Bumbo Exchange

There have been some growing concerns among parents about the safety of the bumbo because it doesn't have a safety restraint for the child while seated. These concerns have been voiced to the maker of the bumbo but they have refused to add a seat belt-type restraint to increase the safety of their product. Another company, Prince Lionheart, has offered to replace any bumbo with their product called the bebePOD for the cost of shipping. The bebePOD has a safety restraint and straps to attach the seat to a chair for use as a high-chair. If you are interested in making the exchange, the deadline is coming up soon. Your bumbo must be sent and postmarked by January 31st to qualify for the free exchange.

Here is a link to find out more: www.facebook.com/PrinceLionheartFamily?sk=app_10442206389

Artificial Materials and Cloth Diapering

Artificial Materials and Cloth Diapering

by Marc Pehkonen, Lori Taylor
fuzbaby
FireFly Diapers

For centuries, naturally occurring absorbent materials were used for diapering infants. These were probably picked from local fibers, easily available, and could have included materials as diverse as moss and linen. Then, in the 20th century, the amazingly rapid development of artificial materials heralded an almost total switch in the West from cloth diapering to disposables. Highly engineered absorbent gels and processed wood pulp replaced reusable natural fibers. Although the vast majority accepted these changes as the inevitable (and even admirable) progress of technology, a small percentage continued to use cloth diapers.

Perhaps you are among those parents choosing to use cloth diapers because you reject the use of artificial materials. You may be concerned to see that such materials are showing up in popular cloth diapering products. Common man-made materials may be a health threat, including polyester fibers, vinyl and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane laminate (PUL), and durable water repellent finishes (DWR).

Introducing Polyester

Polyester was created in a laboratory just 60 years ago, during World War II. It gained popularity as an apparel fiber, particularly in the 1950s, under trade names such as Dacron. It may have become a joke by the 1970s, but it remains, in its various forms, one of the most popular fibers used in clothing.

Polyester is the artificial fiber most commonly blended with cotton, where it is added to reduce cost, speed up drying times, decrease the tendency to wrinkle and improve wear-resistance. Unblended, it is used in a variety of fabrics, including the ubiquitous polyester fleece. In addition, there is a new type of polyester fiber that is made from 100% recycled soda bottles (PET on the bottle stands for polyethylene terephthalate, or polyester). The argument is made that this is a plastic fiber that apparently helps the environment.

You might think, therefore, that water-repellant, 100% recycled polyester fleece would be a good candidate for a diaper cover, and that a soft, poly-cotton blend might make a good diaper. That such a combination would function adequately is not really at issue. The point is that polyester is not the wonder fiber its manufacturers claim.

The use of certain polymeric silicones as cosmetic implants ended in a successful lawsuit against Dow-Corning; the vinyl industry is the subject of mounting litigation (and a critical documentary, the independently-made Blue Vinyl, which aired on HBO in June 2002); and now even supposedly inert polyester is running into trouble.

Researchers at Tufts Medical School noticed that cancer cells being grown in the lab multiplied more quickly in polyester test tubes than in glass. It appears that polyester slowly emits phytoestrogens, which are endocrine disruptors, or compounds similar to estrogen, which can promote certain types of cancer. Enough people are worried about these chemicals that entire conferences are being held to discuss their possible effects. You can see the concerns of the scientific community reflected in this list of topics at a conference being held as we write: http://www.grc.uri.edu/programs/2002/enviend.htm

Polymer Chemistry 101

It is probably a good idea at this point to back up a bit for some chemistry 101. Basic polymer chemistry isn't too complicated, but for most people the manufacture of the plastics that surround us is a mystery, which no doubt suits the chemical producers very well. A working knowledge of the principles involved here will make us more informed users.

Polyester is only one compound in a class of petroleum-derived substances known as polymers. Thus, polyester (in common with most polymers) begins its life in our time as crude oil. Crude oil is a cocktail of components that can be separated by industrial distillation. Gasoline is one of these components, and the precursors of polymers such as polyethylene are also present.

Polymers are made by chemically reacting a lot of little molecules together to make one long molecule, like a string of beads. The little molecules are called monomers and the long molecules are called polymers.

Like this:

O + O + O + . . . makes OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Depending on which polymer is required, different monomers are chosen. Ethylene, the monomer for polyethylene, is obtained directly from the distillation of crude oil; other monomers have to be synthesized from more complex petroleum derivatives, and the path to these monomers can be several steps long. The path for polyester, which is made by reacting ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, is shown below. Key properties of the intermediate materials are also shown.

