Going Green and Keeping Them Clean – Cloth Diapers

from livegreenmom.com



When I became a mom in 2001 I didn’t even think twice, it was disposable diapers all the way. I was tired and overwhelmed like any new mom and wouldn’t even consider anything that didn’t make life easier in some way. I wish I had seen past all that and looked at the bigger picture. Disposable diapers are going to be sitting in our landfills longer than than you and I will walk the earth. Check out these diaper facts for the real lowdown on why cloth diapers should be explored for your baby’s bum.

Today we have a guest post from Amara Sparacino with some tips on cleaning your cloth diapers effectively. Thanks Amara!
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Going Green and Staying Clean with Cloth Diapers
Diapers are not something to be tossed around lightly. The average little one, in its first year of life goes through more than 2,500 diapers. Wow.

So, you’ve decided to help your baby and the environment by using cloth diapers. Maybe you want to avoid using the chemicals usually associated with disposables. There are lots of good reasons to go with cloth, your baby’s bottom will likely appreciate it, and you won’t suffer from images of landfills and diaper mountains dancing in your head.

It’s a big job. But wait – how do you actually clean cloth diapers correctly?

As you know, it means more responsibility. Untreated cloth diapers need to be changed more frequently than disposables. And it is that issue alone that probably explains why some people stay with disposable diapers for convenience. But washing cloth is not rocket science. And let’s face it, it’s been practiced for just about forever.

Start With the Basics
There are two basic and popular storing methods for cloth diapers: wet pail and dry pail. Let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both.

With a wet pail, diapers are stored in water (and normally baking soda) before washing. Many people prefer the dry pail method however because of the odor from stagnate water and the process of emptying it. Pails can be uncovered or covered and odors are controlled through a sprinkle of baking soda.

Another good idea: place a deodorant disc at the bottom of your pail. And for dirty diaper bags that feature a small piece of fabric sewn into the inside seam, you can use a few drops of an essential oil. Consider Tee Tree and/or Lavender oils to help disguise those pungent odors that may be tougher to deal with.

Washing and Drying
One of the most recognized of the green detergents available is Mountain Green. It contains no enzymes, softeners, dyes, brighteners, or fragrances (in the Free and Clear version). Numerous other detergents are also known for their “greenness”, and they include: Allens Naturally, Arm & Hammer Essentials Free; Bio-Kleen; Maggie’s Soap Nuts; as well as Sun and Earth. Some moms swear by the Smart Klean Laundry Ball because it’s chemical free, non-toxic hypoallergenic and soap less, and effectively sanitizes. It works best with smaller loads and utilizes natural ceramics to clean fabrics. There are knock offs of the SmartKlean Ball that are less effective, so keep your eyes out. (Extra tip: add fine sea salt and vinegar for a boost in cleaning power).

In general, diapers should be washed through two cycles: 1) COLD/COLD or a COLD rinse or soak, and 2) HOT/COLD wash. Skipping the first COLD/COLD cycle will likely result in more stains, which is why it is necessary to prepare the diapers for the HOT water cleaning. Many odor problems are resolved with no more than 2 to 3 drops of Tea Tree or Lavender essential oils.

Avoid washing no more than two-dozen diapers at one time. This will prevent piling from friction in your machine.

Make sure your rinse water is free of bubbles, and keep in mind that cycles can be repeated to deal with persistent odors and/or stains. Just put the freshly washed diapers either in the dryer (on HOT for an hour to 90 minutes) or in the sun to finish. Heat from the dryer or sun will effectively sanitize the diapers so they will be up to snuff for your baby’s darling derriere. And while your wee one may not thank you for the effort, the peace of mind that comes from taking such care is priceless.

Amara Sparacino is a mom of an 11 month old baby girl (who goes through way more diapers than she ever imagined possible!) She works with her brother on WashingMachines.net a website that helps people who are searching for a washing machine find information about every machine available – allowing them to compare costs, efficiency ratings and check out reviews so they can find the best washing machine for their home.

