we live on instead of treating it like our own personal dump.

            Enter Glass Dharma into my life. I had heard of glass straws before and never took the step to try them because I had a very distinct vision of how they were.  “Glass straws? And kids? That is never going to work.“  But I tried, and I changed. Glass straws are a brilliant solution.  Glass is non leaching and is my favorite material to use for food. There is something that makes your meals and drinks special when you use glass and using a glass straw, makes your afternoon iced tea feel like an indulgent treat.  It’s a pampered feeling!

            Glass Dharma’s straws are durable and feel good in your hand. they have a nice weight to them and not in a negative way.  This is my STRAW! They come in a few fun varieties but I have to admit my favorite is their Beautiful Bends straw which essentially is a plain glass straw with a subtle angle.  I’ve been using it daily.  They also come in varying lengths ranging from 6 ¼ inch to 10 inch.  The daintier sizes (7mm thickness) are fun for cocktails but my kids like them with the decorative dots.  The dots also prevent them from rolling which is key with kids. Plus they look cute.

            You can purchase a hemp sleeve for carrying your straw in your bag (I’ve been carting mine around for 2 weeks and no breaks.)  I’ve gotten a couple compliments on it while out and about too… people are more open to the idea of a reusable straw than I originally thought.

            I want to share them with you!  Glass Dharma is giving one of my readers $25 worth of Glass Dharma straws!

            Buy Your Own: If you don’t want to wait to see if you win, You can purchase Glass Dharma in a number of places: On GlassDharma.com or from my dear friends at  TheSoftLanding.com.

            Here’s How To Enter (Required):

            Visit Glass Dharma and tell me which straws you would get if you win!

            For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

            • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Fan/Like  Glass Dharma on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Follow @GlassDharma on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
            • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
            • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN glass straws from @GlassDharma on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 5/30 http://tinyurl.com/4ypymsl

            One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until May 30, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

            Congratulations commenter #25 Brittany!

            May

            12

            Catamount Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper (Giveaway)

            Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons, Product Safety | 203 Comments

            Pin It

              We wrote here before about microwave popcorn.  I know, I know… always the bearer of bad news. I’m settled in my role of letting you know things that cause you cancer.  I’ll gladly be the messenger that everyone wants to shoot. Anyway, as we wrote back in 2008 (wow time flies), microwave popcorn is many things besides delicious.  The liner of microwave popcorn bags are lined with a coating that is known to break down into a substance known as PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic. (Say it with me… greeeeeat.)  This was a blow for me.  I love my nightly popcorn ritual.

              My friends at MightyNest have just announced their brand spanking new Kitchen Essentials section which provides the safest options for cooking and serving.  From aluminum free muffin pans to silicone spatulas, they have you covered.  Luck would have it that they now carrying a glass popcorn popper by Catamount.  It sounds pretty genius and no pesky carcinogenic chemicals screwing up your popcorn.  To use it you simply pour your kernels into the container, place your butter (if you like) in the silicone melting lid, and microwave for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s it. Easy peasy.  What’s even cooler is that as the butter melts, it drips down through the lid and coats your popcorn for you, while its popping. I totally need this thing.  It’s made of borosilicate (laboratory glass) and is dishwasher safe.  How cool. And guess what? I’m giving one away to one lucky reader.  (You are lucky… even I don’t have one of these yet. )

              Here’s How To Enter (Required):

              Visit MightyNest’s new Kitchen Essentials section and tell me in the comments what you need for your non-toxic kitchen.  What are you dying to replace?

              For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

              • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
              • Fan/Like  MightyNest on Facebook (first name, last initial)
              • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
              • Follow @MightyNest on Twitter (Twitter name)
              • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
              • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
              • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN a glass popcorn maker from @MightyNest on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 5/19 http://tinyurl.com/6cbcctk

              One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until May 19, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

              Congratulations Kim, commenter #17!

              Apr

              14

              Make SafeMama one of Circle of Moms Top 25 Eco-Friendly Moms

              Filed Under Product Safety | 6 Comments

              Pin It

                I generally hate it when there are blog popularity contests.  I always did.  I hate that whole “Vote For Me!” stuff like you are running for class president and are campaigning to win. I just do what I do best and don’t typically try to be the president of Eco-Mom World.  I just love participating in it and learning from all the fabulous bloggers in our sphere.  Then my business partner kicked me in the butt and convinced me to allow myself to campaign on my behalf in this particular incident.

