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A reader recently asked me about natural/green highchairs and what I would recommend. This is an awesome question and one that becomes important as we learn more and more about how certain plastics are just not safe for baby. Most conventional highchairs are made of plastic so therein we have a problem.

So….what natural and/or green highchairs do I recommend? I do in fact still have a child in a highchair and we opted to get a wood highchair…so that would be my first recommendation…wood before plastic. It will last longer and it is sustainable. My son has a restaurant style highchair and we love it. Even better, we got ours second hand at a yard sale. It is very good quality and will last a long time…it is too bad we won’t be having any more kids. For $45.00 at Amazon you can’t beat that price at all even if it does have a not-so natural finish…you can always sand and paint using zero VOCs paints. The best feature is that it has no tray (no plastic) so you can just pull baby up to the table to eat with the rest of the family.

IF I did have another child and for some reason didn’t have a highchair my first choice would probably be the Euro-Baby Family High Chair. It has a hardwood tray for little babies and then it converts to a chair that can be pulled up to the family table. And THEN in converts into two other size chairs…for children up to adult. SO really this chair can start out as baby’s highchair and then wind up being their desk chair when they are teenagers. Well worth the investment as these chairs run right around $200.

But I might just as likely get a Tripp Trapp Highchair (pictured above). It has no tray, it fits right under the family table, and it too converts into other size chairs so they can continue using it as they grow. There are also pads you buy separately that are gorgeous….like this artsy stripe print. I would use it to make a pattern and sew my own. These chairs also come in many great finishes and colors. The price is anywhere from $229 to $270 if you get a chair with a cushion and a baby rail.

I also like the PRIMO POPPY PLUS II but the vinyl pad would have to go. I would sew my own chair pad most likely made of organic cotton and easily washable. This chair is made of wood and it converts into a toddler chair with a little table so it has multiple functions as well. The price isn’t bad either…$89.75.

So, I hope I have given natural, expectant moms some ideas for highchairs. I suggest looking at yard sales and estate sales first for antique or used wooden highchairs. I see them all the time in my neck of the woods. If you do buy used just make sure to supervise your baby well because they might not be up to date on the latest safety features. If you want to buy new there are certainly some good options.

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Moms have been emailing me quite often lately about cloth diapers…are they the greener choice, which ones are best, etc. I cloth diapered two of my babies and I even owned a cloth diaper manufacturing company and store for a few years. I am a big advocate for cloth diapers. To the right you will see my daughter wearing a tye dye diaper I made for her.

So first things first…are they REALLY the green choice in diapering. Yes! Disposable diaper advocates are quick to say that cloth diapers use a lot of water and energy in the laundering process but frankly their arguments are LAME. I laundered cloth diapers for 4 years and it was a tiny blip on the energy usage chart in my house. Water, yes I did use more water…it equated to about 3 extra loads of laundry a week…big woop. I opted to conserve more “conservatively” in other areas to make up for it. Most of my children’s diapers were also made by me with organic fabric or I purchased from another WAHM like myself. 

Disposable diapers are made in huge factories that spew chemicals into the air and nearby waterways. One factory can be unloading as much as 50 million gallons of waste water a day. In one US town, this has caused mutations in fish and one awful stench. Huge amounts of energy go into diaper production and then into packaging (wasteful), and then into transportation around the world via truck, plane, and cargo ship. When the diapers reach their respective stores, consumers spend their hard earned money on something that will last a few hours and then be thrown into the garbage. More energy is used to buy and then dispose of diapers and then they will sit, entombed in a landfill for many generations to come. Are you at ease knowing that your baby’s diapers will be around when your great-great-great-great grandchild is born? Ew!

So….cloth is the better choice IMO. They are easier on our limited resources, they are  better value, and they can used for many years with several children usually. But many moms turn their noses up about cloth for some reason. They might say cleaning messy diapers is gross, or that they don’t have time for 2 extra loads of laundry. I found neither of these things to be true and trust me I was one of those moms who NEVER would have thought I would use cloth diapers.

Also…sposies are loaded with petroleum products, bleached paper, perfumes, and other chemical nasties. Babies LOVE cloth diapers too. How could I not get excited about cloth diapering when you get to use such cutesy terms like Kissaluv, Happy Heiny, Monkey Doodlez, Fuzzi Bunz, etc.

