Instead of filling a child’s stocking to the brim with candy laced with artificial colors and ingredients, why not promote leafy greens and juicy fruits early on?  Its surprising to me that more parents don’t realize they are the ones that form their children’s taste buds (for the most part) or that a child’s behavior can be directly related to what they are consuming on a daily basis (candy, soda, dessert, excessive amounts of fruit juice, white bread, cookies, etc.).  If this is the case, why give them sugary treats, caffeine and empty calories?  I know I sure feel and act differently when eating these things, so why would it be any different for kids? 

It’s no secret that Europe has more stringent standards than the U.S. in terms of restrictions on ingredients and they’ve always been ahead of us in terms of nutrition, alternative medicine and a more natural way of life.  According to The LA Times, earlier this year the UK’s  Food Standards Agency (the British equivalent of our Food & Drug Administration) asked food makers to voluntarily recall six artificial colors in food products by 2009.  And in July, the European Parliament voted to add warning labels “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” on foods containing the same six synthetic red and yellow dyes, which spurred large manufacturers such as Nestle to re-formulate their products rather than risk suffering a drop in sales. 

Unfortunately parents now also have to watch out for lead, PVC and BPA in toys.  Gifting a child with veggie & fruit toys is a subtle message, one that should be followed up with actually feeding them with the real versions, but the subliminal message may encourage them to think more highly of them.  Under The Nile offers some cute teethers and toys for young children that would undoubtedly make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for the children on your list. 

You’ll find great stocking stuffer ideas for under $6 here: Mushroom, Green Bean, Grapes, Tomato, Brocolli , Carrot, Banana and Eggplant.  Or find an entire organic veggie crate for $30 or an organic fruit basket for $28.50.  If you prefer wooden toys this non-toxic natural wooden set for $38.49 from Germany is absolutely adorable. 

For even more great baby gifts, check out this Waldorf Maple Teether and this Organic Pop-Up Puppet from our sister site, Family Time. 

Bisphenol-A, that pesky, hormone-disrupting plastic addictive that studies have linked to breast and prostate cancer as well as infertility, has gained increasing press and savvy parents definitely have it on their radar.     

These super hip glass baby bottles are nestled in a modern non-toxic silicone (patent-pending) sleeve to protect from breakage and help your baby’s grip.  Eliminate aimless internet searches or weary strolls down baby store aisles for “BPA-free” by nixing plastic altogether.  These bottles are Bisphenol-A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.  The silicone nipples are made by a leading suppler of nipples in France by a company established in 1972 and they’re distributed throughout Europe and the world.  These bottles shown come with a Stage 1 (0-6 months) nipple.  Both bottle and sleeve can be boiled or cleaned in the dishwasher and the plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates, are food grade and recyclable.

Find your favorite color here:

Pink

Raspberry

Orange

Yellow

Sky

Ocean

Are these not one of the cutest things you’ve seen?  If you’re in need of a unique and adorable baby shower gift…this IS it (or you can at least add this to your gift to make the package complete)!  Or what a great idea if you’re already stocking up on stocking stuffers.  These non-slip Mary Jane and High Top socks from Baberoo are made of 80% organic cotton and come in a pack of four for the little one in your life (0-12 months). 

 Why Organic Cotton?  Here are a handful of reasons (via Wikipedia):

•  Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants.). (Allan Woodburn)
• Approximately 10% of all pesticides sold for use in U. S. agriculture were applied to cotton in 1997, the most recent year for which such data is publicly available. (ACPA)
• Fifty-five million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on the 12,800,000 acres (52,000 km²) of conventional cotton grown in the U.S. in 2003 (4.3 pounds/ acre), ranking cotton third behind corn and soybeans in total amount of pesticides sprayed. (USDA)
• Over 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were applied to conventional cotton in 2000 (142 pounds/acre), making cotton the fourth most heavily fertilized crop behind corn, winter wheat, and soybeans. (USDA)
• The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as “possible,” “likely,” “probable,” or “known” human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin). (EPA)
• In 1999, a work crew re-entered a cotton field about five hours after it was treated with tribufos and sodium chlorate (re-entry should have been prohibited for 24 hours). Seven workers subsequently sought medical treatment and five have had ongoing health problems. (California DPR)
• Conventional cotton uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop and accounts for 16% of the world’s pesticides. 
• Chemicals used to process conventional cotton polute the air and land. 
• Organic Cotton uses untreated seeds.
• Organic Cotton never uses genetically-modified seeds.