                Circle of Moms has a poll going where you can vote for your favorite Eco-Friendly Mom blogs and they will announce the top 25 on Earth Day.  Our site… YOUR site… SafeMama.com, is in the list and I am honored to be listed among so many great, informative, inspiring green blogs.

                So if you like SafeMama.com and want to contribute your vote to me I would be ever so grateful!  You can vote once a day for your favorite blog until April 17, 2011.  I hope SafeMama is one of your favorites… and in advance, thank you!

                Apr

                12

                Treating & Preventing Head Lice Naturally

                Filed Under Health & Medicine, Product Safety, Skin Care | 7 Comments

                Pin It

                  I got that dreaded note home from school. “There has been a confirmed case of lice in your child’s school.“  Lice! Eeek! I’ve not had any personal experiences with it yet and hope I never do but I wanted to look into it so that if it does happen, I’d have a plan of attack and not be stuck at the drugstore buying a toxic chemical potion.  Which is what happened to my dear friend Sommer when she was on vacation!  Her story is not an unfamiliar one and reading her personal experience with it, I just shook my head in agreement because I probably would have done the same thing given the circumstances.  The note goes on to outline all the toxic pesticides you can marinate your child’s head in and I would rather avoid it at all costs.

                  Unfortunately, when you do go to a drugstore the options available to us are sometimes not so vast. A quick glance at the selection of cures in the grocery store left 2 options, one a common brand called Nix.  Sommer did a great job at highlighting some of the natural brands and services available to treat lice such as Lice Happens, which is a service you can contact that will help you deal with and rid your life of a lice infestation.  They carry their own natural products as well.

                  But I wanted to also provide some tips I found comforting and a few other ideas that I thought might be comforting to someone dealing with an infestation or like me, it has occurred to a child in your school and you want to be prepared.  So here we go.

                  Prevention

                  Preventing lice is not really a 100% fool proof practice.  It happens and it’s not life threatening (there are worse things!) but very inconvenient.  I don’t know one person who wouldn’t take a few precautions if it’s possible to skirt a lice infestation. There are a few products that swear they are effective in deterring lice.  One is a product line I am familiar with and love and that is Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Shampoo and Conditioning Spray. Babo Botanicals had their product tested and it was deemed 95% effective in repelling lice.

                  Happy Heads  has an array of Lice Prevention products and systems including their Scootie-Cootie Organic Repelling Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler. They’re infused with 100% pure essential oils and are sulfate & paraben free. Safe for use daily!

                  Lice Happens also has a Lice Repellent Spray which is free from pesticides. It’s safe to use daily and their special mint formula  repels head lice. You can use it daily on kids who may be exposed to head lice at school, camp, playgrounds, sleepovers, or wherever kids play together. Those play places that have dress up always give me the heebs.

                  Washington Toxics Coalition offers some great advice that doesn’t require chemical intervention. Here are some highlights:

                  • Encourage your child not to share headphones, headrests, hats, hair ribbons, barrettes, scarves, bicycle helmets, brushes or combs.
                  • Talk with your child’s teachers about storing coats in cubbies rather than hanging them on hooks where they can come in close contact with each other.

                  Preparation & Treatments

                  Having a few tools and products on hand in the event of lice can be a saving grace.  You can’t control every situation… you may be on vacation and without a choice, or visiting relatives and don’t have your supplies.  But if it strikes while you’re home you at least have the tools necessary to start treating the problem right away and naturally without having to resort to the selection at CVS.  That works too but if you’d rather not use a chemical pesticide on your kids head, then here’s a few things you may want to have available:

                  Lice/Nit Comb.  Apparently many kits come with one but the “good” ones are ideal because they are made with stainless steel and are more effective in removing lice and nits.  One of the most popular ones is called Nit Free Terminator, which you can also find at Babo Botanicals for $12. It seems steep for a lice comb but I’ve heard from other mothers who have dealt with lice that having a good comb makes a huge difference in removing and ending the nightmare. I’d say having on in your house for a just in case situation is warranted. Another one which is considered the “Gold Standard”  by HeadLice.org is the LiceMeister.  I’ve also seen the Robi Comb (thank you Green and Clean Mom for pointing that one out) an that looks like a good thing to have around. Though some have suggested that it’s not effective in finding and removing the eggs.

