Product Reviews

ERGObaby

2008-10-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of the best carriers in the market, a must have!

A unique hands-free soft carrier that can be used for your baby from newborn through toddlerhood. Offered both in organic and non-organic cotton.
Pros

A hands-free carrier in which you are able to carry your baby in three positions; on the back, the front, or on the hip.
The carrier's ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth to prevent compression of the spine.
The baby's weight is balanced on the parent's hips and shoulders making for a comfortable fit.
With the help of the infant insert, you can carry your baby from newborn through toddlerhood.
A spacious front pouch for anything needed during an outing.
Organic carrier comes in Chocolate with Caramel lining and a Caramel Infant Insert and Forest Green with Moss lining and Moss Infant Insert.
Machine wash and dry on gentle cycle

Cons

The carrier doesn't allow for a facing out position for the infant/child. ERGObaby support this by claiming a baby cannot turn away from a stimulus if faced outward.
The hip position is a little more complicated to put together so may not be used as often.
Infant insert can be a little difficult to use, especially if you have a bigger baby.

OrganicEqual TradeUS Business

Green Toys

2008-10-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Green Toys is a new toy line out of California that is made of recycled milk containers. The toys are 100% made in the USA. They maintain that "Every step in the process, from milk container recycling to toy production to final assembly, occurs in California." The milk containers are made from high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) and are Phthalate and BPA free. You can recognize it by the number 2 inside the recycling sign. They have no paint so there is no fear of lead.

Packaging can be very wasteful. Green toys packaging is recyclable and they use no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties.

The toys are cute and durable and we love that they are made from recycled material! Although they are still made from petroleum, they're made from one of the safer plastics available.

Non-ToxicEqual TradeUS Business

Halo Organic Cotton SleepSack Swaddle

2008-10-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

The SleepSack Swaddle is a traditional sleep sack with a twist - a removable swaddling feature. The feature allows you to swaddle your baby with their arms in or out and when they no longer need to swaddle, it can be removed.

Pros

Carries the "#1 Safe Sleep Product" First Candle/SIDS Alliance gold seal.
Reduces the risk of inhalation of carbon dioxide, which has been associated as a possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome.
Inverted zipper makes diaper changes easy, and makes it harder for an older child to unzip.
Sleeveless design allows for ventilation
Embroidery message on chest reminds caregivers to place baby on his or her back. .
Available in Teacup print, Cowboy print and Cat & Dog print.
Made of 100% certified organic cotton, free of chemicals, dyes and preservatives.
XX-SMALL - 14" to 19" height/ birth to 5lbs. (approx. newborn to 3/4 months old)
X-SMALL - 19" to 23" height/ 5-10 lbs (approx. newborn to 3 months old)

Cons

Currently only available in xx Small and x Small which doesn’t accommodate for larger babies or for longer wear.
Only available with prints, not in solid colors.

A great product for younger babies that need the protection of a sleep sack, but still love to swaddled!

Non-ToxicOrganicUS Business

Green to Grow Bottles

2008-09-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Green to Grow bottles are amongst the growing number of baby-safe and environmentally friendly products on the market. Made from PES plastic, they are free of Bisphenol A and phthalates. This gives the bottles a natural golden color.

Green to Grow bottles are not only safe, they are also cute and colorful. They come in two sizes, and the regular neck bottles work with Medela and Lansinoh breast pumps, thus reducing a step in the tedious process of pumping. The pricing of the bottles is competitive compared to other similar brands such as Born Free and Think Baby.

If the company itself is important to you, Green to Grow is committed to making environmentally sound business solutions. They use 100% recycled paper and soy inks on all packaging. The company also donates 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes.

Non-ToxicUS Business

Boon - Fluid Toddler Cup

2008-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Boon has created a modern 9oz no spill sippy cup. Its funky design allows for easy handling by small hands and the spout is angled for comfort. The plastic it's produced from is BPA, PVC and Phthalate free.

My 2 year old loves this cup. The grip is great for her little hands and the flow is fast, probably too fast for a child under 18 months. I love that it's dishwasher safe and only breaks down into two pieces. It's a nice break from other sippy cups that have a lot of components. Boon claims that the cup doesn't spill, but like most sippy cups, it leaks a bit when held upside down.

Available in Pink and Orange.

Non-ToxicUS Business

MATE - Stay Put Mat and Plate

2008-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

MATE is your child's own table setting with a plate that pops out making microwaving and dishwashing easy. It comes in orange, raspberry, and sky blue and is PVC and BPA free.

