Hyland's Homeopathic Products Provide Worry-Free Relief

Given the fact that the vast majority of cold and cough products for children contain questionable ingredients and additives -- and they oftentimes don't even work, we stock our medicine cabinet with Hyland's Homeopathic products to ensure Miss O and Mr. A are getting safe and effective remedies that won't do them more harm than good.

Both of my kiddos recently caught a nasty cold, so I gave them Hyland's Cough 'n Cold 4Kids during the day and Hyland's Nighttime Cough 'n Cold 4Kids before bed. Both syrups contain all-natural homeopathic formulations to foster symptom relief, and they are free of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan. We all know there's no cure for the common cold, but Hyland's products really helped relieve their symptoms, making them more cheerful and better able to tolerate being stuck at home sick.

Barbie's Home Birth Captured in Photos!

We know all about Barbie's career choices, but now we have insight into Barbie's personal life via these intimate images which capture her home birth. The blonde bombshell is shown laboring alongside Ken and her daughter, with the support of a midwife. We see the iconic figure's birthing experience unfold frame by frame, capturing each moment from her initial check-in with her midwife, to breastfeeding her newborn. Since millions of children around the globe play with Barbie dolls, this bold pictorial is both empowering and educational for young women, and let's face it, it's pretty funny to see Barbie in all her glory in this never before seen light.

See the images of Barbie's home birth 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.

Rhoost Makes Babyproofing an Eco-Friendly & Stylish Endeavor

Baby proofing. There's no way around it. Nor should there be... but until I found the Rhoost collection of child proofing products, I had been lamenting the lack of stylish options on the market -- options that don't require an engineering degree for installation.

Our walls, TV stand, cupboards, and nearly every surface of our home bear the marks of the safety products we have installed to keep Miss O and Mr. A from harm's way. But for those of you just embarking on the process, look no further than the Rhoost collection, which features an array of solutions that may be installed without using the invasive procedures that mar furniture and the like -- and the products are easily portable for trips to grandparents, friend's homes, etc! Even better, they are 100% recyclable (the products and the packaging), and totally non-toxic: free of BPA, lead, PVC and phthalates.

My favorite product in the comprehensive line, which includes blind cord winders, cabinet locks, safety outlet covers, and table corner guards, is the finger guard. We have two front doors: one screened and one solid. We like to leave the solid door open and let fresh air come in through the screened door. But, this is hardly possible with a crazily curious and mischievous 17 month old boy in the room. I even filmed him over the summer as he outsmarted every single keep-door-open-thingamajig that we bought from Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, you name it. No matter how many stars the products received for effectiveness, Mr.A found a way to instantly dismantle their integrity and bring the door to a crashing close.

But alas, enter Rhoost's finger guards (that boast screw-free installation), and Mr. A has met his match. Now we can keep the door open without worrying about his defiant and dallying digits.

Do yourself, your kids, your home, and the planet a favor, and look to Rhoost for your child proofing needs. I wish I had these products home to roost years ago!

Team Studer's 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

A friend of mine just emailed me a link to this beautiful post written by the mom at the helm of the blog Team Studer. These 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons brought tears to my eyes... and I also found the rules highly applicable to daughters, fathers, grandparents, any caregiver/child combo there is, really. Inspire and rejuvenate your day by reading this poignant post.

The Quest for Inner Peace

I've been thinking a lot about New Year's resolutions, and have come up with many things I'd like to do differently in 2012 -- but the one thing that trumps all when I have these inner convos is that I want to achieve inner peace.

Having struggled with bouts of depression my entire life, I have come to the realization that my idea of "happiness" will probably always elude me when it comes to attainment -- because it is an ideal that has been fed to me by the media and by other people's notions, and ironically, the people I have thought were the happiest, fall from grace all too easily. This concept of happiness is one that I think can be destructive to those who feel less than. I know for one, that I often wander around wondering why I don't feel as happy as I should, given all of my blessings in life. But I think I am framing it wrong. I am not one of those "happy go lucky" people. There are many times I wish I was, but then I wouldn't be who I am. I hurt deeply, I think too much, I empathize to my own detriment, I too often get lost in the black holes of my own mind...

