Weleda Baby Bath & Skin Care Products Protect, Soothe and Heal with Calendula

When I first started researching nontoxic bath and skincare products for babies back in 2007, Weleda was one of the first brands to cross my radar, as an eco-friendly and pure option. I was writing a story about The Little Seed boutique on Larchmont in Los Angeles, and they had a changing room/nursing area for babies and moms that was stocked with Weleda products. I've always wanted to try Weleda, but never have until recently. I'm sorry I waited so long because their products are fantastic.

I've written before about the importance of bathing your little ones in a toxin free tub- from the bath products you use to the toys, to the actual tub itself. Weleda's mother and baby care collection fits the bill perfectly and goes above and beyond in measures of product safety, performance and integrity.

At the crux of their collection for baby's sensitive skin is healing and soothing organic Biodynamic^®calendula -- and everything in the line is plant-based, tear free and completely free of synthetic ingredients. The fresh fragrances detected in the products are derived from essential oils, and when I bathed Miss O with the Weleda Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash, she was delighted by the scent. It's nourishing, moisturizing and lathers well, so a little goes a long way.

I would highly recommend the Weleda Baby Starter Kit as a lovely baby shower gift and/or to have packed in your bag of tricks for baby's first bath. If you're having a hospital birth, take this starter kit with you and ask the nurses to bathe baby using the non-toxic and organic shampoo and baby wash, keeping in mind that babies -- and big kids, and adults too!-- absorb everything into their skin and then into their bloodstream. Also in the kit: diaper care, baby cream, lotion and face cream. Buying this kit is a great, economical way to get an introduction to the collection too.

Weleda recently celebrated their 90th anniversary, and they work hard to protect our planet and support humanity via their business practices and charitable contributions. Weleda is truly a pioneer of the green movement, employing sustainable farming methods and upholding Fair Trade standards long before there was a mainstream effort in place in these realms.

Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum is A Multivitamin for Your Skin

I've never worn a lot of make-up, so instead of buying a ton of make-up products, I invest in the best skin care products I can find, to keep my skin looking as young and healthy as possible. I also make certain that I only use products with the highest integrity both in their ingredients and their manufacturing ethics. That's why Juice Beauty's organic products are at the top of my list.

It's a cold, hard fact that living in LA is not good for your skin. With the highest pollution levels in the country (sigh), I need all the help I can get in way of protecting and rejuvenating my visage. Enter Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum, which is basically a multivitamin for your skin. I apply it before I put my SPF moisturizer on in the morning, because it is clinically proven to prevent free radical skin cell damage up to 85%, and it makes my skin look fresh and radiant due to its inherent vitamins and amino acids which promote healthy cell renewal and circulation and reduce the signs of aging by boosting collagen and decreasing wrinkle depth. All things I greatly need as a tired mommy!

Finer details aside, I use it for the same reason most women use any facial product, because it makes me feel good. This Antioxidant Serum smells divine, which is attributed to the fact that it is comprised of an organic trio of fruit juices: white grape juice, orange juice and aloe leaf juice, and it's so refreshing to rub into my skin. It absorbs immediately, which I love, because I don't like when facial products leave a greasy residue or shine. If you're thinking $45 is too pricey for this Antioxidant Serum, rest assured that one bottle will last you a very long time, because you only use 4-6 drops for each application.

You can try Juice Beauty too, with this special deal for Petite Planet Readers: Until April 14, 2012, receive a FREE Organic Facial Rejuvenating Mask plus FREE Shipping with any order of $35 when you enter the code PETITE at checkout.

And spring and summer weather means more time out in the sun, so don't miss my review of Juice Beauty's Mineral Sheer SPF 30 moisturizer here!

The Honest Company Delivers Integrity and Style with Baby & Home Care Products

You've probably heard of The Honest Company by now. If you haven't, be sure to read my post over at Inhabitots to get you up to speed on this eco-friendly and thoughtfully designed new company that is the brainchild of Christopher Gavigan and Jessica Alba.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christopher Gavigan about The Honest Company, his latest endeavor to green baby's home environment. As a huge fan of his work with Healthy Child, Healthy World, and his book of the same title, (which I call the Parent's Bible), our conversation didn't disappoint. He is so knowledgeable and humble, and he truly cares about making the world a safer, less toxic place for this generation and the next.

