Vulli Toys Product Review and Giveaway!

If you’ve been around babies or have a baby you have no doubt met Sophie the Giraffe!  An extremely popular chew toy, Sophie the Giraffe has been around for 40 years and is worth all the hype.

The Story of Sophie the Giraffe

Once Upon a time, a simple story….
The Little giraffe was born on the 25th of May in the year 1961…St Sophie’s day! In those days, the only animal toys available were farm animal or pet figures.. That is why one day in France, a certain Monsieur RAMPEAU, who was an expert in transforming sap from the HEVEA tree using the rotational molding of rubber as a toy-making concept, came up with the idea of designing a giraffe.
Such an exotic wildlife figure would be a first on the market, and its size and shape would be ideal for a baby’s small hands to grasp. Sophie the Giraffe, who looked exactly the same then as she does today, went into production on a Thursday, May 25th, whence her name. She was an immediate success.
Young mothers straightaway saw that she was a must for their children when the first signs of teething appear, Sophie the Giraffe helps baby stop crying! By simple word of mouth, the little Giraffe’s fame spread. From then on in Europe, generation upon generation of children were to love hearing Sophie squeak whenever they pressed her tummy and head! Vulli, a company based in Rumilly in the Haute-Savoie Region of France has continued to keep the jealously-guarded secret of how this wonder toy is made. SOPHIE is still “traditionally” produced to this day, a process that involves more than 14 manual operations. She is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea Tree.

Why is Sophie such a huge success? Sophie the Giraffe is BABYS FIRST TOY, stimulating EACH OF HIS SENSES from the age of 3 months:
•Sight: At the age of 3 months, a baby’s eyesight is still limited and he can only make out high contrasts. The Dark and contrasting attention-catching spots all over Sophie the Giraffe’s body provide visual stimulation and she soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object for baby.
•Hearing: Sophie’s the Giraffe squeaker keeps baby amused and stimulates his hearing. To begin with, the funny sound Sophie makes when she is squeezed helps to stimulate baby’s hearing, and then later, helps him to understand the link between cause and effect.
•Taste: A Sophie the Giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint, and is completely safe to chew, just like a feeding bottle teat. Her soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs), make her perfect for soothing baby’s sore gums during teething.
•Touch: Touch is the first means a baby has of communicating with the outside world. Sophie the Giraffe’s soft feel, like baby’s mother’s skin, stimulates physiological and emotional response that soothe baby and promote healthy growth and well-being..
•Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber from the Hevea tree makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify amid all his other toys.
•Easy to grip: Sophie the Giraffe’s shape and 18 cm (7 inches) size are perfect for baby’s small hands. She is very light, and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip, even from his earliest days.

My baby was a huge fan of Sophie as a chewing toy in his early life, and oddly enough, even now as a 1.5 years old he will pick her up from time to time and just play with her.  What I love, love, love the most about her is that she is made of 100% Natural Rubber (phthalates free) and food paint.  You know that this is the one teething toy you don’t have to worry about your baby chewing on all day!

Calisson, Inc., the maker of Sophie the Giraffe, also makes other adorable teething toys, including these Chan Pie Gnons:

These toys are also made of natural rubber (phthalate-free) and baby can chew it in complete safety.  They are easy to grasp and to grip, and includes a squeaker. Made in France, BPA and Phthalates Free.

Then there is Cuski, a super soft lovie and comforter for your baby (comes in natural cotton and organic bamboo).  I received the organic bamboo version and it is super soft and I think the design is very clever.  There seems to be the perfect little piece of fabric for little mouths to chew on when they snuggle with it and it fits very well in little hands.  I love this lovie!  I think it would be a perfect baby shower gift.  You can buy it on Amazon!

They also make several other fabulous products like cooling teethers and rattles.  You can buy Callison/Vulli toys at many stores online such as Amazon, national chain stores like Buy Buy Baby and at local boutiques in Charlotte such as A Milky Way.

WIN FREE TOYS!!

We are giving away the famous Sophie the Giraffe chew toy as well as a Chan Pie Gnon chew toy.  To enter to win simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “vulli” and you’ll be entered to win.  Winner will be chosen at random.  Contest ends Friday at 12 noon est.

Healthy Baby/Toddler Snacks On-the-Go

My son is the king of snacking.  He asks for crackers literally all day long and I’m really not a fan of just handing him Goldfish to gobble every day.  So I have found some other great munchies that fall into the very healthy category (as healthy as a processed snack can get anyway)!   Here are some of our favs:

Plum Organics Fiddlesticks

These organic fruit and grain snack sticks come in three flavors: berry, apple carrot, and banana.  They are gluten-free (but do contain milk and eggs), made with 100% organic fruits, baked with real fruits and veggies, and they are even made with BPA free packaging.  The first four ingredients in every package are organic brown rice flour, organic tapioca flour, organic garbanzo bean,  and flour.  They do contain organic evaporated cane juice but there is no plain sugar in them and there is only 2g of sugar per serving.  It’s hard to find a snack with that low of a sugar content that still tasted good!

Beechnut Let’s Grow 7 Grain Nibblers

These come in two flavors – mixed vegetable and sweet potato.  They are similar looking to rice cakes and dissolve very easily in baby’s mouth.  These are actually made with whole grains and have no added refined sugar, salt, artificial preservatives, or colors and flavors.    The ingredient list on these are fabulous!  Multigrain bits (whole grain corn, amaranth seeds, rice flour, whole grain wheat flour, whole grain oats, dehydrated cane juice, tricalcium phosphate) dried sweet potatoes, sunflower oil, millet, and quinoa.  Almost all things I try to feed my son but he doesn’t like on their own.  And less than 1 gram of sugar per serving!

Happy Baby Organic Puffs and Melts

Happy Baby puffs are organic melt-in-your-mouth whole grain snacks for babies.  They come in apple, banana, and green veggie flavor.  My baby LOVED the taste of these, but I love that they have 1/2 the sugar of the leading brands puffs, they are fortified with vitamins and minerals, they are made with whole grains, they are sweetened with fruit juice, and they are made with 100% organic ingredients.

Happy Baby Melts are the only organic freeze dried yogurt snack on the market for babies and toddlers. And it's the only baby food with prebiotics and probiotics.  They are gluten, soy, and wheat free and contain absolutely NO preservatives.  Good stuff for baby’s tummy!

