Jessica Alba Designing Eco-Friendly Diapers
Filed under: Baby Bath Time, Baby Gear, Baby Health, Baby Safety, Parenting, Premier Baby Stores
Celebrity-created or endorsed product lines are often vanity projects, even when it comes to babies. That’s not always the case, however, and Jessica Alba is a recent example of a star with a genuine vision. Not out to build her brand with handbags, clothing, or fragrances, Alba, who has been absent from films for the past few years, debuted Honest.com, a website for eco-friendly diapers, last week. Profiled by the New York Daily News, the Machete actress described her intentions and motivations for her first entrepreneurial endeavor.
Honest.com, the website for Alba’s The Honest Co., offers a line of nontoxic, environmentally friendly diapers, biodegradable wipes, and organic bath and skin care products. Unlike many eco baby products, which frequently are colored beige or green, The Honest Co.’s adds patterns.
Alba explained that, after receiving a rash from a baby-safe detergent, she researched the chemicals in it, only to find that many were, in fact, not organic. Further finding out that flame retardants are added to breast pillows, she sought out truly green baby products, which were difficult to come across. She said:
“It was exhausting. I had a baby, I was working. I didn’t have time to go everywhere. And I get it. Everything has a green leaf on it or brown or beige. I’m like, just because it’s eco why does it have to be brown, beige, or have a green leaf on it?”
The actress developed the brand of eco-diapers in response, determined to offer truly environmentally-friendly baby products that are both affordable and attractive. At the moment, the diapers and other baby products appear to only be available for purchase online.
Finding eco-friendly baby products is a difficult task, but more options can be found on the internet. DadaBabyBoutique.com has a large selection of green baby toys, supplies, and diaper bags, and Rattlecake’s eco diaper cakes are perfect as baby shower gifts.
Just How Dangerous is Cosleeping?
Filed under: Baby Health, Baby Safety, Baby Sleeping, Parenting
You likely know a parent or two that ardently sticks up for cosleeping, regardless of CPSC warnings. Much like the bonding approach through baby-wearing, cosleeping makes breastfeeding easier for the mother, the mother gets closer to her baby, the parent and child gradually assume the same sleep cycle, and the baby falls asleep quicker. Yet, even with these supposed benefits, CPSC advises against cosleeping.
Simple standards and guidelines don’t quite hit as close to home as stories and experiences. A piece in South Carolina newspaper The State goes into detail about the hazards of cosleeping, particularly the innate ease at which a parent or older child can suffocate a baby.
How unsafe is a baby when surrounded by heavier people in an adult bed? Essentially, an arm or a leg becomes a suffocation hazard, extending over the baby and staying in place. Because infants have limited motor skills, pushing off a heavier person is impossible.
At the same time, co-sleeping, or use of a family bed, may be a greater cause of sudden infant death than previously believed. A baby who dies in a family bed is labeled with condition “Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome – Unsafe Sleeping Conditions,” which can also include letting a child sleep on a couch or armchair, in a crib with comforters or pillows, or in the same space with a dog.
In the past, at least in this area of South Carolina, infant deaths resulting from sleeping were labeled SIDS, but this condition indicates that the child was placed in a safe area. In order to now determine the cause of death, a coroner goes to the caregiver’s house and asks the individual to reenact the sleeping situation with a doll.
Cosleeping, however, isn’t a radical parenting approach, like baby-wearing; rather, it has been in practice with families for many years, going under other names. That doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Just like the playgrounds of metal equipment and blacktop of many adults’ childhoods, not all past situations and practices are safe for children; what was once the norm is now a hazard. Gary Watts, the Richland coroner quoted in the State, piece explained:
“My grandmother did it, my mother did it, and I know I did it. But it’s unsafe. At some point, you have to realize it’s a danger to the infant. If you want to have a child in the room – put him in a bassinet beside your bed.”
Beyonce Gives Birth to Baby, Blue Ivy Carter
It’s one of the most awaited celebrity births of the past year, if not decade: Beyonce Knowles delivered her and Jay-Z’s baby, Blue Ivy Carter, on Saturday. Yet, by Monday, reports of their seemingly extravagant demands surfaced in gossip rags. But, how much accuracy can you trust to an anonymous source in Us Weekly?
