Congrats to Jennifer, the random winner of the 1 year subscription to KIWI Magazine. Based on Jennifer’s comment, I’m guessing she’s going to be thrilled when KIWI shows up in her mailbox (”I’ve wanted this since I saw it in a dr’s office last year! We’re trying to “go green”, and this would be a great help!”).

I know it’s a bummer when you don’t win a contest–especially when the prize is something as cool as a subscription to KIWI–but you don’t have to miss out on all of the fun. Head over to KIWI and check out the goodies over there, including a sneak peak of what’s in the latest Jan/Feb 2008 edition (like the 2nd annual green baby shower gift guide!). While you’re there, you can always sign up for your very own subscription.

Thanks to everyone who played along. And, special thanks to Maxine Wolf, CEO/Publisher of KIWI. Please come back and visit the blog again sometime soon!

The flu has hit home. My household had a brush with what I thought was the flu a couple of weeks ago, but obviously it was not the flu. Maybe a cousin or distant relative, but a far cry from what has now taken up residence in my home. Lysol has become a good friend. Speaking of which, according to Dr. Jim Sears and Lysol, these are the five best things you can do to safeguard against the flu:

1. Frequent hand washing. Think soap and water, or hand sanitizer.
2. Regular surface disinfection. Disinfecting surfaces like counters, faucets and doorknobs keeps you healthy. I’ve been using Lysol wipes this time around–so much easier than pulling out separate cleaning products and towels.
3. Good nutrition and regular exercise. Eating well and exercising helps to boost your immune system, so you can better ward off illness.
4. Stay well-stocked. Keep cleaning supplies, soaps, and medicines on hand, so you have them when you need them. I’ve discovered kid-friendly “sore throat” lolli-pops are a good addition to the medicine chest.
5. Talk with your doctor, in advance. Discuss what, if any, steps you should take to stay healthy (e.g., flu shot) and learn what medicines you should keep in your home–so you are prepared when the cold or flu strikes.

Since I’m convinced that my toddler’s contact with a germ infested shopping cart has something to do with this plague, I think cart cover is a reasonable addition to the list. Oh, and add lots and lots of laundry detergent to the list, too.

What additions would you make to this list?

If you’re planning to hit the beach with your kids to escape winter, don’t forget to pack these 7 sun essentials:

1. Sunblock. Sunblock shields against ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer and prevents sunburn. Besides looking for a high SPF value, look for a waterproof, hypoallergenic, and tear-free formula to keep the kids happy.

2. Sun Hat. My favorite pick is a floppy hat, like Patagonia’s Floppy Sun Hat.

3. Beach tent. Whether you’re at the beach or a park with your baby, a sun dome is a must have. Look for a tent that provides instant shade and is easy to pack in a carrying case.

4. Safety SunBlock Shields. Whether driving to your destination or simply touring around in the sun, car sun shades keep your kids comfortable and safe. Munchkin even makes a sun shade with a heat alert feature, that let’s you know whether your car’s temperature is safe for your child.

5. Stroller Shade. If your stroller isn’t already equipped with a shade, you’ll definitely want to bring one along if you plan to spend much time outside in the sun.

6. Water Bottle or Sippy Cup. Make sure your kids stay well hydrated with their very own water bottle or insulated sippy cup. My top picks: an eco-friendly SIGG water bottle or a Munchkin insulated sippy cup by

7. Beach toys. Every trip to the beach needs toys, especially those for making sandcastles and digging in the sand!

Happy Travels!

Several days back, I purged my cabinets of old grungy sippy cups, opting to replace the stash with BornFree Drinking Cups. BornFree products are free of Bisphenol-A, the chemical that is found in cups made from polycarbonate plastic. Studies have linked Bisphenol-A to reproductive health issues, among other health problems.

BornFree is not the only company to make Bisphenol-A free cups and bottles. thinkbaby offers a complete line of bottles and trainer cups.

For parents worried about toxic chemicals leaching from plastic baby products and their baby’s health, thinkbaby’s products are the answer to those worries. thinkbaby’s products are Free of Bisphenol-A, phthalates and lead. thinkbaby is also an environmentally conscious company–it uses eco-friendly packaging and even donates a portion of purchases to support the non-profit, Healthy Child Healthy World.

Baby-Wise carries a great selection of BornFree and thinkbaby products.

To learn more about growing international concerns over plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, check out this YouTube video.

In baby circles, Phthalates are the latest uh, oh. Just the look of the word sounds threatening–not to mention trying to pronounce it. And it is.

Phthalates are man-made chemicals which can potentially interfere with reproduction. A new study shows that Phthalates are showing up in children’s bodies (in urine specifically). That’s not good news for children’s health.

Wondering how children are getting exposed in the first place?

Phthalates are used in the manufacture of cosmetics and plastic products. According to the Washington Post, children are exposed to Phthalates through the skin, liquids, and even air. Shampoos, lotions, powders, diaper wipes pose potential threats.

Want to know how to protect your child?

Avoid applying lotions and powders to your child, unless of course, advised to do so by a doctor. Opt for shampoos and other products that are proven to be Phthalate free. Ultimately, keep in mind the golden rule: the less chemical exposure, the better.

February 1, 2008: Evenflo has announced a voluntary safety recall of Discovery Infant Car Seats (Models 390, 391, 534, 552).

The recall arises from laboratory tests conducted by Evenflo and the National Highway Safety Administration. In high impact side collisions the car seat could potentially separate from its base.

According to Evenflo, as many as one million seats may be affected by the recall.

Evenflo is providing owners with a free fastener to ensure the seat remains attached to the base.

Click here to learn more about the safety recall or to find out how to obtain the free supplemental fastener.

There’s one week left to post a comment for your chance to win a subscription to KIWI Magazine, the eco-friendly magazine that parents who want to raise children the organic and natural way are raving about! Click here for the details.