Do All EVA Foam Products Contain Toxic Formamide?

From The Soft Landing


I’m sure you’ve heard about the EU’s recent ban of EVA foam playmats related to the presence of formamide, a known carcinogenic chemical.  From what we can tell, EVA foam – not standard EVA sheet material – is the source of concern because formamide is sometimes used to make the foam more pliable.
Please note that I said sometimes.  It’s possible to locate formamide-free EVA foam, although many manufacturers don’t routinely check (or test) for it yet.  We recently investigated a new product to stock in our store and the manufacturer was able to confirm with their factory that a small amount of formamide was present in their products.  We were impressed with their decision to locate a new EVA foam source to ensure the safest product possible.

There is still some grey area surrounding this issue, because the EU hasn’t determined exactly what levels are considered safe in children’s products. It was noted though, that new mats have the highest risk and formamide residue decreases over time, so older products may contain little or no formamide.

EVA is recommended by CHEJ as a PVC-free substitute, as well as by Healthcare without Harm for use in neonatal intensive care units in drug delivery devices.  The great thing about EVA is that it doesn’t require the addition of plasticizers/softeners (like phthalates), stabilizers (like lead), or chlorine (which leads to the generation of dioxin, a highly persistent carcinogen).

Just be careful to research EVA foam products before buying, contacting manufacturers to confirm that their products are formamide-free.

Catamount Glass Popcorn Popper

from Safe Mama

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



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

The Potency of Potassium: Why Your Kids Need it and Where to Find it

from Super Healthy Kids

While many different food products and parenting magazines will stress the importance of well-balanced meals for your kids that include vitamins X, Y, and Z, one nutrient that often gets left out of the mix is potassium. While most healthy individuals have sufficient levels of potassium in their bodies, this can only occurs if an individual is regularly eating healthy foods. Potassium deficiency in children can lead to many diseases and conditions that are common to adults, like hypertension, heart disease, weight gain, and depression. A common symptom of potassium deficiency is fatigue. To keep potassium at the recommended levels here are a few foods that are delicious and kid friendly.

1. Bananas

Bananas are one of the best and most well-known sources of potassium, and kids can’t seem to get enough of them! A great combination that children find particularly delightful is peanut butter and banana, but you can also slice it up and throw it in virtually anything—from cereal to smoothies, to even the occasional ice cream, turning a treat into something somewhat healthy.

2. Baked and Sweet Potatoes

Both baked potatoes and sweet potatoesare vegetables that kids in particular enjoy, and they are both loaded with potassium. Instead of feeding your children grease-laden French fries, try slicing both baked sweet and regular potatoes, salting them lightly, and serving with a healthy fresh salsa instead of ketchup.

3. Carrots

Although carrots were never my personal favorite when I was growing up, I did find them palatable when combined with a dipping sauce. While ranch dressing isn’t the healthiest thing, kids can’t stop with this one dressing, so think of ways to make it healthier. Some grocery stores stock a yogurt-based ranch dressing, with a fourth of the fat and calories. What’s more, yogurt happens to be a great source of potassium, too!

4. Vitamin supplements

Many doctors stress the fact that potassium levels should be adequate with a healthy diet, and a vitamin supplement should only be used to, well, supplement, real food. Some children, however, may have a specific deficiency in potassium for some reason or another, which may require additional supplements. The only way you can actually find out about this deficiency is to talk to your pediatrician, who can recommend certain blood tests to discovery any inadequacies in diet.
While the foods listed above are some popular sources of potassium, pretty much every healthy food item will have a certain amount. Again, the most important thing to keep potassium levels adequate is to make sure you vary your child’s balanced diet as much as possible, to keep eating fun and healthy! For more information about potassium rich foods, check out this resource.


Author Bio:
This guest post is contributed by Leslie Johnson, who writes about health, green living, parenting related articles at masters in health administration

Substitute Dessert with Sweet Oaty Bites

from Super Healthy Kids



If anyone can have a freak accident, it’s Erica. She’s like a magnet for strange injury.  Yesterday, minding her own business, she was standing at a fence watching Nate’s baseball game.  Suddenly she turned, and her face hit a garbage can so hard she completely split her lip open.  There was blood everywhere!  Soaked through her sleeve as she tried to hold it together.  I couldn’t help but wonder how she didn’t realize the garbage can was there?  Anyway, she’s going to have a fat lip this morning!  I guess everyone has to have that kid that could run into a telephone pole on a wide open street. She’s that kid in our family.

On to our letter-O experiments!  Delightfully easy, gluten free, non-fat, and super good; your kids will love these little oatmeal cookies.  If your kids like granola bars, they’ll certainly enjoy this treat.