For those completely unfamiliar with diaper types and how it all works check out this glossary I wrote. Assuming that you know the basics I will review some of my favorite diapers.

Moneky Doodlez- My friend Cheryl owns this store and I have known her for years. These diapers are so fine they are works of diaper art. They really last and they are a great value for the price. They are AIO diapers or a one piece diapering system and they have fleece on the inside to wick moisture away from the skin so rashes and discomfort are a thing of the past. There are bamboo options and TONS of color choices. You can also get embroidered diapers too.

I have some diapers made by the same company under a different brand name and they are in excellent condition after 3 plus years. I can’t say enough good things about these diapers…really I can’t. They top my list!

Bumgenius Pocket Diapers- These diapers are another favorite. They are pocket diapers that allow you to customize absorbency levels, although an AIO option is available to. They are also a one size diaper which means you can get away with buying a dozen or so and have them fit from birth to potty learning….no need to buy diapers in each size…these diapers grow with baby. I also like the stretchy tabs on these diapers…way cool.

Fuzzi Bunz - These are pretty popular. They are reliable and well liked by many moms. I like the pockets, the snaps, and the fleece inners. They also have some toddler sizes that are quite helpful for many moms. I still have some of these that are going strong after 4 years so that in itself says a lot.

Happy Heinys- This is a solid diapering choice. They last a long time and they are of good quality. They are pocket diapers as well. I really like the Heiny Huggers fitted diapers for small babies…they fit really well and when paired with a wool cover they are top notch.

Kissaluvs- This is my favorite diaper type for newborns.The Kissaluvs size zero diapers and the Kissaluv countours rock for your baby’s first diaper…tiny sizes, oh so soft, easy to use, and good prices (especially the contours). I also love the colors….lime and melon were my faves. I used these until my babies were about 3-4 months old and then I switched to more absorbent diapers. I was always able to resell these for 80-100% of the purchase price too.

Prefolds - These are the very basic in diapering and not my personal choice but I did use them now and again. They are the most economical choice for sure.

My favorite diaper covers for fitted and prefold diapers were simple wool covers or longies and the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap. The Bummis were great on top of the Kissaluvs.

Other Green Diapering Options:

gDiapers - These are flushable diapers. The idea is that you flush them where they dissolve and the water gets treated by your city sewage system, instead of putting diapers in the garbage. You get gDiapers washable covers and then you put flushable liners inside them. SO it is half cloth diaper half flushable diaper and still greener than regular disposables. Drawbacks include the potential for clogging your toilet and septic system and also the cost is prohibitive.

Greener Disposables - There are several brands of disposable diapers that you can buy that are just a bit better than conventional diapers. They might use unbleached paper pulp, fewer chemicals, or be more biodegradable. Seventh Generation and Tushies are two to look at. I tried them both at one point and they seemed really stiff and uncomfortable and part of my reason for using cloth was comfort. I wouldn’t want to wear paper/plastic undies so my kids don’t have to either.

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Over the years we have had drilled into our consciousness that too much sun exposure is bad for our health and the way to avoid damaging our skin is to lather ourselves in sunscreen. A study by The American Cancer Society has stated that 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure occurs within the first 18 years of life so children in particular are at risk. Children are probably the most likely to be to be smothered in sunscreens by well meaning parents too. But is the sunscreen helpful or harmful?

Protection from the sun is important but the chemicals we put on our skin can be harmful, especially to our children and typical sunscreens have LOTS of chemicals.

Over the years the skin care industry has had to increase the level of chemical compounds in sunscreen in order to raise the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level. Researchers from the University of Southern California have, however, recently found that sunscreen can actually cause more harm than good once it is soaked into the skin.

Upon absorption into the skin, sunscreen can actually form the very dangerous compounds it was meant to block. Researchers found that some commonly used ultraviolet (UV) filters actually soak into the skin’s layers and from there can generate harmful components called reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are substances that can cause skin cancer.

Other research has shown that the greatest increases in the cancer melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens are promoted and used widely. Mike Adams of Naturalnews.com often claims that sunscreen is a scam and that we have zero need for it.

In addition to the cancer risk is the effect of sunscreen on children’s development. Many sunscreen chemicals also have estrogen-like effects. Estrogen is a hormone that affects many aspects of the female body development and functions. Too much exposure to toxic estrogenic chemical sunscreens can increase cancers and cause birth defects in children.