But I know that inner peace may exist in spite of feeling "happy" or "sad." I want to accept who I am, not wish I was different -- and I am hoping that inner peace will spring forth from that acceptance.

My brother just sent me a great article called "The Joy of Quiet" that recently ran in the New York Times. Everyone, parents especially, should take the time to read it. It made me realize that my children and I will much more easily find our peace in the quiet. In a day and age when we are constantly bombarded with information, tweets, updates, likes, texts, emails, calls, it is the spaces between which matter the most.

May you have a "peaceful" New Year.

I took the photo above while on a walk with Miss O and Mr. A. I thought the raindrops were so beautifully poised on the leaf, such a dainty bit of nature atop a hard, cracked concrete backdrop. It just looked like poetry to me.

PONG iPhone & iPad Cases Reduce Exposure to Radiation

Over at Inhabitots this year, we have been reporting on the disturbing research that has been making headlines with regard to children and cell phone use. Such studies, including the findings that cell phones are linked to cancer, and that children's brains absorb twice as much radiation as adult's brains during cell phone usage, are deeply disturbing.

So when I heard about PONG iPhone and iPad cases, (they also make cases for Blackberrys and Androids), which drastically reduce exposure to radiation, I knew I had to outfit our iPhones in them, as well as tell you about them.

PONG cases protect you from cell phone radiation, without compromising the integrity of your phone's performance. PONG cases offer the only solution proven in FCC-certified labs to protect consumers significantly (up to 95% below FCC limits) from wireless device radiation. Additionally, each case features a patented antenna technology that redirects and redistributes the cell phone radiation that would otherwise be absorbed by the user’s head and body (as opposed to shielding or blocking the radiation which the FCC warns may actually increase radiation exposure, forcing the phone or iPad to work harder to find a signal).

I feel a million times better about not having a land line, and relying solely on my iPhone for communication, now that I have a PONG case. However,  even with this trusty new case, I still don't allow Miss O to play on my iPhone like I used to do -- before I knew doing so could be harmful to her health and development. Yet, it makes me wonder why SO many apps are designed and marketed to children. I used to employ my iPhone as the ultimate on-the-go entertainment center for Miss O, and I know many parents currently do. But I think it's time to go back to a notepad and a game of hangman or tic-tac-toe, some finger puppets, and good old fashioned paper and crayons.

At least in the meantime, as technology continues to excel at the speed of light, and our dependence on it continues to deepen, it is good to know that PONG Research has stepped up to create a solution that will help protect us.

Amber Baby Teething Necklace from Amber Artisans

As parents, we often stumble upon information we wish we had previously known. Facts that could have really made our lives easier, had we known them at an earlier date! Such is the case for me with amber baby teething necklaces. So I hope you're reading this post at the perfect time to help relieve your teething babes from their painful woes of cutting teeth.

Frankly, as a green parenting writer, I have come across a ton of teethers and teething necklaces and remedies, so I am surprised that amber has only recently crossed my radar. I was at the park with Mr. A, and twin toddlers his age sauntered over to play. They were wearing matching necklaces, and when I asked their mom what they were made of, she explained that they were made of amber, which helps relieve teething pain, and that neither or her tots have ever suffered from teething issues.

I immediately hunted down the best amber baby teething necklace I could find. It's from Amber Artisans in Lithuania (they ship worldwide). Each necklace is handcrafted with Baltic Amber by expert artisans who polish and round every bead to a soft finish. The necklace comes accompanied by  a soft linen satchel to store it. I remove Mr. A's necklace for bathtime and bedtime and nap time, so I tuck it safely in the satchel at those times.

Here's what I learned: amber has a therapeutic, calming effect on wearers. It is especially good for teething babies and tots because it is a homeopathic gem that has anti-inflammatory properties. When the necklace is worn, the skin's warmth releases trace amounts of amber's healing, pain relieving oils, which help babies stay calmer and more relaxed when teething.