The polymers themselves are theoretically quite unreactive and therefore not particularly harmful, but this is most certainly not true of the monomers. Chemical companies usually make a big deal of how stable and unreactive the polymers are, but that's not what we should be interested in. We need to ask, what about the monomers? How unreactive are they?

We need to ask these questions because a small proportion of the monomer will never be converted into polymer. It just gets trapped in between the polymer chains, like peas in spaghetti. Over time this unreacted monomer can escape, either by off-gassing into the atmosphere if the initial monomers were volatile, or by dissolving into water if the monomers were soluble. Because these monomers are so toxic, it takes very small quantities to be harmful to humans, so it is important to know about the monomers before you put the polymers next to your skin or in your home. Since your skin is usually moist, any water-borne monomers will find an easy route into your body.

Polyester is the terminal product in a chain of very reactive and toxic precursors. Most are carcinogens; all are poisonous. And even if none of these chemicals remain entrapped in the final polyester structure (which they most likely do), the manufacturing process requires workers and our environment to be exposed to some or all of the chemicals shown in the flowchart above. There is no doubt that the manufacture of polyester is an environmental and public health burden that we would be better off without.

You may not feel comfortable putting a potential endocrine disruptor next to your child's most sensitive areas. What about some of the other fabrics and fabric treatments used in cloth diapering?

Vinyl and Polyvinyl Chloride

One widely distributed brand of cloth diapers uses PVC or vinyl for its diaper covers.

PVC is a polymer made from vinyl chloride monomer and often contains harmful phthalates as unbound plasticizers. Before you buy a vinyl diaper cover (or anything else made from PVC, especially for your children) consider some of the information available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on vinyl chloride, the monomer for PVC or polyvinyl chloride. Pay particular attention to the "long-term exposure" sections.

Vinyl baby and children's toys are also very popular, but have raised significant health concerns. Search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website for references to vinyl, and see also the article in Mothering magazine, Issue #90, Sep/Oct 1998.

The independent documentary film "Blue Vinyl," which aired this spring (2002) on HBO, primarily dealt with the effects of vinyl siding on residential users and the workers who manufacture and install the siding. Remember, a diaper cover is in much closer proximity to more sensitive skin than vinyl siding and can contain the same off-gassing monomers.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL)

Polyurethane laminate, or PUL, has gained great popularity as a fabric treatment. It is applied to the surface of a porous fabric (usually polyester, but also cotton) to provide a flexible, totally waterproof layer. Ultrex and Extreme, two woven fabrics commonly used in outdoor clothing, are also polyurethane laminates. PUL makes functionally good diaper covers--it is an effective barrier to liquids.

But what are the precursor monomers for polyurethane? Most are based on TDI, or toluene 2,4-diisocyanate, a highly toxic carcinogen. Again the Disease Control and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have information about TDI, the polyurethane monomer.

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO)

Durable Water Repellant Finish (DWR)

Durable Water Repellant finish is a generic term (rather than a trademark) in the outdoor gear industry for a water repellant surface layer, usually sprayed onto the fabric. This layer does not completely fill all the fabric pores (unlike PUL), so the fabric remains breathable. Goretex is probably the most well-known example of a DWR-treated fabric and its treatment contains a fluorocarbon similar to Teflon. The outdoor clothing manufacturer Patagonia describes their DWR finish as "polyurethane" and recommends re-treating "once per season, or more often if the piece gets a lot of use or washing." (Patagonia Product FAQs)

Patagonia recommends the use of Nikwax for re-treatment, which is based on a compound called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), blended with a mineral wax. It also contains small amounts of an acidified zirconium salt of a weak acid (acetic acid) and ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) to stabilize the emulsion. If you are interested in digging deeper, you could even read a patent for Nikwax or any proprietary formulation. (Nikwax patent).

Patagonia suggests re-treatment if the garment is washed frequently. They cannot expect their hiking garments will be washed as often as diaper cover would be. DWR treatment would not be effective as a barrier unless you keep a bottle or can of Nikwax handy to restore your cover every few washes.

So, What's the Harm? What's the Choice?

You might ask after reading all this, so what is the actual risk to our babies and families? What if we use some PUL or DWR or fleece for the outer parts of diapers and covers that don't touch the skin? How much of the monomers are actually given off? Has anyone performed a study on this?

The problem is that we are not aware of any such specific study. What we do know is this: The short-term risks of exposure to all of the chemicals mentioned is well documented. The exposure tests are usually performed on animals, since most people would not willingly submit themselves to those kinds of tests and would certainly not volunteer their children. Then exposure limits are estimated, usually for adult males. In some unfortunate cases, actual exposures from industrial accidents and the like have been used to refine these limits.