Researchers have found estrogenic sunscreens in the breast milk of mothers at about the same levels as other known environmental contaminants such as PCBs. They further believe that exposure could be significantly increased in childhood by the large amount of sunscreen used by bathers, especially children. Children’s organs are more sensitive to estrogen exposure and can develop abnormalities at their early stages (including embryo, fetus and toddler stages) if exposed.

Limiting exposure to sun and seeking out more healthy skin products that do not contain dangerous ingredients (chemical free choices are available) are possible solutions for you to consider for your children. And we can’t forget hat sun exposure is a GOOD thing. We need sunlight exposure for good health so I will rarely apply sunblock to my own kids unless we are going to be in the sun for a prolonged length of time. Otherwise I just let them get some sun and/or use protective clothing to diminish risk. So for a few hours at the zoo…not likely to use it but I will have hats and sunglasses for them and we will be mindful to seek out some shade when we need it. But for an all day trip to the beach…yes I will bring some safe sunscreen.

So what exactly do you need to avoid when choosing a sunscreen? Here are some nasty ingredients you will want to stay away from if you can:

PABA: This is not widely used anymore, but just in case. Many people are very sensitive to this ingredient and can end up with red, itchy skin.

Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are bad news because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Oxybenzone is aderivative of benzophenone and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. According to the CDC 97% of Americans are contaminated with this widely-used sunscreen ingredient.

Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens are common in sunscreens so avoiding them may prove difficult. They are preservatives that have estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following on laboratory rodents, particularly male, resulting in decreased testosterone levels and other abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.

Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone): While on the surface of the skin these chemicals appear to prevent UV damage but when absorbed into the skin they can actually damage DNA. There is evidence that the sun’s light may cause these chemicals to become reactive and cause free-radical damage when they’re absorbed. I find it alarming that pediatricians often recommend these very ingredients.

In general if you want to know which sunscreens are usually loaded with the bad stuff….oh just the easy to find ones like Coppertone, Banana Boat, Avon, Nivea, Neutrogena, The Body Shop, etc. Also even some of the ones that appear to be more natural like Kiss My Face or Aveeno have some pretty nasty sunscreens.

In general, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are good choices as they scatter or reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. And since traditional formulations are not absorbed into the skin (thus the white streaks on the skin), there is less risk of the substance building up in your body. Formulations with nano particles may be absorbed into the skin, although since these are natural minerals there is debate about this being an issue but I will point out the ones I know have them.

Here is a list of some of the safer sunscreens I have found:

TruKid’s SunnyDays sunscreen - Safe and affordable.

California Baby SPF 30 + Sunblock Stick - No Fragrance - My top pick for kids! This is a non chemical sunscreen. It uses non-penetrating titanium dioxide (no nano particles) to protect against the sun. It is also made with organic & sustainably grown ingredients.

California Baby SPF 30 - This is specially for children to be safe and it a favorite among many natural parents. I have used this on my own kids and I really like it. I usually opt for the fragrance free versions.

California Baby SPF 30 + Bug Repellent - This is a good sunblock/bug repellent combo that is DEET free.

Badger Face & Body Sunblock SPF 30 - There was huge run on this sunscreen not long ago and you could hardly get it. It is known to be one of the safest sunscreens out there.

Miessence Organics Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 - I have some if this and I like it…very clean smelling and not sticky. It is also made by a great company with organic ingredients. It has added antioxidants and beta carotene to help nourish skin and protect it.

Lavera Baby and Children Sun Screen Lotion, SPF 30 - Contains organic peach seed, apricot seed oil and calendula and protects against UV A, B and C rays with waterproof protection.

Jason Natural - Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sun Block SPF30+ - Chemical, Fragrance and Paraben Free Complete UVA & UVB Protection Ideal for Sensitive Skin.

Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF 25 - Another chemical free sunblock using non-penetrating titanium dioxide. This has a hint of color…most likely to hide the streaky whiteness of the natural titanium dioxide.

Sunscreen SPF 30 by Soleo Organics - Made with Zinc Oxide, it provides 3 hours of water resistant protection without the use of chemical UV-absorbers or synthetic preservatives. This sunscreen is made with nano particles.

Also don’t forget your protective gear…so you won’t need sunscreen as much:

Legionnaire Hats - These hats for kids have flaps on either side that protect the face, head, and neck areas from getting burned. They are also made with UV protective fabric.