                  Topical Lice Treatments. Here’s where it gets tricky.  Since any immediate solution is going to fall in the drugstore category, you’re left with few non-toxic options.  Most non-toxic solutions need to be ordered online and waiting for a delivery while lice is running rampant in your home sounds horrific.  So having something around “just in case” can save you. Here is a list of brands that are free of toxic pesticides and use natural ingredients to treat and remove lice:

                  I don’t recommend trying other suggested natural remedies that I’ve seen circulating in the past, and advise that a pesticide free product specifically made to remove and kill lice and nits is the best way to go.  According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “Studies have shown lice can survive in hair covered with olive oil, mayonnaise and even petroleum jelly–even when it is left on the hair overnight.” So this isn’t always a good option.

                  This mom recounts a friends experience making her own lice removal product using olive oil and essential oils.  But the bottom line is, you need a good comb.  Read about it on Clean Green Start!

                  Tips For Removing Lice From Your Home

                  Removing the nits from your child’s heads is the key and not treating your home.  Though follow up cleaning is advisable.  Using pesticides to spray your home is not recommended and unnecessary.

                  • Diligent and daily combing to remove lice and nits is key.  This should be done twice daily for at least 12 days or more.
                  • Wash clothing, towels and bedding in hot water and tumble-dry on high heat for 30 minutes.
                  • Soak brushes and combs in hot water above 130° F for 30 minutes or or soak combs and brushes in rubbing alcohol for an hour.
                  • Vacuum floors, furniture and bedding your child may have had contact with. After vacuuming, remove the bag, seal the openings and dispose of it properly.
                  • Bag up items that can’t be laundered (like stuffed toys) for 2 weeks.

                  Resources

                  Mar

                  22

                  Lunchbots Rounds Food Storage (Giveaway!)

                  Filed Under Product Safety | 175 Comments

                  Pin It

                    I’ve always been fond of Lunchbots and the products they make.  The more I learn about materials, the more certain I am that storing food in non-plastic containers is the best way to go.  So when Lunchbots offered to allow me to test out their new stainless steel Lunchbot Rounds I was really excited.  They come is a set – 16oz and an 8oz stainless steel round container with a silicone seal under the lid to keep things tight in there.

                    The first test was the lunch box test.  My son can do a number on things and I was happy to see that they were easy for him to open and close at school (he’s 5 in case anyone is counting).  They hold any number of things and their sizes lend themselves to many combination’s.  I’ve packed grapes, blueberries, strawberries, apple slices, watermelon in both and I can say with certainty that when the cap is screwed on they do not leak.   The second test was the beach test.  I used them for dry snacks and fruit.  The opening is easy for kids to fit their hands in and they close up easily.  They wash easily too.

                    I loved using these for our food and snacks and they aren’t heavy which is ideal when you’re carrying a bag full of steel containers for food.  They are light despite their size.  My wish would be for a version with a double wall for insulation (for packing food meant to stay cold or warm) but I can imagine that would add to the weight.  I thought the lack of insulation would be an issue but it hasn’t been, considering I pack things in a cooler or my son’s insulated lunch bag anyway. (A FUEL bag if anyone is wondering)

                    Snack time with Lunchbots

                    Lunchbots has all their products tested by a 3rd party and have come back certified as lead-free.  That’s peace of mind!  No plastic to be concerned with and no leaching risks.  Plus they look great and function well.  I’m a fan!

                    Get Lunchbots Rounds: You can purchase Lunchbots Rounds (which I hear are selling out fast) and any of their other great products from their website Lunchbots.com! (Or visit some our advertisers – they carry Lunchbots products too)

                    Win Them!

                    Lunchbots is giving away one set of Lunchbots Rounds to a lucky SafeMama reader!

