5 Great Books to Buy for Your Baby's Nursery

from The Stir (Cafe Mom Blog)



My son has really fallen in love with books recently, and one thing I'd suggest to all new moms is to stock up on baby books early and often because one day your baby will want to read a book every 10 minutes, and it's rather expensive to stock up then.

So, if you're heading to the bookstore to pick out a few books for your baby -- either to read now or to save for later -- here are my top five. (Or, should I say, my son's top five!)

1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? My First Reader (pictured above). This may be a cliche choice, but this was one of the first books Kyle wanted me to read over and over (and over and over) again. He loved the colors and the final page where all the animals are listed together. This is also a great book to buy for a new mom or as a shower gift.

2. My First Numbers Let's Get Counting (My First)  Half the words and items Kyle can say and recognize now are because of this book. He knows "flower" and "feet" and "fish" (and plenty more). He reads this book alone and he reads it with me.



3. Slide and Find - Animals(or Trucks or Words or Colors. My son started reading the Animals version of these books first, and it's how he learned what a cow says and what a bunny does (well, not quite, as he makes the most adorable face that doesn't look like a bunny at all, but it's too ridiculously cute to correct him). Now, he's all about the Trucks book like the total boy he is.


4. Baby Einstein Let's Look!: First Look and Find This is another fun book to help your baby learn words and animals and colors. It's also huge, so you can spend a good chunk of time looking through it. Kyle asks to "read" this one almost daily.


5. Ten Little Ladybugs. My son is currently obsessed with ladybugs and I think that's because there are plenty of ladybugs hanging out in our garden and because of this book. It's a fun, colorful, 3D, rhyming book. And I actually don't mind reading it either.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Bamboobies Super-Soft Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads

If you’ve ever nursed then you are fully aware of all the problems with disposable nursing pads – they bunch up and show under your clothing, they don’t mold around your breast well, they’re uncomfortable, and, oh yeah, they fill up landfills!

I received a pair of Bamboobies to try and even though I’m not currently nursing…oh baby, these are soooooft!  I get the feeling any sore, nursing breast would find these to be a great relief. :)

Bamboobies are washable and reusable nursing pads.  They are unique because they are softer and waterproof, aka "milk-proof," Bamboobies are the new choice for breastfeeding mothers who want a washable nursing pad that doesn't show through clothes.  Bamboo, organic cotton and hemp make these pads super-absorbent and unbelievably soft.

GREEN FACTOR: 
Our fabric producers meet the Global Organic Textile Standards and are certified annually by OEKO Tex 100, OCIA or USDA.

We go 'Beyond Organic' to ensure that fibers are not treated with toxic chemicals and that only water-based dyes are used.

Bamboobies come in two varieties:

And of course Bamboobies are mom created!  Designed by a mother of two in Boulder and handmade in Colorado of organic and sustainable fabrics.  I have tried a LOT of nursing pads in my day and I have to say I'm really happy to have found these and to get to use them next time around.  You will be too!

Enter to Win!

To be entered to win a pair of Bamboobies (ultra-thin or ultra-thick, your choice) please visit the Bamboobies website at www.buybamboobies.com and read about the two products offered.  Then simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Bamboobies” and let me know which type of Bamboobies nursing pad you want to win.  You can get an extra entry if you become a fan of Bamboobies on Facebook!  Contest ends Tuesday, July 6th at 12 noon est.

Pregnancy Healthy Meal Planner

from She Knows Pregnancy and Baby

One of the most important things you can do while pregnant is eat healthy meals and snacks. Your diet directly affects your baby’s health and growth while he’s in your belly and your diet choices during pregnancy affect your baby’s health even after he’s born. With this in mind, along with the fact that March is National Nutrition Month, let’s take a look at a sample healthy meal planner for pregnancy.




Before you start planning your meals….
1) Take a look at healthy eating tips for pregnancy and beyond.
2) Discuss your meal plans with your midwife or doctor.
3) Find out which specific nutrients and calories you should be eating according to your ideal food pyramid and BMI.

The ADA notes that a well-balanced diet for pregnant women includes…

• Whole grains: Breads, cereals, pastas and brown rice.
• Whole fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines and melon. Since acid can cause heartburn, you may want to be cautious with the amount of acidic fruit you eat, like oranges, pineapples, lemons and limes.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, bell peppers, eggplant, squash and mushrooms.
• Lean protein from both plant-based and animal-based sources: Try tofu, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish and pork.
• Low-fat dairy: Milk, cheese and yogurt.
• Healthful fats: Extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, almonds and avocados.

Keep in mind that most women who are pregnant need only about 300 extra calories a day. You’re eating for one + another wee person, not truly eating for two. If you’re pregnant with multiples or overweight or underweight to begin with you may need more or fewer calories which is why discussing your meal plan with your actual health care provider is important.