Sunday Afternoon’s Kid’s Play Hat UPF 45 - Made of lightweight water-resistant supplex fabric, blocks UVA and UVB rays, rated 45 UPF. Full veil covers back of neck, mesh panels for ventilation, down-sloped flexible brim shades face.

Baby Banz Sunglasses - 100% UV/UVA & UVB ray protection. You can also get a sunglasses/hat combo.

Also Frubi Shades. I have used both of these brands with my own kids and I like them.

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The blogosphere and the TV air waves have been abuzz with information on BPA or Bisphenol-A, in the last few days and weeks. There are some exciting new developments to mention and I wanted to give some quick updates on BPA free products I have not highlighted before.

For quick reference you can visit these other posts I have done on Bisphenol-A and BPA free products:

BPA Free Sippy Cups | BPA Sippy Sups Part Two | Glass Baby Bottles | BPA Free Baby Bottles | BPA Free Teethers & Pacifiers | BPA Free Sups, Plates, Bowls, and Utensils

So what is the latest news?

Canada is banning baby bottles tainted with BPA! Read this article for more information. Go Canada!

The federal government announced Friday it intends to ban the import and sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol A, making Canada the first country in the world to limit exposure to the controversial chemical.

In response to Canada’s bold move Wal-Mart has announced that they will remove all BPA baby bottles from shelves in US stores by 2009.

These are is a good developments but lest we forget that baby bottles are NOT the only product affected by BPA…what about toys, pacifiers, cups, plates, formula can liners, etc??? We need to do better here.

Until BPA is completely banned we need to be vigilant about what products we buy and what companies we support. So here is a listing of some BPA free products that I have not previously mentioned:

BPA Free Lunchboxes

Laptop Lunchboxes - I have mentioned this lunchbox system many times but never in reference to being being BPA free so there is yet another reason to buy this awesome lunchbox! Read my review of it here.

BPA Free Baby Bottles and Breast Milk Storage Supplies

Adiri Natural Nurser - These baby bottles are not only some of the looking bottles I have ever seen they are BPA free and safe for baby. The bottle is shaped mike a mother’s breast and they are gorgeous and sleek looking. The company is run by three mothers in California and I think that is awesome.

Sassy Baby’s Mam Bottles

Mother’s Milkmate- This company make safe storage bottles for breast milk that work with most breast pumps.

BPA Free Teethers

Waldorf Maple Teether - Non-Toxic Maple Wood Teether that is easy to grasp for little fingers. Soothing for tender gums and handmade in the USA from Natural Materials.

BPA Free Toothbrushes

Teach Me Toothbrush from Sassy

And for in-store purchases. All Oral B kids toothbrushes are BPA free.

BPA Free Feeding Gear for Older Kids - Cups, Sippys, Plates, Bowls, and Utensils

ORE Orginals Melamine Dish Sets - Too cute!

Trendykid Products by Ezee Reach - This company has a few interesting BPA free products including a jar holder and bendy spoon. The jar holder holds baby food in place while you feed baby. They also have a stay-put cutlery and bowl set and a Steady Cup which prevents tipping.

So Easy baby Food Freezer Trays - Freeze baby food safely.

Cupsicles by Munchkin also the Big Kid Sippy Cups by Munchkin.

KidCo Baby Steps Food Mill - This food mill, along with their electric one, grind food in into baby a appropriate puree so you can feed them table food and they don’t use polycarbonate plastics. They also have a feeding trayand an a kit you can buy that includes the mill and ice cube/baby food freezing trays.

Foogo Fod Storage Jars - BPA free and one of my favorite brand. I LOVE their safe sippy cup.

Technorati Tags: BPA, Biphenol A, safe baby, sippy cups, baby bottles, plates, bowls

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I had a slap my forhead moment not longer after I posted my BPA free teether and pacifiers post. Why? Because I forgot one very important teether! One of the comments on that post about non-plastic teethers jogged my memory. About a year or so ago I ran across amber teething necklaces. They are supposed to alleviate teething pain but here is the kicker…your child does NOT chew on  them…only wear them around the neck…like a necklace.

Amber is a natural substance from trees. It is actually fossilised sap. Remember in the movie Jurassic park when excavators were looking for amber with ancient mosquitoes inside? Well, this is the same stuff…but hopefully sans the mosquitoes. ;)  It has been used for a long time in European countries for its natural pain relief and natural anti-inflammatory properties due to the slow release of its natural oils upon the warming of the stone from the skin. The active constituent present in the resin is called succinic acid, this is what your body absorbs.