That said, I have also had the chance to try several of The Honest Company's products in our home, and each and every one has yielded a delightful experience. First off, I should mention that their collection of products is only available via a subscription delivery service. They offer a Diapers Bundle and a Family Essentials Bundle, and you may choose to have either or both sent straight to your doorstep on a monthly basis. The subscription service details are outlined on their gorgeous website, so here I will be relaying what I liked best about their products, which are all completely chemical-free and made with the highest integrity ingredients.

That starts with my current dirty little secret. Cloth diapers have all but stopped working at containing Mr. A's pees and poops... so I am back on the market for the greenest disposable diaper I can find, and The Honest Company's diapers fit the bill and then some. Not only are they the *most* biodegradable diaper available, and made of plant-based materials including wheat and corn starch, they are totally non-toxic and chlorine free. They also feature adorable designs ranging from anchors to ice cream cones, so in addition to being soft and absorbent, they are super stylish to boot. I also love their biodegradable baby wipes, which are also plant-based and chlorine-free because they are both soft and effective -- the two most important attributes of a wipe in my opinion.

Other products I have tried: Honest Hand Soap, which leaves hands smelling simply divine and fresh due to its inherent essential organic lemongrass oil and grapefruit seed botanical extracts.

Honest Healing Balm is a perfect salve for everything from baby's diaper rash to chapped skin.

Honest Shampoo and Body Wash boasts my favorite scent for any product: sweet orange vanilla. However it is subtle and refreshing, not overbearing. I love washing Mr. A's hair with this, so when he falls asleep on my chest I can whiff away shamelessly at his sweet, lovely locks.

Lastly, Honest Laundry detergent left our load of dirty clothes perfectly clean and fresh sans chemicals.

Another noteworthy green attribute of The Honest Company: all of their products are made within 90 miles of the company's home base in Santa Monica. 

These products are cheery on the outside, featuring vibrant graphics reminiscent of an ocean breeze on a sunny day, but it's what's inside that makes me happiest. It's wonderful to know that two parents (Gavigan and Alba) who are in a position to make a difference when it comes to baby and household products, are doing so with such style and grace -- helping us all make a difference.

Live Clean Baby Skin Care Products Bring Green to the Mainstream

The most prevalent reasons people offer for not living an eco-friendly lifestyle is that green products are too expensive and too hard to find. So I was thrilled to discover a collection of baby bath and skin care products, Live Clean Baby, that are not only sustainably crafted, but also affordable ($7.99 each) and readily available at Walgreens drugstores -- making it much easier for parents to choose healthy, nontoxic personal care products for their babies. (And ditch Johnson & Johnson once and for all!)

The Live Clean Baby collection has got green babies covered from head to toe. Products in the line include: Moisturizing Baby Bath, Shampoo and Wash, Moisturizing Baby Lotion, Diaper Ointment, Moisturizing Bar Soap and Non-Petroleum Jelly.

I love the Non-Petroleum Jelly the most because it goes on smooth and it's not at all greasy. Mr. A took a nasty spill and I used it on the scab on his face, to keep it from feeling tight, and it has done a remarkable job aiding in the healing process as well. It is simply comprised of three ingredients: castor seed oil, cera alba and tocopherol. This is an ingenious alternative to the (gasp!) petroleum jelly parents have been using for decades - because it is effective and safe. The diaper ointment is also great, and combines zinc oxide with several soothing plant based ingredients including chamomile and lavender.

I also really like the fragrance free bar soap (three full size bars come in each package) and I have been using it myself in the shower. And the baby shampoo and wash suds up nicely without the use of SLS. Also, a teeny, tiny bit of the shampoo and wash goes such a long way -- so you can really get your money's worth.

I really enjoy these products and I think they're a great choice for families who want to detoxify their baby's bath time regimen. The only thing I wish I could change about them is the added ingredients to give them their fragrance.  I love the scent of these products, but I'd prefer if they all came in a fragrance free version, (the bar soap and non-petroleum jelly are available fragrance free), because I think the fragrance is nice, but not necessary, and that ditching the fragrance would raise the integrity of the products' ingredients list.

Here's the 411 on Live Clean Baby products eco attributes: all products are vegan, never tested on animals, FREE of sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, parabens, petroleum, phosphates and phthalates. Formulations are made with a minimum of 98% replenishable, renewable and sustainable natural and plant ingredients, and packaging is recyclable.

