Articles

Picky Eaters - Make Eating Fun!

2008-10-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Most parents of toddlers know that mealtimes can be touch-and-go. Sometimes your toddler will eat everything in sight, while at others, all they want is a fish cracker. What they will eat one day, does not guarantee they will eat it the next. Using bribery, begging, and cajoling, you try and try to get the spoon in their mouth while they clamp their mouth shut. Sound familiar?

The most important thing to do is to make mealtime fun. Get your child involved in meal preparation and make sure they see you enjoying cooking and eating. They will mimic your own behavior towards food. The more they can participate in choosing their fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are to eat it. It is also important to time meals properly. If kids get too hungry, they may get grumpy and it will become increasingly difficult to get them to eat. It is also important to leave lots of time to eat. Toddlers, in particular, can sit in their highchair for an hour while they pick, play, and eat the food in front of them.

If you are concerned about how little your toddler is eating, try looking at what your toddler is eating on a weekly basis rather than day-to-day. Also, if your child is not eating a lot, look for other reasons rather than assuming they are just being picky. Does your child drink a lot during the day, especially right before meals? Does she snack a lot? The Canada Food Guide recommends limiting juice to 1/2 cup daily to avoid too many liquid calories and to prevent tooth decay. If your child tends to be a snacker, fill her snack bowl with protein-rich foods and other things you would want her to eat at mealtimes. For the real picky eaters, keep trying! It can take 10 to 20 exposures to a new food before a toddler decides she likes it.

Although there are many amazing cookbooks that focus on healthy eating for your child, the Canada Food Guide is a great place to start. The Canada Food Guide was updated in 2007. It is now a comprehensive source of nutritional information, including the basics of serving sizes, daily portions, and the latest in nutrition research. It even offers healthy kid-friendly recipes.

Eco-Friendly Paints

2008-10-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

If you are expecting a new baby, you are probably thinking about painting a nursery. Often anxious about the strong-smelling, conventional paints, many parents are looking for eco-friendly alternatives. Today, there are a number of brands of low-odor paints with reduced VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

What are VOCs?

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the solvents in most paints that are responsible for the odor in paint, and contribute to both indoor pollution and the depletion of the ozone. VOCs include substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, toluene, and xylene. Volatile Organic Compounds vary greatly in their toxicity from highly toxic to substances with no known health effects. For the most part, the VOCs found in paint fall into the highly toxic category. They are generally known as carcinogens and neurotoxins. Exposure to VOCs can lead to eye and skin irritation, headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and nerve damage to name a few troubling health risks.

There are also a number of environmental implications of VOCs. They contribute to the formation of ground level ozone and indoor air pollution. VOCs are also significant contributors to smog formation. Although latex paint produces less VOCs than alkyd paints (oil-based), it accounts for 87% of all indoor paint sold in the U.S.

How do you know if there are VOCs in paint?

The general rule of thumb is that the more VOCs a paint contains, the stronger the odor will be. The majority of household paints fall under two categories: alkyd or water based. Alkyd paints, used for high-gloss applications or to minimize mold growth in high moisture areas, contain approximately 32-42% VOCs, compared to 2-5% in latex paints. However, latex paints often contain other preservatives, fungicides, and dangerous solvents in them to fend off mold and mildew, extending shelf-life.

Many consumers are turning to eco-friendly paints for both the health and environmental benefits of NOT using paints with VOCs and other harmful substances. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid oil-based paints, even if they are labeled low-VOC, and use latex paints instead. Although more costly, there are a wide variety of natural paints available on the market. Natural paints are usually made from citrus and other plant ingredients, milk protein or clay. A disadvantage of using natural paints is that they generally take a lot longer to dry and often need several coats. Natural paints are best suited for drier areas, as they are less resistant to mildew and molds.

What about Lead Paint?

Lead, a highly toxic metal once used in paint, is the number one environmental health hazard to children in the United States. Children who suffer from lead poisoning can experience learning disabilities, memory loss, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, aggression and other behavior problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, their developing fetus is also subject to exposure because lead crosses the placenta. If you live in an old house and suspect that lead paint was once used, it is a good idea to have the walls professionally tested, and the lead paint removed if present.

Some Good Ideas...

When painting indoors, wear a respirator or face mask, and open all windows to let out the fumes. It takes most paints at least six weeks to fully dry and off-gas. Many house plants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, palms and rubber plants, help absorb odors given off by paints by converting the VOCs to oxygen.
Pregnant women should not paint
Stay out of the area until after the paint has dried. It is advisable to wait at least 48 hours before moving into a freshly painted room.
Keep all paint products in their original containers and do not leave them open when not in use.