Bamboobino Product Review

Bamboobino is a fabulous company that specializes in unique baby wear and accessories made from soft, eco-friendly bamboo fabric.  If you have yet to discover all the wonder of bamboo you really should!  I love, love, love bamboo.  I love it for the incredible softness, its breathability and comfort, and its natural anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic qualities.  On an eco-friendly note, bamboo is bio-degradable and the plant has a very short growth cycle, being cultivated without the use of chemical pesticides.  Seriously, did I mention how SOFT it is??  It’s even better than cashmere and I wish all my clothing and sheets were made from it!  (Another added bonus – just machine wash and dry!)

I have a few items around my house made of bamboo that I adore.  Bamboobino sent me one of their crib sheets and it now tops my list as my favorite thing made from bamboo.  I only wish they made it in adult size bedding too!   My baby seems to love the sheet and I love that it doesn’t get cold like regular cotton sheets during these winter months.  It is also the easiest sheet I have ever put on his mattress.  I really hate wrangling with a crib sheet because it always seems impossible to get on, but the Bamboobino crib sheet seems to have a little extra room to make it easier to put on, which I thought was great.

Lastly, Bamboobino was started by a mom, and I love mom-started companies. :)  From their website:

I'm a mum of 2 children, aged 2 & 5. Bamboobino was born out of wanting the softest, most practical and least damaging (to humans and to the environment) fabric for my children. We've used bamboo products in our household for years; and since discovering its use in fabric, I've wanted to share this wonderful fiber with other families.

The viscose from bamboo fiber in all our products are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, and is made from OCIA & USDA-certified organically grown bamboo. The organic cotton in our products are also OCIA-certified. All our products are made in Vancouver, or sourced through local companies, and we use local suppliers whenever possible. Our company embraces triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) practices and knows there is always room for improvement.

We were nominated for the 2007 Visions of Excellence Award and the 2008 SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Recently, Bamboobino received a scholarship from Vancity for Ecotrust's Climate Smart which will methodically help our company work toward our goal of becoming carbon neutral.

Bamboobino also makes bath towels, wash cloths, baby clothing and nursing accessories.  You can check it all out on their website!

New Line of Sassy BPA, Pthalate, and PVC Free Bath Toys

from www.asoftlanding.com

Sassy is filling a gap for many parents when it comes to safe bath toys, because PVC-free options are still really hard to find.   If you are wondering what harmful effects PVC has on our children you might find the following information from www.asoftlanding.com very helpful:
PVC is Everywhere
PVC is commonly used in bath toys, teethers, baby bibs, inflatable pool toys, children's playground ball pits, dog toys, shower curtains, mattress covers, cling wrap and in most non-slip bath mats. And that's just for starters! There is a growing awareness of polyvinyl chloride's toxic nature, but the quest to avoid it is rather daunting because there isn't as much demand for PVC-free products.
I often hear the question, "But what if I find a toy made from phthalate-free PVC? Isn't it safer?" No. And here's why - PVC requires the addition of chlorine. Chlorine is one major health concern associated with PVC, but it isn't the only problem. Earth911 discusses the full effects PVC, and the facts are stunning:

Due to its chlorinated makeup, the entire life cycle of vinyl is responsible for the formation of more dioxin than any other single product. Dioxin is a well-known carcinogen and can affect the reproductive, immune, endocrine and neurological systems.

Chlorine production for PVC results in the release of over 200,000 pounds of mercury to air, water and land each year.

To make vinyl products flexible, phthalates are used as plasticiers, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than five million tons used for vinyl every year.

Lead is often added to vinyl construction products as a stabilizer to extend its life. It is estimated that 45,000 tons of lead each year are released into the environment during its disposal by incineration.

Invest Some Effort in Avoiding PVC Now and Be Healthier Later

Watch for "vinyl" in product descriptions, as it is commonly used as a nickname for PVC. But keep in mind that the term "vinyl" may also be used to describe ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA) and polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). Both of these plastics are considered to be safer alternative to PVC and are acceptable choices

Avoid products marked with PVC, V or the #3 recycling code on the product or its packaging.

Manufacturers are not required to label their products with materials used, so you may need to confirm with each manufacturer.

Be aware that many companies are proud to offer you phthalate-free PVC, and while this is a step in the right direction, we need to avoid PVC completely. Encourage the makers of your favorite companies to use PVC alternatives if possible

Check the Center for Health Environment and Justice (CHEJ) for an extensive list of companies who do not use PVC in their products

On a side note: food containers are not typically made with PVC (and thus no phthalates), so don't focus your effort in this area  

For 2010, all Sassy bath toys are now BPA and phthalate-free and twelve of them are also PVC-free.
PVC-free Bath Toys

1. Bath & Sun Visors
2. Sassy Soft Swimmers Animal Characters Bath Toy, 3 Pack
3. Sassy Catch N Release Net Bath Toy
4. Bath Wigglers - Assorted
5. Sassy Pour and Explore Cups Bath Toy, White
6. Sassy Fill and Float Duckie Temperature Bath Toy
7. Sassy Scrub-a-Dub Car Wash Bath Toy
8. Sassy Soft Touch Rinse Cup Shampoo Aid, Colors May Vary
9. Sassy Count 'N Spell Bath Appliques
10. Sassy Count N Spell Appliques, Pink
11. Sassy Pull and Go Boat Bath Toy
12. Sassy Bath time Pals Squirt and Float Toys

Bath Toys Made with PVC

1. Pour & Explore Water Whirl
2. Boogie Board Buddie
3. Snap & Squirt Sea Creatures
4. Fill-Up Fish
5. Soft Spout Guard

IsaBooties Product Review and Giveaway

  
 IsaBooties™ are adorable soft soled eco-friendly shoes for infants and toddlers. Crafted from soft, yet durable, Ultrasuede® fabric, IsaBooties™ baby shoes combine hip colors with distinctive ribbon accents. IsaBooties™ soles are made from Toughtek®, a grip fabric frequently used in high-end climbing apparel and search and rescue dog booties. This durable fabric is also soft and flexible, making it the perfect choice for soft-soled baby shoes.
These soft soled shoes are like little slippers that hug your baby’s feet!  They are really quite easy to slip on squirmy little feet because of strategically placed elastic.  The best part of these shoes is that they are made in the USA from animal-free materials, they are 100% washer and dryer safe, and they were designed and created by two moms!  Hard to say which of these I get the most excited about!
Many pediatricians have said that it is best for babies to learn to walk in bare feet, however, there are obviously times when your baby needs to wear shoes.  That’s where soft soled shoes come in.  They are only intended to be worn inside, but my little one has even run around in the grass with them on.
I do have to point out that these shoes seem to run big.  The Isabooties size chart says 18-24 months is the same as a size 7-8 1/2 shoe, but I don’t know any 18-14 month olds that are even in a size 7 yet!  They are way too big for my 19 month old.  Just a tip, go by the measurement of your child’s foot (not just his/her age) and use their size chart when you order.