What is cuter than a little baby all dressed up? Answer: Nothing.

I am so in love with this little ensemble by Kate Quinn Organics right now. It’s the perfect little outfit for that Fall wedding you’re attending with your little man, or when you feel like getting a ton of compliments on your taste. The velour jacket and pants are perfectly styled with an adult flair, with coconut buttons and corduroy elbow patches to make this one of the most stylish little outfits around. This entire little set is made of 100% certified organic cotton and is also fair trade, so your purchase can not only reflect your taste, but also your desire for a healthier world for your kids.

Kate Quinn, the founder of Earth Organic Baby Basics (renamed ‘Kate Quinn Organics’ in 2006), is a former Hollywood stylist who set off on her own to create one of the most charming certified organic baby clothing lines available today. Creating designs that use clean lines and bold, “nature-inspired” colors, she has brought organic baby clothing to a whole other level. This suit is a perfect example of the simple yet original look of Kate Quinn baby clothes.

“I wanted to create a line that encompassed all the wishes and dreams of new parents: the softest, most natural materials to surround your baby, the highest quality design and construction, and most importantly, the hope of a cleaner, kinder earth.”  - Kate Quinn

Most parents who are concerned about living a green lifestyle are motivated by leaving a better earth behind for their children. They want to protect their kids from the growing list of environmental toxins in their world so that they can live a healthier life. Jessica Iclisoy, the creator and founder of California Baby, was a parent who shared this same concern. She found herself tired and frustrated after searching health food stores for baby products that were truly chemical free and non-toxic. As any entrepreneur/mother would do, she took matters into her own hands and created a shampoo and body wash in her very own kitchen that was worthy of her children (and everyone else’s.)  California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash boasts a short ingredient list which only includes naturally derived substances and essential oils of lavender and chamomile designed to calm and cleanse. Iclisoy thought of everything and made this product tear-free naturally (no anesthetizing agents to make it that way) so you don’t have to worry about getting it in little eyes.

Although it is offered in a smaller 8.5 oz. size, the Calming Shampoo and Bodywash is also offered in a more earth-friendly 17.5 oz. size to reduce waste and make bathtime that much easier. Also, right now there is a $5.00 Bonus offer available to you through pricegrabber.com - this means that you can get $5.00 back if you buy the larger size of Calming Shampoo and Bodywash and be one of the first to write a review (follow the directions on the link above.) What better time to check out an incredible product for your most precious cargo!

We have enough to worry about.  We shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not we’re going to get cancer from the sun or from our sunscreen.  Soleo Organics Sunscreen has helped to solve that dilemma by formulating a sunscreen made of only organic or naturally sourced ingredients.  With a highly water resistant broadspectrum SPF 30, this sunscreen is great for all including chemically sensitive individuals and even babies.  Completely biodegradable and (ocean) reef friendly, you won’t find any chemical UV absorbers, synthetic preservatives, colors or fragrances in a bottle of Soleo.  So go ahead and soak up the sun, but do it safely!