The effects of long-term exposure are more problematic to predict than short-term; often symptoms take years, or even generations, to show up. Long-term studies of the effects of all the monomers mentioned in this article are still underway. Remember also that these chemicals may respond very differently when used for diapering--the long-term studies are considering only the action of these chemicals in water or air. The presence of urea, ammonia, and the salinity of urine may alter the behavior of monomers in unpredictable ways. In the meantime, wool, hemp, and cotton, particularly when grown and processed organically, are not carcinogens.

The main focus here has been the possible health risks of using these materials. Remember also, that continuing to use these materials supports the industries that produce them. That means continued consumption of the world's oil, mineral and energy resources and continued pollution of our air and water. It also means continued exploitation of chemical workers around the world, especially in countries with low safety standards. The fate of these materials after we are done using them also needs to be considered. Are they biodegradable, reusable, recyclable?

There are many reasons to consider the natural alternatives to artificial materials. Wool is breathable, and micro-absorbent, and naturally moisture repellant (but can be treated with lanolin if necessary, but please don't use Nikwax, despite manufacturer recommendations). Wool makes wonderful diaper covers. Cotton and hemp are both highly absorbent and hemp especially can be grown easily without pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Cotton is not so easy to grow organically, but every year more acres are being converted from conventional production. It is becoming widely available as a diapering fabric. Ask for organic cotton specifically.

As you can see, there's no good reason to use petroleum-based products like polyester, PUL or PVC in your child's diapers when natural fibers work so well and pose no health risks. Choose natural materials, manufactured with minimal processing under fair labor environments.

http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_artificialmaterials.asp

Play Mats - Safe?

I saw this article and it made me start to question whether or not the play mat that I have is really safe...

Belgium is to ban the sale of all foam puzzle mats for babies and toddlers, citing tests showing they contain a cancer-causing chemical.

Formamides are used to soften the foam in the mats but are corrosive and can be deadly. Toxicologist Alfred Bernard explained:
“They are solvents, residues from the manufacturing process that stay in the product afterwards. They can be absorbed through breathing or through the skin. As a rule, children should not be exposed to these products.”

Belgium becomes the first European country to ban the mats and will impose a 20,000 euro fine for anyone found selling them. Jean-Philippe Ducart, a spokesman for a consumer watchdog said:

“They will be illegal in 2011 but in the meantime we ask that they be withdrawn from the market in the interest of public health and the health of children exposed to them.”

An EU-wide ban on the mats is expected within the next few years.

http://www.euronews.net/2010/12/11/belgium-bans-toxic-children-s-puzzle-mats/

Why CIO isn't good for baby

Ten Reasons Why CIO (cry-it-out) Is Not Good For Baby:

1. Cry it out can cause harmful changes to babies’ brains
Babies cry. They cry to let us know that they need something. And when we don’t respond to those cries, it causes them undue amounts of stress. Science has shown that stress in infancy can result in enduring negative impacts on the brain. Prolonged cries in infants causes increased blood pressure in the brain, elevates stress hormones, obstructs blood from draining out of the brain, and decreases oxygenation to the brain. Excessive crying results in an oversensitive stress system (likened to a faulty burglar alarm in one book) that can lead to a fear of being alone, separation anxiety, panic attacks and addictions. Harvard researchers found that it makes them more susceptible to stress as adults and changes the nervous system so that they are overly sensitive to future trauma. Chronic stress in infancy can also lead to an over-active adrenaline system, which results in the child using increased aggression, impulsivity, and violence. Another study showed that persistent crying episodes in infancy led to a 10 times greater chance of the child having ADHD, resulting in poor school performance and antisocial behaviour. However, if you consistently soothe your child’s distress and take any anguished crying seriously, highly effective stress response systems are established in the brain that allow your child to cope with stress later in life.

2. Cry it out can result in decreased intellectual, emotional and social development
At an American Academy of Pediatrics meeting, infant developmental specialist Dr. Michael Lewis presented research findings demonstrating that “the single most important influence of a child’s intellectual development is the responsiveness of the mother to the cues of her baby.” More specifically, other studies have found that babies whose cries are ignored do not develop healthy intellectual and social skills, that they have an average IQ 9 points lower at age 5, they show poor fine motor development, show more difficulty controlling their emotions, and take longer to become independent as children (stay clingy for longer).

3. Cry it out can result in a detached baby
Researchers have shown that although leaving a baby to cry it out does often lead to the cries eventually stopping, the cries do not stop because the child is content or the problem has been alleviated. Rather, they stop because the baby has given up hope that a caregiver will respond and provide comfort. This results in a detached baby. Detached children are less responsive, appear to be depressed or “not there” and often lack empathy.