Enter to Win a Pair of Isabooties!

We are giving away a pair of purple lilac baby girl 3 to 6 month Isabooties shoes (pictured above)!  (These will probably fit a baby older than six months).  To enter just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “isabootie.”  If you’ve entered other giveaways you can still enter to win!  Contest ends Friday February 26th at 12 noon est.

Leg Huggers Product Review and Giveaway

    
 
Leg Huggers by Agoo are adorable leg warmers for your little one made from eco-friendly bamboo!  They are breathable, antibacterial, UV protective, odor resistant, wick away moisture, and they are soft, comfortable, and super cute!
From the Leg Huggers website:
When it comes to looking cute, is one of those great products designed to be fashionable and functional all in one. Designed perfectly to fit over baby's legs, they provide warmth from the elements and an added layer under dresses or over short pants. EC babies are still protected, yet easily accessible. No more baggy tights or socks that fall off, these stay on and are always comfortable.
For those crawling, Leg Huggers protect knees and legs from scrapes or abrasions from hard surfaces. Toddlers love their style and individuality when accessorizing outfits. Moms appreciate them for potty training and quick access.
All are created specifically for cute and cuddly legs. They are made using sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo.
Bamboo is arguably one of the world's best sustainable resources. With a growth rate of up to a meter or more per day, bamboo holds the world record as the fastest growing plant.
I received these in the mail and was pleasantly surprised to feel how soft they were!  I just love bamboo.  I have used other leg warmers for my baby but they are definitely not as soft and gentle on his skin as these are.  I think leg warmers are great for babies and even children during the winter for en extra layer of warmth.  I always put them on my toddler under his pants when we go on walks to keep his little legs and ankles warm!
Enter to win a free pair!
We are giving away one of the two pair pictured about – blue cars or pink daisies.  To be entered to win the pair of your choice, just sign up to be a fan of Agoo on Facebook OR sign up for their newsletter. 
Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Agoo/61577258415?sid=aef9d6b9a6d33905a7b20fb08e8ec187&ref=s
Newsletter: http://www.agoo4u.com/Articles.asp?ID=148
Then just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “leg huggers” and let me know whether you became a fan on Facebook or signed up for the newsletter, and also let me know which pair of Leg Huggers you want to win (cars or flowers)!  Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.  Contest ends Friday February 26th at 12 noon est.

Ingredient Substitutions: Make the Switch for Healthier Recipes

from www.mayoclinic.com
When I bake or cook I’m always trying to find ways to make my foods healthier by using substitutes.  My old standard is to replace butter or oil with applesauce, and I can rarely tell the difference.  I love to replace regular flour with whole wheat flour and wheat germ, and I also love to add ground flaxseed to my breads, muffins, and cookies (extra omega 3’s baby!).  So far my 1 1/2 year old has no idea that white bread exists and I’m very happy for that.
I found this great list on the Mayo Clinic website for even more healthier substitutions that I wanted to share:
If your recipe calls for this,
Try substituting this instead!
All-purpose (plain) flour
Whole-wheat flour for half of the called-for all-purpose flour in baked goods
Note: Whole-wheat pastry flour is less dense and works well in softer products like cakes and muffins.
Bacon
Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, smoked turkey or lean prosciutto (Italian ham)
Butter, shortening or oil in baked goods
Applesauce or prune puree for half of the called-for butter, shortening or oil. Note: To avoid dense, soggy or flat baked goods, don't substitute oil for butter or shortening.
Butter, margarine, shortening or oil to prevent sticking
Cooking spray or nonstick pans
Creamed soups
Fat-free milk-based soups, mashed potato flakes, or pureed carrots, potatoes or tofu for thickening agents
Dry bread crumbs
Rolled oats or crushed bran cereal
Eggs
Two egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for each whole egg
Enriched pasta
Whole-wheat pasta
Evaporated milk
Evaporated skim milk
Fruit canned in heavy syrup
Fruit canned in its own juices or in water, or fresh fruit
Fruit-flavored yogurt
Plain yogurt with fresh fruit slices
Full-fat cream cheese
Fat-free or low-fat cream cheese, Neufchatel or low-fat cottage cheese pureed until smooth
Full-fat sour cream
Fat-free or low-fat sour cream, plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt
Ground beef
Extra-lean or lean ground beef, chicken or turkey breast (make sure no poultry skin has been added to the product)
Iceberg lettuce
Arugula, chicory, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach or watercress
Margarine in baked goods
Trans fat-free butter spreads or shortenings that are specially formulated for baking
Note: If ingredient lists include the term "partially hydrogenated," it may have up to 0.5 grams of trans fat in one serving. To avoid dense, soggy or flat baked goods, don't substitute diet, whipped or tub-style margarine for regular margarine.
Mayonnaise
Reduced-calorie mayonnaise-type salad dressing or reduced-calorie, reduced-fat mayonnaise
Meat as the main ingredient
Three times as many vegetables as the meat on pizzas or in casseroles, soups and stews
Oil-based marinades
Wine, balsamic vinegar, fruit juice or fat-free broth
Salad dressing
Fat-free or reduced-calorie dressing or flavored vinegars
Seasoning salt, such as garlic salt, celery salt or onion salt
Herb-only seasonings, such as garlic powder, celery seed or onion flakes, or use finely chopped herbs or garlic, celery or onions
Soups, sauces, dressings, crackers, or canned meat, fish or vegetables
Low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions
Soy sauce
Sweet-and-sour sauce, hot mustard sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
Syrup
Pureed fruit, such as applesauce, or low-calorie, sugar-free syrup
Table salt
Herbs, spices, fruit juices or salt-free seasoning mixes or herb blends
White bread
Whole-wheat bread
White rice
Brown rice, wild rice, bulgur or pearl barley
Whole milk
Reduced-fat or fat-free milk

Mommy Tidbits

from American Baby

A Cure for Peanut Allergies?

6-8% of kids under age 4 have food allergies
Researchers at Duke University and Arkansas Children’s Hospital may have found one.  In two small studies, they fed children with a peanut allergy a daily dose.  Starting at one-thousandth of a nut per day, consumption gradually increased to about 15 nuts daily, which most children started to tolerate.  While this therapy requires further study, it shows hope for all kids who aren’t able to eat foods with peanuts.

Another Reason to Nurse

Nipple time can cut your baby’s chance of SIDS by up to a half.  German scientists studied more than 1,300 kids – those exclusively breastfed had the lowest.  Experts recommend breastfeeding through at least six months.  Plus, here’s a benefit for you: more recent research shows that breastfeeding may lower a mom’s risk for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Must-Have Mineral

Iodine is important for baby’s brain development – when choosing a prenatal multi, check that it contains the nutrient.  According to a study of 223 prenatal vitamins (both prescription and over the counter), only about half contain it.