10 Tips to a Green Baby Nursery

2007-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

1. Preparation of the nursery should occur as early as possible, before the arrival of the baby. Painting, new furniture, and mattresses can off gas harmful chemicals that a newborn or infant could be sensitive to.

2. Air quality in the nursery is essential for the respiratory health of your little one. Ensure that you have good clean air exchange or ventilation in the room.

3. Use non-VOC, non-toxic water-based or milk paint. Be careful of walls that were painted before the 70's as most paint contained lead. Sanding and preparing the wall to be painted can disturb old deposits of lead and release them into the environment.

4. Try to hold back putting new flooring in the nursery. Conventional carpet and hardwood is treated with a slurry of chemicals that can be off gassed into the environment.

5. When choosing furniture, use real wood. The glue in laminate wood, particle board, and fiberboard can emit formaldehyde.

6. Decorating with certain plants such as spider plants can help with the absorption of formaldehyde in the environment.

7. Conventional window coverings have chemical substances that breakdown over time with exposure to the heat and light from the window. If you decide on blinds, choose untreated non-toxic fabrics, such as linen, hemp, or organic cotton. If choosing natural curtains, ensure to wash them regularly.

8. What you chose your baby to sleep on everyday is an important decision in the nursery. A natural mattress is an excellent alternative and worth the investment for your little one (Read our article on baby mattresses and our product review on natural mattresses).

9. Use natural untreated fabrics in the nursery as much as possible. Organic cotton for crib sheets are a good option. (Read our article on organic cotton).

10.Less can be more. When preparing for the arrival of your little one, there is the inclination to buy just for the baby. Babies grow quickly into children so it's best to invest into items that can be converted overtime into another use. An example of this is a change table into a dresser. Spending money on certain quality items upfront can save money in the long run.

Plastic Toxicity

2007-10-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Plastics are a hard thing to avoid in the world we live in. Many products we use on a daily basis are made of plastic. They are in our kitchens, our bathrooms, our workplace, and in our children's toys; the list is endless. As a parent, it's good to be aware of what type of plastics you have, or are bringing into your home.

Traditional plastics are made mostly from petroleum. They are not biodegradable and can release toxins into the atmosphere when burned. The newer more sustainable plastics, bio-plastics, are made from renewable resources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil, and corn starch. Until bio-plastic becomes more widely available, it's important to choose the less toxic among the petroleum-based plastics.

When shopping, be sure to check the recycling sign on the plastic to determine what type of plastic it's made from.

Less Toxic Plastics
These plastics may leak chemicals, but no studies suggest they are a detriment to your health.

#1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): most important raw material in synthetic fibers.
#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): opaque in color, Tupperware, milk jugs, laundry detergent.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): plastic bags, tubing, wash bottles, dispensing bottles.
#5 PP (polypropylene): food packaging, ropes, textiles, speakers, automotive parts, stationary.

Toxic plastic
These plastics leach toxic chemicals and have been linked to cancer, disrupting hormones and other health issues. The amount of leaking it takes to cause these health issues is controversial.

#3 PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): The worst, most toxic; soft baby toys, teethers, bath toys, building material.
#6 PS (polystyrene): Solid foam, clear takeout containers.
#7 (polycarbonate): Most baby bottles, lining of metal cans, Nalgene bottles. Contains Bisphenol A which is a hormone disruptor.

The chemical leaches from these plastics because it is a relatively unstable substance. With heat, alkaline conditions and wear, the chemical slowly breaks down and leaches out into its environment. Avoid heating any plastic in your house whether you're heating your baby's bottle or using plastic containers or glassware to heat up food. Harsh dish soap can also contribute to the breakdown on the product.

Not all plastics will have the recycling sign. If you can't find one, contact the manufacturer directly and ask them what type of plastic the product is made from.

The Diaper Debate

2007-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

It would appear that the verdict is still out on whether disposable or cloth diapers are better for your baby and better for the environment. Deciding to use cloth or disposable diapers depends on your lifestyle, personal preference, and your concern for the environment. Remember, the choice that is right for YOU and YOUR baby may be different from the one that's right for your friend and her baby.

The on-going diaper debate can be divided into 4 categories: environmental concerns, health issues, cost, and convenience.

Environmental Concerns

Disposable diapers came on the market around 1961, and today, account for 80% of the diapers used in North America. On average, a baby will use a total of 5,000 diapers from birth to about 30 months. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in the US alone, this accounts for over 16 billion diapers or 2.7 million tons of solid waste directly into the landfills per year. Disposables are the third most common item in landfills, after paper products and food containers, and each diaper takes about 500 years to break down.

While the above figures are disturbing, it is still unclear whether cloth diapers are a better, more environmentally friendly alternative. A study by Franklin Associates, Ltd. suggests that cloth diapers have an equally harmful effect on air and water, due to the energy and chemicals used in the laundering process. The study concluded that the laundering of cloth diapers used twice as much energy, and four times as much water compared to disposables, creating greater air and water pollution.