Sweet Oatie Recipe

• 2 cups oats (any variety)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped or diced almonds
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 egg whites
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. In small bowl combine egg whites and vanilla.  Whip with a fork for about 10 seconds.  Add the egg whites to the dry ingredients.  Form balls with dough and place on greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for about 12 minutes, or until bottoms begin to turn brown.

SmartMom Teething Bling

I swear moms are the most ingenious people out there!  Yet another fabulous product created by moms Kendra and Amy in 2002…the SmartMom Teething Bling.  If you haven’t seen moms around town or celebrity moms wearing these, you probably don’t need to look very hard.  They are super popular!

This adorable pendant is not only fashionable but it’s also a teething toy for your little one!  How many times have you been standing in line, sitting on an airplane, sitting in church, or any place else with your baby when she wanted something to chew on?  Instead of your hair, your keys, your cell phone, or their hands (which have been who knows where), you can just let them chew away on your necklace!  How convenient is that?!?

SmartMom uses only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in our Teething Bling® line. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products and SGS test reports are available upon request. Although they stress that this is adult jewelry not intended for children to wear, all of their pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety feature.

I have to confess.  SmartMom was so sweet to send me a Teething Bling to try out and even though my son is well past the teething stage I’ve been wearing my Bling all the time!  It seems to be the perfect accessory for my summer dresses. :)  I love it!
And as if cute, stylish, and convenient aren’t enough, in honor of the many mothers and children who inspire daily, SmartMom donates from their profits to these worthy organizations:
http://www.curesearch.org
http://www.dressforsuccess.org
(in special memory of Maria Jankowski Maurer)

SmartMom has expanded their product line to include coordinating bangle bracelets and other fun items like Shakespeare quoted onesies and tween bling for older kids.  Check it all out at www.smartmomjewelry.com!

All About Baby Event in Charlotte!

Prenatal or postnatal in Charlotte?  Come one, come all to an incredible baby event that is ALL ABOUT BABY!


The first 50 moms to register get an incredible BABY BOOT BAG filled with goodies from all our sponsors, so sign up today!

Foods Can Actually Help Fight Sun Damage

from A Milky Way blog

We all have heard the phrase, beauty begins on the inside. But did you know you can actually decrease the risk of sunburn by loading up on fruits and veggies and other nutrient rich foods? It’s true!

The foods you choose to eat can significantly enhance your skin’s ability to protect itself from environmental damage, including sunburn. An organic, antioxidant rich diet that is filled with brightly colored, nutrient rich foods gives the skin cells an added measure of protection against free radicals.

What are free radicals? Simply put, it is a molecule that “steals” an electron from an oxygen molecule, destabilizing that molecule – which then seeks out an electron from a neighboring stable molecule causing a chain reaction called “oxidizing.” You’ve probably seen evidence of oxidization; its called rust when you see it on metal surfaces and it certainly isn’t something you want to encourage happening in your body. Science has linked free radical damage to DNA destruction and mutation, the aging process and a host of chronic health conditions. Antioxidants are valuable nutrients that neutralize this process…stop it in its tracks on a molecular and cellular level. You probably recognize most of them:

• Vitamins A including beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein
• Vitamins C and E
• Minerals Zinc and Selenium
• EFAs a.k.a. Essential Fatty Acids or Omega 3s
• Flavanoids such as pycnogenol, grape seed extract
• Polyphenols from aromatic spices such as curcumin (found in curry)

Antioxidants are abundantly available in fresh fruits and vegetables and they work wonders to protect the health of skin and can help it heal more quickly. Organic fruits and veggies have an estimated 30% more antioxidant power and nutritional value than conventionally grown counterparts. Keeping your diet loaded with antioxidant-rich foods – primarily from raw fruits and vegetables – can boost the skin’s resistance to sunburn by up to 30-40 percent in some cases.

This doesn’t mean you should go without sunscreen. But in the ongoing effort to achieve balance between free radical damage and important Vitamin D production (both require exposure to UV rays), it is good to know you have other options. While UV exposure is the most efficient way for the body to get the Vitamin D it needs, there are dietary sources including fortified milk and butter, oils, wild tuna/salmon, and sprouted seeds.
But, let’s say you blow it and you and the kids get sunburned. That same antioxidant-rich diet – with a few additions – can help speed healing. A few things to look out for:

• The phytochemicals from brightly colored fruits and vegetables (think blueberries and bell peppers – yum!) help prevent infection and boost healing, providing protection from burns. I know when I’m hot – cool, crunchy and sweet really feel and taste great.
• L-Cysteine is an amino acid found in high protein foods and garlic, broccoli and wheat germ promotes healing of burns.
• Of course, hydration is key. And with a particularly bad burn you will want to look for those with some sodium and potassium and both are lost with your body’s effort to cool itself on overdrive.
• Don’t go crazy, but add a few extra calories to your diet; your body needs the extra energy while it heals itself.