Top 5 Green Cleaning Supplies

from Green Baby Guide

Below is a list of great green cleaning supplies from Green Baby Guide.  I have to add my new favorite green cleaning tool to the list though…THE BONA!



I do love my steam mop for cleaning all floor surfaces (tile, hardwood, etc.), of course because it is completely chemical free,  but there are times when I just need a quick mop up and I don’t have the time to fill up the steam mop and then let it heat up.  The Bona is the perfect solution, and more!  It’s similar to a Swiffer in that you can use it for both dusting and mopping, however, the Bona is not only easier to use, it uses a NON-TOXIC and environmentally friendly cleaning spray designed specifically for your floor type.

The cleaner for the Bona is attached to the mop, so all you do is squeeze the handle and the spray comes out for super easy and super fast mopping! (see photo above).  The microfiber cleaning pad comes off and on with the greatest of ease – just velcro!  I can literally change my pads with one foot.  You can also get other types of pads, such as a dusting pad for dusting your hardwood floors, and they are all machine washable!  Nothing to throw away or waste, just clean floors.

You can get the Bone online at their website or at Home Depot.  I can’t say enough about the Bona, I use it for quick and easy floor cleanups all day long.  I feel like I’ve been searching forever for a green, non-toxic way to clean my floors and I finally found it!

Here’s the list from Green Baby Guide:

In no particular order, here are my top five—and actually only five green cleaning must-haves (excepting laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, and dishwasher detergent, of course. Oh, and a broom and vacuum cleaner).

• Steam cleaner—clean floors, grout, even windows without chemicals.
  
  The Wagner power steam cleaner

• Borax: An eco-friendly, budget-friendly wonder product—Joy turned me onto Borax, which I use to scour the bathtub and clean the toilet.
  

• Baking soda and vinegar—read Joy’s “Thrifty solutions for greener cleaning” for details—I don’t know what I’d do without this cleaning combo. I clean mirrors and windows with vinegar and newspaper and use baking soda and vinegar to clean the kitchen sink.

• Rags—Any green housekeeper worth her salt uses good old rags instead of paper towels! (Note: worn-out prefold diapers make the very best rags!)
  

• Bon Ami—Bon Ami is natural and non-toxic, made from sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate and feldspar. It’s super cheap, and a great alternative to Ajax or Comet, which contain chlorine and other chemicals. I may even prefer it to Borax for scouring the tub.

Cheat Sheet: Less Plastic Sippy Cups, Bottles, and Water Bottles

from Safe Mama

It’s the next generation of cheat sheets!  The BPA Free Sippy Cup cheat sheet was one of my very first cheat sheets.  As we’ve all grown and learned more, the more I think it’s important to try and avoid plastic all together when we can.  Sure, there is BPA free plastic, and that’s better.  But plastic can still leach chemicals into fluids and foods and its better to use materials that are non-leaching, such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and bamboo.  I decided it was time to move past plastic on SafeMama.com and show you there are a ton of great plastic-less options. Not everything on this list is completely plastic free, but the portion that comes in contact with your fluids is. As usual not a comprehensive list so please email me suggestions for inclusion. (Last updated April 16, 2011)

Glass & Stainless Sippy Cups

I’ve used several of these brands and with sippy cups, it really comes down to personal preference.  For us, we primarily use 12oz Klean Kanteens (one with a sport cap and one with a sippy adapter).  They seem to be the best for us.  But I also love the Thermos Foogo Straw Bottles too and use one in my son’s lunchbox. Insulated vs non-insulated is something you have to think about.  Klean Kanteens are not (aside from their new insulated ones).  I use these adorable Cocoozy’s for out and about, and they fit perfect. There are also many neoprene sleeves and other jackets that fit both bottles and sippy’s.