Health Issues

The primary health concern when diapering your baby is keeping them dry. A wet bum means diaper rash, which can be irritating, painful, and often difficult to get rid of. Disposables generally keep you baby drier for longer since they whisk the wetness away from your baby's skin. Cloth diapers mean frequent changes, which can be disruptive, particularly at night. While it would appear that disposables come out on top in this category, there are studies that show disposables can cause irritation with their dyes and fragrances. If using disposables, try and find ones that are fragrance-free, and chlorine-free. Remember, there's really no good reason why diapers have to be stark white!

Cost

While cloth diaper proponents will argue that they are much cheaper than disposables, the final numbers don't quite add up. It is estimated that parents will spend approximately $50 a month on disposables. A cloth diapering service will also run about $50 a month, or $40 a month if you clean your own (and that doesn't take into consideration what your time is worth). In the end, cost shouldn't be a real factor in your decision to use either cloth or disposable diapers.

Convenience

Without a doubt, disposable diapers are the most convenient way of diapering your baby. When you're out and about, the last thing you want to worry about is changing a diaper and taking it home with you to be cleaned.

If you find the decision about diapers confusing, you're not alone. A lot of parents struggle with this decision as they try to weigh all the factors. For many, the best decision is to use a combination of both, using cloth at home and disposable when they are going to be out all day. Luckily, today there are many other alternatives to the traditional disposable or cloth diapers that may make the decision easier. To find out more about these alternatives, check out our product reviews on Seventh Generation Diapers and G Diapers. We are also researching a diaper made from corn fiber, so check back soon!

Baby Mattresses

2007-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

In your home, the nursery is a sacred place where your baby sleeps, eats and plays. As parent's, we put a lot of thought into what goes into the nursery. We choose items carefully, and make sure everything is comfortable, healthy and safe. The crib is your baby's sanctuary, and the crib mattress is an integral part it. During the first year, babies rapidly developing systems are more sensitive and vulnerable to chemicals and toxins in the environment. Traditional mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, vinyl and polyester treated with fire retardants and coated with other substances. It's a little worrisome having your little one sleeping on something that has been bathed in slurry of chemical. The "new mattress smell" is actually off-gassing of substances. That is why it is recommended to "air" out your crib mattress when you first buy it. SIDS has also been linked to conventional mattresses but the studies are controversial.

Natural crib mattresses are a safe and healthy option for parent's looking for an alternative to a conventional crib mattress. Natural mattress would most likely be made with natural foam rubber (manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree in South East Asia), untreated wool, organic cotton and sometimes silk.

Natural Latex Rubber is:

A great heat regulator which ensures your little one is warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
Resistant to moisture build-up
Stable and flexible which ensures a long lasting mattress
Naturally dust-mite resistant
Resistant to mold, fungus, mildew and bacteria.
Hypoallergenic. Many people that suffer from a synthetic latex allergy will not react to natural latex as the protein causing the allergy is taken out.
Biodegradable and renewable

Untreated Wool is:

Naturally temperature-regulating
Anti-bacterial
Naturally dust-mite resistant
Naturally fire retardant

Organic Cotton is:

Pesticide and Insecticide free which promotes better soil and air quality
Softer as chemicals aren't used to break it down.
Free of formaldehyde.
Hypoallergenic

Read our product review on Organic O'Canada Mattresses.

The Safety of your Baby's Bottles

2007-08-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Environment California Research and Policy Centre recently conducted a study to determine whether Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many popular brand name baby bottles and other food and water containers, could be leaching toxins into the liquid they hold. The study confirmed that was indeed the case.

So why should anyone be concerned? According to the ECRPC (The Environmental California Research and Policy Center), Bisphenol A is linked to reproductive and developmental problems. The centre's studies have shown that even small doses of the chemical can be connected to serious health concerns in lab animals such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, sperm defects, early onset of puberty, miscarriage, infertility, obesity, diabetes and possibly even Down Syndrome.

The reason that the chemical leaches is because it is a relatively unstable substance. With heat, alkaline conditions and wear, the chemical slowly breaks down and leaches out into its environment.

While the chemical industry and other health authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority argue that the levels of the chemical leached is not harmful to humans, the study has created enough stir to warrant a panel of independent US scientists to meet and review the recent scientific data to reach a conclusion on the safety of Bisphenol A in plastics.