4. Cry it out is harmful to the parent-child relationship
A child that is left to cry it out is less likely to turn to the parents in times of need. Being attended to as a baby is the most basic of needs and if a child learns at that point that she can count on her parents to respond to her needs, then she will also turn to them later in life when she needs their support. But I worry that if I leave my children to cry it out, then they will not see the point in reaching out to us if they have problems later in life and could try to deal with serious issues like bullying, drug addictions, teenage pregnancy, gambling problems, or flunking out of school on their own or turn to peers. Unfortunately, those problems are often too big for a teenager to be left to deal with alone or with peers and it can have disastrous results ranging from making poor decisions all the way to committing suicide out of a feeling of hopelessness.

5. Cry it out can make children insecure
Children whose caregivers are not consistently responsive and sensitive, often become insecure. Long-term studies have shown that secure individuals are more likely to be outgoing, popular, well-adjusted, compassionate, and altruistic. As adults, secure individuals are likely to be comfortable depending on others, can develop close attachments, and trust their partners. Insecure individuals, on the other hand, tend to be unsettled in their relationships, displaying anxiety (manifesting as possessiveness, jealousy, and clinginess) or avoidance (manifesting as mistrust and a reluctance to depend on others). Parents that use the cry it out method often do so because they are afraid that their children are becoming too dependent. However, an abundance of research shows that regular physical contact, reassurance, and prompt responses to distress in infancy and childhood results in secure and confident adults who are better able to form functional relationships.

6. Cry it out often doesn’t work at all
Some babies will not give in. They are resilient or stubborn enough that they refuse to believe that their parents could be so cruel as to leave them to cry to sleep. So instead of whimpering a bit and then drifting off to sleep as some supposed sleep experts would have you believe happens, they end up sobbing and sobbing and sobbing for hours on end. Some end up vomiting. Many end up shaking so hard and become so distraught that once their parents realize that CIO is not going to work, the baby is shaking uncontrollably and hiccuping, too distressed to sleep and too distraught to be calmed down even by a loving parent.

7. Even if cry it out does “work”, parents often have to do it over and over again
I can’t imagine putting my child through one or several nights of inconsolable crying to get her to go to sleep and I certainly can’t imagine having to do it over and over again. However, that is the reality for many parents. I hear people tell me that they always let their child cry for thirty minutes to go to sleep. Or that they have to start the CIO sleep training process all over again after each round of teething, each growth spurt, each developmental milestone.

8. Cry it out is disrespectful of my child’s needs
So-called sleep trainers will tell you that after a certain age, babies do not have any more needs at night. Some claim this is after a few short weeks, others after a few months, others after a year. Regardless of the age that is assigned to that message, to me it seems wrong. I’m an adult and yet there are days when I need someone else to comfort me. If I’ve had a really stressful week at work, if I’ve had a fight with someone that is important to me, if I’ve lost a loved one, then I need to be comforted. But how would I feel and what would it do to our relationship if my husband closed the door and walked out of the room and let me “cry it out” myself? I’m an adult and yet there are nights when I am so parched that I need a glass of water or I am so hungry that I need a snack. I’m not going to die if those needs are not met, but I am going to physically uncomfortable and unable to sleep soundly. If I were to let my child CIO, it would be like saying that his needs are not important and that to me is disrespectful. To quote Dr. William Sears on the sleep trainers, “Parents let me caution you. Difficult problems in child rearing do not have easy answers. Children are too valuable and their needs too important to be made victims of cheap, shallow advice“.

9. Deep sleep from cry it out is often a result of trauma
Babies who are left to cry it out do sometimes fall into a deep sleep after they finally drop off. And their parents and sleep trainers will hail this as a success of the CIO method. However, babies and young children often sleep deeply after experiencing trauma. Therefore, the deep sleep that follows CIO shouldn’t be seen as proof that it works. Rather, it should be seen as a disturbing shortcoming.

10. Our World Needs More Love
Rates of depression are skyrocketing. Violent and senseless crimes are on the rise. As human beings, we need to spend more time being there for each other, showing compassion, nurturing our children. Learning that you can’t count on your parents to be there when you need them is a tough lesson to learn that early in life and can be a root of many of the social problems we are facing today. I want to give my kids every chance possible of escaping depression and staying away from violence. And I’m convinced that nurturing them and responding to their needs at night, as I do during the day, is the first step in the right direction.

To read more, you can go to this link: http://www.phdinparenting.com/2008/07/05/no-cry-it-out/
for the full article, references and related topics.