Green Stocking Stuffer: Calming Calendula Cream from The Organic Skin Co.

As a cloth diapering mom, my hands are especially raw and chapped from all of the soaking and hand washing I do on a daily basis. Even if I didn't use cloth diapers on my son, we use hand washing as a major means of illness prevention in our house, so our hands are at risk for becoming very dry after many sudsing up sessions!

I have discovered the perfect stocking stuffer for green moms and dads, to keep their hands silky smooth, especially during the upcoming winter season, which is particularly harsh on skin. Calming Calendula Cream from The Organic Skin Co. is the perfect antidote for dry, cracked skin. It goes on smooth, and once rubbed in, it instantly softens your hands and doesn't leave a greasy residue, which is my pet peeve when it comes to lotions and creams.

Calm and Heal Calendula Cream is certified organic and vegan, and it contains a wealth of soothing, restorative ingredients including calendula, of course, vitamin E, lemon peel, shea nut butter, rosehips and more. Read more about how the properties of these natural ingredients calm and heal skin.

In addition to this sumptuous hand cream, The Organic Skin Co. also offers a wonderful collection of high-integrity skin care products you can check out here.

BONUS: Amazon is currently offering the following special: Save 20% when you buy two or more organic skincare items from The Organic Skin Co. Enter code TOSCMB20 at checkout.

Happy shopping for these delightful stocking stuffers!

Circle of Friends All-Natural Lice Prevention System

Let's face it, no one wants to talk about lice. I certainly don't. Just the mention of the four-letter word sends a shiver down my spine. But with back to school season upon us, it would behoove us all to be proactive in staving off lice, naturally. After all, tis the season when lice are most commonly transmitted!

Fresh off summer camp and sleepover parties, kids are heading back into the classroom, quite possibly with lice! (I told you I was a germaphobe). Instead of wondering whether your child will get lice, Circle of Friends Lice Prevention System can help keep little noggins free and clear of the pesky bugs.

Circle of Friends Lice Defense Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner contain natural lice repellents including tea tree, andiroba and lavender oils, and their inherent lemon peel oil, and vitamin B5 hydrate and soften hair.

I recommend buying the Lice Defense Hair Spray as well... because it is easy to apply to your child's hair in the event you didn't have the opportunity to use the shampoo and leave-in conditioner. The hairspray may be used on wet or dry hair -- coating the hair and refreshing the essential oils to provide extra lice deterrent. There is also a Lice Defense Styling Gel you may apply for added defense. Concentrate both the hairspray and gel application behind the ears and at the nape of the neck where lice most often attach.

All of these products may either be used once you learn there has been a lice outbreak at your child's school or daycare: then you could shampoo, condition and use the hair spray and styling gel several times a week or everyday in an effort to avoid your child getting lice. OR, when there is no threat of lice, use the prevention system weekly as a safety measure.

Here's to a healthy school year! Click the links below to purchase:

Circle of Friends Lice Free Zone Hairspray 8 oz

Circle Of Friends Lice Defense Shampoo 8 oz

Circle Of Friends Lice Defense Leave-In Conditioner 8 oz

Circle of Friends Lice Free Zone Gel 4 oz

gDiapers gCloth Diaper Liners Save Time and Some of my Sanity!

Remember my post on the icky hassle of cloth diapers that no one really talks about? Well, I can't thank all of the people who weighed in on the topic enough, because your input has led me to a much easier cloth diapering regimen. "Krissykatmyint" suggested I buy gDiaper gCloth liners, which I did. They were quite a bargain on Diapers.com ($8.99 for 105 liners), and you simply lay them atop the cloth insert and if baby poops, the liner catches it and may be disposed without a big mess.

Apparently these liners are flushable, but our old house can barely handle toilet paper going into the septic system, so I don't flush them, I simply dump the poop out and then put the liner in the trash. I wish I had known about these months ago!

I wouldn't say they are made of the coziest material, so I only use them when I anticipate my baby is going to poop! They make cloth diapering and poop clean up SO MUCH EASIER!

*As an added note, I also started to add 20 Mule Team Borax to my cloth diaper laundering regimen, and it really helps with eliminating stingy odors. I let the diapers pre-soak in Borax and then follow with a hot water wash.