Us, like other magazines of its sort, described the extreme security around Beyonce’s birth at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. One witness, again anonymous, called their approach “insane,” but can you blame the couple and their families? Considering the cost of celebrity photos, the paparazzi would have been swarming the hospital if some security measures hadn’t been put into place. Supposedly, Jay-Z paid $1.3 million to reserve a full floor of the building, but a hospital spokesperson stated that such reports are exaggerated; rather, they only had reserved a sixth floor suite.
Nevertheless, one parent sharing the space said about the security: “They just used the hospital like it was their own and nobody else mattered. […] They locked us into the NICU and would say, ‘You can’t come out to the hallway for the next 20 minutes.’ When I finally was able to go back out, I went to the waiting room and they’d ushered my family downstairs!”
Most babies get birth announcements, sent out to friends and family. Blue Ivy, on the other hand, gets a statement from Beyonce and Jay-Z’s publicist and a song. Called “Glory,” the track is already released and features samples of the baby’s first cries. The couple’s publicist also put out the following statement:
Hello Hello Baby Blue!
We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support. Beyoncé & JAY Z
How a Baby Changes a Family
When it comes to having babies, there’s no going back to a child-free lifestyle. Yet, while women’s magazines generally focus on tips for getting a pre-baby body back, a new mother’s life is going to be significantly different from her old one – especially when it comes to finances. Published early in December by Citibank’s Women & Co., BabyCenter conducted a national survey of new mothers’ post-baby habits and thoughts.
What did they find? First and foremost, mothers generally have money and parenting on the mind, in that order. Additionally, her role in family financial decisions is greater, with 60 percent stating they make daily financial decisions and 30 percent split it equally with a spouse.
Although cash might not have been bountiful in a pre-child life, a mother’s financial responsibilities increase after having children; the survey, however, didn’t indicate if fathers experienced a similar pattern. As far as making financial decisions go, new mothers find themselves deciding on new products more, budgeting, spending, saving, and financial planning. Additionally, most mothers end up spending less on themselves after having a baby.
Saving, particularly, becomes a greater part of a mother’s life, as well as her spouse’s. Deals and coupons are more sought after, finances are reconsidered, and both partners discuss spending and saving strategies. But, while a pre-child couple may have focused on paying off debt, they now factor their child and future into the picture, saving for a child’s education and retirement and lowering expenses.
About the survey conducted, Linda Descano, CFA(R), President and CEO of Women & Co., stated in a release:
“As every parent knows, having a baby changes everything – and finances are not an exception. The life change of a baby brings about new and substantial financial needs and questions. After having children, moms are increasingly taking charge of not just day-to-day spending, but also the longer-term planning of the financial future of their family.”
Oscar de la Renta Designing Baby Clothing
In concept, designer baby clothing is a paradox: Why pay exorbitant amounts of money on garments that will only get a few wears before the child is too big? Yet, a market for high-end designer clothing for children, including babies, is emerging. Instead of Gap Kids, think Gucci Kids.
Oscar de la Renta is one such designer to foray into babies’ and children’s clothing. Announced in December, Oscar de la Renta took on Catherine Monteito de Barros, of Portuguese children’s line Papo d’Anjo, as vice president of the brand’s children’s wear. Encompassing children for boys and girls 18 months to 14 years, the line is expected to debut in fall 2012. While Oscar de la Renta has designed limited edition children’s wear before, this line is for parents who “want their children to look like children.”
Other designers have paved the way into high-end children’s fashion. Although celebrity kids that garner significant attention in the tabloids (think Suri Cruise or the Bradjelina brood) have made the market for higher-end children’s clothing visible, brands normally considered “adult” are trying to attract the youngest demographic (or, at least, their parents with money). Profiled in the New York Times in October, Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, and Stella McCartney have all designed children’s lines. Some attempt to replicate the look of adult clothing, while others, like Oscar de la Renta and Fendi, have a different outlook for children – one less grownup.
In regards to her children’s clothing line, Silvia Fendi told the press: “There is a fashion element to the collection. But it is important that it be clothing that works for children and that it be made well from good materials.”