With all the above in mind, following is a good sample meal plan for pregnancy… note; each lunch and dinner below should include 1 cup low-fat milk. IF you hate milk (like I do) try adding some fat-free chocolate milk mix. Also see how to get calcium if you’re lactose intolerant.

BREAKFAST

• Choose one – An English muffin with tbs peanut butter; whole wheat toast with whole fruit jam; bowl of whole grain cereal.
• Have one cup of low-fat fruit flavored yogurt or a glass of 1% or 2% milk.
• Add 1/2 cup of fresh fruit like grapes or strawberries and 1 cup of orange juice.
• I always have coffee in the morning – but during pregnancy you should have water or decaf tea or decaf coffee instead.

MID MORNING SNACK
Choose one of the following snacks…

• One cup cranberry juice and an oz of pretzels or whole grain crackers.
• Apple slices paired with small slices of cheddar cheese or dipped in a small cup of creamy peanut butter.
• Sliced veggies, crackers and hummus dip. I like roasted red pepper hummus
• Organic yogurt and some crackers.
• A fresh fruit smoothie.

LUNCH -

• One whole chicken salad sandwich (made with low-fat mayo, and red bell peppers, on whole wheat bread); six carrot sticks.
• Tuna sandwich with light mayo, pickles, and chopped hard boiled eggs on whole grain bread. One cup of tomato juice and some vegetable sticks or slices.
• Scrambled eggs with veggies (bell peppers, onions, broccoli, etc) and a dash of low-fat cheese. One whole grain English muffin and sliced fruit.

DINNER

• 4 ox lean turkey burger with tomatoes and lettuce on a whole wheat bun OR 4 oz turkey breast skinless and add 2 slices of Italian bread (with 2 tsp butter) to your meal. 1 cup rice; 1 1/2 cup salad (spinach and romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms); 3/4 cup summer squash. If this is too much food for one meal you can switch some items to an afternoon snack or lunch.
• Make veggie burritos — extra heavy on the salsa, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Add some brown rice and low-fat cheese along with some fresh fruit slices and you’ve got a great meal.
• Create a salad meal – Adding extras like cold sweet peas, oranges, raspberries, or cut fresh green beans can power up your typical lettuce and carrots. Also lean sliced chicken or a tiny handful of nuts are good for protein. On the side have a small bowl of vegetable based soup or whole grain bread.
• Spaghetti and lean turkey meatballs with tomato sauce plus a small tossed salad, one small slice of whole grain bread with garlic butter and 1/4 cantaloupe or other melon.

EVENING SNACK

• 1 cup low-fat chocolate milk and 3 oatmeal cookies.
• Gingersnaps and a cup of juice.
• Choose one guilt-free pregnancy treat.
• OR any of the snacks seen above in the mid morning snack section.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY
You also need to drink plenty of water during the day. Make sure you’re getting enough.

Toys R Us is Selling Toy Story 3 Merchandise Made with PVC

from The Soft Landing

Well, you may want to skip the Toy Story 3 action figures from Toys R Us this time around.  Even though the company made a pledge to steer away from selling toxic PVC toys, they obviously haven’t done so.  The irritating part about situations like this is that the products are unlabeled, so we parents have no clue that they may be a poor choice for younger children who mouth their toys.  Very disappointing . . .

Here’s the press release detailing the detective work done by the Ecology Center with assistance from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) in getting the word out.

WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Saturday, June 19 Teamsters, concerned parents, environmental health and consumer activists will leaflet movie theaters showing “Toy Story 3″ in more than 25 cities across America including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco,New York, Seattle, and Tampa. They will distribute comic strips and information detailing the harmful poison plastic contained in “Toy Story 3″ toys being sold at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co’s (KKR) Toys R Us.

Independent product testing conducted by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., has confirmed that Toys R Us is selling “Toy Story 3″ merchandise made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), a poison plastic. Products that tested positive include the Defender Buzz Lightyear figure, Bucket O Soldiers, Buzz and Woody figurines.

Scientific experts say that PVC is the most toxic plastic for human health and the environment and there is no safe way to manufacture, use or dispose of PVC products.  Chemicals released in PVC’s lifecycle have been linked to chronic diseases on the rise in children, impaired child development & birth defects, cancer, disruption of the endocrine system, reproductive impairment, and immune system suppression.

The demonstrators are asking Toys R Us to “End the Toxic Toy Story,” label PVC presence on all toys, and agree to a complete phase-out of the poison plastic within a clear and concrete timeframe.

Toys R Us sells hundreds of Toy Story-branded products that remain untested. Without adequate labeling, there is no way for parents to determine which of these items or the thousands of other toys at Toys R Us are laced with PVC.

