Entries Tagged 'Babies' ↓
April 5th, 2009 — Babies, Health
Bisphenol A Controversy
In February 2007, the public advocacy group Environment California Research & Policy Center published a report titled Toxic Baby Bottles: Scientific Study Finds Leaching Chemicals in Clear Plastic Baby Bottles. The report describes the harmful effects of the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), a developmental, reproductive, and neural toxicant found in polycarbonate plastic—the material used to make the vast majority of baby bottles.
Soon after this report was released, a billion dollar class-action lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles against five major baby bottle manufacturers over the dangers of BPA. The lawsuit alleges that potentially harmful levels of BPA can leach from polycarbonate baby bottles, when they are heated, and migrate into the contained liquid. The California legislature has also debated the safety of BPA, and next year supervisors in San Francisco will consider a citywide ban on BPA.
Chemical companies and baby bottle manufacturers claim human exposure to low doses of BPA is harmless. Yet there is growing scientific evidence to the contrary. In August 2007, an expert government panel found there is concern that bisphenol A causes neural and behavior problems among children who have been exposed to the chemical before or after birth.
Many consumers are unaware of this controversy and continue to purchase polycarbonate baby bottles, having never heard of BPA or the dangers it may pose for their families.
BPA is also widespread in bodies of water such as rivers and estuaries, and in landfills, where it leaches into the surrounding ecosystems.
The resources below are intended to provide you with greater detail about the bisphenol a controversy.
– Green to Grow
April 5th, 2009 — Babies, Health
The Baby Bottle Buying Guide:
Glass: Glass baby bottles, which don’t leach toxic chemicals, are a time-tested alternative to polycarbonate plastic. Glass bottles are, of course, breakable, and put children at risk of injury in the case of an accident. Additionally, glass can chip or crack when sterilized, which could lead to glass splinters in baby’s beverage. As with plastic, careful and regular inspections of the bottle allow parents to detect any flaws in the glass. Recycle any scratched, cracked, or chipped glass bottle.
#2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP Plastics:These opaque bottles are made of either polypropylene or polyethylene, which are not known to leach carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Look on the bottom of the bottle for the recycling symbol: polyethylene has #2 (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) or #4 (low-density polyethylene, LDPE) in the chasing-arrow triangle, and polypropylene (PP) has #5. Polycarbonate bottles are #7 and may be labeled “Other” or “PC.” If the bottle isn’t labeled, call the manufacturer.
PES Plastics: Although polyether sulphone, or PES, hasn’t been studied as thoroughly as #2, #4 and #5 plastics, lab studies have found that it does not leach BPA or phthalates (a hormone-disrupting plasticizer commonly used in #3 PVC plastics). PES plastics may be labeled with a #7 like polycarbonate is, since both plastics fall into the “Other” category. If you see a #7 and aren’t sure if it’s PES or PC, call the manufacturer before using it.
Silicone Nipples: Replace standard rubber nipples (amber-colored) with clear, silicone nipples. Not only are silicone nipples free of cancer-causing nitrosamines, but they last longer.
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Before first use, sterilize bottles in boiling water.
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Inspect bottles and nipples before each use and discard those with cracks or scratches.
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To avoid dangerous hot spots, breast milk or formula should never be heated in the microwave. Stovetop heating can cause glass bottles to burst and plastic ones to melt, especially when supervised by sleep-deprived parents. Instead, place the filled bottle in a bowl of hot water and swirl it periodically.
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To avoid tooth decay and injuries, don’t let baby sleep with or walk around with the bottle.
Usage Tips– TheGreenGuide.Com
April 3rd, 2009 — Babies
5 Oz Regular Neck, $9.99
Our baby bottles are made from PES plastic, which gives them a natural golden color. They are free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, from which most baby bottles are made.
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Bottles are tested in the U.S. to ensure they meet the highest standards for quality and safety
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Free of lead and PVC
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Includes a Beginner (slow flow, 0-3 months) nitrosamine-free silicone nipple
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Compatible with Medela breast pump
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100% recycled packaging
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
10 Oz. Regular Neck, $10.99
5 Oz. Wide Neck, $9.99
10 Oz. Wide Neck Bottle, $10.99
Re -Usable baby Clothes, $23.99
Our organic cotton baby cloths are essential for parents and baby—super soft for the face, styling on the shoulder, and sturdy for the spills. And each cloth is made from fabric grown by members of the Chetna Organic Project in central India, which helps independent farmers overcome poverty, gain financial independence, and contribute back to their communities. Fair trade, socially sustainable, Skal certified, low impact, eco-friendly dyes; free of formaldehyde, amines, pesticides, and heavy metals. 3 cloths per package—colors vary.
Welcome Home Set, $54.99
Green to Grow’s Welcome Home Set has everything new parents need to start nourishing a baby with confidence: two 5 oz BPA-free baby bottles, two 10 oz BPA-free baby bottles (all of which come with Beginner nipples, 0 – 3 months); one package of Intermediate nipples (3 nipples per pack, 3 – 6 months); one package of Expert nipples (3 nipples per pack, 6+ months); and a super soft, organic cotton baby cloth, good for burps, slurps, baths, and splashes!
Creating a line of bisphenol A free baby bottles was our way of taking direct action where we saw a need. But while addressing a single concern is a positive step, we believe our responsibility cannot end there. In order to address the problems associated with the effects of toxic chemicals on human health and on the environment, we must join together with the larger community of those who are working for a greener and safer world. Not just for our children, though they are certainly the most vulnerable in every sense, but for all of us.
We are great believers in the power of knowledge and the necessity of direct action.
– Green to Grow
www.GreentoGrow.Com
April 3rd, 2009 — Babies
The easiest way to prevent diaper rash is to keep that area dry, but wipes leave that cute tushie all wet. That’s where Bummas ($17 for 10) come in handy. They are little, 5×7″ rectangles of soft, 100% cotton fabric. They’re velvety soft on one side and terry-cloth-like loops on the other. Just use them after the wipe to dry baby completely and toss them in the laundry. They wash up nicely and return to their original softness, with no shriveling or unraveling whatsoever. And they’re made in the USA. I know you could cut up washcloths yourself, but the edges would fray when you wash them. Trust me. I know this from experience. Bummas come all rolled up in a cute pack of coordinating colors so I love them for a shower gift.
Other Great Uses:
• Convenient shoulder armor for burping and feeding.
• Take them with you for quick clean-ups.
• So soft and supple, it’s perfect for their little noses.
• Great for baths as a baby wash cloth!
November 2nd, 2008 — Babies, Gifts
Rockabye Baby was created for the need to Make children’s music cool – Not only for babies, but for their parents too. They’ve turned their Love of Punk and Classic rock into albums resulting in fun for infants.
They’ve transformed timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of the Tranquil instruments will lull your baby into a sweet slumber. Rockabye Baby Cd’s makes a Unique Baby shower gift for parent’s who have a love for music. It’s perfect to start newborns off right with the Great taste in music.
Bands Featured By Rockabye Baby are: Coldplay, RadioHead, The Cure, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Quuen of the Stone Age, The Eagles, Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Bjork, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Green Day, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and The Pixies. All Albums are 16.98 and are available at
www.rockabyebabymusic.com