All over Europe, amber has been used to help with certain ailments such as the pain and inflammation caused by teething. It has been such a prized possession that for some time, pieces of it were used as currency. Like I said before it is not intended for chewing but it is okay for toothless babies to gum them (UNDER SUPERVISION).

I know several moms that swear by them and they are truly gorgeous as well so even after your teether has grown they make a lovely piece of jewelry. I found some Baltic Amber (considered by many to the the best) at Three Sisters Toys. Make sure to take a look if you have a teether or a young baby.

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Pacifiers - also known as a paci, a nuk, a binky, a dummy. They are use all over the world to “pacify” babies, help them sleep, keep them relatively quiet, comfort them, and provide an outlet for the instinctive sucking that babies crave. They can be a mom’s best friend (allowing for a good night’s sleep) or her worst enemy (when her 5 year old won’t leave the house without one). Some moms think giving a baby an artificial nipple is not a good idea and some moms never give it any thought. But do either of them think about whether or not that pacifier is safe for baby’s physical health? They might be concerned about pacifiers as a potential choking hazard but until recently many moms never thought about a hidden danger lurking in a baby’s pacifier. The same is true of teethers. There are tons of them on the market to comfort and soothe babies, perhaps making teething a bit easier to handle for mom and baby. But are they safe?

Unfortunately, many conventional teethers and pacifiers contain Bishpenol A or BPA. I have addressed the problems associated with this synthetic hormone used to make plastic on several other occasions. I love to provide parents with information about alternatives that are non toxic and safe for baby. There is just no need to buy toxic baby products anymore. For reference you should check out these complimentary articles by yours truly:

BPA Free Sippy Cups Part One   |  BPA Free Sippy Cups Part Two

Glass Baby Bottles   |   BPA Free Baby Bottles

Unlike some of the articles above I really do not have much personal experience with the teethers and pacifiers mentioned below because I do not have a child that uses them. I have gotten to see and feel most of them but that is quite different from giving them a road test. BUT unlike baby bottles and sippy cups there is not much to say in way of reviews so here goes. This is a list of safe (bpa free) pacifiers and teethers. This list only represents the ones I know about…there could be others, and if you know of one make sure to leave a comment below!

Pacifiers:

Natursutten Pacifiers - The only all natural organic pacifier and my top pick! They are made from pure natural rubber from the tree Hevea brasiliensi. These pacifiers are softer than silicone and extremely hygienic, molded in one piece, and there are no joints or cracks where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. And of course they are free of all the nasty stuff you would never consciously want to put into your baby’s mouth, ie artificial colors, chemical softeners, BPA, parabens, PVC and phthalates. They are pretty cute too.

We also received a tester binky from a company called Eco Piggy. Having compared their brand paci to the Natursutten I have to decided they are one and the same.

Raz-Berry Pacifier - 100% medical grade silicone and VERY cute. They are shaped like a raspberry. The bumpy texture sooths baby’s gums.

Playtex Baby Binky Most Like Mother One-Piece Silicone Pacifier- This is a durable one-piece, medical grade silicone pacifier. It features a nipple designed to simulate the shape of mother’s breast during breastfeeding, to satisfy baby’s sucking reflex. One thing I found a bit bizarre though about these pacifiers is the fact that they are “scented”.

Gerber Silicone Nuks- All the silicone Nuks from Gerber are free of polycarbonate plastics and thus BPA.

First Years Soothie Silicone Pacifier - Sized and shaped for baby’s developing mouth, made of latex-free, hospital grade silicone, and they have a durable, one-piece construction. You can get them in pink or a pretty teal color. These are also the pacifiers you get on the adorable Wubbanubs, which are basically small stuffed animals attached to the pacifier so that the pacifier is less likely to fall out or be spit out accidentally.

Teethers:

Sophie the Giraffe Teether- This is the new rage in teethers…Sophie the Giraffe….and our top pick! It is hand made in the French Alps with natural rubber and non-toxic paint. Born in 1961, her success is legendary in France as the # 1 toy for baby. Sophie stands 7″ tall, and is sure to become your baby’s favorite toy. It is absolutely adorable and I have heard it is especially good for plane rides since there is no liquid in it.