• Foogo Leak-Proof Straw Bottle (stainless)
• Safe Sippy 2 (stainless)
• Fuel Stainless Steel Sports Bottle
• Foogo Leak-Proof Sippy Cup (stainless)
• Crocodile Creek Stainless Drinking Bottles
• Thermos FUNtainers (stainless)
• ThinkSport 12oz Stainless Water Bottle
• Klean Kanteen 12 oz Sippy (comes with a sippy adapter or a sports cap) (stainless)
• Earthlust Insulated Baby Bottle & Sippy Cup (stainless)
• EIO Kids Cup (glass)
• Pura Sippy Cups (stainless)
• Life Factory Bottles w/ sippy adaptor (glass)
• Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Bottle
• Sigg Kids Bottles (coated aluminum*)

Glass & Stainless Baby Bottle Brands

Of course there are plastic bottle options available on the market and many of them are created with BPA free plastic.  Some companies I trust more than others like ThinkBaby and BornFree because they have been BPA free intentionally from the get-go. These are great safer options too.  My objective here is to highlight some alternatives to plastic for bottle feeding.  Before anyone gets in a twist, I am a supporter of breastfeeding and think it’s an important choice.  I am also however, a supporter in allowing mothers to make the choices that are right for them, regardless of what I would do.  Everyone has their own right to mother their children the way they see fit. I refuse to judge on this issue. So without further adieu…

• OrganicKidz Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
• Pura Stainless Steel Baby Bottle (stainless)
• BornFree Glass Baby Bottles
• Dr. Browns Glass Baby Bottles
• Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles
• Green to Grow Glass Baby Bottles
• Silikids Glass Baby Bottles
• Life Factory Glass Baby Bottles
• Kidbasix Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
• Momo Glass Baby Bottles
• Nurture Pure Glass Baby Bottles
• Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottles

Adult Water Bottles and Drink Containers (ditch the plastic!!!)

Obviously there are hundreds of stainless water bottles on the market and most are fine… you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. This is a sampling of them and a few glass options.

• Klean Kanteen (regular and insulated)
• Thermos Stainless Steel Hydration Bottles
• ThinkSport Stainless Steel Bottles
• Life Factory Glass Bottles
• Faucet Face Glass Bottles
• Bamboo Bottle (glass and bamb00)
• Takeya Glass Water Bottles
• Tazzini Reusable Water Bottle
• EcoUsable Stainless Bottles
• Sigg Bottles (coated aluminum*)

*Sigg was under scrutiny for using a coating on the interior of their bottles that contained BPA.  They have since corrected that and now line them with SIGG EcoCare® Liner which is a baked on coating. They claim it is chemically inert and does not absorb, leach or transfer odors or flavors, no matter what beverage is inside.  You can make a judgment call on this one.

Bought Britax, Maclaren, or other baby gear from Toys/Babies R Us in the last decade? Read this.

from ZRecommends


Photo by Andy Pixel

Toys 'R' Us and Babies 'R' Us have settled a class action lawsuit for alleged price-fixing by agreeing to reimburse consumers for a portion of their purchases on certain baby gear. Here's a list of what you might have bought at an allegedly illegally marked-up price, what purchase dates are eligible for a partial refund, what percentage of the purchase price is being offered as reimbursement, and how much that might be (based on today's retail prices):



The total settlement purse is over $35 million. You have until August 1, 2011 to file a claim.

To file a claim, dig up whatever paperwork you have to support the purchase -- credit card statements, receipts if you have them, cancelled checks, or whatever else can demonstrate that you made the purchase and, if possible, how much you actually paid. Our philosophy on these situations is that even if you aren't sure if your paperwork is enough, make a copy of it, fill out the form, and send it in. Head to the settlement notice to find out how.