                    Here’s How To Enter (Required):

                    Visit Lunchbots.com and tell me what products appeal to you as replacements for plastic!  This step is required to enter the giveaway.

                    For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

                    • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                    • Fan/Like Lunchbots on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                    • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
                    • Follow @Lunchbot on Twitter (Twitter name)
                    • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
                    • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
                    • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN a set of stainless steel @Lunchbot Rounds on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 3/29 http://tinyurl.com/4sxx97s

                    One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until March 29, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

                    Congratulations commenter #42, Susan!

                    Feb

                    22

                    Looking At Crocs

                    Filed Under Product Reviews, Product Safety | 10 Comments

                    Pin It

                      I’ve been asked about Crocs™ before a hundred or so times and people have a lot of questions and strong opinions surrounding “Are they safe?”.  With all the chemicals surrounding us these days, parents are becoming more and more curious about the things we use on a day to day basis. So I’ll break it down for you and give you the scoop on whether SafeMama thinks Crocs are “safe”.

                      Crocs™ as a company is quite philanthropic and they do offer a recycling program that brings shoes to underdeveloped countries through their Crocs Cares program.  You can drop off used Crocs at your local drop-off location and they will be cleaned and re-purposed in developing nations that need them. So instead of ending up in a landfill they will becomes shoes to someone who might not have any shoes at all.  I’m okay with that.

                      Based on the materials, they now have hundreds of styles and use a mix of materials but their most well known shoes, the Classic Crocs and other varieties of this shoe, are made from their patented Croslite™ material. Since they don’t disclose the nature of the material its hard to determine what it is exactly but I did ask their representative a few questions about it and was given some reassurance that the chemicals we typically avoid are not in Crocs.  They said they did not contain fire retardant chemicals, or plasticizers such as phthalates and that they were also free of colophony, abitol, abietic acid, chromium, bisphenol A or neomycin but that some models do use glue in their construction.

                      When pressed about their prior anti-microbial status I was also assured that they do not contain any Microban or similar anti-microbial chemicals and that the closed cell nature of the material is what offered that trait.  I felt a bit better about the material after hearing that.  I can’t say that I’m totally convinced that they aren’t 100% non-toxic.  If you have ever been in a Crocs store, the odor of the shoes off gassing is powerful enough to make you wonder. Jury is still out on that but for now, they’re assured me they are free of some of the chemicals we tend to avoid like phthalates and fire retardants.

                      From a safety standpoint, there were reports a few years ago about Crocs posing an issue with escalators and missing toes.  I haven’t heard any reports about that since but I think it’s safe to say that Crocs are best worn for casual play, beach or backyard time since they are comfy and offer some support.  I would recommend socks and sneakers for any playground or physical activities though. It absolutely drives me nutty seeing kids play barefoot or with flimsy sandals on playgrounds.  Kids could step on something sharp or twist an ankle very easy… I always wondered if I was the only one who worried about that.

                      That being said, I was totally unaware that Crocs now makes Crocband Sneakids which are basically sneakers made of Croslite™! Crocs sent us a pair to try out and I have to admit to liking them. I will also admit that we have owned Crocs in the past and they make great backyard shoes or beach shoes since they can be easily rinsed off.  Not to mention they are much easier to slip on and off than socks and sneakers.  Crocs have their place and now with these new Crocband Sneakids, I’d even venture to say they would be better for playground use too. They’re a bit tight at first but once broken in they fit well and don’t have the risk of slipping off like traditional Crocs. They look pretty sharp on my little guy and he can run and jump in them as well as a regular sneaker.

                      I know many people have strong feelings one way or the other regarding Crocs and I, too, had some misgivings and am still weary of the odor reeking out of the Crocs store, but as far as the risk of chemical exposure and use safety, I am more on their side than I was before.

                      Find Them: You can see these and other Crocs brand shoes on their website Crocs.com.

                      Next Page →

Latest CPSC Childrens Products and Toy Recalls

Car Seat Recalls

Latest FDA Recalls

Latest Recalls in Canada

Safer States Action Alerts





395256_125x125 Abes Market



Current-Special


  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • NetwrkBlog
  • Google+
  • Pinterest