While you wait to hear the results of further studies into this controversial issue, you may wish to consider the following recommendations from the Environment California Research and Policy Center:

Avoid polycarbonate plastic in food containers. If there is a "PC", in or near the recycling triangle, do not purchase it. #7 at the bottom should be avoided.
Choose plastics with numbers #1, #2 or #5.
Avoid PVC plastics in food containers (#3 in or near the recycling triangle)
Avoid canned food - BPA can leach from metal can linings into the foods and liquids contained within.
Choose safer plastics for sippy cups (#1#2 or #5).
Choose glass or non-toxic plastic baby bottles.
Choose metal feeding utensils, and enamel or ceramic plates.
Avoid food wrapped in plastic.
Use glass to heat food and liquid in the microwave. Do not heat food in plastic containers or on plastic dishware, or heat plastic baby bottles.
If you use plastic bottles or containers, avoid hot water and harsh dish soap.
Avoid letting your child mouth plastic toys.
Choose toys and teethers that are PVC-free (check the labels).
Choose wooden toys.

Check out our recent product reviews on BornFree™ Bottles and Thermos® Sippy Cups. Both are excellent alternatives to traditional plastic bottles and sippy cups.

Is Your Child's Sunscreen Safe?

2007-07-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, sunscreen is a very important consideration for your little one when enjoying the outdoors. Sunscreen is only recommended for children six months and older. Children younger should be kept out of direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10am - 4pm.

Sunscreen on children younger than six months has been considered a hazard for several reasons; infants have a particularly high surface to volume area which means their exposure or "dose" of sunscreen is much higher than that of an adult or older child. The effect of this exposure is unknown, but the possibility of an adverse reaction may be heightened. Also, sunscreen can block the cooling mechanism infants have in the form of sweating, thus causing the possibility of overheating. Now, the debate isn't about what age to put sunscreen on a child, but what brand to use. Most have made the assumption that all sunscreens are deemed equal. A recent investigation and report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found this not to be the case.

The EWG categorized and rated the safety and efficacy of 828 well known sunscreens on the basis of sun protection and safety concerns. They found that 84% of the 828 brands did not protect against the sun and posed possible health risks. 110 of these brands are marketed for the use in infants and children. They found 10 sunscreens marketed to infant and children that offered good sun protection with minimal health risk. Please see the table below for all 120 sunscreens marketed for infants and children.

For more in-depth information please visit http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php

Check out our product review on California Baby® Sunscreen.

The Wonder of Wooden Toys

2007-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

Toys are an integral part of your child's growth and development. They engage young minds, inspire freedom of thought and create and stimulate imagination. Wooden toys have proven to be an excellent choice for parents who are looking for an alternative to plastic.

Wooden toys are phthalate, pesticide and battery free which is benefiting the environment and a healthier option for your little one. Wooden toys create demand in the market for sustainable products and keep plastic and batteries out of landfills. Due to their durable nature, wooden toys can be reused and passed down from generation to generation. Simple wooden toys engage a child's imagination and creativity unlike battery operated toys which take the imagination out of play. Most manufacturers of wooden toys uphold the highest standards of safety and provide excellent educational toys for your children. Unfortunately, not all wood toys will have the benefits discussed above. Pressed wood, particle board and plywood can off gas carcinogenic formaldehyde from the glue holding it together. Puzzles pieces are common culprits. The best option is unfinished solid wood oiled with linseed, walnut or beeswax. Recycled wood or certified sustainable hardwood, harvested, not clear cut is a good choice. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Steer clear of mineral oil for children under three and citrus oil as it can irritate a child's delicate respiratory tract. Azo dyes and lead in painted toys should also be avoided. These dyes can contain chlorine bleach and heavy metals.

Sourcing natural wooden toys may be more of a challenge then buying plastic and don't be surprised if they are a bit more expensive (if you don't take the cost of batteries into consideration). After giving them a try you may find them well worth the extra effort for your child and the environment.

Isn't Cotton Natural?

2007-05-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Of course it is! However, even though cotton is a natural fiber - in that it is not synthetically derived, - cotton is treated with numerous pesticides and other chemicals from the time it is planted through the processing and manufacturing stages.

Babies are particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals and other substances. Skin conditions such as eczema and other skin rashes are common when babies come into contact with harsh chemicals and synthetic fabrics.

Buying baby clothes made from organic cotton is not just better for your baby, it's also better for the environment. Conventional cotton farming uses a staggering amount of pesticides and other chemicals (ranking second after coffee), having a significant impact on the environment. Even the processing of cotton uses a variety of harmful and toxic chemicals and substances that can have detrimental effects to the environment and the people who manufacture it.

Organic cotton farming means that the cotton is grown in soil free from pesticides, herbicides, and other cytotoxins. Growing cotton organically actually improves soil fertility, protects the health of farm workers, and reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in farming. It is better for the soil, the air, animals, and humans.

Choosing organic cotton means that you are choosing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle that is better for your family and the environment. It's a decision you can feel good about!

Read our recent product reviews on Fig Organic Sleepers and SMArts Clothing.