“In 2008, Toys R Us set the goal of offering PVC-free products after strong consumer pressure. The company has clearly not kept its word. Toys R Us must stop toying around with our children’s health and phase out this toxic plastic,” said Mike Schade, PVC Campaign Coordinator of the Center for Health Environment & Justice. CHEJ sponsors the website, www.PVCfree.org.

The Teamsters have been active in promoting a healthy, sustainable supply chain.

“We need and deserve good jobs, a clean environment, and safe and healthy products.” said John Williams, Teamsters Warehouse Director. “We have repeatedly pointed out that Toys R Us’ owner KKR has not been acting responsibly across several of its controlled companies, and this needs to stop. Our 1.4 million members expect us to look after their wellbeing. Most have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Our commitment to our members extends beyond the workplace and includes their loved ones.”

The Teamsters Union is also engaged in disputes with another controversial company, US Foodservice, which is co-owned by KKR and private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). US Foodservice has been cited more than 100 times by the National Labor Relations Board for violating U.S. labor laws protecting workers rights.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) is a national nonprofit organization that provides organizing and technical assistance to grassroots community organizations nationwide. CHEJ was founded in 1981 by grassroots leader Lois Gibbs and was instrumental in establishing some of the first national policies critical to protecting community health, such as the Superfund Program and Right-to-Know. CHEJ’s PVC Consumer Campaign works with grassroots community, regional, statewide, and national environmental health and justice organizations from around the United States. The campaign is focused on preventing harm by shifting decision makers from producing, using and disposing of PVC consumer products and packaging and substituting it with materials that are safe for workers, communities, children and adults.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

RECALL ALERT: Seven Manufacturers Recall Cribs Due to Fall Hazards

from Modern Mom



The drop-side and fixed-side crib recalls announced today are of units manufactured between 2000 and 2009 by the companies listed below. Consumers should contact these firms directly for the appropriate solution.

• Child Craft, (this firm is out of business)
• Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y.
• Evenflo, of Miamisburg, Ohio
• Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan
• LaJobi, of Cranbury, N.J.
• Million Dollar Baby, of Montebello, Calif.
• Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. (SJP), of New London, Wis.

Important Message from CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission):
Drop-side crib incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly or age-related wear and tear. Age is a factor in the safety of any crib. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs do not meet current voluntary standards and can have numerous safety problems.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or bassinet depending on their age. If your crib has been recalled or it has missing, broken or loose parts, find an alternate safe sleep environment intended for a baby. If your baby is less than six months old and is not yet able to push up to his/her hands and knees, you can put your baby to sleep in a bassinet.

Do not put additional bedding such as pillows, thick quilts, comforters or anything plush into your baby’s sleeping space. More babies die every year from suffocation in plush sleeping environments than from defective cribs. Always place your baby on his or her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Summer Skincare DIY Tips from Soapwalla

from www.safemama.com

The creator of Soapwalla, Rachel Winard, has so graciously provided the following tips and DIY recipes for battling summer skin woes. Her product line, Soapwalla is one of my absolute favorites so I know you’ll appreciate her bountiful knowledge –   Enjoy!





It’s officially summer! That means lazy days, walks on the beach, drippy ice cream cones and blueberry-stained fingertips, as well as the accompanying – and annoying — bug bites, rashes, and sunburns. Luckily, the most effective remedies for the itchier side of summer can be found in your kitchen cupboards!
Think of the recipes below as your natural summer first-aid kit! (Please test any new ingredient on the inside of your wrist to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity or allergic reaction.)

Bug Bites

Bites and stings cause localized skin irritation, generally due to the insect venom that remains under the skin. If you or someone close to you has general swelling and/or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. This can be a life-threatening reaction and should not be taken lightly.
For the more common itchy, painful bite or sting, try the following:

• Blend a handful of cilantro with a small amount of water (2-4 Tbs). Strain the pulp and apply directly to the affected area and let sit for a few minutes. The cilantro pacifies itching.*

• For stings: mix equal parts baking soda and water to make a smooth paste. Apply directly to the bite, and let sit until completely dry. Baking soda helps neutralize the venom in the sting.

• A drop of tea tree oil on the bite or sting will disinfect the area and help prevent infection.

DIY Insect Repellent

To avoid bites in the first place, whip up this super easy and effective DIY insect repellent. This is gentle enough to be used daily, and can be reapplied as needed:

• ½ cup jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or even olive oil from your kitchen
• 10 drops each of the following essential oils: lemongrass, geranium, citronella, rosemary
• 5 drops each of the following essential oils: eucalyptus, cedar
• The oil from two Vitamin E capsules

Pour all the above in a clean and completely dry spritzer bottle, shake vigorously and let sit for 2-4 hours before use. Shake before each use, then spritz and massage into arms, legs, etc.**

Rashes

Treatment varies on type, location, and duration of rash. However, the below is a set of general guidelines and tips. If a rash lingers or is accompanied by fever, nausea or increased pain, please see a doctor.

