Greetings!!
This coming Saturday, July 12th, I will be speaking at a Healthy Baby/Healthy Parenting workshop to be held at Livingreen in Culver City.
Newborn babies (and their developing immune systems) are especially sensitive to environmental toxins. That being said, new parents can do much to provide a healthy environment for their new baby by mitigating factors such as off-gassing from paint, furniture, carpet, and other materials and surfaces. I'll be talking about which chemicals to avoid and resources for green alternatives for all your new baby needs. There will also be a pediatric nutritionist to discuss what foods and eating habits are healthiest for you and your child.
Please join us this Saturday, July 12th, from 11am - 1pm to learn more about things you do to create the healthiest home environment for your family.
Pre-registration is required. Call 310.838.8442 or email info@livingreen.com
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Recommended Reading
Organic Baby by Kimberly Rider
The Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Non-Toxic Babies by Jennifer of http://www.thesmartmama.com/
Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer World by Christopher Gavigan
The Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Non-Toxic Babies by Jennifer of http://www.thesmartmama.com/
Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer World by Christopher Gavigan
Safer Bottles for your Baby
Many baby bottles on the market today are manufactured with a polycarbonate plastic. One key component of this type of plastic is Bisphenol-A. Bisphenol-A is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. It has been known that scratched and worn polycarbonate feeding bottles can leach this chemical into liquids, like formula and breast milk.
Scientific studies show that even at very low levels Bisphenol-A can be harmful to babies and here are some reasons why:
• Can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
• Can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
• Can lead to impaired learning.
• Is associated with obesity and diabetes.
• Exposure can interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
• Exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
• Stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
• Can alter the functioning of the immune system.
Here are many options for Bisphenol-A free plastic or glass bottles:
Scientific studies show that even at very low levels Bisphenol-A can be harmful to babies and here are some reasons why:
• Can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
• Can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
• Can lead to impaired learning.
• Is associated with obesity and diabetes.
• Exposure can interfere with the normal development of a fetus.
• Exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
• Stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
• Can alter the functioning of the immune system.
Here are many options for Bisphenol-A free plastic or glass bottles:
- All Medela products that come into contact with breastmilk are BPA free. Medela's bottles are made from polypropylene plastic.
- BornFree makes glass and polyamide (BPA free) plastic bottles.
- Think Baby has a 5 oz and 9 oz BPA free baby bottle with a silicone nipple. The company's patented venting system is advertised to reduce gas and spit up.
- Green to Grow has wide and regular neck baby bottles in 5 and 10 ounce sizes. The bottles are made of polyethersulfone. They are relatively new to the market.
- MAM's Ultivent and the Sassy Baby Food Nurser Kit are BPA free.
- Adiri's Natural Nurser Ultimate Baby Bottle is BPA free.
- EvenFlo has a glass baby bottle.
- Gerber’s Clear View, Fashion Tints and GentleFlow are not made with polycarbonate plastic and are BPA-free.
- Playtex’s Premium Nurser is made of polycarbonate, but the breastmilk or formula only touches the polyethylene liner, not the bottle itself. The Breast Milk Storage Kit contains polypropylene bottles.
- Certain Nuby bottles are BPA-free.
- Dr. Brown has a glass bottle. Dr. Brown is also introducing a polypropylene bottle in April 2008, but I haven't seen it in the stores yet.
This list was copied from www.thesmartmama.com Jennifer is extrememly knowledgeable and has lots of healthier options for your baby, so check it out!!
I also recommended the stainless steel bottle with sippy adapter from Klean Kanteen for a safer water bottle. Available at http://www.kleankanteen.com/ and also at Livingreen http://www.livingreen.com/
Sunday, April 27, 2008
UPDATED: Organic Baby Ideas & Green Living Ramblings
For those are also leaning towards greener alternatives for their new babies, below are a few of my thoughts and many websites that offer organic and natural products.
Look for labels such as "eco-friendly", "organic", "natural","hypoallergenic" or "sensitive skin". These are usually made with little to no synthetics and will be better for little one's developing immune system. With ever increasing rates of asthma in children, recalls on imported toys containing lead, hormone disrupter chemicals like Bisphenol-A, and the high pesticide level of cotton, it's becoming easier and easier to make mindful choices that are better for your baby's health.
Check out these ideas, as well as, stores and websites for green alternatives:
handmade or slightly used items (e.g. thrift stores, www.craigslist.org, www.freecycle.com)
Mothering magazine, www.mothering.com
Babies R Us, Target and Wal-Mart ~ have organic and natural options (especially Babies R Us)
Whole Foods
The Pump Station
www.americanapparel.com
www.gaiam.com
www.organicgrace.com
www.GreenNest.com
www.livingreen.com
www.sagecreeknaturals.com
www.babybunz.com
www.innovative-baby.com
www.eco-baby.com
www.LittleSproutsDiapers.com
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