Chan Pie Gnon  - I also really like this teether too! It is made by the same company that makes Sophie. Chan Pie Gnon comes from the French word champignon, which means mushroom. Chan (blue), Pie (pink), and Gnon (green) are adorably mushroom-shaped soft chew toys. They are proudly handmade in the French Alps with the finest rubber (phthalate-free) and food quality paints.

See also Amber Teething Necklaces for a 100% natural, non-plastic option.

LeapFrog Baby Lilypad Vibrating Teether- This teether is pretty attractive I think. It is a vibrating teether with a colorful lilypad filled with water and character images inside along with colorful characters. I am 30 and I want it. :) 

Nuby Jiggle Giggle Vibrating Teether- This paci vibrates when baby chews on it, providing massage and stimulation to gums. It is filled with non-toxic Pur Ice Gel that can be placed in the freezer, but remains soft to provide a comforting teething surface. It is beyond adorable and I found it cute that the part the baby chews on is the utter. I guess it doesn’t take much to entertain me, LOL. There is a butterfly version too.

Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys on a Ring- This colorful teether features three keys on a ring to keep your baby’s gums nice and cool. Each ice-gel teether key has a soft overlay on top and non-toxic Pur Ice Gel in the bottom.

Sassy Jelly Fish Teethers- These non-toxic brightly colored fish are completely water-filled and offer a variety of textures for the teething baby. Fish can be chilled in the refrigerator for cooling sensation. They come in a few lovely colors too.

Sassy Buzz n’ Bites teether- This little butterfly is such a fun and colorful way to soothe baby’s sore gums AND to promote the development of the senses. This teether offers a variety of textures for your baby to explore, creating an increased awareness of the lips or fingers. Plus, one of the butterfly’s wings vibrates gently as baby chews on it. Can be chilled in refrigerator for a cooling sensation.

Sassy Coolin’ Teether- Cool’in teethers inspire the sense of taste. Babies will have fun exploring the various textures, and shapes while teething. They can also be put in the refrigerator. So far I have seen a several animal shapes too…a turtle, a snail, and a bear.

Sassy Chilly Dilly Daisy-  This teether helps develop your baby’s communication skills by creating an awareness of lips and tongue. Water-filled petals can be refrigerated to help soothe aching gums while gripping and textured petals entertain fingers and hands. Performs double duty with a rattle in the center section. This is one cute teether.

Luv n’ Care Icy Bite Teether- The IcyBite teether/soother provides a cool textured surface for baby to bite and teethe on during teething periods. It soothes and stimulates sore gums safely. Colorful shapes are easy for baby to hold and sized for maximum effectiveness as a teether and soother. This teether is filled with non-toxic purICE, can be placed in the freezer and will remain soft to safely soothe baby’s sore gums.

JeJe Therapeutic Teether by Baby Vibeis the winner of The National Parenting Center’s 2005 Seal of Approval, and the iParenting Media Awards Winner. It is uniquely designed to ensure that it provides a natural way for babies to deal with their teething aches and pains.

You may notice some big brand names above…Sassy, Nuby, Gerber, etc. While they do offer some safe alternatives like the one I mention above they also have teethers and pacifiers in their lineup that are NOT safe so do your homework and make sure only buy the ones that have no BPA or other harmful chemicals and byproducts.

Technorati Tags: BPA, Bisphenol A, teethers, pacifiers, non-toxic, safe baby

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Welcome, Carnival of Breastfeeding readers!

I don’t really talk about breastfeeding all that much on this blog but I really should because it is one of the most natural and “green” things you can do as a mom.

I have breastfed three kids now. My oldest only got 4 months of breast milk because I had to return to work and my place of employment was a big corporate office with a shared bathroom and my office was all glass in front. I would have had no place to pump so he was weaned a lot sooner then I would have liked. I STILL feel guilty about it.

3.5 years later my daughter was born and not a drop of formula ever passed her perfect lips. It was one of the happiest times in my whole parenting career getting to stay home with her and breastfeed on demand. I loved every second of it…well except that time she bit me and I had a huge, infected gash on my nipple. That sucked (no pun intended). I breastfed her through my third pregnancy and after my last baby was born I was still nursing her. I would have continued nursing her and my youngest just as long as they wanted. I used to estimate that I had another 3-4 years of nursing left but that plan was foiled by cancer and my daughter ended up weaning at 2 years old and my son at six months. I didn’t even get to gradually wean them since I was in the hospital having my colon cut out and reconnected. My family got to wean two kids for me. Have I told them today how much I love them??