Here's more on the fascinating healing powers of amber, from the Amber Artisans website:

"Amber has been used for a variety of medically related reasons such as a natural analgesic, helping to fight inflammation, infections and respiratory disease. When you place the amber necklace next to your baby's warm skin, the amber releases healing oils which are naturally absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream. The powerful oils contain a very special ingredient known as succinic acid. Extensive scientific research bears witness to the fact that succinic acid can do wonders on the human body. For examples, succinic acid stimulates the thyroid glands to help reduce drooling, soothing red and inflamed gums and enhances calmative, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and febrifuge (anti-fever) functions."

Like I said, I wish I had an amber necklace for Miss O to wear when she was teething, and I wish I had gotten one for Mr. A long ago, as he has nearly all of his teeth now. Both of my kids have had harrowing teething journeys, and I would have loved to try this homeopathic approach from the get-go.


Purchase an amber baby teething necklace here.

Natural Remedies to Help Kids Avoid and Fight Colds & Flu

Just a few things I have added to my germ-fighting bag of tricks since we're full swing into cold and flu season, and we seem to keep catching every cold and passing it between each family member. Just as one gets better, the next falls ill. Hmmph.

Above, I have started Miss O on Nordic Naturals Omega 3-6-9-D Junior, as both a supplement to her somewhat limited diet, and a protector against the flu virus. Evidently, you can fight the flu naturally with vitamin D, so sign me (and her) up.

When and if your little one (12 months and older) does get a nasty cold with an unrelenting cough, you must have Zarbee's All-Natural Children's Cough Syrup on hand. Comprised of buckwheat honey and immune-boosting vitamins, this safe and effective cough remedy is gluten free and contains no drugs, alcohol or dyes. If your tot's cough is keeping her up all night, try Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink as well!

My favorite hand-sanitizer brand, CleanWell is branching out and has recently added disinfectants to their green and clean collection. Get their disinfectant spray (above) and their disinfectant wipes (below) and slip them into your stroller or diaper bag. On the go, clean off airplane trays, changing stations, grocery cart handles, restaurant high chairs and booster seats... you name it! These products are antibacterial and antiviral, and they kill 99.99% of germs (including influenza virus) on hard, non-porous surfaces, using botanical, non-toxic ingredients. Yes, please! Purchase here.

Finally, if your children are AT ALL open to neti pot rinses... they are a highly effective, wonderful way to rinse germs from the nasal passages, before they take root in the body and cause illness. Read about my favorite neti pot here.

*Special Note* Readers: I am not a doctor. I'm just a mom doing research to try to keep my family healthy in a green manner. These are all just suggestions from me, a mom doing my best! Please consult your child's pediatrician before giving him any medications or supplements.

Zarbee's Nightime Cough and Sleep Drink

I love homeopathic remedies for kids. See one of my favorites here. And there's a new natural remedy designed especially for children that I am relieved to have on hand for the upcoming winter cold season, and which I have already used with much success.

Miss O and Mr. A have actually been ill for the past couple of weeks, so I have stocked our medicine cabinet accordingly with the best relievers I can find. Zarbee's Nightime Cough and Sleep Drink just launched, and it is all-natural and drug free. Since cough medications are not safe for children under the age of 4, it's nice to know that this product has been proven safe and effective for kids ages two and older.

Developed by a pediatrician, Zarbee's Nightime Cough and Sleep Drink is made from antioxidant-rich buckwheat honey and it also contains immune-boosting Vitamin C, zinc and elderberry and a small amount of melatonin. It is also gluten free, and contains no alcohol, drugs or dyes.

Each packet of grape-flavored powder may be mixed with two ounces of warm water and given to your child at bedtime. I know that when my kids are sick, coughing jags wake them frequently, so I need a remedy on hand.

