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.

Related Posts
Big Box Retailer Plans to Yank Plastic Bottles, Sippy Cups
Look Out Mom and Dad: If Others are Green Diapering, So Can You!

Related Products
SIGG Kidz Bottle .3L
thinkbaby Bottles

On Earth Day 2008, baby-Wise officially relaunched as babyearth! Babyearth offers one of the largest selections of baby products on the planet. Babyearth is the only site you need to visit for everything baby. Plus, the site is eye candy–filled with beautiful images and thoughtful descriptions for new and expecting parents. Check it out here.

Looking for a creative nursery theme? What about bugs? That’s the theme I would have picked for my little guy had I known just a wee bit earlier that he would come to love bugs. He loved bugs so much as a baby and toddler that he used to fall asleep with Margaret Wise Brown’s book I Like Bugs tucked in next to him.

The bug theme is simply adorable for a boy or girl. Plus, you can spin off so many cute nicknames for baby-to-be–hmmm…buggy, snuggle-bug, ladybug. If you’re looking for baby bug nursery paraphernalia or theme inspiration, check out these luscious bug washcloths by Little Twig to get your creative juices flowing.

Have a creative theme to share with other readers who are seeking nursery theme inspiration?

Related Posts
Gifts for the Breastfeeding Mom
Attachment Parenting 101

Related Products
Little Twig Bath Mitt
Bee Mobile by Small Fry

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!

Related Posts
Glass Bottles are IN
Eco-Friendly Household Cleaners

Related Products
BornFree Drinking Cup
SIGG Kidz Bottle Check out the great selection of designs and tops at baby-Wise.com!

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.

Related Posts
Glass Bottles are IN
Selling your Kids on Water

Related Products
SIGG Kidz Bottle
thinkbaby Bottles

It won’t be long before bicycle fever strikes, if it hasn’t already in your area. Here a bike, there a trike, everywhere a bike or bicycle trailer. If you’re hoping to join the biking crowd this season, with or without your child in tow, you probably know what purpose bike helmets serve. But do you know how to properly wear a helmet or how to ensure one is properly positioned on a child?

Many people think they know how a helmet should fit, but it’s surprising how many people wear them or place them on a child’s head incorrectly. Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, here is what a correct fit looks like. Helmets should fit snugly and shouldn’t obstruct vision. Even if you’re pulling a little one around in a trailer, you’ll want to ensure the helmet is snug and doesn’t flop around (back and forth or side to side) on the child’s head–a matter of safety and comfort for both child and parent.

Have any tips for biking with children in tow? If so, leave a comment and let other parents know how you do it!

Related Posts
Playdate Safety
Fly Baby

Related Products
LIKEaBIKE Forest
Dreamer Design Exec Lite Bike Trailer FREE SHIPPING at baby-wise.com!

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!

Related Posts
A Green Alternative to Disposable Diapers
Raising Baby Retro Style

Related Products
babylife WeeGo Glass Bottle
SIGG Kidz Bottle

When I noticed a little scratch on my infant’s face last night, I thought time to trim those itty bitty nails. I know some parents cringe just thinking about clipping baby nails. Personally, it’s not the act of trimming that bothers me. It’s trying to hold my little one still during the process. I feel like such a brute holding each finger before the clipper, knowing that my baby wants nothing to do with the process. Oh, in case you’re wondering, I’ve tried the “clip while they sleep trick”–it does work! But, sometimes when there is a serious sharp nail offender, you simply can’t wait for your bundle of joy to fall asleep. After all, it’s heartbreaking to see a scratched up face–and know you could have likely prevented the scratches!

As luck would have it, last night I clipped all but two of my baby’s nails–neither of us could see the job through. This morning my baby woke up with multiple scratches. Yikes. Guilt.

Hindsight is 20/20, right? Well, wish I had tried a Snappi Nail Clipper. Apparently, the butterfly holds a baby’s interest during the mini manicure. Plus, the design conceals the sharp edges and collects the nail clippings, making safer and easier clipping sessions.

Have a wee lil’ manicure tip of your own to share with other squeamish (or not so) parents of little ones?

Related Posts
Safe Driving Tips
Fire Safety

Related Products
Safety 1st Steady Grip Nail Clipper
Comfort Care Nail Clipper with Magnifier

Wondering if it’s worth spending money on a fancy schmancy mobile for your infant’s crib? Well, that depends. In my parenting of three experience, I’ve discovered that mobiles really do stimulate and entertain infants, some more than others. Hmmm, guess that probably means the experts know what they’re talking about when they say mobiles are great for development.

While there are so many mobile options to choose from, non-motorized, homemade mobiles to the hi-tech variety, I personally give Tiny Love’s Mobile Line two thumbs up. As infants, my children loved the Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion Mobile that I attached to their crib.

How do I know? The captivating characters and classical musical stimulation instantly soothed them. Long after it was time for the mobile to come out of the crib for safety reasons, the detachable musical box continued to provide my children comfort.

My children weren’t the only ones who liked Tiny Love. When I had a problem with a mobile part, Tiny Love’s customer service department happily sent me a replacement. As for value, that Symphony-in-Motion mobile oversaw the first months of three newborns. I think that says something right there.

Related Posts
Happy Child, Happy Parent
Textures Kids Love

Related Products
Baby’s First Wind Chimes by Tiny Love
Symphony Light & Motion Mobile by Tiny Love

Age: birth +

At first there were nanny cams. Now parents can look to sites like I Saw Your Nanny to make sure their nanny isn’t behaving badly. Reading about nanny sightings–tales of good and bad–is incredibly eye opening…even emotionally grueling.

As helpful as gadgets and technology can be in evaluating the trustworthiness of a babysitter, there’s simply no substitute for “old school” safeguards, like quality interviews, reference checks, and babysitter refigerator notes, for peace of mind.

Wondering what sort of questions to ask a prospective nanny or sitter? Here’s a start?

1. Ask tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this job?
3. Why do you want to care for children?
4. Do you have child care experience? If so, discuss.
5. How do you deal with conflict?
6. What do you enjoy most about working with children?
7. What annoys you?
8. What’s your discipline style?
9. How do you envision your day-to-day routine?
10. What did you like the most/least in your last position?

Related Posts
Learn a Second Language
The Psychology of Pumping

Related Products
Time Too Baby Tracker Round the Clock
Summer Infant Baby’s Quiet Sounds Handheld 1.8″ Color Video Monitor