Your Diet During Breastfeeding

from A Milky Way

Watch your diet. It must be well balanced and provide a sufficient intake of protein (10 to 15% of the total food intake). Some examples of foods rich in proteins include lentils, peas, cheese, fish, turkey, beef, eggs, etc. Animal proteins (meat, poultry or fish) should represent 50% of total proteins. Dietary supplements are no substitute for a balanced diet. Do not take dietary supplements together without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first to avoid possible side effects.

HERE'S WHAT WEB Md SAYS ABOUT YOUR BREASTFEEDING DIET:

During pregnancy, your appetite can soar. Your growing baby is drawing from your nutritional stores. But you're also hungry because your body is hard at work helping to prepare your milk supply.

After you give birth, good nutrition is even more important than during your pregnancy. It can make a difference in the quality of your breast milk and affect how quickly your body rebounds from childbirth.

Though doctors once routinely recommended an additional 500 calories a day for breastfeeding moms, today, experts say what you eat matters far more than your caloric intake.

"Beyond a doubt, the nutritious quality of the foods you eat is of major importance during breastfeeding. Simply adding empty calories, like those found in sugary snacks or junk food, is not going to help you or your baby," says Linda M. Hanna, IBCLC, program coordinator for Lactation and Prenatal Education Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
In fact, she says, if a mother isn't feeding herself with enough nutritious foods, the number of "dirty diapers" goes down, a sign that your baby may not be getting enough to eat.

Complex carbohydrates are among the best foods you can eat while breastfeeding, says Hanna. Build these into your daily diet:
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, squash, and beans

Fruits such as apples, berries, plums, oranges, peaches, and melons, whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, rye bread, and brown rice.  Not coincidentally, these are the same foods recommended for nursing mothers by the American Academy of Pediatrics. One extra benefit: this type of diet can also help you shed those post-pregnancy pounds.

"If you look at the Weight Watcher's diet for lactation, it's all about complex carb loading. It's one of the most successful long-term lactation weight loss programs for women. It helps them lose weight without sacrificing milk production," says Hanna.

In addition, Hanna says it's also important to get enough protein and fat in your diet. Aim for at least three to five servings (1 ounce each) of fat a day. These could be vegetable oils, butter, or even mayonnaise.

This, she says, will help your body to make a good supply of the super-fatty and satisfying "hind" milk that is expressed during the later half of each feeding, Hanna says.

"In the end we are talking about eating a balanced diet, with complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats, and with as little sugar and sugary snacks as possible," says Hanna.

Among the most important nutrients you need while breastfeeding is calcium -- a minimum of 1,000 mg daily is a must. While dairy foods are a great source, you don't have to drink milk to make milk. To meet your calcium needs, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests five daily servings of any calcium-rich food, including low-fat yogurt and cheese, as well as nondairy foods such as salmon, broccoli, sesame seeds, tofu, and kale.

Do You Need Nutritional Supplements While Breastfeeding?
As long as you are eating a healthy, nutritious diet, neither you nor your baby are likely to fall short of any vitamins or minerals. If you also continue to take your prenatal vitamins after birth -- which many obstetricians now recommend -- then you and your baby are in even better shape.

The one supplement your baby mightneed is vitamin D, necessary to absorb calcium into the bones, says Carol Huotari, IBCLC, manager for the Center for Breastfeeding information at La Leche League International in Schaumburg, Ill. Vitamin D is in breast milk, but in low amounts.

What can you do? The sun naturally converts certain body chemicals tovitamin D, so Huotari suggests taking baby outside for about a half hour each day. "If your baby gets about 20 minutes of sun exposure on their cheeks once a day, then they are probably getting enough vitamin D," she says.

But be careful about exposing your baby to too much sun, which can cause sunburn and raise baby's risk of skin cancer in later life. If you're uncertain about what to do, talk to your pediatrician about this issue, and ask about the proper dose and type of vitamin D supplements for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises daily drops of vitamin D for all breastfed babies.
In addition, if you are a strict vegetarian, your breast milk might be missing adequate stores of vitamin B-12. Ask your pediatrician if your baby needs supplements of this nutrient as well.