During Miss O's most recent cold, she was up at 3:30 am with a terrible, barking cough. I gave her a dose of this tasty sleep drink, which she drank without putting up a stink (which is a miracle in and of itself -- note: she actually said "mmm, this tastes like candy!"), and after a few more coughs and whimpers, she fell sound asleep until morning. I had sat up with her from 3:30am to 4am to see if her cough would subside by itself, and it wasn't budging. I know if I hadn't given her Zarbee's we would have both been up all night. Do yourself and your kids a favor, and have a box on hand at all times!

TIP: Since you can only give your child one packet of Zarbee's per day. Wait until she wakes up in the wee hours coughing to administer the dose. One night I gave Miss O the dose at 7pm, and when she woke up at 2am, I had no relief for her. Since she had no trouble with a cough until the wee hours, I figured it was best to give it to her when she needed it most.

Nordic Naturals Baby DHA

Flu season is upon us, and I am a big proponent of finding natural ways to boost a child's immune system so she is less susceptible to getting sick.

I love Nordic Naturals, as you can see here, and I was happy to learn they make Baby's DHA, specifically for little ones, 5 to 35 pounds, so they may get the essential omega-3 fatty acids they so need. Baby's DHA supports eye and brain development, and the nervous and immune system. It also includes natural vitamin D3, and vitamin D offers tremendous protection against influenza.

Baby's DHA, made from Nordic Natural's Gold Standard 100% Arctic Cod Liver Oil, comes with a measure dropper, and you can add the liquid to baby's food or bottle. It is free of gluten, milk and artificial flavors.

I am including the label below for your perusal:

BOOK REVIEW: Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M.Ed, with Lisa M. Ross

Part of my role as a parent trying to raise my children in an eco-friendly environment is to constantly streamline and simplify our lifestyle, to put what is important at the forefront and do away with the superfluous objects, events, activities and incessant 'noise' and input that society is always trying to say we "need" to be complete.

So when I came across the book, Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids, I knew it would help me hone my philosophy and give me more of the tools I need to carve out a sacred path with my family.

From dramatically reducing clutter and toys, thereby giving developing children less choices and distractions (sensory overload) from their amazingly natural capacity to grow and discover the world without the use of dozens of useless plastic props, to recognizing when your child or teenager has a 'soul fever' and needs to take a much needed break from daily routines, the authors cover an array of parenting topics by dispensing wise, easy to institute tips for establishing 'rhythm' in your home to giving your kids the 'gift of boredom.'  They suggest 'boredom is the precursor to creativity,' and I have seen this with Miss O many times. When she is left to her own devices, and 'nothing' to do, she comes up with the most magical activities to entertain herself.

Another key element of the book is the chapter on Filtering Out the Adult World. Not just through obvious ways like limiting screen time via TVs, computers and iPhones, but by talking less and listening more to our children. One of my favorite lines from the book is: "When we talk over and under and around a child, when we talk too much, there's less space for their thoughts, for what they have to say." I love this reminder, because I think as parents, we're constantly trying to teach our kids everything we know, at every opportunity, but in essence, my kids have taught me more about what's truly important about life, in their short time on earth, simply by existing.

I would highly recommend this book to every parent. The guidance within will help you raise your children in a peaceful, loving and secure home, while giving them the tools they need to thrive in the great, big world once they spread their wings and fly.

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

Satch & Sol Fair Trade 100% Wool Slippers Keep Tiny Toes Toasty

Back in 2009, I wrote a post about how important it is for both the sanctity and the sanitation of the household, to remove your shoes at the door. We have been doing so in our house for the last 4 years, and I wish we had started sooner!

There's nothing like slipping into a cozy pair of beloved slippers once you leave the outside world behind and enter your 'castle.' We are all slipper fanatics around here, even Miss O. Admittedly, she has gone through several pairs in her 4 years on earth, but we've just found the cutest, most beautifully made and eco-friendly slippers she's had the pleasure of wearing yet: Pups slippers from Satch & Sol.