• Hike through a nettle forest? These suckers can hurt, are nearly invisible, and scratching only makes things worse. The quickest, easiest and cheapest cure: lightly rub mud onto the affected area (you can use French green, kaolin, or red Moroccan clay mixed with water or milk, or simply grab some mud from your backyard – as long as it hasn’t been treated with pesticides). Let dry completely, then gently wash off. The mud draws out the stingers, leaving you with much happier skin!

• Apply neem oil directly onto hives, contact dermatitis, or eczema breakouts. Neem oil can be purchased from your local Indian grocery, or online at Mountain Rose Herbs.

• Try an oat bath: blend ½ cup oats in blender or food processor until finely ground (you can substitute oat flour to save a step).  Pour into running bath water, mixing with your hand to dissolve large clumps. Soak for at least 15 minutes, then gently pat dry.  For localized treatment, make a paste with oat flour and water, packing it onto the rash and gently removing with tepid water after 15 minutes.

Sunburn

A sunburn is an acute inflammation of the skin cells because of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Sunburnt skin may blister and peel, both of which are painful and distracting.

• Pure aloe vera gel (no preservatives) or even better, the inner gel and juice from a piece of freshly cut aloe vera, can instantly ease heat and itching. Make sure to avoid the yellow sap that sometimes seeps from freshly cut aloe; use only the clear gel and liquid.  Cold aloe vera (stored in the fridge) packs a greater pain-relieving punch.

• Sunburns are severely dehydrating; make sure to drink lots ofwater as well as coconut water, which has high concentrations of potassium and electrolytes.

• Coconut oil effectively soothes burnt areas. Massage lightly into the burn directly after bathing.

• Create a healing spray by mixing 1 cup pure distilled water plus 15 drops each lavender and blue chamomile essential oils. Store in a mist bottle, shake and spray directly onto sunburned areas to relieve inflammation.**

• Add 2 cups apple cider vinegar to tepid bath water and soak for 15 minutes. Make sure you use high quality vinegar with no added chemicals or preservatives – I’m partial to Braggs’. You can also use cool vinegar compresses placed directly on particularly burnt areas.

Rachel Winard is the Brooklyn-based creator of Soapwalla, a line of luxury organic face and body products made with the highest quality organic and food-grade ingredients, never questionable additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or harsh and synthetic additives.

*Dr. Vasant Lad, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies.
**Basis of recipe courtesy of Organic Body Care Recipes, Stephanie Tourles

What is the Hardest Part of Being a New Mother?

from momversation.com, by Sarah Lavery



Sure, there are countless moments every day when I cherish Adelyn’s tininess, her helplessness and her irreplaceable need for me. I can’t help but think it, though. This part right here, this true infancy part, this is just me doing everything in my power to make sure she survives the day.

I should do tummy-time more, but I can’t take the crying. I should be reading to her more, but on the nights where she’s inconsolably cranky I just want her to finally fall asleep. I should be, by now, able to figure out what’s wrong at the first cry, because some moms can do this you know!  I’ve seen it. I’ve seen them soothe a baby in six seconds and laugh while they wipe throw-up out of their hair.

When Adelyn is awake and she's fed and in a good mood, my world is joyous and my spirit is high. That’s all it takes. Those moments make you forget the rest.

But I’m truly counting down the days when I can be a creative mother, not just one who feeds, burps and rocks. I want to teach her things. I want to listen to her ask questions and answer brilliantly.

Adelyn is napping in her swing, going on an hour and a half. About twenty minutes ago I tip-toed into the living room to grab a phone number I’d left on the coffee table and just the sound of the piece of paper rustling against my fingers woke her. Great, she spent all yesterday not napping and being terribly unhappy.

And if she doesn’t get a good hour and a half nap this morning I’m in for a repeat. I stood still for a moment, out of her eyesight (if she sees me the nap is done for, she starts squuueeee!-ing instantly).

But then Addy just reached her little hand up and scratched a spot on her head. She did it again. Then a third time, and she turned her head to the side and fell back asleep.

I cannot explain how remarkable it was to witness that. It was the first time I’ve seen my daughter react to something that was irking her by fixing it herself. Her head itched so she scratched it. It still itched so she scratched some more.

This is what I’m excited for, teaching her how to fix these little things. It might be getting easier, this mothering stuff. Or maybe I, too, am learning all my lessons.