Dr. Robin for Kids Gluten-Free, Chemical-Free Sunscreen

If you've got a baby or toddler with sensitive skin, or perhaps you have sensitive skin yourself, then this chemical-free sunscreen formulated to minimize allergic reaction, and created by a pediatric dermatologist, is just what the doctor ordered.

Dr. Robin for Kids sunscreen has an SPF 30+ and provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Did you know that 80% of lifetime damage to skin occurs before age 18? Help your children learn the sanctity of sunscreen early on!

I love that this sunscreen, which is made in California, is gluten-free and water resistant, and that it boasts natural ingredients including organic quinoa and oat, and green tea extract to protect delicate skin. Also as important is what's not in the bottle: chemicals, phthalates, parabens, nanotechnology or fragrance. 

When I applied Dr. Robin for Kids to Miss O and Mr. A, it initially left a white residue due to its mineral base, but when I rubbed it into their skin using a circular motion, it was quickly absorbed and not at all greasy. I'll be using it on the backs of my hands as well, because in addition to sun protection, it is moisturizing -- and I need to shield my hands during all of our sunny stroller jaunts!

Purchase here.

Kid Safe Screen, SPF 25 from Marie Veronique Organics

June 21st marks the official first day of summer, which means even more reason to head for outdoor adventures and sunny excursions. You'll want to be sure to slather yourself and your little ones with sunscreen, and I recently came across one I'd like to recommend: Kid Safe Screen from Marie Veronique Organics.

This all-natural sunscreen just received top honors in the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide. Click here to view the report. The 100% vegan formula contains no parabens, petrochemicals, fragrances, waxes, fillers, silicones, dyes or other toxic ingredients. Instead, it boasts a simple, yet effective list of sixteen intelligent ingredients that provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in conjunction with non-nano zinc oxide.

The water resistant formula goes on smoothly, and requires little rubbing in. It also has the consistency of a luxurious lotion as opposed to a thick, greasy sunscreen -- which is helpful (and less messy) when blending it into a squirmy baby or toddler's skin. I can use this SPF 25 sunscreen myself, so it's nice that our whole family can get by on packing one bottle when we hit the park or the beach!

Piggy Paint: Non-Toxic, Natural Nail Polish for Girls

The official start of summer is less than two weeks away... but I'm sure many little piggies have already been running around in sandals and flip-flops. After buying this season's flip-flops, Miss O asked me to paint her nails. Thank goodness all-natural polishes such as Piggy Paint are on the market to keep the endeavor free of harmful toxins.

Available in an array of vibrant hues as shown above, we were fans of two of the more subtle shades of Piggy Paint: Sweetpea and Glass Slippers, which are a pale pink and a clear sparkly polish respectively. Piggy Paints are free of the toxins found in most conventional polishes, including, formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone. The natural ingredients in Piggy Paint are listed here.

The folks at Piggy Paint shared the following information and beauty regimen to achieve the best results for using their polishes:

Piggy Paint typically wears a couple days shy of solvent-based polishes when applied as directed.  Wear depends of on the type of nails, the activities the nails are involved in (polish obviously doesn't wear as well on children because they are so hard on their nails), and how the polish is applied.

For maximum chip resistance, we recommend the following application instructions: Wash hands with soap and water. Apply 2 -3 thin coats of Piggy Paint, Air dry 60 seconds. Blow dry polished nails for 1 minute with hair dryer set on warm heat/low blower setting. Since our polish is water-based, it takes longer to cure and the blow dryer speeds up this process. For safety purposes, please follow manufacturer’s instructions on blow dryer and always monitor your child. 

(Tip: Sing 2 rounds of ABC's while blow drying for added fun!) Use Piggy Paint Primecoat for added scratch resistance and Piggy Paint Topcoat for added chip resistance. A little more effort is required to apply all three products, though the result is well worth the extra time. Since our polish does not contain the harsh chemicals found in solvent-based polishes, do not expect it to wear exactly the same (but pretty close).  Our customers tell us it is well worth the trade-off for a non-toxic, eco-friendly, odorless alternative!

Miss O loved her Piggy Paint. We applied it during Mr. A's nap time so we couldn't use the blow dryer, and admittedly the polish came off in the bathtub the same evening. So, I would definitely take the extra time to follow all of the instructions so your child's manicure and pedicure will last longer!