Finally, while the water supply in most U.S. cities and towns is boosted with fluoride -- a chemical that can help teeth and nails grow strong -- the levels can be low in certain rural areas. As your local water company how many parts per million of fluoride is in your drinking water. If the level is below 3 ppm, ask your pediatrician if your baby should take fluoride supplements after 6 months of age. Under 6 months old, your baby should not take fluoride supplements, even if levels are low in your water supply.

As you probably already know, alcohol and pregnancy are a dangerous mix. Surprisingly, however, the evidence is far less clear when it comes to alcohol's effects during breastfeeding.
With studies on both sides of the fence -- some showing it may increase the risk of problems, others failing to prove it -- it's not surprising that experts are divided on the subject.

As a result, breastfeeding moms should err on the side of caution. Limit alcohol to one or two drinks occasionally, says Huotari. "Until we know more, it's better to drink less," she says. Her advice is also endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Here's a link to this article at Web Md.

Recall Alert: Arm's Reach Concepts Recalls Infant Bed-Side Sleepers Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

from CPSC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Infant Bed-Side Sleepers

Units: About 76,000

Manufacturer: Arm's Reach Concepts Inc., of Oxnard, Calif.

Hazard: When the fabric liner is not used or is not securely attached, infants can fall from the raised mattress into the loose fabric at the bottom of the bed-side sleeper or can become entrapped between the edge of the mattress and the side of the sleeper, posing risks of suffocation.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Arm's Reach have received 10 reports of infants falling from the raised mattress into the bottom of the sleeper or becoming entrapped between the edge of the mattress and the side of the bed-side sleeper. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves a product called a "co-sleeper" by the manufacturer. One side of the bed-side sleepers is lower than the others to allow positioning near a bed and access to the infant for care and feeding. This recall includes all Arm's Reach Original and Universal styles with manufacture dates between September 1997 and December 2001. The manufacture date and model number can be found on a sticker on one of the product's legs. Model numbers included in the recall begin with:

Originals
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8108, 8133, 8111, 8112 & 8199
Universal
-
8311

Sold at: Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us and other retail stores nationwide from September 1997 through December 2001 for about $160.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bed-side sleepers and visit www.armsreach.com/instructions to view and download assembly instructions and to make sure that the product is properly configured. Consumers should also contact the company by phone or via the company website to receive hard-copy instructions by mail and an assembly/warning label. Consumers who are missing the fabric liner or other components should immediately contact Arm's Reach for an alternative remedy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Arm's Reach at (800) 954-9353 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.armsreach.com


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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting www.saferproducts.gov

How to soothe baby's colic? Pour a cup of tea

from the Today Show

By Kavita Varma-White

Next time your fussy, colicky baby has you teetering on the brink of sleep-deprived lunacy, consider a cup of herbal tea.

And that's for the baby, not for you.

Tea --made with chamomile, licorice, fennel and balm mint-- was one of the most effective treatments for relieving symptoms of colic, according to a new Pediatrics study, which reviewed 15 randomized clinical trials of alternative treatments for infantile colic.

The study analyzed trials that included various types of treatment and found the most encouraging results came from treatments using herbal remedies and sugar solutions, while the least effective results came from treatments involving manipulation and probiotic supplements.

Of the three herbal studies, one with the most significant results was when babies were given fennel extract. (No surprise since fennel seeds are known to be a natural digestive aid because they relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and also help to expel gas.) Another study looked at Colimil, an herbal formula containing fennel, lemon balm, and German chamomile, which after use showed a significant difference in crying times per day.

Five studies that looked at glucose and sucrose supplements found significant easing effects on colic symptoms, too.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the study is how the authors explain what many a frazzled parent already knows – that it's hard to know how to treat colic because colic itself is such a wily beast.