I am in the process of reading a research article on attachment parenting and will post it, with my thoughts, when I am finished.

I have spent hundreds of hours studying child development, attachment and attachment disorders. Much of this research was completed along side a college professor in the department of sociology. I began studying this topic while completing a volunteer and research-based study abroad. After an additional year of study, I presented my research in a conference for international research studies at the university I was attending. This will probably be my "hill to die on" so to speak, but I can't ignore the mounding research against neglectful parenting practices and I cannot find favor with it. Many theories have surfaced and have claimed various benefits, none of which are proven by peer reviewed research. The harmful effects, however, have been well researched and documented. As one with first-hand experience and as a mother, myself, I can not express enough how important it is to establish the early development of trust between parent and child. Parenting is challenging, it seems on every turn, but our children are worth the effort.

Troubleshooting Tips for Ring Slings

I found this awesome website with tips on troubleshooting problems with ring slings and it has pictures! Hope it helps!

http://zolowear.com/WearingTroubleshooting.aspx

Semi-FFO

This link shows how to put baby in a semi-forward facing out position using a ring sling, such as the Maya. Very helpful, since a picture is worth a thousand words!

http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/SRNewborn.htm

Best & Worst

This is a link to healthychild.org that has a break down of the best & worst carseats for children, based on chemical exposure. This does not rank the carseats based on crash safety testing - only chemical & toxin exposure. It might be helpful, when narrowing your choices based on crash safety, to then narrow even further by toxic/chemical safety. It helped me so I thought I'd just pass along the info.

http://www.healthystuff.org/pressimages/rawimages/Best-Worst-Car-seat-list.jpg

Which Baby Products Are Safe?

I was talking to a friend of mine, who is a nurse and she mentioned that I shouldn't put sunscreen on my baby till he is at least 6 months. Weird. "Why?", I asked. She said that there are chemicals that could be irritating to the baby's skin, or even be dangerous... That got me thinking. What exactly is in the baby products that I use?

I found this website that lists products (I've been able to find everything we use) and you can search them to see if the products you use are considered safe, have lower levels of chemicals and other carcinogenic properties, allergens, etc.

HERE is the link.

I don't mean to cause unnecessary concern, but I like the quote by Maya Angelou "Now that I know better, I do better". I'm using up the products that I have, but once they are gone, I'll probably be more selective about certain things I get for Colin, like his body wash/shampoo, lotions, bug spray, etc... If I can limit the harmful substances that he comes in contact with, I try to. Just passing along the info - hope it helps!

Great Slings

I thought I'd just share some great slings if you're looking for a good one for wearing your little one. My favorites are the Maya Wrap, Sleeping Baby Productions and Comfy Joey. Sleeping Baby Productions has the most affordable options, just FYI.

Sleeping Baby Productions: http://www.sleepingbaby.net/basics.php

Maya Wrap: https://www.mayawrap.com/oasiscrm/shopping.asp?Directive=ItemList&Parent=Baby&Category=RS

Comfy Joey: http://www.comfyjoey.com/catalog.php?category=40

A friend of mine has a Maya wrap and it is GREAT to use in a hip carry. LOVED IT!

Wraps/Slings are also really good to use with newborns. The Sleeping Baby Productions link has a link to some great information at the top of their page, on wearing baby safely. I recommend taking a look at it.

Happy shopping & babywearing!

RENT a baby carrier to see if you like it :o)

There are SO many options out there for baby carriers. Some are better than others. Then there are many great choices, but it just comes down to personal preference... Are you tall? thin? have an older baby? more than one child? need versatility? need something easy and quick to use?

There is no "magic" baby carrier that works for everyone, all the time, in my humble opinion. But there are some carriers that work better for some and in certain situations. You may find that as baby grows, your preference changes.

If budget is important (I know for me, it is!) then there are some great tools to help with carrier purchases to keep cost lower.

1) See if you can borrow from a friend that has a carrier you like. Maybe they will even sell it to you for a lower price, since its used, or you could kinda "rent" from them for a small amount of money.

2) Look on Craigslist or other on-line sites for used carriers. Most carriers are washable and hold up well after lots of use so even if its been used for one or two babies, it likely still has lots of life left in it. You can usually save more than 50% this way.

3) Try renting a carrier before you commit to buying. That way you know you like it (or don't like it) before you are out the money. Good carriers usually cost between $50-150 (some a little more, some a little less) so it helps to be SURE you like it. GRANOLA BABIES is a great website that allows you to rent a carrier for $10 (the cost of shipping) with a deposit. Once you return the carrier, after trying it out, the deposit becomes an in store credit you can use towards any carrier. HEAVENLY HOLDS is another website that lets you rent before you commit.