Be sure to check out the entire Piggy Paint collection, which also includes non-toxic nail polish remover, top coat and prime coat and this sweet pedi set!

USE CODE petiteplanet10 TO RECEIVE 10% OFF ANYTHING YOU ORDER FROM PIGGYPAINT.COM!

Miss O, above, is one happy customer wearing Piggy Paint in Sweetpea, to match her Minnie Mouse costume.

Mrs. Meyers Debuts New Product Fragrances: Parsley & Rosemary

I'm a huge fan of Mrs. Meyers products, and we use the liquid hand soap in apple scent at our kitchen sink. We just tried their latest hand soap fragrance, parsley, and it is the perfect soap to scrub up with before preparing many a summer meal! The company just debuted parsley and rosemary as two new scents in their collection of household cleaners which range from hand soaps to laundry detergent. I can attest that their hand soaps are a wonderful daily extravagance and I adore their liquid laundry detergent as well!

Free of damaging triclosan and parabens, Mrs. Meyers hand soap is fueled by natural ingredients including aloe vera gel, olive oil, and essential oils.

Stock up on your Mrs. Meyer's products now, because for a limited time, Mrs. Meyers will send you free lavender or basil seeds with your order!

Eco-Friendly Puppy Shampoo & Grooming Wipes from Earthbath

This post was written by Petite Planet pet correspondent Tracie Berger.

Springtime at Casa d’Canine means lots of outdoor activities for Nina and Kira… which also means lots of baths. From relieving annual allergies to washing up after a romp in the swimming pool, I’m always on the hunt for the best shampoos and products to keep my girls’ coats shiny and healthy. Now that we’ve discovered Earthbath, we need to look no further.

Paul Armstrong founded Earthwhile Endeavors, Inc. in 1995 after a chance encounter with three buddies in San Francisco who had developed a natural, effective pet shampoo but didn't know what to do with it. Well, Paul knew a great product when he saw one (as did his cat Miles), and he was determined to share it with pet lovers everywhere. From the beginning, Earthbath has been developed and manufactured in California with only the safest, finest ingredients from nature. From humble roots and a local following--based on the principles of purity and efficacy -- Earthbath has grown from four shampoos to a comprehensive line of totally natural shampoos, wipes, spritzes, and grooming foams that are sold and used by conscientious animal lovers across the nation and around the world.

Earthbath's comprehensive line of totally natural, soap-free shampoos, grooming wipes, and spritzes offer heavenly scented solutions for the unique needs of your pet, including everyday cleansing and coat conditioning, relief from itching or hot spots, skin sensitivity or allergy, odor relief and more. Their formulas include heavenly scented natural essential oils that will make your pet look and smell better than ever before while naturally solving your pet's most pesky skin problems.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Earthbath’s Grooming Wipes are the single greatest invention I’ve ever seen for a pet. These wipes safely and easily wipe away dirt and odor between baths and allow you to handily clean dirty paws, undercoats and unmentionables from little bottoms! We use the Puppy Grooming wipes, which are extra mild and pH balanced for young pups, and contain Hawaiian awapuhi, aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturize skin and coat. They are amazing to use after the dog park where drool and dirt are the norm, and are so convenient to take anywhere. Several tubs are always on hand in the car! Mild cleansers freshen and deodorize while the wild cherry essence leaves a heavenly scent.

For the times when a full bath is in order, Earthbath’s divine smelling and rich lathering Puppy Shampoo is our favorite. Naturally tearless and pH-balanced for puppies' sensitive skin, this luxurious shampoo contains only nature's finest blend of natural cleansers, aloe vera and a dash of baby-fresh, cherry essence. It won’t wash off topical flea applications, is safe for all animals over 6 weeks old and is soap-free.

Last but not least, Earthbath’s Ear Wipes are a fast, convenient way to keep your pet's ears free of wax and discharge which can cause odor and infections. Not to mention, both Nina and Kira actually enjoy getting their ears cleaned with these wipes as opposed to a liquid earwash. There’s no more resisting or running away! Earthbath’s Ear Wipes contain witch hazel, a natural cleanser and astringent, plus a sumptuous mix of nature's finest plant extracts with gentle therapeutic and deodorizing properties. Safe for all dogs, cats and other furry pets over 6 weeks old and naturally fragrance-free.