Some ingredients to avoid when selecting a sunscreen include:

• Octyl Methoxycinnamate
• Oxybenzone
• Padimate O
• Benzophenone
• Butyl Methoxydibenqoyl Methane
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Diazolidinylurea

I’ve yet to discover another company that makes entirely pure products to support the entire birth process: pregnancy, labor, postpartum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, baby care and even loss of a baby.  Using the highest quality oils and certified organic herbs, these products are cruelty free, Certified Vegan & Kosher and 100% toxin free.  Earth Mama Angel Baby is a company dedicated to supporting moms and babies naturally creating completely pure organic products.  And you won’t find any phthalates, parabens, SLS, artificial preservatives, fragrances or dyes in any of them.  Feel good knowing you and your baby are using completely safe products with Earth Mama Angel Baby!  Here’s just a sampling of what they have to offer:

Pregnancy:

Happy Mama Spray

Anti-Stretchmark Oil

Heartburn Tea

Pregnancy Pampering Kit

Body Butter

C-Section Recovery:

C-Section Recovery Kit

After Delivery Recovery:

Sore Bottom Balm for Mama

Post Postpartum Bath Herbs

New Mama Bottom Spray

New Baby Care:

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Angel Baby Lotion

Baby Bottom Balm

Related Post: BABYBEARSHOP for Organic Mamas & Babies

BABYBEARSHOP products were born out of necessity by a mother who could not find any product on the market that her allergic daughter could tolerate. She took matters into her own hands, literally, and now her products are gracing the bods of babes and mamas all over the world!

The Cheeky Baby Butter is an organic shea butter creme which is specially designed to protect and heal the most sensitive of baby bums although the list of uses doesn’t stop there!  It can be used anywhere on anyone who needs a little TLC on their skin (I personally love it for a hand cream). Chamomile, mandarin and lavender essential oils give the Cheeky Baby Butter a sweet, subtle smell that will make any baby smell delicious!

The Mama Belly Oil is a a fantastic way to make that mama-to-be feel pampered. It can be used daily to rub on a growing belly or for massaging those tired feet after carrying around another little human all day. It can also be used in the bath or for a calming baby massage.

These two products are perfect for mamas who want to know that what they are putting on themselves and their babies are absolutely pure - which means absolutely organic. BABYBEARSHOP products are 99% organic and 100% naturally derived and they are also 100% luxurious.

What an amazingly pampering gift for yourself or for that mama in your life!  Everyone who tries these products absolutely LOVES them!!!

 Related Post: Industrial Chemicals Found In Unborn Babies & Infants

Did you know that skin is the thinnest and most absorbent from 0 to 3 years of age?  Did you know that studies have found toxins in umbilical cords and in the urine of infants?  This means that while you are being conscious of what food you eat while pregnant to provide your unborn baby with as much nutrition as possible, it’s important to be aware of what you put on your body (i.e. lotions, shampoos, body wash).  60% of what we put on our bodies is absorbed and has shown to make it’s way to the precious little one growing inside your belly.  So what’s a Mama to do? 

1). Read labels.  If you can’t pronounce it, be weary of it and investigate further. 

2). Stay away from products with “fragrance” or “perfume”.  If it’s listed as “fragrance” it’s usually a synthetic concoction and their are no regulations in place for “fragrance”.  It’s considered a propriety ingredient so companies can list it on their labels and not have to give away their secret formula to competitors, but as consumers there is no way to know all the chemicals that go into it.  Synthetic fragrance can contain toxic “phthalates”. 

3). Avoid parabens, which are hormone disrupters.  Different types include: methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, and propylparaben.

4). Skip the synthetic colors (FD&C and Lake colors) as they can contain some pretty nasty ingredients including coal tar, lead acetate (toxic to the nervous system), petroleum and more.   These are typically found in cosmetics, body wash, shampoo, soap, shower gels, etc. 

 5). Look up products on the Skin Deep database. 

 6). Stay tuned to this week as I’ll be sharing with you some amazing products for Mama & Baby that are totally pure, non-toxic and eco-friendly.  

 Related Post: Every New Parent Could Use A Laugh!  A Perfect Baby Shower Gift

 Image credit: www.parris-studios.com