First of all, if you don’t laugh when you see or hear this product’s name, Chicken Poop Lip Junk - I have serious doubts about whether you have a sense of humor.  Everything from the name, marketing, web address (www.ilovechickenpoop.com) is hilarious (IMHO, of course!).  There is however one thing the company is actually serious about and its their ingredients - very simple, yet very effective.  Confession: I don’t like this product as a lip balm though - its much too lavender-y for lips.  I’m talking knock-my-organic-socks-off-and-feel-like-I’ve-been-chewing-on-lavender-plants-for-days lip balm - so if you like that kind of thing, go for it!  It is however perfect as an all-purpose and mighty convenient on-the-go stick to heal and/or soothe cuts, scrapes or bug bites (my personal fave).  The twist up tube doesn’t take up any space in my bag or bathroom drawer and its ideal to dab on mosquito bites to take the sting right out.  And the good news?  Its totally affordable at just $2.99 a tube and it is sure to be the topic of many conversations!

Though Summer is approaching its end, it’s definitely not over yet and for many, temps are well up into the hundreds and the sun is beating down while we all try to pack all our remaining to-dos into what’s last of the season.  While many suggest staying out of the sun between prime hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for those of us who enjoy all the outdoor activities that summer brings, that can be difficult - especially with all-day beach trips, fairs, vacation or just yard work.  It’s important to remember to stay protected both from potentially harmful rays and from toxic sunscreens.

Erbaviva recently sent me their SPF 15 to try out and I’ve been using it while on vacation these past few weeks.  It is hands-down one of my favorite sunscreens.  The scent is pleasant, doesn’t turn my skin a pasty white and rubs in nicely.  What’s nice is that this can be used by adults and kids alike so there’s no need to purchase separate products for different family members. Alike conventional sunscreens which use synthetic and toxic ingredients like oxybenzone, Erbaviva uses Titanium Dioxide to coat the sun and shields the suns rays.

What’s the big deal about oxybenzone you ask?  Last year The Center For Disease Control released a study citing the potentially harmful effects of this chemical.  Just check out a portion of the statement here:

CDC: Americans Carry ‘Body Burden’ of Toxic Sunscreen Chemical
CONTACT: EWG Public Affairs, (202) 667-6982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 25, 2008

WASHINGTON, March 25 – The bodies of nearly all Americans are contaminated with a sunscreen chemical that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A companion study from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that the same chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy.  The chemical, oxybenzone, is widely used in sunscreens. Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) analysis of ingredient labels found that nearly 600 sunscreens sold in the U.S. contain oxybenzone, including products by Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, and Banana Boat. Although oxybenzone is most common in sunscreen, companies also use the toxic chemical in at least 567 other personal care products, including lip balm, lipstick, moisturizers and fragrance for women.
Oxybenzone was last reviewed for safety in the 1970’s but since then significant new evidence has been published on its toxicity and pervasive exposure. A recent review by the European Union found insufficient data to determine whether oxybenzone in sunscreen is safe for consumers.

“These studies are the latest in a long list of reasons the Food and Drug Administration must thoroughly review the safety of all chemicals used in sunscreens Americans use every day,” said Rebecca Sutton, a scientist with EWG. “FDA must do what it promised 30 years ago: Enact permanent, enforceable federal safety standards for sunscreens so consumers can get the best and safest sun protection.”

EWG research shows that 84 percent of 910 name-brand sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients, like oxybenzone, with significant safety concerns. These products are on the market because FDA has failed to finalize sunscreen safety standards that have been under development since 1979, but has instead issued a series of delays and revisions at the request of the personal care product industry. FDA issued a new draft of the standards last October under pressure from EWG, but continues to delay finalizing the standards at the behest of the regulated industry.

EWG is a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment. The group’s research on oxybenzone is available online at http://www.ewg.org/node/26212.

My sweet little niece is here, safe and sound and one of the things we love to dress her in is a Kate Quinn Organics Infant Sacque.  All new parents should know the ease and benefit of an infant sacque/sack and add one or two to their baby clothes collection.  They make diaper changes a breeze and allow baby to move freely while keeping them warm and bundled.  They also allow baby to grow and since one size fits all, it will last through many months whereas those 0-3m or 3-6m clothes will quickly retire.

Kate Quinn Organics makes some of the coolest baby & kids clothes that I’ve found to date.  Check out why Kate Quinn decided to start her own line four years ago:

“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

It doesn’t look like your traditional pacifier, but this version puts parent’s minds at ease and doesn’t look like every other “paci” on the market.  And its unique in more ways than one.  The award-winning Natursutten Pacifier is made from 100% pure natural rubber from the Hevea brasiliensi tree and its without bisphenol-A (BPA), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and its also phthalate-free!  This rubber is naturally hygienic due to the mold resistence of this type of rubber as well as the design (no cracks of crevices for saliva to hide in).  The Natursutten has received rave reviews from the highly regarded German magazine ÖKO-TEST.

I’m here at the hospital, blogging the day after my sweet niece was born via c-section.  At the moment, mama is trying to rest, (looks like earplugs are helping) which is a good thing, since this precious girl has her days and nights backwards. Since my sister isn’t able to move much, I, along with her helpful husband have been taking turns holding, rocking and changing (the diapers of) their new sweet family addition.  Yesterday, after she was born, with mom looking on, dad gave her first bath.