Earthbath’s products are simply the best smelling, most natural and gentle line of products I’ve found to keep Nina and Kira healthy, happy and smelling like they just came from the groomers! Visit www.earthbath.com to see their entire line of natural, soap-free heavenly scented products.

NEW! Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF 30

I'm continuing the sunscreen theme this week, but today I'd like to highlight a great product for babies and tots: Badger Baby Sunscreen. I have previously raved about Badger's SPF 30 sunscreen here, but I am delighted they have introduce a formulation especially for babes.

One of the things I like best about this sunscreen is that it contains the soothing ingredients of chamomile and calendula, and does not contain the lavender that is in Badger's regular SPF 30 product. The lavender was a bit too strong smelling for my wee ones.

Badger's Baby Suncreen blocks out harmful UVA and UVB rays, it is water resistant for at least 40 minutes, and most importantly, it starts working immediately upon application. Further, it contains non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide for added safety.

As with all of Badger's eco-friendly, high integrity products, all of the ingredients are pure and organic as well. Click here for the full list.

Lastly, Badger has gone the extra mile to make the actual packaging non-toxic and less harmful on the planet. The packaging is BPA and Phthalate-free, recyclable #2 plastic containing >50% PCR material.

Organic Juice Beauty Mineral Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizer

It's that time of year again, when the sun starts making a frequent appearance, and when I go on my hunt for the perfect moisturizer with SPF. Until now, I had yet to find an organic beauty product in this realm that I was in love with -- but my visage is about to have a long summer romance with this gem from Juice Beauty: SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer.

This moisturizer goes on smooth and leaves no greasy or pore-clogging residue -- really living up to its "sheer" description. It is chemical-free and boasts sun protection via its 10% titanium dioxide content, and moisturizing protection in the form of vitamin antioxidants, essential nutrients and certified organic pomegranate and white grape juices.

As important as what's IN it, equally important is what is NOT in it. Juice Beauty's moisturizer contains no parabens, propylene or butylene, glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes or fragrances.

Be sure to check out Juice Beauty for all of your organic skincare needs. I look forward to adding many of their facial and body products to my beauty regimen.

NEW! Method Mickey & Minnie Mouse Soap, Whistle While You Wash

Hand-washing is such an event around our house, and I've been looking for a way to make the process more fun for Miss O -- but the fun hand soaps geared toward kids are usually filled with toxic ingredients I'm not willing to let her lather up with. So when I learned Method is debuting these adorable Mickey & Minnie Mouse hand soaps April 1st at Target, I knew they would help her get "squeaky" clean while making her excited to have her very own special soap. The delicious scents are Lemonade Mickey and Strawberry Fizz Minnie, and it's amazing how the simple act of shaping a soap dispenser like the iconic mouse ears will really rev a kid up to dash to the sink after going potty.

Additionally, the soap is biodegradable and non-toxic,and it doesn't contain parabens, phthalates, triclosan, EDTA or animal-by products. And the cute packaging is recyclable and made with 25% recycled plastic -- and never tested on mice (ha ha) or other animals.

We use Method products throughout our home, and love how they work well without using toxins which compromise our health or the planet's well-being. I must note, this Method hand soap does use the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate, which is classified as a toxic ingredient by the Skin Deep website. So I asked the folks at Method to explain their use of SLS and they gave me this informative reply I think we may all benefit from:

Method:

"Yes, we do in fact use this particular ingredient, which is derived from coconut oil and used for its lathering and efficacy properties, in a number of our products at minute levels. There has been some controversy over SLS being carcinogenic. SLS is a safe ingredient and has not been classified as a known, probable or even suspected carcinogen by either the International Agency for Research on Cancer (www.iarc.fr) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). The ACS has actually gone so far as to issue a statement to this effect. While the carcinogen concern is completely unfounded, SLS can in fact be a moderate skin and eye irritant when used in high concentrations and unbuffered. Method only uses SLS in our formulations at sufficiently low concentrations so that any irritation concern is irrelevant. When deciding to use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in some of our formulations, Method did a complete assessment of the environmental and health aspects of this ingredient, including tests for toxicity and biodegradability. This was done in cooperation with the EPEA, an independent environmental research institute led by Dr. Michael Braungart, author of the landmark text Cradle to Cradle. Their findings showed SLS to be altogether safe in its intended usage, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and environmentally preferable."

