Safest Sunscreens for Kids 2012

by Kate on May 17th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Parenting, Shopping

The Environmental Working Group recently released its 2012 report on the Safest Sunscreens. After testing more than 1800 sunscreens, the organization has released its list of safest sunscreens and the must see Hall of Shame. We’ve found the kid and baby safe sunscreens from the Report and have them for you here.

EWG Report Summary

The EWG says the safest sunscreens for kids have the following qualities:

  • Mineral suncreen with zinc and titanium
  • No oxybenzone – potentially hormone-disrupting
  • No retinyl palmitate
  • No Vitamin A – may be carcinogenic on sun-exposed skin
  • No spray or powdered sunscreen
  • Avoid sunscreens labeled with an SPF higher than 50

We noticed in this year’s list includes an increase in easier to apply “Stick” form sunscreens, such as Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Sunscreen Stick, and the addition of more affordable options like Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Lotion SPF 50 which is $14 for an 8 ounce bottle. Both are great news for moms. But, make sure to read labels carefully. For example, some Coppertone Water Babies products are on the recommended list and others are on the Hall of Shame.

safest sunscreen for kids 2012

Safest Sunscreens for Kids 2012

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See our 2011 safest sunscreens for kids and 2010 post on the safest sunscreens for kids for some of our top picks stylish sun protection for kids.

Should Companies Stop Selling Crib Bumpers?

by Kate on May 16th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

This morning’s TODAY Show included an investigative report style story about crib bumpers. We know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using crib bumpers, the City of Chicago has banned the sale of bumpers and now the CDC notes an increase in baby’s suffocating and urges parents to keep cribs empty.

Regardless of the warnings, manufacturers continue to make crib bumpers, stores continue to sell them and parents continue to use them. I’ll admit Max’s Stokke Sleepi Mini has the corresponding bumper in it but when he moves to the full size Sleepi he’ll have custom bumper-less sheets similar to the Skip Hop Complete Sheet.

Where does the safety concern end? Should companies stop selling baby blankets because we know it’s unsafe for a baby to sleep with a loose blanket? Is this a situation where doctors and experts need to do their best to educate parents who can decide for themselves what to use? Maybe time will tell and safety concerns will prevail and our kids will laugh when we tell them we used crib bumpers the same way we’re shocked when our parents tell us they didn’t use car seats.

What’s your take? Should companies stop making crib bumpers? Should stores stop selling them? Or is this a decision best left to parents to decide?

Here’s the Rossen Report from this morning. Check it out and tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

National Infertility Awareness Week {My Story}

by Monica on April 27th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life

About National Infertility Awareness Week

April 22-28, 2012 is National Infertility Awareness Week®, a nationwide campaign intended to educate the public about infertility and the concerns of the infertility community. Since 1989, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association has led efforts to celebrate this special week by hosting events and activities designed to encourage grassroots advocacy and motivate the infertility movement.

NIAW Stationary image

This year’s theme is “Don’t Ignore Infertility.” We chose this important message because every voice that speaks out about the realities of infertility, and every act that acknowledges infertility as a medical condition with far-reaching social and emotional implications, helps tear down the wall of ignorance and silence that surrounds this devastating disease.

Infertility Awareness Week is one of those movements that up until a few years ago, I never would have even thought twice about.  But after being diagnosed with Infertility in 2006, it became a part of my life.  Resolve, the group behind Infertility Awareness Week, is a wonderful non-profit organization that has provided me with so much information and support over the years, it is a great resource for anyone who may want to learn more about Infertility.

My Story

When I began my journey to motherhood way back in 2005 I never in a million years thought it would be that: a journey. After all, I had spent most of my twenties avoiding pregnancy, and the thought of now actually trying to get pregnant was exciting. Surely the moment I stopped any birth control I’d be pregnant, right? Wrong.

After a year of trying on our own, my husband and I had a long hard road of procedures, tests, drugs, you name it. We did it in order to finally get pregnant over two years later. My beautiful baby boy was the result of a second IVF attempt, and so much more emotionally.  When he turned one and I knew I wanted to start the process again for a second child, we went back to my RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) to discuss how to have another baby. He suggested a small amount of “help” for a few months to see if we could do it somewhat on our own this time. Luckily, he was right, and when my son turned 16 months old, I was pregnant again! Just after he turned two we welcomed my daughter to our family. I was truly blessed.