Is My Drop-Side Crib Safe? A Must Read Checklist

from http://www.cafemom.com/, by Cafe Cynthia

This homemade repair led to the death of a baby.

Both my babies slept in drop-side cribs, where one entire side drops down into a lower position so mom can save her back. One crib in particular was very wobbly. But I never did anything about it, and thank goodness I avoided tragedy.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled about 7 million cribs in the last three years, most of them drop-side models. Click for the crib recall list. ( I'll be trading in my old crib at Toys "R" Us to put it out of circulation.)
Manufacturers are no longer allowed to make drop-side cribs, but they still may be for sale in stores, so if you come across one, don't buy it! The CPSC is working with other groups to develop a new state-of-the-art crib standard, which will be available sometime later this year.
But that doesn't help you and your baby right now, especially if you have one of the outdated models, does it?
The first thing you need to do is make sure your current crib is safe, and if it's not, to get rid of it. A new CPSC crib safety Q&A should answer most of your questions, but here's a summary in case baby is getting sleepy right now:
To make sure your crib is safe:
1. Every time you change the sheets, make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.
2. Make sure all visible bolts and screws are tight.
3. With the mattress out of the crib, wiggle the crib to see how tight all the joints are. If the crib feels loose, wobbly or structurally not sound, tighten all hardware.
4. If the crib remains wobbly after tightening, look for loose wood-to-wood joints that may be causing the problem. Stop using the crib if loose wood-to-wood joints are found.
The CPSC says about 30 percent of crib deaths each year occur because of missing hardware, have broken or non-working parts, or have had ineffective repairs made to them. Police may criminally investigate parents who tried to repair broken cribs, following the death of their babies.
Going through this checklist is the best Valentine's Day Gift you could give your baby. Then take a few minutes and read the full CPSC post, and contact them if you have further questions.
Have you checked lately to make sure your baby's drop-side crib is safe?

4 Most Common Labor/Delivery Scenarios and Questions to Ask Your Obgyn

by Ivanna Campbell at http://www.empoweredmommies.com/
Expectant moms need to demand that there is an honest and open discussion of all reasonable alternatives with pros and cons for common scenarios that tend to come up as we prepare for labor and delivery. We can no longer accept: “the baby is too big, we need to induce, do a c-section” etc. The ultimate decision regarding care should rest with both the mom and doctor in an equal partnership.
Assuming you have no pre-existing medical conditions or issues (such as diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, etc) here are some common scenarios you may encounter as you prepare to give birth and below are some important questions you should feel empowered to ask your doctor so that no matter what ends up happening (even if it wasn’t part of your plan) you’ll feel that you understood all your options and made the best decision for you and your baby.
Scenario 1: You are “overdue” getting close to 41 weeks. Your doctor advises that you must induce or your baby will be “too big” and could be harmed.
• What’s the absolute latest date I can avoid induction?
• What are the realistic risks if I wait versus risks of induction?
• Couldn’t my due date be off by 2 weeks?
• Are there natural ways to encourage the onset of labor (diet, exercise, etc)?
Scenario 2: You’re told that your baby is breech. Your obgyn tells you the baby must be delivered via cesarean due to the high mortality risk
• Can you attempt an external cephalic version (ECV) to try to correct any sort of mal-presentation (be it breech, transverse, etc) before considering the scheduling of a C-Section prior to due date?
• What’s the absolute last date I can wait to see if baby corrects itself in its presentation?
• What are risks of C-section?
Scenario 3: You’ve had a previous C-section and would like to try for a VBAC.
• Do you support VBACs and does the hospital?
• If not, why not?
• Risks of VBAC versus surgery?
Scenario 4: You are told you have narrow hips and vaginal delivery may not be doable.
• Why do you perform pelvimetry? (many obgyns don’t since there is more to the the pelvis than the apparent visual aspects of size and shape)
• Can you describe the 4 Ps of labor assessment given the size of my pelvis?
• I'd like to still attempt a vaginal delivery and then determine if c-section may be necessary. What would you look for in that situation?

LunchBots - Product Review and Giveaway!

LunchBots makes 100% stainless steel lunch containers that provide a safe alternative to the traditional plastic containers.  These containers do not leach chemicals and they are reusable, which is better for the environment and your wallet!

LunchBots come in four different sizes.  Two of the sizes have a split compartment and two of the sizes are not split so you can store items like sandwiches and burritos without a problem.

I tried out the LunchBots Pico (shown above), which was made specifically for toddler size portions of food and to fit in your diaper bag.  I used it to carry everything from cheese and crackers to fruit and sandwich bites.  It was just the perfect size for my toddler’s appetite!  I also loved how the lid stayed on securely in my bag and the container is flat enough that it slips into my diaper bag nicely, without being bulky.

Why avoid plastics? (from http://www.lunchbots.com/whyavoidplastic.html):
From our dishes and toys to our food packaging, there's a reason to think twice about plastic. Plastics come in numerous varieties, but many of them often contain toxic additives that can influence a plastic’s properties. Color, texture, hardness, these can all be changed to improve performance or reduce cost – even though the additives used might be potentially dangerous.
A commonly used additive is a plasticizer. Plasticizers, such as adipates and phthalates, soften plastics to be used in food packaging, teethers, toys, and many other household products. This becomes an issue when a plastic comes into contact with food. Traces of these chemicals can leach out of the plastic, exposing your family to their harmful effects

You Can Make A Difference!
At LunchBots, we've dedicated ourselves to creating safe alternatives to plastic products. BPA-free and biodegradable plastics can only address some of the concern -- and it's far from a big-picture solution. Glass, stainless steel, bamboo, and other materials are just as effective and don't have any of plastics’ inherent dangers. By selecting these alternatives, you're making healthier choices for your family and our planet.
We believe that every little change makes a difference. While it may be challenging to live a completely plastic-free lifestyle, we can all make small adjustments that accumulate into a big impact.
Conclusion:
I really love this container!  Easy to clean, cute, easy to pack and carry, and most importantly – safe for my child.  Thanks LunchBots for a great product.

TO WIN A FREE LUNCHBOTS PICO CONTAINER:
Send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “LunchBots” to be entered to win.  Even if you’ve entered other contests with us you can still enter to win (but only one entry per person).  Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.  Contest ends Friday February 19th at 9pm est.

Eco-Me Baby Kit Product Review and Giveaway!