I love this product. We purchased it when we moved our daughter out of her high chair to the kitchen table. The MATE's skid resistant mat keeps the plate in front of her and not on the floor. It's easy to wash and she loves it because it's colorful, fun and makes her feel special!

Non-ToxicUS Business

Green Bean Baby

2008-06-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Green Bean Baby has an assortment of certified organic bath, bed, and clothing accessories. Local to Vancouver, BC, Green Bean Baby is a home-based business with the manufacturing done by contract home sewers. The fabric is sourced from the US and India, and is certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture to USDA Organic Standards. Green Bean Baby has also researched to ensure that her material is produced in a fair trade manner.

The product line ranges from blankets, bath towels, sleep sacks, and my favorite - a bath smock with a zipper. The cotton is high quality and is designed for everyday use. I love the design which is simple, classic and unisex. Being certified organic ensures that the fabric contains no harmful additives such as chlorine, dyes, formaldehyde finished and fire retardants.

Non-ToxicOrganicEqual TradeCanadian

Skip*Hop - Palette Plate

2008-05-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Palette Plate is a feeding system for both infants and toddlers. Included are three lift out bowls that fit snugly into the Palette, with removable lids for storage. The bowls are microwave-safe, and the plastic they are made from are BPA, PVC and phthalate free. Extra bowls are available for purchase.

The removable bowls are great for storing and reheating food. My children don't eat the same thing so it's really convenient to have the food in different bowls. My son doesn't like his food to touch so the separate bowls are particularly good for him. The Palette Plate makes mealtime a little more manageable, and my kids love the colorful setting. Two thumbs up for this product.

An added bonus... Skip*Hop gives a percentage of their profits to critically important organizations such as Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the Pediatric Aids Foundation. It is unclear, however, what percentage is given and how they determine what organization they give to.

Non-ToxicUS Business

Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

2008-04-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

The Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair is a great alternative to the traditional high chair. It's environmentally friendly, functional, and decorative while supporting a close family connection. Other great features include:

It's made from beechwood cultivated in a sustainable way in Eastern Europe. The plastic components are recyclable.
The chair grows with your child by allowing multiple height and footrest settings; 6 months to adulthood.
It comes with no tray so your child sits directly at the table, encouraging quality family time.
It's available in 12 colors that will match and complement most decors.
It's ergonomically designed to be stable
It's safe! The chair comes with a five point harness. For infants, there is a baby rail and cushion available as accessories.

After purchasing the product, I have to say it has lived up to my expectations. It's a beautiful piece in our kitchen and our toddler loves sitting at the table with us. Unfortunately the highest setting on the seat is 22 inches off the floor, which is quite low, so those who want to use it for a kitchen counter top are out of luck. It's is pricey but worth it. It's a piece of furniture you will continue to utilize in your house when your kids are growing, unlike a plastic highchair that will end up in a landfill.

Non-ToxicEqual TradeUS Business

Boon Squirt

2008-04-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

We love to watch the mess our babies make exploring their food, but there are moments when we would like things to be a little neater, and more contained. SQUIRT is a great product for those moments. The food dispensing spoon is attached to a large bulb that holds 3oz of baby food which allows for easy, no mess feeding. It's an innovative product which has been a fantastic addition to our feeding arsenal. It's made of plastic but is BPA, PVC and Phthalate free!

We have it in orange but it's also available in pink.

Non-ToxicUS Business

Klean Kanteen

2008-02-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is my daughter's favourite sippy cup! It's super easy to clean and light to carry. The spout doesn't leak so liquid remains in the bottle, where it belongs. I highly recommend this product to any parent.

Klean Kanteen is a stainless steel water bottle that can be converted to a sippy cup with the addition of a plastic spout from Avent. The #304 stainless steel is lasting, light, clean tasting, odour free, easy to wash and non-toxic. The spout is made from #5 non-leaching polypropylene plastic, which is a step up from the #7 leaching plastic that is used in most sippy cups and baby bottles. Using stainless steel keeps plastic from clogging our landfills and oceans.

This bottle is manufactured in China. The company visits the manufacturing facilities every quarter and performs random batch checks in the US to ensure safety.

It's important to know that stainless steel does not have the same qualities of a thermos. Because it made of stainless steel, it takes on the temperature of the liquid. It is not recommended for hot drinks.