Handmade by the Artists of Mongolia, a fair trade artisan cooperative, using traditional felting and knitting techniques, these sweet, 100% wool pups slippers include thoughtful details such as ears that stick out, felted eyes and a felted nose, which are securely and expertly hand stitched, and they are seamless, making them super comfortable. They also boast a plush black and brown suede sole to cushion little feet.

The Satch & Sol slippers collection includes an array of adorable slippers for babies, big kids, and  adults! All are crafted with the same integrity outlined above, and there's a style and color to suit everyone's fancy.

I also want to add that run of the mill kids slippers are usually made with synthetic soles and materials, and since feet sweat a lot, especially when tucked into a warm slipper, we've had issues with "stinky feet." Since Satch & Sol slippers are comprised of 100% wool, we haven't experienced any smelly toes, after constant, very enthusiastic wear.

Miss O never wants to take her pups off her feet, and she even named them Nick and Sally (from Dr. Seuss.) What a fun way to uphold the ritual of leaving shoes by the door to enter your sacred niche on earth.

Little Me Tea - Healthy, Organic Tea Drinks for Kids

We're big tea drinkers in our household. I think my husband even started drinking tea when he was a baby! However, it had never dawned on me to offer tea to my children as a daily beverage. I don't know why I haven't thought of it because tea is so beneficial and is inherently filled with antioxidants. Chamomile tea had been suggested to us by doctors, as a way to alleviate colic, but I couldn't get either of my kids to drink it as babies, so who knows whether it would have worked.

I just learned about the first and only tea beverage specifically created for children: Little Me Tea, which are organic, low sugar, gluten free and caffeine-free. Invented by parents who didn't want to give their daughter sugar-laden juices or flavored waters that were lacking in nutrition, Little Me Tea, which comes in grape and tropical varieties, is filled with healthy ingredients including white and Rooibos tea blends and a bevy of organic juices: pineapple, grape, apple, carrot, even sweet potato puree! So kids who drink Little Me Tea ingest a load of fruits and veggies in addition to the benefit of tea.

Miss O was initially a fan of the teas on her first try, but then she decided she preferred her apple juice. Tea can be somewhat of an acquired taste, and if your kids are used to drinking sweet fruit juices and flavored milks, these tea drinks may be a hard sell. That said, my husband and I love their taste. I think Miss O is used to the sweetness of apple juice (even though we only ever serve her very diluted juices 1/4 juice to 3/4 water), so if your child is accustomed to the the naturally occurring sugars in fruit juices, simply mix her favorite juice with the Little Me Tea so she can experience all of the additional nutrients.

Another great idea from Little Me Tea is their delicious smoothie recipes. Their "brainpower breakfast smoothie" will be especially handy for kids heading back to school. And if you've got a budding athlete on your hands, fuel them with the "kick it up sports smoothie."

Cheers!

CleanWell Products Keep Back to School Germs at Bay

I'll admit it: I'm a germaphobe. And with Miss O starting preschool in less than a month, I am already fearing the bugs she may catch and bring home. In my search for a hand sanitizer she can use while on-the-go and unsupervised, it was important to me to find one that was alcohol-free and non-toxic, but also effective.

Enter CleanWell products. Powered by a natural, thyme based formulation, their collection of hand sanitizers kills germs while being kid-safe, gentle on sensitive skin, biodegradable, and naturally antibacterial.

I am going to put CleanWell 1 ounce sprays in Miss O's lunchbox and backpack. They are easy for kids to use, and unlike gels, they are more manageable to dispense without overdoing it. CleanWell now offers their formulation in an orange-vanilla scent that I think kids will really like.

I'm also going to stock our car with CleanWell's hand sanitizing wipes and 8 ounce foaming hand sanitizers -- so when I pick her up from school, she can wipe her hands clean of the day's dirt and grime.

Readers? What are your best tips for fighting germs? I know some moms believe kids need to be exposed to germs, get sick, etc., but I don't think I'll ever be able to adopt that philosophy and be lax in having my kids at least keep their hands clean! If anyone else is a germaphobe with helpful tips, please share in the comments below!