When my daughter was less than twelve hours old, and my husband and I were sitting peacefully staring at our new love, I said to him, “I so want to be able to do this one more time, I know our family will be complete with three children.”  My darling daughter recently turned two, and I still have that feeling of yearning for a third baby in our family.  I look at my two children playing and I just know how much they would love having another sibling to love. I think about how for at least one of them, I want them to experience a relationship with a sibling of the same gender, something I never had and secretly always wondered what it was like.

So, apparently my infertilty journey is still continuing. I was hoping after the ease of getting pregnant somewhat naturally (as naturally as I can it seems) with my daughter, number three would be here by now. Well, in addition to my original fertility issues, I have the added “problem” of getting old, more particularly, my ovaries are getting old.  I have a low AMH level for those of you who are schooled in fertility issues.  Also, I am about to turn the dreaded 35 (in baby making years this is old!) this summer, and am scared to death my window is closing. Fast. My RE assures me there is still time for me, but none to waste. Without boring you with the medical details he said upon my first visit while trying for #3 back in October, “Well, I am glad you came to me now, every month is crucial at this point.” Just what I needed to hear. Right. The road to baby number three is proving to be the most difficult yet for many reasons mainly because I recently was pregnant and miscarried.

Yes, in addition to being the “1″ in the 1 in 6 couples who experience infertilty, I am also the “1″ in the 1 in 4 women will experience miscarriage.  Well,  it really broke my heart. So many  thoughts, feelings, emotions have flashed through me, I am not even sure how to process it all yet. Was this my only chance? Am I just too old? Why me? Why am I so bad at getting pregnant? Did I do this myself with that second cup of coffee that one morning? Should I gain weight? Should I do accupuncture again? Did I nurse my daughter too long and miss my window? Too much exercise, or too little? Am I selfish for wanting a third baby when so many people can’t have one?

The miscarriage magnified all these questions and really brought me to my knees.  My RE assured me it was a genetic fluke, one not likelty to be repeated, but who really knows?  I know God or what ever higher power there is out there has a plan for me, I just hope it’s close to the same one I have for us.  So as each new month goes by, I am getting more and more “advanced,” if you will, in my medical treatments, especially after my recent loss. I just recenly saw a person announce on Facebbok they will be having a baby December 2012,  and this really stung, because if I was still pregnant I would be holding a new bundle of joy by the first of November 2012. My wish now is to be pregnant again by that date, otherwise, I know I will have a very heavy heart. I really struggle with feeling like I am being selfish when I have the two most beautiful children in the world, but I just know it is in our family’s plan to be larger. I truly feel it in my heart.

Don’t Ignore Infertility

The reason I am choosing to share my story isn’t for pity or pats on the back, it’s simply for awareness.  This week is about learning and understanding more about Infertility and who it affects. Well, it affects me, and most likely you or someone else you know because  infertility affects about 1 in 6 couples trying to conceive. It is such a hard topic to deal with becuase while most of us want to tell you about it, we don’t want to be asked about it. And once you are under a physician’s care for infertilty, it can feel like everyone is watching your every move to determine if you are finally pregnant. It’s like everyone wants to be the first one to figure it out! It can be really intimidating and unnerving to feel like you are under constant bump watch. (Poor Princess Catherine! ) On the other hand, having a support system of people you can truly talk to when you need to is such a gift. I have made so many close friends through this journey who know what this feels like, not to mention friends who don’t know what it feels like, yet who are amazing at helping me get to doctors appointments without kids, giving me shots in my bum, and just listening while I cry. I think the best supporters around someone dealing with infertility know that they really can’t say much, but their presence and love and prayers are truly the best gift.

More Information, Articles and Support

Have you struggled or do you know someone diagnosed with infertility? 

Choose the Right Seat! New Campaign for Car Seat Safety

by Kate on April 13th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new website and PSA campaign to educate parents about the importance of car seat safety. One key message of the campaign: many children aren’t in the right car seat.

According to the NHTSA, “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 1 through 12 years old. Based on NHTSA crash data in 2010, on average, almost 2 children (age 12 and younger in a passenger vehicle) were killed and 325 children were injured each day. This fatality rate could be reduced by half if the correct child safety seats were always used.”