Eco-Me specializes in 100% natural products that are good for you and the environment.  They make everything from these cool baby kits to cleaning products, body products, and even pet products!  I received their baby kit last week and I have to say I wasn’t sure how much I would like using products that have “some assembly required.”  However, the directions were very easy to follow and it only requires you to add a little white vinegar and baking powder to make homemade baby wipes, room spray, and diaper pail deodorizer…how easy is that?!

We have both a cloth diaper pail and disposable diaper pail in our baby’s room and it seems like all it takes is one dirty diaper for his room to smell not-so-great.  So I was definitely the most excited to try the diaper pail deodorizer and room spray.  I put a little powder in both diaper pails and after the next dirty diaper I gave the room a quick spray and I swear for the first time his room actually smelled GOOD.  And it stayed that way all day!  Pretty cool.  Much better than any air freshener I’ve tried.  My husband always comments on how stinky our baby’s room usually is and how wonderful it smells now! 

The essential oil mix that goes in each product is very potent, and I thought it would be too strong but the smell has really grown on me (I’m generally not into the flowery smells).  I really love the way our nursery smells now!  I like that the essential oil mix is a blend of several oils that I would probably never go buy on my own and mix.  This kit definitely made it easy for a novice who has never used oils. :)

I have several friends who make their own baby wipes but I was never quite sure what oils to use to make them, although I have saved tons of recipes (and even posted a few on this blog!).  I loved how easy it was to use make and use these wipes.  Of course it would be better to use reusable wipes with the mix, so I think I will try that next time. 

Conclusion:
This is a fabulous kit to jump start your desire to make your life a little more eco-friendly for your baby.  I love the naturalness of just using some oils, vinegar, and baking soda to keep my baby’s room smelling fresh.  And if you’ve wanted to try making your own baby wipes then this is definitely a good place to start.  I forgot to mention that the kit also comes with a super soft organic hooded towel for baby, which is a very nice addition to the kit.  There is also enough oil to use several times so I can see this kit will last me for awhile.

And the best is yet to come!  We have a discount just for Little Miracles readers! You can get 15% off any order at http://www.eco-me.com/ by entering the coupon code "emblreview" at checkout.  Happy shopping!

From the Eco-Me Website:
BABY & NURSERY CARE BOX SET:
-100% Natural & Chemical-Free
-No Dyes
-No Parabens
-No Preservatives
-No SLS, SLES, ALS
-No Synthetic Fragrances
GREEN RATING: ***** (5 out of 5) * Save your Baby's Health with chemical-free products.
* Save your Money, re-usable products save you over $100/year.
* Save your Time, mixing products takes seconds. * Save your Environment, products are re-usable/recyclable.
* Save your Waterways, no toxins going down your drain.
BAG CONTENTS:
1 Bottle with Sprayer to mix Eco-Me Baby Room Spray
1 Jar & Lid to mix Eco-Me Baby Wipes (35 soft wipes on a roll)
1 Jar & Lid to mix Eco-Me Baby Diaper Pail Deodorizer
1 Bottle of Eco-Me Baby blend essential oil mix
1 Mixer
1 Scooper
1 Eco-Me cotton Baby Towel
3 STEPS TO A HEALTHY NURSERY & BABY:
Room Spray:
* Freshen room with calming essential oils, water & vinegar (deodorizes naturally)
Diaper Pail Powder:
* Sprinkle baking soda/essential oil blend right into pail for clean fresh nursery.
* Pre-treats cloth diapers.
Wipes:
* Use vinegar or witch hazel for fresh baby clean wipes, great for sensitive skin.
FACTS: Vinegar kills up to 98% bacteria, germs & odors and won't dry out skin.
Witch Hazel is a great substitute for white vinegar, best to use on sensitive skin.
Baking Soda aka Sodium Bicarbonate is a natural powder great for absorbing odors.
Save a minimum of $100 a year with Eco-Me's simple baby care routine.
Eco-Me products are testing for safety and effectiveness.
Eco-Me Baby Blend Essential Oil is a proprietary blend of Chamomile, Lavender, Calendula & Petitgrain.
Eco-Me Baby Box Set is Made in the USA.
Eco-Me is a proud partner of the NPA (Natural Products Association).
Eco-Me does not test on animals or use animal bi-products (PETA & LEAPING BUNNY APPROVED)

TO ENTER FOR A FREE ECO-ME BABY KIT!
Just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Eco-Me” and you’ll be entered to win!  If you’ve won previously or entered other contests with us you can still enter to win.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.  Contest ends Friday Feb. 19th at 9pm est.

Recalls – Britax Strollers, Manhattan Group LLC Pull Toys, and ChildESIGNS Cribs

read about it HERE, HERE, and HERE on the CPSC website

Britax Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Britax “Blink” Umbrella Strollers

Units: About 14,000 in the United States and 900 in Canada

Importer: Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves all Britax “Blink” single umbrella strollers. “Blink” is printed on the metal frame on both sides of the stroller, below the hand grips. The recalled “Blink” strollers have model numbers U261813, U261814, U261815, U261816, U261817, U271813, U271817 and U271815 and were manufactured between May 2009 and September 2009. The model number and manufacturing date can be found on a white label on the stroller frame, near the bottom of the stroller basket.

Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide in the U.S. and Canada and on the Web at www.Amazon.com, www.babiesrus.com, www.Target.com and www.Diapers.com from July 2009 through February 2010 for about $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Britax to receive free stroller hinge covers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Britax toll-free at (888) 427-4829 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.BlinkRecall.com

 

Pull Toys Recalled by Manhattan Group LLC Due to Choking and Aspiration Hazards

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Pull-A-Long Friends Toucan™, Pull-A-Long Friends Alligator™, and Pull-A-Long Friends Sharky™

Units: About 2,400 in the United States and 400 in Canada

Manufacturer: Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The toy has wooden components that can break or come loose, posing a choking/aspiration hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves three types of pull-toys: Pull-A-Long Friends Toucan™ with lot code 210720GB, Pull-A-Long Friends Alligator™ with lot code 210750GB, and Pull-A-Long Friends Sharky™ with lot code 210530GB. The Toucan has a large yellow and black beak and blue striped wings. The crocodile is green and has a red ridge on its back and red wheels with yellow polka dots. The shark has blue swirls painted on its wheels and an orange wooden fish on the pull string. The lot code is printed on the bottom of the toy.

Sold at: Gift and specialty stores nationwide, online and through catalogs from September 2009 through January 2010 for about $22.

Manufactured in: Thailand

Remedy: Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Manhattan Group at (800) 541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.manhattantoy.com

 

Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” Drop Side Crib Brands Recalled; Three Infant Deaths Reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the recall of all Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” drop side cribs. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers who own these drop side cribs that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and suffocation hazards presented by the cribs. CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.