Although accompanied by a significantly higher price tag, these baby’s and children’s clothes are better made, designed to be stronger or, in the case of Stella McCartney, made out of eco-friendly materials.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Brand-Name Baby Products
How safe are your baby’s toys? Not as safe as you think. On December 13, the Environmental Health Strategy Center put out a report identifying 650 brand-name products with hormone-disrupting toxic chemicals, including BPA and NPEs. Not relegated exclusively to baby products, the report reveals that common toys for young children, such as PLAYMOBIL figures and Chicco baby rattles, contain BPA.
BPA, we mentioned before, mimics estrogen, harming brain development and behavior in the process. The report mentions that 18 states have passed 70 laws regulating chemicals in products over the past decade, but a national measure, such as the Safe Chemicals Act, should be in place. Although only in initial stages at the moment, the Safe Chemicals Act would require chemical manufacturers to disclose health information and safety about compounds and restrict the most harmful. The act would replace the current Toxic Substance Control Act, which has had no changes in 35 years.
Although states are already enacting laws, companies found to have potentially-harmful chemicals in baby products are addressing the issue themselves. One is Johnson & Johnson. According to a November Associated Press article, Johnson & Johnson has been working to remove traces of toxic chemicals from baby products. In May 2009, Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo was found to contain two potentially carcinogenic chemicals, and the brand has experienced two-dozen recalls over two years. As far as improving the quality of baby toys, the company has since removed all phthalates from baby products.
Parents shouldn’t have to seek out green products to keep chemicals away from their children – especially those that harm development, like BPA. Enacting a national law regulating chemicals would be one step toward ensuring the greater availability of healthier baby products.
Suggestions for Green Baby Gifts
Going green is becoming essential, going from where electricity and food come from to baby products. If you are looking to go green with Christmas or Chanukah presents for your baby or another’s child, finding such items can be difficult at conventional retailers. For staying away from toxic chemicals, PVC, and BPA, consider these suggestions for green holiday baby gifts:
• A Regal Rocker Moses Basket Stand. Ideal for parents already using Moses baskets as temporary sleeping areas for their children, these stands are made out of all-natural organic wood, with no paint, stains, or toxic finishes added.
• The Lassig Vintage Metro Diaper Bag. Many mothers want stylish diaper bags, and this Lassig model has an eye-catching look, all while being made without PVC, nickel, AZO dyes, and phthalates.
• A Yellow Label Pink Cuddle Doll. With many baby toys, you don’t know if the item was made in the United States or overseas with child labor. Yellow Label Pink Cuddle Dolls, on the other hand, are made entirely by hand – no machines are used – in accordance with Fair Trade Practices.
• Cotton Monkey Crib Bedding. With a bright appearance, Cotton Monkey crib bedding is made out of organic cotton and wool, which has natural antimicrobial properties and is resistant to dust and mites.
• A Naturepedic Mattress. Baby mattresses are often made with foam containing fire-retardant chemicals, which leach out and get into a child’s environment. Because a baby sleeps for 70 percent of its first year, having a space free of chemicals is crucial. Naturepedic baby mattresses, which are also available in sizes for toddlers, are made with organic cotton, without harmful chemicals or allergens.
• An Eco-friendly diaper cake. There’s no such thing as too many diapers. For parents with a new baby, go green with one of these Rattlecake diaper cakes, which include toys made out of organic cotton and Seventh Generation diapers.
Baby Gifts for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is approaching, and no matter if you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah, you might find yourself looking for baby gifts – for your own child or a friend’s. If you are unsure about what to get, consider these pointers below.
• A child can never have too many toys. Yet, the usefulness of the toy counts. While friends, particularly, may be tempted to purchase just any toy, infants and toddlers have specific needs in play, which assists with building sensory, gross and fine motor, critical-thinking, and creative skills. In this case, look out for baby toys in black, red, and white, which visually stimulate a child, or those that have various textures, patterns, or sounds. Toddlers, on the other hand, need to work on gross motor skills, and for such a child, you should be on the lookout for blocks, riding toys, or dolls, all of which should be soft.
• Parents always need baby clothes, especially as young children quickly go through garments. No matter if you are shopping for your own child or someone else’s, stay practical with this gift. However, know the child’s age or size before purchasing any onesies, pants, footies, or t-shirts beforehand.
