Your mommy friends heard about a report that says to ditch your plastic sippy cups. Your mom heard about a study that said limited exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is just fine. Your neighbor cautions that the studies giving BPA the green light were funded by industry trade groups, who may have been seeing $$$ over health. Slightly unnerving, don’t you think?

Who, and what studies, are you supposed to believe? After all, the word on the street is that BPA is bad stuff–linked to breast and prostate cancer, among other health problems.

According to today’s front page of the Washington Post, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that it deemed BPA, the compound that has been found in plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, and other products, safe after relying on research backed by the American Plastics Council (a trade group). The big concern is that the chemical industry may have influenced that research to achieve desired results–i.e. approval for use in plastic. For example, the chemical industry has funded scientists to advise the government about the safety of chemical compounds. Sound vaguely similar to the Tobacco Industry? That’s part of the reason the plastic safety debate is turning heads.

In case you’re wondering, Bisphenol A is not new. It was first synthesized by chemists in 1891. Scientists have known that it’s an artificial estrogen since the 1930s, but DES–the estrogen yanked in the 1970s which was linked to reproductive cancers–stole the limelight. Bisphenol A was grandfathered as a presumed safe chemical compound by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1976. In 1993, the EPA set a BPA high-dose safety standard. In 1997, the first published university study found cancer links to low-level BPA exposure. In 1999, Consumer Reports discovered that BPA leaches from heated baby bottles. Between 2003-2006, BPA was found safe by an expert advisory panel, after relying on the findings of contractor, Sciences International. In 2007, Congress launched an investigation–after learning that the contractor involved also performed work for BPA manufacturers. The investigation into plastic and safety debate is now on…. Click here to see the full 117 Year BPA Washington Post summary.

Now the hard part, you get to make up your own mind.

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You’ve asked, you’ve begged, you’ve whined, and at least one of you wished upon a star….And thanks to Maxine Wolf, CEO & Publisher of KIWI Magazine, you now have another chance to win a one year KIWI Magazine subscription!

Wondering what’s the big deal? It’s just a magazine, right? Uh, no. Not just a magazine. KIWI is the ultimate read for jump-starting an eco-friendly lifestyle and supporting your family’s (and the planet’s) health. I like to think of it as a Parenting or Parents magazine gone green–but all year round. The articles and tips on parenting and healthy living are hip and cutting-edge. For instance, the latest edition offers a how-to feature on making your own baby food and a feature on deciphering food labels. Oh, in case you’re thinking it, you don’t have to be a tree hugging, save the whales kind of person to fall in love with KIWI. Of course, if you are that kind of person, you’re bound to fall in love, too.

KIWI is all about giving you eco-friendly information and resources to help you grow responsible, caring, healthy, thinking children. It’s about helping us, as parents and individuals, do our part in making the world around us just a little bit better.

Here’s the scoop: To enter this free contest, you’ll need to leave a comment below in the comments section and briefly state what you do (or would like to do) to make the world greener. The contest ends at midnight on May 9th. The winner will be chosen at random and will need a U.S. mailing address to receive the subscription. The winner’s name will be announced on the blog. Of course, if you can’t wait for the contest to end, you can always click on over to KIWI and subscribe today!

Good luck!

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As many of you have probably guessed by now, I’m an avid Washington Post reader. One of my favorite places to read the newspaper is in the car, while I wait for preschool pick up. Since my last post mentioned the preliminary federal report about the chemical bisphenol-A (”BPA”) in plastic containers, like water bottles, sippy cups and baby bottles, I just had to write about the highlighted news in today’s Business section. Box store giant, Wal-Mart plans to stop selling baby bottles and other products containing bisphenol-A early next year.

Wonder why a chemical that is suspected of posing cancer risks to babies is even used in the first place? Well, the chemical is known for giving plastic containers those rugged, hard and practically unbreakable characteristics. If you’ve ever seen a Nalgene Water Bottle, you probably know what I’m talking about. By the way, in case you’re wondering, Nalgene plans to stop using the chemical.

In light of recent findings about bisphenol-A, if you’re concerned about your child’s safety (or your own), check out these awesome bisphenol-free products:

SIGG Bottles. Made in Switzerland, apparently completely free of leaching risks posed by plastic bottles.

Thinkbaby bottles. Thinkbaby offers a line of bottles and sippy cups free of Bisphenol-A, phthalates and lead.