The crib’s plastic hardware can break which can cause the drop side of the crib to detach from a corner of the crib. When the drop side detaches, it creates a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped. When a child is entrapped between the drop side and the crib mattress, it creates a risk of suffocation or strangulation. In addition, the crib’s mattress support can detach from the crib frame, creating a hazardous space in which an infant or toddler could become entrapped and suffocate or strangle.

CPSC has received reports of three infants who suffocated when they became entrapped between the crib mattress and the drop side when the drop side detached. In July 2007, an eight month old child from Newark, Ohio suffocated when he became entrapped between the drop side and the crib mattress. The drop side of his crib had detached due to a broken plastic stop tab on the lower track. In October 2003, an eight month old child from Richmond, Ind. suffocated when he became entrapped between the drop side and the crib mattress. The plastic hardware on the drop side was broken and allowed the drop side to detach from the crib headboard in one corner. In September 2002, a six month old from Staunton, Va. suffocated when he became entrapped between the drop side and crib mattress. The lower drop side track was missing two screws which allowed it to pull away from the headboard post and detach.

CPSC has also received reports of 20 other drop side incidents, 12 of which involved the drop side detaching in a corner of the crib. In two of these incidents, a child became entrapped. One child suffered bruising from the entrapment. There are five reports of children falling out of the cribs due to drop side detachment. One child suffered a broken arm as a result of the fall.

In addition, CPSC has received 8 reports of mattress support detachment in these cribs. Due to the space created by the detachment, three children became entrapped between the crib frame and the sagging mattress and four children crawled out of the crib. There was one report of cuts and bruises.

Due to the fact that Generation 2 went out of business in 2005, CPSC has limited information about the cribs. Although CPSC does not know the total number of units distributed or the years of production, it is believed that there were more than 500,000 of these cribs sold to consumers. Some of the known model numbers are: 10-110X, 10-210X, 21-110X, 20-710X, 64-315X, 26-110X, 90-257X, 20-810X, 46-715X, 64-311X, 74-315X, 21-815X, 21-810X, 20815X, 308154 and 54915. (The “X” denotes where an additional and varying number may appear at the end of the model number.) However, all Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” drop side cribs are included in this recall, including those with other model numbers.

The name “Generation 2 Worldwide” appears on a label affixed to the crib’s headboard or footboard. Some labels identify the place of manufacture as Dothan, Ala. Others identify China as the country of manufacture. The name “ChildESIGNS” appears on the teething rail of some of the cribs.

The recalled cribs were sold at numerous local furniture and retail stores including Buy Buy Baby, and Kmart and Walmart stores nationwide for between $60 and $160. Consumers should contact the store from which they purchased the crib for remedy information, which will vary between a refund, replacement crib or store credit, depending on the retailer. Consumers are urged to contact CPSC and report any difficulties in obtaining a remedy from their place of purchase.

Contest Winners

Congrats to our contest winners from last week!  Laura Lindsey won a fabulous nursing top from Glamourmom and Chelsea Boeck won a two pack of Thinkbaby bottles.  More great stuff to come so keep watching and entering to win!

Super Cheat Sheet on BPA Free Baby Food

from www.safemama.com, by Kathy
Having a 6 month old means I am in the midst of the baby food jungle.. starting to introduce cereals and purees, which he is really loving and doing so well on them. I’d love to say I carve time out of my day to make all my own baby food but realistically, we all don’t always have the time and need to rely on prepared baby foods.  I set out to find as many safely packaged baby food as I could and interestingly enough – most of the baby food packaged in BPA Free packaging was organic.  Yay! Many of these brands you can find at your local health food stores or Whole Foods.  Some you can find at the grocery store (Like Sprout Organics and Plum Organics). I’ve had some luck finding brands at Babies R Us as well. So here is a cheat sheet for those of you who need a little extra help finding something right for you.  I have not included baby food packaged in glass  jars due to the fact that jar lids have a BPA containing epoxy. To the makers of Earth’s Best – Get with it already!
Baby Food Packaged in BPA Free packaging

• Gerber 2 Packs
• Happy Baby Organic Baby Food – Frozen, small portions,
• Sprout Organic Baby Food – Single portions (resealable), delicious
• Yummy Spoonfuls Organic Baby Food
• Plum Organics (Plum Baby & Plum Tots)
• Homemade Baby So Smooth Baby Food (Just Apples, Just Pears, etc)
• Fifi Bear’s Frozen Organic Baby Food
• Tasty Baby Frozen Organic Baby Food
• Maddy’s Organic Meals (Online store currently closed)
• Pomme Bebe
• Yummy In My Tummy Baby Food
• Petite Palette Gourmet Baby Food
• Bella Baby Frozen Organic Baby Food
• Ella’s Kitchen Baby Food

BPA Free Baby Food Preparation Tools

• Beaba BabyCook Baby Food Maker
• The Wean Machine
• Green Sprouts Baby Food Maker Mill
• Norpro Stainless Steel Baby Food Maker Mill
• Williams-Sonoma Rosle Food Mill (stainless steel)
• Munchkin Food Mill Baby Food Grinder

BPA Free Baby Food Storage Options & Ideas

• Baby Cubes Baby Food Storage
• Evenflo Smart Steps Freezer Trays
• Fresh Baby Baby Food Storage Trays
• Kinderville Silicone Freezer Tray Sets
• Beaba BabyCook MultiPortion Silicone Freezer Trays
• ThinkBaby Feeding Set
• Thermos Foogo Food Jar
• BornFree Stainless Food Jars
• Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube trays

Make Your Own Baby Food Resources

• WholesomeBabyFood.com – Recipes
• Weelicious – Great site, lots of good info!
• Top 100 Baby Purees by Annabel Karmel
• Blender Baby Food by Nicole Young and Nadine Ray ND
• Cooking For Baby by Lisa Barnes
• Feeding Baby Green, by Dr Alan Greene
• Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron
• Baby Led Weaning by Gil Rappley

Hurray, it’s a Giveaway!

Today’s giveaway is being listed on www.empoweredmommies.com – check it out!  It’s a designer diaper bag by KristiG worth $99 from Little Miracles!

Little Miracles readers can all enter, even if you’ve entered in other giveaways.  Check out the rules and information and find out more about this great bag HERE on empoweredmommies.  Winner will be chosen at random.