4) For simple carriers, you can find templates on-line to make your own! If you are pretty good at sewing, you can make a wrap or sling type carrier, usually for less than $25.

5) Check out on-line stores like Zulily or Babyhalfoff to find great discounted deals on lots of baby stuff. Sales change daily and are limited. Many times there will be deep discounts on versions that are being discontinued. This may mean major or minor changes to the product... just depends.


It can be overwhelming trying to find the right thing at the right price. Try to be patient and ask lots of questions.

I've also found that great support websites help where you can talk to other Moms who have tried the carrier you're interested in and can answer questions. TheBabyWearer.com is a great resource as is Diaperswappers.com with a forum devoted just to baby wearing.

Good luck! I hope this helps!

Baby Wearing - GREAT INFO!!!

I just found this awesome website by a really neat lady named Kristi and it has TONS of great info on baby wearing.

She shares tips, tricks, and safety info. She also tells you which carriers are great and which ones should be avoided (like the plague!) and she gives good reviews. I seriously can't say enough great things about this website. Go check it out for yourself!

http://betterbabywearing.blogspot.com/2010/03/babyweaing-overload.html

I also learned quite a bit about wearing baby safely. Not all carriers are designed well and may be harmful to baby's spine. I had no idea...

Here is some more info on that: http://www.sleepywrap.com/2008/11/ha...t-in-carriers/

And here is more on baby wearing safety for baby: http://www.continuum-concept.org/rea...nalStress.html

From the blog post (at the top) I learned that the Infantino and Bjorn brands have a narrow seat that puts baby in an unsafe position and is not good for their little developing spine. I obviously didn't know that and used an infantino when Colin was just a newbie...

(I think he was about 3 weeks in this picture)

I also have the Moby Wrap, which is a safe wrap style carrier that is great for use with tiny newborns, from 8 to 35 lbs

(This is Colin at 5 weeks in the Moby - He loved it and would usually fall asleep in it! He still loves it, even now!)

(This is Colin in the Moby, under my coat, at 3.5 months)

Oh, and be careful about buying baby carriers that are "homemade" or from ETSY shops/Ebay. I'm not trying to say anything bad about ETSY - I love it and have found lots of great things there - you just have to be careful about buying something that will be holding your baby... it needs to be made REALLY well and there are safety designs that not all makers follow. Just FYI.

Good luck and happy baby wearing!!!

A Wake Up Story...

I don't know about you, but ever since I found out I was pregnant, I started becoming more aware of what I was putting in my body. I knew everything that entered me, could effect my growing baby, for good or for bad. Once he was born, the awareness didn't cease. I became more aware. More concerned. I worry about what chemicals are in his environment, even in our home, that might be harmful.

I've been reading a lot about SIDS, too. Mostly because I want to know more about it. Also, I have a hard time believing that the answer to preventing SIDS is as simple as placing babies on their backs to sleep. Why, then, do most babies prefer to sleep on their tummies? That seems to defy nature since babies should tend to prefer what is safest for them and will promote survival. I've also found studies that link back sleeping to other problems.... (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595182/?tool=pmcentrez)

I'm not saying there isn't validity to the "back to sleep" movement, I'm just questioning, because that's what I do. :)

I want to understand more. To understand more, you question what is "known" and you go from there.

From what I've found, it seems that SIDS is, for the most part, not fully understood. Scientists don't really know 100% what causes it or how to prevent it. There seems to have been a downward trend in SIDS cases since Pediatricians promoted the "Back to Sleep" campaign in the early 90's but there was also a dramatic shift in defining SIDS at that same time and therefore more infant deaths were categorized as "suffocation", "murder" or even "related to other health problems".

These are a few studies I did find. They are all from Pub Med and have been published in quality peer reviewed journals. Always look in well respected peer reviewed journals and focus on studies that are large and randomized. Also, keep in mind that if you do not have a PhD in the subject matter, you will likely be overwhelmed and confused. That is normal. I do not have a PhD and even with a medical background, I find many studies I read to be cumbersome and difficult to understand fully. Most doctors feel this way, too (whether they admit it or not) and that's normal. This is kind of a soap-box-issue for me, but I think we tend to expect too much from doctors. They can't know everything. We can all try to be more educated, though. Its a worthwhile effort to make (I think, anyway).