The difficulty in finding an effective treatment is related to our lack of understand of IC (infantile colic). Its pathophysiology is unclear; food allergies, formula intolerance, immaturity of gastrointestinal tract, excessive gas formation or intestinal cramping have all been suggested as possible etiologies. Arguably, any rational treatment should be directed at the mechanisms of the disease itself.

The study didn't include specific instructions on dosage, so check with your pediatrician before trying any herbal remedy. And, even then, don't give your baby hot tea!

Press Release: The International Baby Planner Association Celebrates Another Successful Year in Establishing Baby Planning & Maternity Concierge Services as a New Industry

International Baby Planner Association, the Premier Organization for Professional Baby Planners Successfully Establishes a New Industry to Help Empower New and Expectant Parents

The International Baby Planner Association™, the world’s first and only trade association dedicated to the baby planning and maternity concierge industry celebrates another year. Founded in 2007 as a trustworthy resource and support platform for the world’s first baby planners; the International Baby Planner Association (IBPA) has grown by leaps and bounds, while making constant strides to establish a reputable and respected industry.

The baby planning and maternity concierge industry was founded out of a need for parent empowerment and support. As the influx of products, safety concerns and parenting philosophies began to inundate expecting families in the early 2000’s, experienced professional women and mothers began to create baby consulting services. The IBPA has supported these first parent coaching businesses and will continue to set standards, define the scope of practice and assist to develop a reputable baby planning industry for years to come.

"I'm proud to note that IBPA was the very first organization to break ground and set standards for the baby planning industry. Since 2007 we have worked tirelessly to pave the way for a brand new industry to come into existence ” stated Melissa Moog founder and president.

The IBPA has joined forces with some of the best known experts and professionals in the country. Our prominent Trusted Advisory board members are nationally known for their industry knowledge and include Kara Forney founder of The Bump®, nationally recognized Pediatrician/Author Dr. Alan Greene, and organizations such as Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), Environmental Working Group (EWG), International Association for Child Safety (IAFCS) and Stroller Strides. (View full advisory board).

"No one had heard of baby planning or maternity concierge services when we established our private businesses and IBPA, so in 2007 our initial objective was to bring awareness to the industry” said co-founder and vice president of marketing April Beach. “As we move beyond 2011, IBPA will continue to serve and support baby planning and parent coaching businesses globally; all while staying ahead of this ever evolving industry.”

IBPA has worked to establish the baby planning industry and has achieved success on many fronts including the creation of a “baby planner” category for the All Baby and Kids Expo, The Bump pregnancy guide, Expectant Mothers guide and numerous others. “Our founding members have been dedicated to building strong credibility and increasing prominent TV, print and on-line media exposure through news outlets such as ABC, NBC, MSNBC, Fox, Associated Press, Washington Post, American Express Open Forum, Pregnancy Magazine, Kiwi Magazine and more, for baby planners globally” states Moog.

Shannon Choe, IBPA vice president and new member director stated that, “As the baby planning industry has gained momentum and recognition over the years, the International Baby Planner Association has seen a steady stream of membership inquiries. Starting with only seven founding business members, the IBPA has served over 100 baby planning and maternity concierge businesses since its inception. ”

A baby planner will provide an expectant or new parent the best guidance possible tailored to their personal needs, lifestyle and budget. A baby planner will also provide the most current information and resources available, which can include but are not limited to: baby gear, furniture, and product consultation, sourcing and qualifying the best pre- and post-natal care, birth planning, nursery design, non-toxic/green baby care, childproofing and parent coaching. As the baby planning industry continues to grow, so will the services baby planners offer.

For a list of our Premier Baby Planner directory featuring businesses in the USA and abroad view it here: Premier Baby Planning Members.