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.

What is Your Cause? What Would it Be?

Have you ever thought about what your "cause" would be? We often see affluent people who don't have day jobs, generously giving of their time and resources to charitable causes. If you had all the time in the world to be an advocate for a people or issue, what would you do?

I would spend my time trying to change the American vaccination schedule. I know whenever I write about this, it makes *so* many people uncomfortable. I lose subscribers, I get rude comments and emails. But this fuels me even more. WHY are we as parents tolerating the fact that:

According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, one in 91 American children has an autism spectrum disorder. Thirty years ago, it was one in 2,500.

WHY does the AAP see it fit to pummel our childrens' delicate bodies with toxins when they are at their most vulnerable stages of development?

Did you know that:

American infants and children are recommended to receive 14 different vaccines, administered in a whopping 49 doses, all before age six. Forty-nine! Compare this to Japan, where children receive just six vaccines in 12 doses by age five. Or to the US just a generation ago—today’s kids get four times more vaccines than those born in the 1970s.

PLEASE, no matter where you stand on this issue- whether you give your child every shot the schedule recommends, or whether you question the current vaccination schedule, please read this VITAL and COMPELLING article on the topic. This should be a mandatory read for every parent before taking their baby home from the hospital.

Especially since Autism and environmental toxins are clearly linked -- this is no longer something we can pass off as genetic.

THE TRUTH ABOUT VACCINATIONS by Julian Whitaker, MD

The Little Known Dangers of Play Sand

Who would have thought that finding sand for my kids' new sand and water activity table would result in shock at the fact that most play sand is carcinogenic and may cause fatal lung conditions?

I wanted to warn other parents with this regard, so please read the article here which warns:

The State of California requires a cancer warning label on bags of sand containing crystalline silica. That is because most of the sand found in hardware stores is not natural sand, but actually derived from quarried quartz rocks. The dust from such sand is regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protections Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and known to cause fatal lung conditions.

In my research I also discovered that some parents purchased sand that did not have a warning label on the bag, but the website for the sand said to beware of the sand's cancer-causing properties, so they were stuck with a useless, dangerous product.

Do your kids play in a sandbox or with a sand table? Where did you get the sand? Please leave answers and enlighten us all in the comments section!

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins & My Brand of Choice

From the moment you decide to start trying to conceive a baby, it's a wise idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin to gear up for what will most likely be the biggest events your body will ever help you achieve: pregnancy, the birth of your child and breastfeeding. There are an array of prenatal vitamin options on the market, and some doctors even write prescriptions for prenatal vitamins to their patients. Navigating the choices can be confusing, and you may need to try a few brands before figuring out which ones don't make you nauseous (mostly due to iron content) once you become pregnant. I thought I'd help take the guesswork out of your search by recommending my prenatal vitamin of choice to add to your list of possibilities: 365 Everyday Value Prenatal Multi from Whole Foods.

I am currently taking this prenatal vitamin, and I took it while pregnant with Mr. A and also while I was pregnant with and nursing Miss O. Taking a prenatal vitamin is a great, easy way to make sure you're getting the essential nutrients you and your baby need, even if you're not eating well due to morning sickness. Of vital importance for pregnant women to be ingesting in proper doses are folic acid, iron and calcium -- all of which are included in one of these tablets, to help supplement a healthy diet. I have an extreme sensitivity to iron, and the iron in this brand of has never bothered me.

Another reason I opted for this brand is that these vitamins include additional benefits: raspberry extract for uterine support, and ginger extract to help combat nausea and stomach upset.

Here is a good article regarding prenatal vitamins, which lists the dosages for each mineral that should be contained in your vitamin. I checked the label of my 365 Everyday Value vitamins against the requirement list in said article, and these vitamins meet, but mostly exceed all nutritional requirements. They also live up to their name by being economical. Bottles start at $9.99

*As with any vitamin, medication, herb, supplement, etc. Always check with your care provider to make sure it is safe for you and your baby to ingest.