Readers, what soap do you use for your kids for hand-washing? I've always contended that a pump soap is more sanitary than a bar soap at the bathroom sink, but I'd be curious to learn what you all use on your little ones! Please let me know in the comments!

Baby & Me 100% Organic Bamboo Bath Towel for Eco Babies

I love coming across truly new innovations that make parenting a bit easier. Such is the case with the Baby & Me organic bamboo bath towel.

An ideal gift for parents-to-be, this clever creation is sold in a set which includes a towel that mom or dad wears around his/her body like an apron, and a hooded baby-sized bath towel to wrap baby in after bathtime. This way, when you lift baby out of the tub, you can secure him against your body (without getting drenched yourself!) and then get him all warm and toasty in his own towel. Additionally, baby's towel may be buttoned to the apron worn by the parent, so there's no need to try to hold onto the towel while nestling baby in it. Here is a pictorial illustration of the Baby & Me bath towel in use, as well as a video demo.

Additionally, the Baby & Me bath towel is eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it perfect for your little one's delicate and vulnerable skin. Made in the USA from 100% organic bamboo terry and 100% organic ribbed cotton trim -- bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial -- and the set is packaged in FSC certified paper as well.

Before this towel set came along, I was juggling my son on my knee while trying to precariously wrap him up. Now, I simply nestle him into my warm body while wearing the apron component of the Baby & Me set, and then I'm able to effortlessly cover his body with the hooded towel, which is amazingly soft and lovely.

The mother/inventor behind Baby & Me is also researching children's hospitals and women's shelters that may benefit from the donation of these innovative towel sets, so in addition to this being a wonderful product, it is also one that will soon be charitable in nature.

Purchase your Baby & Me towel set here.

Motherlove Diaper Rash & Thrush Salve

I'm always on the lookout for great, all-natural diaper creams, so I was delighted to come across such a pure remedy for baby's bottom: Motherlove's organic diaper rash and thrush salve.

Motherlove has been a leader in the holistic body care industry since 1990, and Motherlove products boast an unbeatable ZERO toxicity level, as determined by the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.

I love that this premium salve offers two-in-one protection to heal and protect against both diaper rash and thrush -- after all, multi-tasking is a mom's middle name. The pure ingredients offer such peace of mind when it comes to placing this product on your baby's vulnerable skin: extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, oregon grape root, myrrh, yarrow, calendula. It is the perfect, soft consistency, not oily, and leaves no residue -- just a light barrier of soothing protection.

Use to soothe persistent inflamed diaper rash. May also be used on mother's nursing nipples. Does not need to be washed off nipple prior to nursing.

Cured the Yeast infection, 5.23.2010 Reviewer: Crystal Schaefer (Columbia, Il) My son had a terrible yeast infection, I tried many creams and prescriptions on it and this cream is the ONLY one that helped. It healed the infection within 3 days!

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Additionally, Motherlove supports the social environment with their Nurturing Life Foundation, which promotes breastfeeding and supports mothers-in-need nationwide. "Over 10% of all Motherlove Herbal Company's profits are donated to organizations that truly help nurture life, like The Maternal Wellness Center, Realities for Children and The Mountain Park Environmental Center."

Check out Motherlove's wonderful collection of products for babies, moms-to-be, moms during the postpartum period and breastfeeding moms!

Note: While I previously stated that this diaper cream was organic, I received the following correction from Motherlove:

"While 96% of the ingredients in the salve are USDA certified organic, 4% (Oregon grape root and myrrh) of the ingredients are only available as wildcrafted herbs and are not certified at this point in time. If Oregon grape root and myrrh were on the list of approved herbs maintained by the National Organic Program (governed by the USDA), the Diaper Rash & Thrush would be 100% organic."

Eco-friendly Biodegradable Training Potty

Ah, potty training. Easily one of the most arduous undertakings of parenting. While our little one is now a pro at going on the regular potty (thank heavens!), during her training days, we had purchased her the Baby Bjorn potty chair, which worked great, suited her well, and was convenient, comfortable and easy to clean. But alas, now we're left with a hunk of bright pink plastic, which we'll no doubt find a way to make more boy-friendly when it's our boy's turn to learn how to use the potty, but nonetheless, what's to become of it once he's mastered the art?