This one is small. What some researchers would call a "pre-study", but it is interesting, none the less. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20092400

This is a "retrospective study" or review of previously collected information. Not truly conclusive but also interesting as a stepping stone towards more research. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19414432

This is a "pre-research study" in the gathering information phase. It is worth noting, though, because it is focused on how babies sleeping in the prone (tummy) position may be more susceptible to toxic bacteria exposure. So, if the baby's sleeping arrangement was safer and less prone to bacterial/fungal growth which promotes a toxic environment for the sleeping infant, would it be safe for babies to sleep on their tummies? No conclusions have been made at this time. I would love to see the follow-up on this, though. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10443485

Again... not conclusive but interesting points made on the role of bacterial toxins, smoking and genetics all playing a role in the cause of SIDS. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10335950

I could list more but the list would go on and on and there really isn't an answer.... So, I'll let you check it out on your own. ;) PUB MED

So, because there are so many variables, it is hard to pinpoint the reason for the decrease in SIDS in the early 90's. And scientists have their hands tied in doing rigorous scientific method-type studies because this would involve infants dying and that would be unethical to allow that to happen. So.... the questions keep piling up and the answers fall short.

In my quest to understand more about SIDS, I stumbled upon an interesting theory. A Chemist in New Zealand hypothesized that babies were dying of SIDS or "Cot Death" not simply because they were on their tummies but because they were sleeping on mattresses that were emitting toxic chemicals that the babies were breathing in which compromised their neurological behavior which stimulates breathing and heart rate regulation. The babies on their tummies were at a higher risk, not because of their tummy sleeping in-and-of-itself, but because this put them closer to the toxic fumes being emitted and thus inhaled. He theorized that the babies on their backs had better air circulation and thus less susceptibility to the toxins. He published his theories and findings in a book and led a campaign in New Zealand for higher safety standards for the manufacturing of infant mattresses.

This made me start to wonder about the mattress my own baby was sleeping on....

I was already interested in getting a newer mattress (the one I have was given to us, generously, but who knows how old it is...) and I was already looking at organic mattresses because I had heard people talking about "all the chemicals in mattresses" so I was concerned.

When I started looking, however, I became increasingly surprised at how few options there truly were for 100% organic crib mattresses.... I could only find one! All the others toting the "organic" label were only part organic (sometimes as little as 5%) and the rest was still full of toxic and potentially toxic chemicals. Did you know that when you buy a new mattress, it is recommended to let the mattress "off-gas" for about a month before using it?! I had no idea!

Here is a link to the Naturepedic website (they make organic crib mattresses) http://www.naturepedic.com/newmom/ebook-naturepedic-crib-mattresses.pdf

Have you ever noticed that nice "new car smell"? That is also known as "off-gasing" and it is literally the release of chemicals into the air from the synthetic (also known as "man made") product.... Whoa. That shocked me.

So... I find myself a little unsure where to turn at this point. I don't want to be one of those parents that is ultra paranoid about every little thing that comes near my child. I don't see myself that way.

I believe that our bodies were created to withstand a lot of toxins and to filter them out just fine. On the flip side, I do believe, as has been evidenced by modern science, that too much toxic exposure is overwhelming to the body and has very negative effects. That's why we see an increase in cancer. That's why people are concerned about the nuclear power plants in Japan after the Tsunami. That's why the FDA regulates consumer products (although, probably not strictly enough) and this is why we should all be careful and educated consumers.

For me, I don't plan on letting myself be overwhelmed by the truth that there are toxic chemicals in our everyday environment. I do, however, plan on making a few changes, continuing to educate myself and I will do my best to limit the large amounts of chemicals we are exposed to daily.

I plan on getting a new mattress that I feel is safe for my baby, because he spends upwards of 12-14 hours a day sleeping on it. I also try to buy toys and dishes that are BPA-free. Occasionally he will have a toy that is not. I'm not going to stress about it. You can't avoid every bad thing in this world, but you can drive yourself nuts trying, in my opinion.

I want to avoid the things that I feel are dangerous but I'm not going to stop "living" or move us all into a "bubble". I just don't think that is realistic or healthy.

This is a video I found at: awakeupstory.org

I thought it was interesting and worth paying attention to.



These are my thoughts. If you have any to share, or helpful ideas/information, I would really love to hear it!

May we all be happy and healthy. :)

TV: Good or Bad?

I found this on the AAP website:

From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
"Children of all ages are constantly learning new things. The first 2 years of life are especially important in the growth and development of your child's brain. During this time, children need good, positive interaction with other children and adults. Too much television can negatively affect early brain development. This is especially true at younger ages, when learning to talk and play with others is so important. Until more research is done about the effects of TV on very young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend television for children age 2 or younger. For older children, the Academy recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs."