Choose the Right Seat

(Click image to see full size)

There are three important steps to make sure you have your chid in the safest seat possible.

  • The Right Seat: fit your child correctly
  • The Right Fit: fit your car for safe use
  • Secure Your Child: for optimum protection

We know car seat shopping, fitting and securing can be extremely overwhelming. Luckily, there are local resources all over the country to help you out. Many baby stores will let you try to install a sample car seat in your car before purchasing. For help with installation and fit, find a local CPST to help install or check your installation. There’s an easy Car Seat Inspection Station Locator on the NHTSA website.

For more information on child passenger safety visit facebook.com/childpassengersafety and follow the campaign on Twitter @childseatsafety.

Honk! Honk! Chuggington Season Three Premiere & Twitter Party

by Kate on March 22nd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life

I am excited to be participating in the Chuggington Conductor program this year. What does that mean? It means I’ll be sharing Chuggington news and product information with great reviews and giveaways. We all have to be selective about what our kids watch on television, but I’m excited to partner with this series because it’s a light-hearted show that shares good lessons for kids through the adventures of trains. And, you know kids love trains!

Chuggington is an exciting, train-based animated TV series for preschoolers. Each episode has entertainment and enjoyment at its heart, but embedded within each story are also positive life lessons that will promote social readiness skills. 

Action-based, energetic and vibrant, Chuggington is a 3D CGI series which follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson, Brewster and Koko – as they learn to ride the rails.

New Season of Chuggington

The third season of this popular animated series hits your TV Monday, March 26, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. EST on Disney Junior, Disney Channel’s programming block designed for kids age 2-7 and their families. The new season will include 13 new half-hour episodes that you can also find daily on the new 24-hour Disney Junior basic cable and satellite channel (which launches March 23 U.S.). I’ve set our DVR and know my kids are looking forward to the return of Wilson and friends.

Chuggington Twitter Party

To celebrate the premiere of Season 3, there will be a Twitter party TODAY at 2 p.m. EST! Make sure you follow @Chuggington to join the fun. There will be lots of prizes to win, and even a sneak peek clip of the new season! Follow along using the hashtag #Chuggington.

I’m a 2012 Chuggington Conductor. I was not compensated for this post.

Televisions and Dressers Continue to Pose Deadly Risk to Toddlers

by Malia on March 20th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life

When KidCo contacted me asking that I share how important properly secure televisions and dressers against fall is to toddler safety my first thought was, of course! That is such an important message. Then I realized **I** have a television on top of a dresser in my bedroom and neither of them are secured. Que forehead slap and mommy guilt.

Toddlers have an abundance of curiosity and a significant lack of understanding of physics and gravity. Most of the time this just means scraped knees and bumped heads. But when heavy furniture, like televisions, dressers, or bookshelves, and toddlers mix, the results can be disastrous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says 169 children 8 and younger died between 2000 and 2010 from falling TVs. Add in furniture and appliances and that number rises to 245. More than 22,000 children were treated for tip-over injuries each year from 2008 to 2010.

Reduce Your Family’s Risk

  • Make sure you use a stand designed for the size and shape of your television.
  • Mount televisions to the wall properly. (I’m thinking professionals are not a bad idea.)
  • Don’t put toys or other interesting objects on top of the TV or dressers where children are tempted to climb to reach them.
  • Secure heavy furniture to the wall with safety straps like KidCo’s Furniture Strap or KidCo’s TV Straps.

This is certainly a reminder I could use, especially since I’m the only Shopping Mama who doesn’t already have all her furniture secured. (I guess that’s a good thing, but does continue with the mommy guilt. Guess what’s on the top of my project list for this weekend!)

Thanks to KidCo for the safety reminder and a sample of safety straps.

method: Clean Happy {Video & Sweepstakes}

by Shannon on March 12th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Reviews

Thomas Edison’s invention allows me to read to my children each night.
Alexander Fleming’s invention has helped my children fight infections.
Steve Jobs’ invention makes my children mad at me…I don’t let them play with it enough.
Josh Handy’s invention has changed the way I do laundry, buy products, and eased my conscience.