As with all new industries, this growing awareness to maternity concierge services has led to an influx of new baby planning businesses. As an association, the IBPA does not directly train baby planners however; strategic partnerships have been established with reputable business for aspiring baby planner training and business consulting. New baby planning professionals can establish premier businesses and become IBPA members with the help of IBPA’s trusted baby planner resources. For more information, please visit http://www.internationalbabyplanners.com or contact April Beach (303) 522-4334

For baby planner industry buzz follow IBPA on Twitter and Facebook here: @IBPABabyPlanner and Facebook

Cake Wrecks – Baby Shower Edition

from Pregnant Chicken

HILARIOUS!!!  Just had to post because these made me laugh.


I love Cake Wrecks and if you haven't checked out the site, then get over there because it's like lucite stripper shoes – sometimes tacky, sometimes scary and always awesome.

I asked Jen if I could pull a couple of the shower cakes for a post, you can imagine how thrilled I was when she said "go for it".

Let me tell ya, I was not disappointed in the plethora of batshit cakes that people serve up at baby showers.
Here are just a few that are as tasty as electric-blue, store bought frosting:


"What? I thought it was spelled "Tschower".


I love Babbies. The more 'b's the better. (Unless it's actually 'Baffies'. Now that would be stupid.)


"Just a sliver of giant tit for me, please. I'm trying to watch my weight."


Nothing says "edible" quite like an abdomen gash with a hand sticking out.


This is actually a really beautiful cake until you realize you have to cut into a sleeping infant. No, that's not disturbing or anything.


Again, we have to cut this cake, people. I don't want to eat half of a baby's face (judging from the photo, I'd eat the whole head but I wouldn't be happy about it.)


Why do I feel like it was the 18-year-old brother's job to get the cake?


It is important that we all know why we are gathered here today. Stick lady + cup of sperm = heart, baby, heart. All together now...


I'm really hoping this isn't what Tristan looked like. If it was, then my bad and I tip my hat to your charming cake.


WTF is happening here? Why is a burnt ET sitting on top of a t.v.? Welcome to the world, Ethan. You're surrounded by nuts.


Maybe the parents decided to name this child "Finally" regardless of gender because I can't even figure out what they were going for here.


Oh, it's a baby BABY shower. Crap, I need to get another card.


I have no idea what they find weird about this cake?! Maybe the woman they were having the shower for wasn't named Olivia. Now *that* would be awkward.


Actually, this is exactly how Connie gave birth – surrounded by rosettes while her giant boob-balls rolled into her mouth.


Yes, congratulations on your headless baby, now let's eat its feet.


Mmmmm, uterus.


What you can't see is Uncle Bob's interpretive dance that goes along with this cake. It's all about learning through poetry and movement.


Is it worse to eat a beautiful baby cake or a creepy one? Creepy cake babies have rights too, you know.


This is possibly the best cake I have ever seen. If I had witness this cake in 1977, my head would have exploded or I would have done something like this. With the protection of Darth Vader in an acid tripping, air-brushed universe, that lucky little baby can't lose. She just can't lose.


This isn't even a cake but I am horrified that someone has taken the two things I love most – meatloaf and bacon – and molded it into the most disturbing thing I have ever seen. Excuse me while I go bleach my eyes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So there you have it. Now get out there and get your creepy "babby" cake holding a cup of sperm and some bacon. Happy showers, Peeps!

FDA advisers want more study of food dye-ADHD link

from CNN



A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee decided Thursday there is insufficient evidence to support a link between artificial dyes in foods and children with ADHD.  The committee will make no recommendation to ban or regulate dye additives found in food products. But the committee did stress that there seems to be a trend with artificial dyes and side effects in children and that more research is needed.

Over the past two days the committee has heard testimony on dyes and how they cause some children to show signs of hyperactivity.  The question before the committee: Is there enough evidence to connect artificial dyes and hyperactivity and, if so, should it recommend that the FDA strengthen its regulations on these ingredients?  The committee's response seems to be  "Not now."

According to the experts who testified, European companies already are dropping dyes including Blue #1, Yellow #5 and #6 and others and substituting natural colorings  for them. But the United States still allows artificial dyes, mostly for aesthetic reasons, not for taste, the experts say.