BornFree Drinking Cups and Bottles. BornFree offers baby cups and bottles free of Bisphenol-A.

If you’re in need of a baby shower gift, children’s bottles and sippy cups free of potentially dangerous chemicals make great gifts to show you really care–not to mention that you’re totally up on environmental (eco-friendly) news!

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A preliminary government report produced by the National Toxicology Program suggests that the chemical bisphenol A, which is found in shatterproof plastic bottles, may be linked to hormonal problems, such as early puberty, and possibly even tumors.

According to the Washington Post, citing the Centers for Disease Control, “More than 90 percent of Americans are exposed to trace amounts of bisphenol.” Exposure results when the chemical leaches out of plastic bottles or containers, such as plastic baby bottles or water bottles made with bisphenol.

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My little guy would rather drink anything but water, unless of course it’s bedtime (that’s the only time he wants to drink it…”more, mmmore, mmmorre water, please”). Getting kids to drink plenty of water goes beyond saving money at the grocery store. Drinking water is about health.

Actually, water is essential for good health. The body is made up of mostly water–our blood and organs contain water. Water helps regulate the body, remove waste, maximize efficiency, rejuvenate and protect, among other functions. Drinking too little water can lead to dehydration. Exercise and activity (think sweat, urination) can also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can interfere with overall healthy functioning, performance, and possibly result in illness.

Since, you’ve probably already lost your kids on these points, and you’ve probably already tried explaining the importance of drinking water a zillion times, here’s an approach to getting your kid to drink H2O.

1. Remind them that even if they don’t feel thirsty, they may need to drink water.

2. Tell them to look for clues (like a detective!). Urine color is a good indicator of hydration status (a yellow color and strong odor may indicate your kid needs to drink more water). Keep in mind headaches might also be associated with dehydration.

3. Give them a totally cool water bottle to keep with them throughout the day. Suggest that your kid play a game with the bottle. Whenever they “see” the bottle they have to take a sip from it. My kids love SIGG Kids Bottles and actually beg me for water refills!

4. Be that good influence. If you child sees you drink water, they will probably be more inclined to want to drink it.

As always, be sure to talk with your pediatrician or family doctor if you have any concerns about your child’s health or water consumption.

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If you thought glass baby bottles were old school, think again. Glass baby bottles are making a comeback. Babylife is just one company to reintroduce glass baby bottles, only with a modern safety sleeve that helps prevents breakage. BornFree and Dr. Brown’s make glass bottles, too.

Why the glass craze? In light of recent concerns about exposure to chemicals in plastic bottles (leaching), manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for plastic alternatives by offering glass bottles that are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free. Now, parents have more choices than ever when it comes to baby bottles. Even fashionable and totally funky glass bottles!

If you’re looking for a baby shower gift that has eco-chic mama written all over it, glass bottles are it!

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Thanks to growing interest in environmental health, sustainability and non-toxic living, environmentally friendly cleaning products are now hitting mainstream store shelves. Even boxstore giant Walmart carries the new natural, biodegradable “Green Works” line from Clorox.

If you have children, ditching toxic household cleaners in favor of eco-friendly alternatives makes a lot of sense, and not just because of obvious Mr. Yuck reasons. Removing toxins from your home means less exposure to neurotoxins, irritants and potential health hazards like carcinogens. Less exposure to toxins may mean overall improved health.

While it is entirely possible to create your own natural and effective cleaners at home (check out Green Living’s 5 Basics for Non-Toxic Cleaning) or Whole Food’s Clean & Green recipes), you might just love these no fuss eco-friendly labels.

1. Seventh Generation. Seventh Generation makes a huge line of great eco-friendly cleaning products. I especially love Seventh Generation’s Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner (and I’m a former Windex fan). No streaks. No harsh fumes.

2. Clorox Green Works. According to the company, “Green Works” labeled products are eco-friendly, plant and mineral based products and free of harsh chemicals.

3. Sun and Earth. An affordable line of natural cleaners. I used Sun and Earth products for years, before I fell in love with Seventh Generation.

4. BabyGanics. A safe line of all-natural cleaners designed with children and home health in mind. BabyGanics also makes a streak-free Glass & Surface Cleaner and an Organic Floor Cleaner.

For additional recommendations, check out Healthy Child, Healthy World.