Something else to be aware of in preventing sunburn: Some prescription drugs can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn including: antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines, sedatives, estrogen and acne medications (e.g., retinoic acid). If you are planning a sun-filled vacation, it is important to ask your pharmacist if any of your family’s medications have photosensitivity as a side effect.

Reprinted from Episencial.com, a leader in healthy and eco-friendly baby skin care products. Episencial features art by Eric Carle, not only a great artist and kid's book author but a great philanthropist for children's causes. Their products are organic, manufactured using solar energy and contain none of those bad things for the skin or the environment like additives, parabens or petroleum. Made in the USA of recycled bottle material.

Their skincare line which was developed for infants and children but which is good for everyone from 0 to 150 years old includes:

*Sunny Sunscreen SPF35 - water-resistant protection for face and body
*Protective Face Balm - all-over relief for chapped skin & lips (SPF6)
*Sweet Dream Bubble Bath - long lasting gel concentrate
*Soothing Cream - for eczema, itch relief and bothered skin
*Playful Foaming Wash - hydrating hair and body cleanser
*Better Body Butter - silky soft hydrating lotion

“Delayed” Cord Clamping and Stem Cells – When to Cut the Cord?

from Dr. Greene



What if there were a simple, free, natural way to give your baby a bit better start on the first day of life:

• Improving blood counts now
• Reducing the chance of iron deficiency later
• Improving oxygen levels in the brain
• Reducing serious bacterial infections
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Improving organ growth

A growing number of studies suggest that what we call “delayed” cord clamping might do all of the above, and more. Throughout almost all of human history, in all parts of the world, and throughout the world of mammals, the umbilical cord remains connected both to the baby and the placenta at least until the cord stops pulsing (sometimes longer). Usually this is 90 seconds to 3 minutes or so.

The idea of rushing to clamp and cut the cord within 20 seconds is a recent idea, so that professionals can take charge of and examine the baby right away. It’s not clear this practice is beneficial for healthy, stable babies.

At the moment of birth, perhaps 2/3 of a term baby’s blood is in the baby; 1/3 remains in the cord and placenta. For premature babies, it might be only half.

Waiting the extra seconds for what I prefer to call “normal” cord clamping rather than “rushed” cord clamping, gives the baby an extra supply of iron – a supply that can last for 6 full months – perhaps enough to prevent iron deficiency throughout the entire first year. I believe babies were originally designed to get iron from their mothers, not from fortified processed foods like white rice cereal.

A Natural Stem Cell Transplant
The extra blood the baby gets by what I call “normal” clamping isn’t just any blood – it’s once-in-a-lifetime, rich, umbilical cord blood, which is packed with an assortment of powerful stem cells. These stem cells are still migrating from the placenta into the baby at the birth moment.

Those who favor cord blood banking rush to clamp and cut the cord earlier, to prevent the valuable stem cells from going into the baby, so that instead they can whisk these stem cells away to be preserved in cold storage. This is better than just throwing the stem cells away.

I prefer going with the age-old natural process of letting these potent stem cells plant themselves in the baby as a last gift at birth, to grow within and carry out the purposes for which they were designed. Cutting edge science is just beginning to appreciate and understand the true value of this gift.

Alan Greene, MD, FAAP

Free dance classes and more this week!

A new dance studio has opened up in Plaza Midwood in Charlotte and they are offering FREE classes all this week!  Move Studio Charlotte caters to moms, expectant moms, and children!  It offers a FABULOUS Mommalates class (prenatal pilates) for new and soon-to-be mommas!  I have taken this mat class before from April (the owner) and it is wonderful.  It allowed me to stretch and move my big ol’ belly and body!  Without breaking a sweat you work every muscle to the point you just feel that nice soreness, not overworked and sore.  There is a lot of targeting of legs, hips, butt and things too which is just what I need right now!

Mommalates is offered this Wednesday at 6:30pm for FREE at Move Studio Charlotte (1111 Hawthorne Lane Suite 101,Charlotte, NC 28205).  Other free classes this week include Pilates mat classes, yoga, swing dance, children’s movement, and adult contemporary jazz.  Be sure to check it out!