Non-ToxicUS Business

Parade Clothing

2007-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Peanut, Sprout, Bean... the terms of endearment that we use on our little ones are captured by the hip and funky graphics designed by Parade Clothing.

These colorful and playful graphics are displayed on caps, newborn kimonos, baby tee's, toddler tee's, and blankets. The kimonos are similar to onesies, however they have ties at the side so you don't have to pull it over your baby's head.

The designs are simple, yet the graphics pack a punch and are very unique. My son wore his "peanut" hat and kimono all the time and quickly adopted the nickname, Peanut, for the first few months of his life! My advice: choose wisely - your baby will quickly acquire the nickname you give him or her by everyone you meet!

Parade clothing has recently introduced a new line of basics, including onesies, kimonos, pants, caps, rompers and newborn kimono gowns, but without their signature graphics. This line is also extremely cute, using hip colors and stripes.

All of Parade's clothing is made with organic cotton, through fair trade, sweatshop free environments. While the clothes are made in India, the graphics are designed and printed in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The clothing is incredibly soft, and reasonably priced, as far as specialty clothing goes.

OrganicEqual TradeCanadian

Household Lead Check

2007-10-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

The large toy recall that occurred with Matel and Fisher Price had me questioning the safety of all my toys. While researching on the Internet, I came across a lead test. I purchased the Household Lead Check Swabs by Homax to test all my toys, including Plan Toy, Ikea, and Melissa and Doug. The tests were negative and I felt very relieved to know my daughter hasn't been exposed to lead from her toys.

The instructions are easy, it's a pretty low-tech test; Crush point A and B until they mix together then shake. Rub the surface you want to check for lead. If the swab turns red or pink there is lead present. You can repeat the test, but all testing has to be completed within two minutes. The chemical in the swab is an irritant so I would recommend washing the toys after testing, just to be safe. Remember to keep it out of reach from your children! If the toy has red paint, white vinegar must be used on the surface, if the red pigment comes off, the test cannot be used on this product.

If you have a large quantity of toys to test you'll have to pick up a few packages. Luckily, the test is inexpensive.

US Business

Weleda Diaper Cream

2007-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was originally given Weleda baby diaper cream as a shower gift. My neighbour with a young boy swore by it, and insisted it was a must have. Being very cautious about what products I put on my baby's skin, I read the ingredients with skepticism. The active ingredient is Zinc Oxide which attributes to 12% of the cream and the rest of the inactive ingredients are very natural: Almond oil, calendula extract, chamomile extract, hydrolyzed beeswax, lanolin, lavender oil, litsea cubeb oil, orange oil, petitgrain oil, rosemary oil, sage oil, water and ylang ylang oil.

I was pleasantly surprised how natural the ingredients were and more surprised to find out how well they worked. My daughter had more than a few nasty diaper rashes during teething, and when I introduced certain new foods to her. The diaper cream cleared it up fast and very little was needed to do the job.

The smell is mild and non-offensive, which is more then I can say for traditional diaper creams. The tube is small and expensive but a little goes a long way. The cap does screw on and off which isn't convenient, especially if it's dropped during the night. But, all in all, a great product.

Non-ToxicEqual TradeUS Business

Seventh Generation Diapers

2007-10-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Seventh Generation diapers are a great option, if your family has decided to go with disposables. The diapers are Chlorine free and are made from absorbent materials (polymer gel) that do not contribute to dioxin pollution. Dioxin is thought to contribute to increases in the cancer rate, birth defects and reproductive issues.

As a mom, I love the resealable tabs, especially because they never get caught on my daughter's skin or clothing. No fragrance is used so it doesn't block any smells or hold any surprises. In my personal experience, it's the most absorbent. My daughter has rarely had an accident out of her diaper. I can't say the same from the few times I've used the traditional brand names. I have been told by two moms, however, that the diapers didn't work as well for their boys. It's unclear whether this is anecdotal or if gender makes a difference.

Non-ToxicUS Business

G Diapers

2007-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

G Diapers are an interesting alternative to cloth and disposable diapers. They are easier to use than cloth diapers but more work than disposables. The diapering system comes in three parts; the cover is like a cloth diaper, the Velcro fastens in the back. Inside the cover is a plastic liner that snaps in and out to wash, and inside the liner is a removable flushable insert.