Haven’t heard of Josh Handy or his invention? Josh is just one of the creative geniuses at method. Not only is this San Francisco-based maker of non-toxic cleaning products dedicated to making products that are safe for you, your children and the environment, with people like Josh on board, they are changing the way those products are delivered.

method Products

Man-Oh-Man! I discovered method products more than four years ago when my daughter transitioned from an infant bath tub to the regular tub. The thought of her sensitive skin coming in contact with harsh cleaners containing toxic chemicals worried me and I found method’s awesome-smelling eucalyptus tub + tile cleaner. Since that time, I feel I have grown with method (and they have grown with me!). Before moving last September, I had already adopted the gel hand soap, dish soap refill (more on delivery & packaging below), laundry detergent and fabric softener, toilet cleaner, and “Best in Glass” in our Florida home. Our current home in Georgia has hard wood floors and granite counter tops and I’ve added method’s “make me want to eat it” almond-scented wood cleaners and daily granite to my cleaning arsenal.

Breathe. Breathe. I tend to gush about method.

Do these products work as well as their “conventional” counterparts? In my experience, absolutely! In fact, everyone at method believes in cleaning without compromise. In other words, you should be able to clean your home effectively without sacrificing personal safety or the environment.

method Delivery

So, how did Josh change my laundry life? I’m sure that was not his goal. Something about products with a higher purpose, reducing environmental impact, yadda, yadda – those were probably his driving goals when working to refine method’s laundry detergent and its packaging. Because engineers and designers at method have produced ultra-concentrated laundry detergent that can render more loads from small amounts of liquid, Josh had an “aha” moment and decided that even a container holding enough detergent for 50 loads would be small enough to put in pump form. A pump!

  • four pumps and I’m done…it could not be easier or quicker
  • no measuring and I still get the right amount of detergent (no waste!)
  • no leaking detergent to clean
  • you buy the pump ONCE and then purchase only refill packages (much less packaging for the landfills!)

I now get my laundry washed and dried in record time with no mess. I’ll write a separate feature on laundry in the coming months and show you how streamlined things have become. It’s truly amazing.

And that refill, as well as all the method refills (like dish soap and hand soap), pours so easily with no muss and no fuss and no mess!

In fact, method focuses much of its resources on packaging (or lack thereof). One look at their products and you can tell that appearances are important. method wants your cleaning products to be so attractive, you won’t want to hide them under the sink.

And while we’re speaking of method’s revolutionary product delivery, let me tease you just a little bit and tell you to expect something HUGE later this year! Intrigued?

Learn More

There is so much more to learn about method. I URGE you to learn more about the company, its founders, its “methodology”, its commitment to innovation and its sense of humor (there’s no escaping that!).

Speaking of sense of humor, we are excited to help launch the brand new method Clean Happy Anthem video.

Sweepstakes

method is offering one super-duper lucky fan a trip to method headquarters in San Francisco and a year’s supply of products. To learn more, visit method on Facebook now through April 3. Prize Details:  A trip for two to San Francisco, including a visit to the Method HQ, lunch with the Method co-founders, a year’s supply of Method products and other surprises.

Sweepstakes details:  Only persons residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, United States, and Yukon who are at least 18 years of age can enter. Starts March 12, 2012 @ 06:00 am (PDT) and ends April 03, 2012 @ 11:59 pm (PDT).

Shop! method products are available for purchase online and in our beloved Target stores nationwide. Method of the Month for March: use code CLEANHAPPY for 20% off all products until March 31 (or while supplies last).

We are compensated method Mavens. Opinions are our own.

Lot of Gerber Good Start Formula Pulled From the Market

by Malia on March 9th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Parenting, Shopping

Gerber has issued a recall of a lot of its Good Start Formula. Gerber is pulling the batch from the market and offering replacement product to parents who purchased the product of concern. The withdrawn product is Gerber® Good Start® Gentle powdered infant formula 23.2 ounce plastic package from batch GXP1684 expiration date of March 5, 2013.

Gerber and the FDA state that the withdrawn product does not pose a health or safety risk, but it does have an off odor that you may have noticed if you purchased this product. There have also been some reports of spit-up and other gastrointestinal complaints. Of course, it’s so hard to tell what causes baby’s spit-up or upset tummy, but formula that might cause fussiness is a great big fail in my book.

Only this single lot number (GXP1684) is affected and Gerber offers its support at the Parents Resource Center anytime, day or night, at 1-800-487-7763. If you have a container of the withdrawn batch, give them a call for a free replacement.

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