Because its natural, safe and ultra gentle, my sister packed Lafe’s USDA Organic Baby Wash in her hospital bag and insisted her newborn not be washed in anything else.  She purposefully packed it to avoid hospital-provided suds because she knows what can lurk in many of them.  If you’re curious about how your baby wash rates according to The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, check out their “No More Toxic Tub” cheat sheet that was released in March ‘09.  You may be surprised to find a wash that even your mom and grandmother may have used, is given negative marks and were found to contain formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane.  See it for yourself here.

Discrete moms will appreciate being gifted this really cute organic linen nursing cover - at least my own sister did (she received ‘Raspberry’, as shown).  The Simple by Bebe Au Lait is another product created by a mom due to her own need.  Blankets may suffice for this purpose, but any mom who’s used one as a cover-up during nursing will tell you that they fall down or are pulled down by the tiny person behind the veil.  This cover is designed so that mom puts her head through the loop and can see her baby while nursing, while no else can.  Breathable linen fabric ensures that no matter what the season, baby will be covered and protected.  This is once again one of those must-have products that mom may not have thought to buy, but would make a unique shower gift that’s sure to get a lot of use!

My sister has had her hospital bag packed and ready to go for at least a week now as she anticipates the arrival of her second child.  I arrived here not so long ago in anticipation of the birth myself and this time reminds me when her first child was born.  One of her shower gifts was this Weleda Baby Starter Kit and she loved them so much she had to graduate to full sizes and has continued to use them for the past two years.

Weleda has an undeniable reputation of creating pure products as demonstrated by their commitment to biodynamic farming practices and their extremely high standards.  You won’t find a single synthetic preservative, synthetic fragrance,  synthetic chemical, or synthetic anything.  Weleda products are 100% certified natural by BDIH (one of the most stringent certifying bodies in the world), Demeter and the new global certification, NaTrue.

Not only are Weleda products natural, but they’re also effective.  And all the baby products smell great! Whether you’re headed to the hospital, a baby shower, or packing your suitcase, do yourself a favor and remember to bring this affordable kit.  I know you’ll be upgrading to the full sizes in no time!

Despite that fact that this looks more like a straight jacket than a comfort, the Kiddopotamus really does seems genius.  New babies want to be swaddled.  Infants’ limbs are tucked close to their body and they’re usually curled up in a ball for at least the first few weeks of their life - because that’s how they were in their mamas belly.  That’s how the feel safe and secure.  Swaddling also helps prevent scratches that babies can cause to their face while they’re trying out new movements and exploring their face.  Sure, moms have been swaddling their babies for centuries, but oftentimes baby’s blanket or wrap gets lose and unravels, especially when they sleep.  The Kiddopotamus Organic SwaddleMe Wrap eliminates the need to continuously re-swaddle baby and keeps baby feeling safe, secure and warm in this ultra soft and cozy premium and undyed organic cotton.  What’s more is that you don’t have to undo this wrap when a diaper change is in order - simply pop down the leg pouch.

My sister is due to have her second baby in about two weeks, therefore I’ve got baby on the brain.  One thing I love to do is discover cool and useful organic and eco-friendly finds for her kids.  Justifiably, my sister is conscious of what goes on and in her children’s bodies, from clothing, to food, to bodycare.  I found two of her favorite baby carriers (she used with her first born), only now they come in organic cotton versions!

ErgoBaby Organic Carrier

When Parenting Magazine describes a product as “one of the top 20 products in the last 20 years”, it definitely grabs my attention.  This company is family-owned and operated and resides in Maui, Hawaii.  For the last 6 years, ErgoBaby has been creating thoughtful products for babywearers everywhere.  They use fair labor practices and also have an organic cotton line.

Organic Moby Wrap

The Moby Wrap can be worn a variety of ways depending on your and your baby’s preference.  Made of a long and wide piece of organic cotton fabric, this is ultra-comfortable for mama and babe.  You won’t find any bulky padding or extra material, which is on purpose.  The simple wrap is designed for you and your baby to be as close as possible.

Have you tried either of these or have your own favorite?  Please share!

Being just weeks away from welcoming a new little member into our family, I am constantly on the lookout for products that have a low impact on the environment and that are made with a child’s safety and health in mind. I recently came across a brand that offers stylish, sustainable and baby-safe products that deserves some press. Cariboo of New Zealand is a company that has been committed to designing and manufacturing high-quality, stylish and simple baby furniture for the discerning parent. What I’m most thrilled about it is their “green” product line - Cariboo Earth - that caters to parents who possess a heightened sense of style and environmental responsibility.

Their flagship product, the Earth Folding Bassinet is just adorable and has a convenience factor that is lacking in most bassinets these days. The folding frame is made of sustainable Radiata Pine and stained with a water-based and biodegradable finish - so a parent can have peace of mind that what they are putting baby to sleep in is both safe for her and the environment. The Earth Bassinet comes in your choice of two finishes - a lovely Teak or rich Espresso - so you can coordinate with any nursery theme. The set comes with an eco-dyed veil as well as an unbleached cotton bassinet bag and fitted sheet. The mattress is made of 100% organic wool from New Zealand sheep and is supported by a board that is “E-zero certified” - which means there is absolutely no formaldehyde emissions or any other off-gassing from toxic chemicals.

The Earth Bassinet is JPMA/ASTM Safety Certified and provides a safe, natural and comfortable sleep environment for an infant who is used to being in the womb. It is easily transportable and can morph from a bassinet to a changing table in a matter of seconds so it’s perfect for tight spaces. This bassinet is truly a smart and responsible investment for progressive parents-to-be.