When I happened across the Becopotty, I had to share it with you, because I wish I had known about it when we were in the market for a toilet training potty. The Becopotty is made from waste plant material (bamboo waste and rice husks, which are leftover materials from farming, and by adding a biodegradable resin and pressing the powder in a hot mould a Becopotty is born. The potty lasts for years in your home, but will start biodegrading immediately upon being placed in your garden. How brilliant is that?

The only somewhat inconvenient component I can see with relation to this potty is that it doesn't have a removable, easy to clean insert like the Baby Bjorn potty does, so it will be harder to clean out after every use. But, that's a small price to pay for having a potty that biodegrades back into the earth, as opposed to taking up space in a landfill indefinitely as plastic.

Guide to Aromatherapy During Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum

I recently had the opportunity to interview Rachel Winard of Soapwalla to get her expert advice on how to use aromatherapy during pregnancy, and which essential oils are safe to use, as well as which to avoid during the sacred nine months of growing a little human being! The information she provided is so comprehensive and helpful and this article is a must read for all moms-to-be, and may be enjoyed here.

Organic, Holistic Pet Care Grooming Products from Opie & Dixie

My sister Tracie is the best, most loving and conscientious dog owner I know. So when I came across Opie & Dixie's pet grooming line, I had to share the good news of these green and natural products with her. She recently pampered her new pooch with these holistic and luxurious products and here's her review:

"As a dog owner for many years, I am constantly on the hunt for quality products for my pets. My 13 year old Dalmatian A.J. recently crossed the rainbow bridge due to cancer, so all our food and grooming products are now meticulously scrutinized for holistic, organic and healthy ingredients at all costs.

In an effort to try something other than baby shampoo for bath time, I came across Opie & Dixie Wholesome Pet Solutions. I tried four of their grooming products, all of which were met with overwhelming acceptance by my newest Dalmatian, Nina. We started with the Organic Oatmeal Almond Shampoo at bath time. Upon first lather it was rich and luxurious, yet gentle to her skin. The subtle smell of almond lingered in the air. Next came the Organic Botanical Crème Rinse & Conditioner. This product was more aromatic, like something you’d smell in a garden full of flowers, but not at all overbearing. Nina’s coat instantly became softer, even more so after her blow dry.

Upon completion of her ritualistic post-bath-time sprint through the house and catapult over the sofa, Nina rested just long enough for me to apply the Healing Paw Balm, which instantly took her paw pads from cracked and dry to smooth and moist. What an ingenious product! I’ve never given much thought to my dogs’ paw pads, but the Healing Paw Balm really makes me think about the negative impact of hot asphalt on their little feet! The last product, the Organic Rosehips Dry Shampoo and Conditioning Mist, we tried a few days later. With the gentle smell of rose, this product instantly perked up Nina’s coat and reverted it back to its softness and shine on spa day. It was nice to see a product work instantly to get her clean and smelling fresh again.

During the summer months, Nina is a bit more itchy and scratchy than normal due to her lazy days of rolling in the grass. Since using the Opie & Dixie grooming products, I’ve noticed Nina’s scratching is virtually non-existent. Goodbye Johnson & Johnson, hello Opie & Dixie!"

The Opie & Dixie product line includes:

• Organic Ear Wash made with spring water, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

• Oatmeal Almond Shampoo for silky coats and skin health.

• Unscented Kitty Shampoo with gentle rosemary, lavender, and rosehip extracts.

• Rosehips Dry Shampoo and Conditioning Mist for waterless washing.

• Gentle Puppy Shampoo: Soothing and mild for a puppy’s delicate coat.

• Botanical Créme Rinse and Condtioner for hydrating skin and coat.

• Healing Paw Balm for restoring, healing and hydrating paw pads.


Each of the above products incorporates herbs, oils, and essential nutrients designed with the input of veterinarians and nutrition experts to promote optimum health, from shiny coats to clean ears to healthy immune systems.

Eco stats: From the ingredients to the non-BPA packaging to product labels that are printed on recycled paper and made with a 100% wind-powered manufacturing process, Opie & Dixie makes every effort to care for the earth in the same way that it cares for pets. Additionally, a percentage of all retail sales go to a local dog rescue organization.