There are eight dyes now being used in the United States; Citrus Red 2, Red 3, Red 40, Blue 1 & 2, Green 3 and Yellow 5 & 6. They can be found in numerous food products from packaged macaroni and cheese to Easter candy.

Critics had called for either a ban or more explicit labeling. “Why are these dyes in these foods anyway?” asked Michael Jacobsen, executive director of the Center for Science and the Public Interest, a watchdog group on nutrition and food safety. “I would push for having them taken out completely. But if that can’t be done, why not warn the public and parents that these dyes could have some effects?”

The idea that dyes in food causes ADHD was first noted in "Why Your Child is Hyperactive," a book written by Dr. Benjamin Feingold in 1975. The eating style described in the book became known as the Feingold Diet. He found if you eliminated artificial food dyes and additives in American diets, cases of hyperactivity in children, later defined as ADHD, would decline. But reviews of the data found that the correlation between dyes and hyperactivity were inconsistent.

Although numerous data have been collected on food dyes and hyperactivity in kids during the past decade, critics say the design of the studies has been weak. They note many of the studies were performed on small groups– many involved no more than 25 children. They also noted that much of the observation data (how the child acted) was reported by parents and not by clinicians. And they pointed out that most of the dyes tested were combined into a dye mixture and not tested individually.

The most recent studies to bring food dyes and ADHD back to the public eye was a 2007 project conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. It showed that artificial food dyes along with sodium benzoate (a white crystalline salt used as a food preservative) increased ADHD symptoms in both hyperactive and non-hyperactive children. That study was followed up by another paper in 2010 by the same researchers who looked at the connection between food dyes, ADHD and histamine, a chemical that’s produced in the brain when the body is having an allergic reaction.

“We found mixtures of certain artificial colors together with sodium benzoate preservative in the diet increased the average level of hyperactivity in 3 and 8/9 year old children in the general population,” Dr. Jim Stevenson, a professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Southampton, and lead author of the study, testified Wednesday.

During the hearing, parents from all over the United States shared stories about their children with the committee. Renee Shutters, from Jamestown, New York, said her 5-year-old ,Trenton, who at the time was in preschool, was an unhappy child. “He just wasn’t comfortable with himself,” said Shutters. But after talking to another parent who said her child was having behavioral issues because he was allergic to a food dye, Shutters took action. “I went through my pantry and removed everything with dyes," declared Shutters.
“Now,” Shutters says, “Trenton is fine. After two days there was a huge change. Two weeks later he felt different, much happier and six weeks later, he was a new child.”

“To give my child an artificial dye would be child abuse!” exclaimed Maureen Lamm, a doctor and mother of three from Kennesaw, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. “He suffers that much when he eats foods with certain dyes.” Lamm has become so involved she offers a website, www.momsabcs.com, to parents to warn them about dye allergies.

But the FDA’s evaluation of studies on color additives and ADHD found there was very little strong evidence in any of these studies that showed dyes were the primary reason for a child’s hyperactivity.

“There were other factors in most of these studies that could have been the reason or could have gone hand in hand with the dyes to create these problems in these particular children, including preservatives,”said Jason August with the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety.

And the International Food Information Council, which is supported primarily by broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries, says the science isn’t there.

“Without sufficient scientific evidence that a causal link truly exists between food colors and hyperactivity in children, communications that suggest a link could have unintended consequences, including unnecessarily frightening consumers about safe ingredients that are consumed every day,” said David Schmidt, president and CEO of IFIC.

After lengthy discussion the committee made its decision based on the FDA’s evaluation of study data, as well as testimony from researchers. It was the weakness of the studies, and the lack of data, that caused the committee to ask for more research and delay action on artificial dyes.

Although the committee only makes recommendations to the FDA, the agency usually follows those recommendations.