• Generally, veer away from larger presents, such as furniture, strollers, and car seats. Parents with babies or young children likely have these items already. However, if you know a parent in need of any of these items, consider purchasing one as a useful present.
• Go a practical route but dress up your gift. While basic, holiday diaper cakes are perfect for parents with babies and toddlers. Designed with a holiday theme, such diaper cakes contain 80 to 150 diapers, as well as various baby products on the outside. Overall, such a present helps new parents cut down on their diaper budget.
• Consider the parent. Do you know a mother looking for a larger or more stylish diaper bag? Find one that looks similar to a high-end handbag but has all the components a parent needs for taking a child out.
100 Most Popular Baby Names of 2011
Thousands, if not millions, of baby names are out there for parents, but which ones are picked more often than others? BabyCenter.com released their list of the 100 most popular baby names of 2011. Not much has changed for preferences over the past few years, as you might notice. Parents expecting boys often reach for the –aiden variations, while baby girl names more often sound like places (Brooklyn, Madison). If you haven’t had a chance to see the list yet, here are the 10 most popular names for boys and girls. For purposes of the poll, spelling variations were not differentiated; for instance, “Sophia” and “Sofia” are counted as one name. Read the full list on BabyCenter.com.
Girls’ Names
Sophia
Emma
Isabella
Olivia
Ava
Lily
Chloe
Madison
Emily
Abigail
Boys’ Names
Aiden
Jackson
Mason
Liam
Jacob
Jayden
Ethan
Noah
Lucas
Logan
Out of all these names, a few stand out. BabyCenter.com, in its poll, pointed out that “Mason” moved up a few places. For those that follow reality television, one of the Kardashian sisters named her baby “Mason Dash” over the past year; considering the socialite/reality television family’s influence, “Mason” likely increased in placement as a result. However, with no celebrity association, “Liam” moved up a few places, as well.
Aside from these changes pointed out by BabyCenter.com, -aiden names like Aiden, Jayden, Cayden, and Braydon hold strong.
For girls, “Sophia” may be the most popular name, but a few from the top 100 sound more unisex – or more like locations than names given to a daughter: Addison, Madison (Wisconsin?), Brooklyn (Bridge? Heights?), and Peyton were all in the top 30.
While these top 10 names are the most popular, parents should consider their child first before trends. Name trends come and go, but the name given to your baby lasts their entire lifetime, unless he or she decides to change it decades down the line.
Renting Baby Clothes?
What’s better than accepting hand-me-down baby clothes? Renting them. New parents find out, if they don’t know already, that babies go through clothing quickly. T-shirts and onesies that fit just a few weeks ago become too big in the near future. While a baby shower or receiving hand-me-downs can be helpful for getting infant-size clothing, the parents often end up purchasing new onesies, pants, and shirts every few weeks.
Plumgear, a new site for renting baby clothes, wants to change that. Reported by Consumer Reports, Plumgear was set up by Caroline O’Connor, a new mother who found that hand-me-downs and baby shower gifts provided limited options for new parents. Much like Netflix, Plumgear is a subscription service for parents to rent outfits for their baby. Once the child outgrows the clothing in a few weeks, they send it back to Plumgear for the next size up.
The website offers sizes 0-3 months through 2T, and clothing is purchased wholesale from quality brands like Rabbit Moon, Petit Bateau, Angel Dear, Soy Baby, Le Top, and Mini Muffin. Parents, when using the service, can order clothing in packs of five, 10, or 15, and a typical order includes tops, pants, and onesies; for a girl, a dress, leggings, and tights may also be added.
The cost of subscription covers the return of clothing, and all garments are laundered with fragrance-free Seven Generation detergent. If clothing ends up getting stained or damaged, the parents are not charged, and the garment is donated.
If you’re a parent tired of purchasing new baby clothing every few weeks, would renting the basics appeal to you? Clothing won’t sit around your home used and outgrown after several weeks, you only need to pay the subscription fee, and all garments are wearable, unlike questionable hand-me-downs. If you’re looking to save money with a new baby, would you opt to rent baby clothing, or purchase it secondhand and accept hand-me-downs?