The covers are super cute and both the cover and the liner can be washed and dried in a machine. The liners air dry fast if machine drying isn't an option. Clean up is very easy with just a flush of the insert down the toilet. The waste ends up in the sewer instead of sitting in a landfill. There is also the added bonus of no stinky diaper pail!

Initially the diapers may seem awkward, so it's best to have a system to help you put them on. Putting an extra liner with the pad when you change your little one will help make changing faster and easier. The diapers can leak over night so I would suggest two liners to be safe. It's important to use the swish stick while flushing the insert and don't flush more than one or it will clog your toilet. The diapers are more expensive, but in my opinion worth it for my peace of mind.

Non-ToxicUS Business

InBed Organics Baby Mattresses

2007-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

The 100% latex rubber mattress from InBed Organics is great! My daughter was never a fan of her crib until we introduced this mattress. Not only do I now have peace of mind because it is chemical free, but the mattress is so comfortable I want to crawl in the crib myself!

InBed Organics gives a portion of their sales to building water wells in Tanzania. The mattress comes with a 100% certified organic cotton cover which is soft, beautiful and thick. The mattress itself is 100% Natural Latex Rubber which comes with many health and environmental benefits. The company has its ISO 9001 certification which attests to its quality, and is manufactured in British Columbia, Canada.

Natural mattresses are not cheap. After shopping around I found Organic O'Canada prices to be very competitive in the natural mattress market, if not more reasonable then most.

Read our recent article on baby mattresses.

Non-ToxicOrganicEqual TradeCanadian

Baby Buddha Together Sling

2007-09-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

This sling was created by a mom in Vancouver, BC. She paired up with an industrial designer and came up with the Baby Buddha Together Sling™. The sling is made from fabric milled in Canada and sewed in Vancouver. It comes with a reusable bag versus disposable packaging, although the bag is pink which might not be so desirable for some dads out there.

The Baby Buddha Together Sling supports a baby up to 35Ibs. It's made from poly-lycra, a stretchy lightweight material that wicks away moisture from you and your baby. This allows you and your little one to keep cool on hot days. It has a three piece system that allows for six different types of holds so you can switch the positions as they grow. The tie helps to transfer weight to the hips, and due to the stretchy nature of the material; it doesn't cut into your shoulders like some traditional carriers. It has a pocket in front which is fantastic for carrying keys or other things during outings. It comes in gender neutral colors which make it a good option for mom or dad.

My little boy loved the sling. I had him in the newborn hold for the first three months (the position is not in the instructions but you can find it on the website). He loved sleeping in it! Because it allowed me to have my hands free, I could get things done and still cuddle with him! One drawback, however, is that although it is lightweight, it's a lot of material to carry around and doesn't fit easily into a diaper bag.

Canadian

FIG Organic Sleepers

2007-09-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Fig sleepers are fantastic! They are made from 95% organic cotton and 5% Lycra. The organic cotton is ultra soft and the zippers are really convenient for dressing your little one fast; whether you have a howling newborn or a squirmy 12 month old. The designs are creative and the colour combinations are unusual, a far cry from your traditional Winnie the Pooh sleeper.

As an artist, I really liked the funky look, and as a new mom, I really liked the comfort and ease aspect of the sleeper design. Plus, they don't have feet and the torso was long, so I was able to get several months wear out of them. Definitely two thumbs up. What was a little harder to swallow was the price, they're not exactly cheap but I figured less is more. I don't need dozens of sleepers if I have a few quality ones that will last.

Read our recent article on organic cotton.

OrganicEqual TradeCanadian

BornFree Bottles

2007-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

After a study was released regarding plastic toxins leaching from baby bottles, I was worried about the possible effects of Bishenol A on my baby. I didn't want to take any risks so I started looking for alternative options for my daughter.

BornFree™ manufactures the only non-toxic plastic baby bottles made from Polyamide. It's honey in color and more resistant to detergents. We thought we would give it a try and this is what we found:

Their anti-gas value worked very nicely. We were able to shake the bottle with no leaks and my daughter had very little gas.
They had many options for nipples; we used different ones for various stages and found they all worked very nicely.
They do take a little more work to clean due to the valve but we found it was worth the effort.
The nipples over time did stretch out and tear a bit. This could possibly be due to the fact my daughter loves to bite the nipples, (that's why I had to stop breastfeeding at 8 months) and not due to the product itself.

Read our recent article on baby bottles.