Reading the book Mama Knows Breast by Andi Silverman was a welcome trip down memory lane for me. Right away I knew I would like it after reading some of the informal, girlfriend’s style writing. The way she worked breast into many of the titles was cute too…Mama Knows Breast, The Breast of Times and Worst of Times, etc. The illustrations were awesome too and made me very nostalgic.

Ms. Silverman and I had different values as to length of time to breastfeed and tandem nursing but overall it is a good beginners guide to breastfeeding. It is not preachy and it doesn’t incite feelings of guilt.

Chapter one addresses the ups and downs of breastfeeding. I have romanticized breastfeeding so much I forgot about the downs but there a few, such as the fact that only you can feed the baby and there are many sleepless nights (at least in the beginning). The positives include bonding, giving your baby the best nutrition, and health benefits for mom and baby. The book also goes into the mechanics of breastfeeding, the lack of sleep issue, breastfeeding in public ( I was a shamelessly public breastfeeder), getting support from your spouse, your sex life while nursing, and the issue of weaning. It is a well rounded look at the issues that most commonly concern nursing mothers.

I really like the real mom anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. Moms that have lived to tell about it are inspiring right? It was an enjoyable read, even if breastfeeding is part of my past now…sniff, sniff.

Other participating blogs:

Bad Ass Dad

Weaning a Toddler

Adventures of Pip and Sqeak

Breastfeeding Mums

Mama Knows Breast

Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog

Crunchy Domestic Goddess

Breastfeeding 123

Breastfeeding Beginnings

Technorati Tags: mama knows breast, breastfeeding, baby, nursing, book review

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Technorati Tags: cloth diapers, wordless wednesday, homemade

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Glass baby bottles are making a big come back in recent months. One of the primary reasons for this is that so many of the plastic bottles on the market contain BPA or Bisphenol A. Basically it is an estrogen-like chemical used to make plastic but it is actually one of the last things we want to expose our children too. It can speed up puberty and add to weight gain, and may cause changes that can lead to breast and prostate cancer. Other studies have shown that is may cause brain damage, abnormal organ development, and hyperactivity. Not only is BPA itself bad news, but it is popping up everywhere from baby bottles to baby toys to formula cans. While the amount of BPA in each individual product might be considered to small to be unsafe (yeah right) the cumulative exposure from all the different sources can be significant.

So it is no wonder that so many parents decided to look for BPA free baby bottles and BPA free sippy cups. BUT I must admit that I had a heard time wrapping my head around using a glass bottle for a baby or toddler. Yes, they are made with very thick and safe glass but they are still….well…glass. Usually as parents we seek to keep our babies AWAY from glass right? Well, I stumbled upon a product that might ease your mind a little, Siliskin Baby Bottles. They are sturdy, glass baby bottles with a silicone sheath  that helps to prevent the bottle from breaking. They come in 4 or 8 ounce sizes and they have several colors. Here is a description:

Microwave safe, hypo allergenic and dishwasher friendly, this translucent silicone sleeve allows you to see measurements and liquid in the bottle. Cleaner than any plastic, parents-in-the-know realize that glass bottles are the best.

At $10 and $12 respectively they are a great deal for a product that brings peace of mind.

Another option is the Wee-Go Glass Baby Bottle. It is a glass baby bottle with a protective sleeve. And it looks to be a wonderful product albeit a bit more expensive. The silicone nipple is latex-free and non-toxic. The plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable. They are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free! The retail for $18.

A newer option for those that still opt for plastic baby bottles but BPA free is the Green to Grow baby bottle. They are free of phthalates, bisphenol A, lead, and PVC and they are quite reasonable in price.

Other options in glass and/or BPA free plastic baby bottles:  Nuby non-toxic, BPA free bottle |  Medela  |  Born Free  |  Evenflo Classic Glass Bottles  |  Dr. Brown Glass Baby Bottles  |  Adiri Natural Nursers

AND don’t forget the BPA free sippy cups: Sigg Baby Water Bottle  |  Klean Kanteen Sippy Bottle  |  Thermos Foogo Sippy Cup  |  Born Free Sippy Cup

Technorati Tags: glass baby bottles, silikids, wee go, silicone cover, BPA, Bisphenol A, phalates, PVC, sippy cups, Sigg, Nubi, Born Free

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