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I’ve raved before about California Baby products, and since I’m not one to stay quiet for long, I’m going to rave some more. I stumbled upon California Baby in a natural food store weeks before giving birth to my first child. What then attracted me to California Baby was my mother-to-be obsession with finding natural and organic products for my baby. Only the best, right? My first California Baby purchase was Calming Shampoo & Bodywash. I admit, given that I was expecting a baby girl, the product’s label featuring an adorable little girl sealed the purchase decision. Hmmm…I guess the company knows how to make great products and market them, too!

California Baby’s Calming Shampoo & Bodywash cleans and smells delicious. While there are plenty of shampoos and bodywash products on the market that clean and smell good on babies, not many can claim they contain organic or sustainably grown ingredients. And few can claim that they don’t contain Sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, or other ingredients that could potentially impact health. California Baby Calming Shampoo is a popular choice for babies or older kids (even adults) with sensitive skin. No tears and non-irritating, too.

Since I bought that first Calming Shampoo & Bodywash product, California Baby has greatly expanded their natural care line for babies, kids and sensitive adults. California Baby offers organic and natural options to traditional baby essentials such as non-talc baby powder and diaper cream, as well as unique baby products like Colds & Flu Bubble Bath. California Baby even sells products in travel sizes and sampler totes.

If you’re looking for organic and natural products for your baby or young child, check out California Baby. You can find a huge selection of California Baby products at baby-Wise.com. There’s a lot of piece of mind that comes along with buying and using a product on your baby that is as natural as baby care products probably get.

Do you have a California Baby Love Affair, too? If so, please leave a comment and give other parents the scoop.

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With three children, I realize it’s likely that I’ll hear the C word–CAVITY–uttered from a dentist sometime before the nest empties. After all, research shows that 79 percent of children will have a cavity by age 17. But even with this dark statistic, I know that with regular brushing, there is still hope for avoiding drills or lasers.

Thankfully, in my household, my children love to brush their teeth. Not that I’m bragging, but I’ve yet to experience a battle. But, I realize this is not the case for many families. Often there is a lot of fuss around the toothbrush. Some parents make up jolly “brushy-brushy” songs, as a way to convince little ones to brush. Some simply let their children (usually toddlers) chew on a toothbrush while mirroring brushing technique in front of them. Some parents use sticker charts as incentives. Some even play dentist, taking turns brushing each others’ teeth. Some buy gigantic toothbrushes and oversized, plastic teeth for the playroom. Some resort to bribery.

While there is certainly no substitute for good hygiene and developing positive brushing habits, a researcher at UCLA has come up with a lollipop solution to cavities. Apparently the “candy” combines ancient Eastern medicine and cutting-edge technology to create a cavity combating, kid-friendly answer to preventing cavities.

I’m surprised to think that the lollipop concept is new. But from a parenting perspective, it does sound like a brilliant idea–provided the lollipops actually taste yummy.

What do you think? Would you buy anti-cavity lollipops? Do you think these lollipops send the “wrong” message about candy?

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Have you ever wondered about the differences between humidifiers, dehumidifiers and vaporizers?  Or tried to figure out why other parents get so pumped up when they talk about their child’s adorable animal or Thomas the Train character humidifier?

Until the pediatrician suggested I pick up a humidifier a couple of years ago to relieve my child’s congestion, I didn’t really understand the value of a humidifier.  In fact, I didn’t even think they were safe, especially around children.  That’s when I did a little homework to figure out what I didn’t know.

I learned that humidifiers and vaporizers add moisture to the air.  Dehumidifiers do the opposite.  They take moisture out. When your little one is congested due to a cold and has trouble sleeping comfortably, infusing moisture into the air can be a good thing.  Moisture even helps ward off dry skin and chapped lips.   

The notable difference between humidifiers and vaporizers is the temperature of the released mist.  Humidifiers tend to release cool or warm mist, but vaporizers (i.e. steam vaporizers) release hot mist. 

Hot mist poses a burn danger to children.  That’s why cool mist humidifiers are the choice for children’s rooms or when children are around the house.      

Cool mist humidifiers can provide instant relief from stuffiness and are often useful throughout the year–they can even eliminate those static electricity zaps!  Given the number of colds children will likely have in just the first few years alone, a cool mist humidifier is practically an essential.       

Wondering what to look for in a humidifier?  Here are a few features to look for:

–cool mist

–variable humidity control

 –quiet motor

–auto shut-off

–energy efficiency

–if special filters are required, ease in finding “replacements”