Non-ToxicUS Business

PEPPA Dolls

2007-09-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves her PEPPA® doll. We introduced it to her to help with the transition into daycare. The doll's head is stuffed with pure sheep's wool which is known for holding smells. We hoped the familiar smell of home would make her feel more secure and comfortable. It ended up being the doll she doesn't sleep without. It's her friend and comfort at night and during naps.

PEPPA® Dolls are handmade with 100% cotton stretch terry, and AZO free fabric dye. Their hands are knotted so griping is easy for your child. The pure sheep's wool is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial which makes it a wonderful safe doll for young babies and older children alike. The dolls are available in three different skin tones, with or without facial features. The philosophy is that the lack of facial features promotes children to engage their imagination.

Non-ToxicEqual TradeUS Business

Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups

2007-09-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

These sippy cups are a great concept! They are made of stainless steel and BPA (Bisphenol A) and PVC free plastics, so there is no worry about leaching toxins. All the material are FDA approved. The vacuum insulated stainless steel keeps cold drinks cold, which is a great feature for those warmer days. The plastic mouth piece drips out a perfect amount of liquid, and doesn't have the bad habit of pouring out everywhere, while the plastic bottom ensures your floors don't take a beating when you little one drops it.

My 15-month-old daughter can hold this sippy cup easily, but it's heavier because it's made of stainless steel. Not something you really want dropping on their little toes. It's also a little extra work for those moms formula feeding. There is no measuring system so the formula would have to be mixed prior to use; a small price to pay for such a great product.

They are available in both pink and blue, currently available in the US and coming to Canada in 2008.

Read our recent article on baby bottles.

Non-ToxicUS Business

SMArts Clothing

2007-08-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Baby clothes made with organic cotton are becoming increasingly popular, but surprisingly, it is still relatively hard to find much variety. In Canada, it has only been recently that larger stores, such as MEC and The Real Canadian Superstore are now offering some very reasonably priced options. However, their variety is limited. Many baby boutiques carry a number of different brands such as Parade and Under the Nile. Both are very cute and popular options but have a higher price point.

SMArts clothing is relatively new and offers a unique option for organic clothing. By purchasing SMArts organic cotton baby clothes, you are not only helping the environment, you are also supporting fair trade, by creating economic opportunities in Mali, West Africa. SMArts art is designed by Malian adults and children. All artists are chosen from an annual contest held in Mali, and each are awarded a fair contract for the reproduction of their artwork. The designs on the baby clothes are original and unique. A sure conversation piece.

Read our recent article on organic cotton.

OrganicEqual Trade

California Baby Sunscreen

2007-08-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

My daughter is in daycare and everyday during the summer months they'd lather her up in sunscreen for her daily outings. I didn't like her constant exposure to the chemicals, but felt I had no option because I knew she needed protection from the sun's harmful rays. I had little faith in natural sunscreens until I came across California Baby® Sunscreen. California Baby® was given the thumbs up by the Environmental Working Group as having great protection from the sun and doing it with very little harmful chemicals. With over 800 sunscreens studied, California Baby® sunscreens was at the top of the list. Their sunscreen sits on top of the skin to repel and reflect dangerous UV rays, unlike others which absorb into the skin. Each formula is PABA free and non-chemical with no nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, or dairy.

Read our recent article on natural sunscreen.

Non-ToxicUS Business

Little Star Carrier

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

This sling is quick and easy-to-use for newborns through 35 lbs. It is extremely comfortable and allows you to wear your baby on the front, side, or back. It also works well for discreetly breastfeeding your baby.

I found the sling to be very convenient when doing those quick in-and-out of the car errands. I simply left it in the car and soon became very adept at taking it on and off quickly. On the most part, it was more convenient than using a stroller or a front carrier, especially as my son got bigger. As my son got older, I could quickly put him on my hip and carry him around while still having both hands free. Plus, my son loved to be carried in the sling and watch everything going on around him. I would often tuck a little toy in the sling for him to play with.

When purchasing the Little Star Sling, you have the choice of regular or organic cotton, both of which come in a variety of colors. The trickiest part of buying and using this sling is getting the sizing right. On the most part, where your baby sits on you is a matter of personal preference; however, in general, the baby is usually worn above the waist. Depending on how much weight you lose after having your baby, you may find that you need more than one size. Luckily, the slings are priced reasonably so it will not take a huge chunk out of your bank account to purchase another one.

Read our recent article on organic cotton.

OrganicCanadian