Babywise: why its not a wise idea

I have had a couple people encourage me to read a book called "On Becoming Babywise" by Pastor Gary Ezzo (who has no medical background) but since I had already heard about some of the philosophies contained in the book, I was pretty sure it wasn't something I would be interested in. I'm more of an attachment parenting sorta Mom.

HERE is an article on some of the risks associated with following the Babywise book.

I respect other parents rights to parent how they feel comfortable, however, I draw the line when a child suffers. We all need to make sure we are well informed as parents, meaning we can't just read one book and call it good. No matter what you are considering for your baby, make sure it can be well supported by sound medical evidence, research and the AAP, WHO or other well known, well respected organizations.

Toxins & Baby Toys

Have you seen labels recently that state they are "BPA Free" and wondered what that is all about? I have. I found this article at Mothering.com that explains what these toxins are, where they are found and why they are dangerous.

Here are a few quotes:

What's the Concern?

"Phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), a class of chemicals used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic soft and flexible, can be found in such products as toys, teething rings, shower curtains, lotions, and cosmetics. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to cancer, infertility, premature breast development in girls,² and genital birth defects in boys.³ Young children can be exposed to phthalates by chewing on plastic toys, or through skin contact with lotions and shampoos that contain them.

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 75 percent of the participants tested had detectible levels of phthalates in their bodies.⁴ This finding has triggered alarm among some scientists because exposure to phthalates—which are known to interfere with the body's own hormones—can result in birth defects and developmental delays in babies born to mothers who were exposed during pregnancy.

Dr. Shanna Swan, professor and associate chair for Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, found that baby boys born to mothers with high levels of phthalates had increased rates of a genital defect that had previously been seen only in lab animals.⁵

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make hard, clear, polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and other containers. It is also used in dental sealants and in the lining of food and beverage cans. BPA mimics the hormone estrogen, and may interfere with brain-cell development,⁶ as well as with biological processes that rely on estrogen, such as ovulation and reproduction. Studies have shown that BPA leaches out of polycarbonate containers⁷ and metal cans,⁸ and have linked exposure to BPA to cancer, impaired immune function, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity, among other problems.^9"

^{Read the full article HERE.}

90%+ Car Seats are NOT installed properly

Have you read your car seat manual? Did you read it before or after you installed your car seat? Did you check to make sure it was installed properly according to your car's manual? These are important questions to ask yourself and you may even want to find a local certified car seat technician to make sure that your child is actually safe if you were to get into an accident. Most fire stations have a certified car seat technician or can tell you where you can find one.

This article states that more than 90% of car seats are not installed properly. Scary.
Go HERE to read the full article.

This blog has a list of Common Car Seat Installation Errors. Check it out to see if there are some easy things you can check to make sure your baby is safe in his/her seat.

Benefits of Baby Wearing

Using a baby sling or wrap can make life easier for you and is good for your baby. Following are some of the advantages of "wearing" your baby (from The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears):

• It's convenient. You can breastfeed discretely in a sling while working, getting things done around the house, shopping or eating in a restaurant. If you have a baby who wants to be held all the time, this is an easy way to meet her needs while doing other things.
• It helps moms care for older siblings. Carrying your baby in a sling can give you the mobility to care for your older children.
• It helps some babies to breastfeed better. Some babies, particularly those who are tense or tend to arch their backs, breastfeed better while moving. Also, babies who are slow to gain weight (for no apparent reason) have been known to gain better if carried in a sling for several hours a day, since proximity to mom encourages babies to eat more frequently.
• It reduces crying and colic. A 1986 study of 99 mother-infant pairs (reported in Pediatrics) showed that carrying babies at least three hours a day reduces crying and fussing 43% during the day and 51% at night. Babies are happier because they have less need to cry, and parents enjoy their babies more as a result.
• It enhances learning. Carried babies have enhanced visual and auditory alertness, and increased "quiet alertness" times. Carrying a baby promotes cognitive development and speech development, since babies are exposed to more experiences and conversations.
• Carried babies are involved in their parents' world. They participate in life, rather than see it as a spectator.
• Carrying your baby promotes bonding and enhances parents' feelings of competence. A higher frequency of feeding and touching stimulates mothering hormones, and frequent carrying encourages and speeds the development of a mutual reading of each other's cues.

You can read more HERE.

This is a great website - Peppermint.com - with lots of baby wearing options and explanations on the pros & cons of all the various options. I use the Moby Wrap and I love it. Happy Baby Wearing!

As always, this information is for you to consider and decide if it is something you think might work well for you and your baby. You are the expert when it comes to your baby. :)