Low Serotonin Levels Linked to SIDS

from http://www.lilsugar.com/

Could an end be in sight for new parents fearing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? After decades of research and thousands of unexplained deaths, researchers believe to have found a definite link between low levels of serotonin in the brain and babies who died of SIDS.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists found that serotonin – a chemical in the brain that responds to carbon-dioxide levels to regulate sleep, heart rate and breathing in babies – levels were 26 percent lower in wee ones deemed to have succumbed to the syndrome. When serotonin levels are low, tots' brains do not detect high carbon dioxide levels and wake them to shift their position and get more oxygen.
Doctors are lauding the study, suggesting that a test could be performed at birth to determine serotonin levels and courses of treatment can then be determined for those babies deemed at risk. In the meantime, doctors are still reminding parents to place babies on their backs to sleep and to follow other preventative tips designed to keep carbon dioxide levels low around infants. Will the identification of a cause of SIDS allow you to rest easier at night?
Source: Jupiter Images

Organics on a Budget: What Matters Most

from www.smartfamilytips.com, by Beth

Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget to buy organic foods. While some prices on organic products have come down, for a variety of reasons, organics still command a premium price. This is one of the reasons we decided to grow our own organic vegetable garden last year, and why we’ll do it again this summer. I’ve written before about where to find coupons on organic products. Recently, I’ve learned that Mambo Sprouts is a good place to try, too.
But, for day to day shopping, when you want to avoid as many pesticides and growth hormones and antibiotics as you can, where can you get the safest food for your dollar? Based on my own research, not scientific fact, the list below is where I’ve decided to concentrate my own organic dollars. I hope it’s helpful to some of you.

Produce

For produce, I stick with the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. They list the “Dirty Dozen” and suggest buying these organic:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Grapes (Imported)
• Carrots
• Pears

These particular fruits and vegetables are subjected to the highest levels of pesticides if traditionally farmed. You’ll get the fewest pesticides for your dollar if you focus on these. EWG provides a handy printable pocket-sized guide that you can keep in your wallet. You can read about their Shopper’s Guide and print it out here.

Meat

I’ll say upfront that I don’t skimp on meat. If that means I have to buy less of it, or bulk up meat-based meals with beans or other ingredients, I will. I believe it’s best to know where your meat comes from. If you can buy it locally, from a farmer in your area, all the better. The easiest way to locate sources is through farmers markets and visiting localharvest.org to find local farms and CSAs.
Chicken
I buy organic, free-range chicken which means that the feed the chickens eat is free from pesticides and the chickens themselves are given no antibiotics. Farmers are not allowed to give chickens growth hormones, so while some packaging claims “hormone-free” chicken, that really is a given. I buy organic eggs for the same reasons.
Beef
Aside from the animal cruelty associated with CAFOs (watch Food, Inc. for more information), and the negative environmental impacts they create, I’m extremely concerned about the hormones and antibiotics given to cows and then eaten by us.
I buy only grass-fed/grass-finished beef that is hormone and antibiotic free. I used to watch for it to go on sale in the store, or cook beef less often to help with the budget. This year, we bought a bulk order of grass-fed beef from a local farm which really saved us a lot of money.
Milk
We drink cow’s milk and just like the beef from cows, milk is loaded with hormones and antibiotics. To avoid these, I buy only organic milk and dairy products. This is one that’s very important to me.

Canned Goods

I’m working to avoid these whenever possible. Soon I’ll be writing about BPA and why it’s a problem, but for now, be aware that nearly all cans are lined with it and it’s not good for you. The worst product to buy in cans, because of their acidity, is tomatoes. Unfortunately, there are few alternatives. Some companies (Trader Joe’s, for one) are starting to sell tomato products in Tetra Paks, which are a safe alternative, but they can be difficult to find.
One benefit of buying fewer canned goods is that alternatives can be less expensive. I buy many of our vegetables frozen if I can’t find them fresh. I stock up when there are sales and use coupons when I can. We also eat a lot of beans and there’s almost nothing less expensive than dried beans. It just takes a little bit more planning on my part to remember to soak the beans the night before I want to cook them.
It’s a work in progress, though. As was evident in the photos of my pantry, I do have quite a few canned goods (even tomatoes). But as I’ve become more aware of BPA, I’m slowly but surely working to reduce the number of foods we eat from cans.
To wrap up, in a nifty little list, here are the things I focus on buying organic. I buy other things that are organic when I can, but I rarely compromise on these. It’s worth it to me to sacrifice some things in order to feel better about what we put in our bodies. For us, cutting back on sugary soft drinks and expensive packaged foods has left more room in our budget for organics.

Buy These Organic

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Grapes (Imported)
• Carrots
• Pears
• Milk & Dairy products
• Meat (Chicken, Beef, Poultry)
• Eggs
• Canned goods (best if organic, but try to avoid canned goods altogether — buy frozen or dried)

And another benefit I’ll mention before I sign off: organics taste better. Truly. I can tell a real difference in good, fresh eggs. I can also tell a difference in the milk and meat that I buy. There’s mounting evidence that organics may be healthier for us, too. As Barbara Kingsolver questioned in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, why is it that we are so willing to spend money on all sorts of things, but the main place we want to cut corners is on the food we put in our mouths?
Photo Credit: jekrub

thinkbaby Bottles - Product Review and Giveaway!

I received the thinkbaby 9oz polypropylene (#5 recycle code) bottles in the mail yesterday and I have to say I was very excited to give them a try.  I have tried the thinkbaby feeding bowl, which is made of food grade stainless steel and free of BPA, phthalates, nitrosamines, lead, PVC, and Melamine, and I think it is great.  I have read lots of great reviews about the thinkbaby sippy cup as well, so I was eager to give these a try.
 
First let me just say that thinkbaby has a wonderful company philosophy.  On their website they state: “thinkbaby operates with the singular purpose of protecting children during their most fragile developmental stages through extensive product testing and working with leading scientists globally.”  Doesn’t get much better than that!
Back to the bottle.  The first thing I noticed is that the lid on the bottle has an extra piece that fits around the nipple to stop leaks.  It works too, so no more worrying about spilled formula or breast milk in your diaper bag.  The second thing I noticed is that the bottle only consists of the twist on cap, the nipple, and the bottle – no extra flow valves or pieces to deal with.  thinkbaby says that their bottles have a patented venting system that reduces gas, spit up, and even ear infections.  And did I mention no extra pieces to scrub?  Bravo.
The thinkbaby polypropylene bottle has a silicone nipple and there are seven different styles and flows to choose from.  Another thing I love about this bottle is that it truly did not leak.  You almost don’t need the lid!  It fits very nicely in my hand and is nice and light.
One other fabulous feature about this bottle is that it very easily converts into a sippy cup.  I happened to be out at a baby store yesterday and picked up the conversion kit, which includes one handle and two spouts.  At first try my 19 month old absolutely loved this sippy cup!

I will admit that I have bought sippy cups like most women buy shoes.  We have tried nearly every BPA free cup out there.  I can’t say it enough about this cup: no leaking, no leaking, no leaking!  Even when held upside down, this cup did not leak.  The lid also fits on the cup which is essential for me when I throw it in my bag.
Green factor (from the thinkbaby website):
The thinkbaby Conversion Kit is the ultimate in green. Instead of having to toss out 8 to 16 baby bottles after year one, simply transform the bottle into our award winning Sippy Cup and extend the life of your baby bottles. what better way to to save money and eliminate excess environmental waste.
Summary:
I <heart> the bottle, I <heart> the sippy cup, but even more, I LOVE that I don’t have to worry because all of thinkbaby’s products are free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phtalates, Nitrosamines, PVC, Lead, Melamine, and toxic chemicals.  Other bottle and sippy cup manufactures have “some” products that are BPA free but not their entire line, or their older product line may not be BPA free, but if you buy thinkbaby you can be assured you are buying a safe product for your baby.  And if all that isn’t enough, a portion of every purchase benefits the nonprofit organization Healthy Child Healthy World.  I <heart> thinkbaby!

You can buy thinkbaby at Amazon:

THE GIVEAWAY!

To be eligible to win a two pack of 9oz thinkbaby bottles, you must do one of the following:
1. Become a fan of thinkbaby on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/thinkbaby/133989121661?ref=nf
OR
2.  Follow thinkbaby on Twitter: @thinkbaby_sport
(if you’re already a fan of thinkbaby or following them on twitter you can still enter, just skip to #3)
AND
3.  Go to http://www.littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com/ and click on “join this mailing list” on the lower left column.  If you are already receiving emails you will not receive double emails, but everyone needs to submit their email address for the random drawing for each prize.  The winner will be notified via email and the bottles will be shipped directly to him/her.
The contest ends Sunday, Feb. 7th at 9pm.

Buy Buy Baby

I have to say if you have a Buy Buy Baby store in your area you should check it out!  They recently opened up a store here in Charlotte and I visited it yesterday and was  more than pleasantly surprised at everything they had to offer.  They carried a lot of organic products, including some of my favorites like Aden & Anais swaddle blankets, Plan Toys, Boon, Ergo Baby carriers, and Avalon Baby Organics lotions and shampoos.  They had a huge assortment of strollers and car seats, carrying great brands such as BOB, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, and UPPA Baby.  They pretty much carry the biggest selection of everything baby under one roof; you have to see it to believe it.  And the best part is that Buy Buy Baby is part of the Bed, Bath & Beyond franchise so you can use your 20% off coupons there!  One per item you buy (as long as it’s not expired) – fabulous!

Is it Safe to Wash Plastic Bottles and Dishes in the Dishwasher? 02/1/2010 By: The Soft Landing

from www.thesoftlanding.com

Have you ever wondered if it's okay to wash plastic food containers in the dishwasher, even if they are BPA-free? That's a great question that requires a two-part answer, because not all plastic containers the same . . .

Most Reusable Bottles and Dishes are Dishwasher Safe
Many plastic containers are specifically intended for reuse and are usually clearly marked. The dishes in this category come from two main categories:

Heavy duty everyday reusables (dishware, utensils, baby bottles, sippy cups, etc.) are dishwasher safe and will withstand heat and detergents for many years. Some examples would be Frostware and Preserve Everyday Tableware

Take and toss style reusables are dishwasher safe but don't stand up well in the long run, so keep an eye on them and recycle them when they begin to warp. Some examples would be Nuby Wash or Toss and Gladware Food Storage

Some Food Containers from Grocery Stores are Not Dishwasher Safe
Most yogurt, cream cheese or peanut butter containers are made from polypropylene (#5) which is great in regard to the absence of toxic chemicals. But many are made with very thin plastic walls that just won't hold up when exposed to dishwasher heat and detergents. You'll have to be the judge: if the plastic container is too flimsy and ends up warped, it’s probably not meant to be reused.
Also be careful to check your take out containers, as most are made from a firm polystyrene plastic (#6) that looks and feels an awful lot like polypropylene. You'll never want to reuse these containers and you should even consider using your own on-the-go containers instead. An easy way to check for polystyrene is to look for a lack flexibility in the container. Polypropylene will be slightly cloudy and squeezable.

Don't Forget to Wash Them on the Top Rack
Always place plastic dishes on the top rack to reduce heat exposure and hand wash large dishes that won't fit up top. And while we're on the topic of heat and plastics, we don't recommend microwaving plastic at all either.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway!

I am happy to announce a giveaway contest for a FABULOUS item for all you expecting mommies or new mommies out there!

Glamourmom Nursing Tops

  
“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
These tops are absolutely wonderful!  I bought one last summer when my baby was born and it was perfect to wear around the house all the time, and when I was out I often wore it under a button down shirt or zip up sweater for easier access.  They are super functional (which is key when you are nursing ten times a day), but then they are also cute and comfy, which is a serious bonus when it comes to nursing wear.  I was surprised I could actually wear this shirt without a bra, given the size of my nursing breasts, but this tank has a built in bra that offers great support.
Glamourmom tank tops come in two lengths – the longer tops provide more coverage for your post-partum belly.  All the tops have a discreet clasp that you can truly open and close with only one hand.  I have tried both the nursing tank and the nursing top and the top is definitely better for post-partum and for the first few months of nursing, when you need more support (the tops basically just have a slightly wider strap than the tanks).  The tanks are great for when the belly starts to disappear and you want a more fitted cut.  Both the tank and top allowed me to use nursing pads very easily, which is definitely a necessity.


“© Copyright 2010 Glamourmom LLC
A Green Factor!  From the Glamourmom website:
About the Cotton We Use
Our cotton incorporates environmentally conscious methods from start to finish to reduce pollution as much as possible while still producing one of the highest quality cottons available today. Carefully picked and harvested, purification and monitoring systems insure a cleaner cotton. The end result is a healthier planet for us all and a soft fabric which gives our products a lasting durability and beauty for a comfortable and fashionable nursing experience.

Contest Rules

In order to be eligible to win a Glamourmom tank top (your choice of any regular length Nursing Bra Tank or regular length Nursing Bra Top!) just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com for this entry with your name and email address. This is how I will be able to contact you if you win and you will automatically be signed up to receive email alerts from the Little Miracles blog.   The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. 
The contest will end on Wednesday, February 3rd at 9pm est.  The winner will get to choose the color and size of top they want and then the top will be shipped directly to them.  Glamourmom has provided a free Nursing Bra Tank for the purpose of this review.  Go to www.glamourmom.com to view their entire product line.