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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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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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.

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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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It’s the day of pranks. If you’re looking for some G Rated family silliness, check out FamilyFun’s April Fools’ Pranks Galore. I know I’m up for the Time Warp. There are many things I hope to–actually need to– accomplish today, like shopping for a birthday present for a second grader, planning a birthday party for my preschooler, and grocery shopping.

If you’re like me and crave a few extra minutes in the day to get things done (and don’t have time to fool around), check out this list of 50 Best Mom Blogs to discover how other parents manage the zillion things on their to-do lists.

Show and Tell Time. Do you turn to a favorite “mom blog” or website when you’re looking for strategies to better manage the demands of family, work, and life?

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The first time I heard someone speak the words “Tripp Trapp,” I couldn’t help but conjure up the kids’ song “This Old Man” (Knick-Knack Paddy Whack). Quickly enough, however, I learned that Tripp Trapp had nothing to do with music (even though it kind of rhymes with knick-knack, don’t you think). Nor anything to do with tongue twisters (think, “Betty Botter had some butter…”).

Instead, the Stokke Tripp Trapp represents the ultimate in versatility in the world of children’s high chairs. The chair is the chair that grows with the child. Not only does the Tripp Trapp enable a child to sit at the same height as an adult at the table, but it provides support for growing, little legs. Unlike some traditional high chairs that are only used for a limited period of time, the Tripp Trapp can be used for years and years. You can buy a separate five-point harness, rail and cushion for use with babies, meaning you can pass on the “traditional” high chair.

In my mind, the Tripp Trapp is one of those baby products that is definitely worth the investment. The Tripp Trapp is built to last, constructed with solid materials. The Tripp Trapp is also pleasing to the eye–available in a variety of colors. Plus, Stokke offers a 7 year guarantee on all wooden components. If you’ve ever tried to find a used Tripp Trapp for sale, you probably know that finding one is nearly impossible. Why? Because people hang on to a Tripp Trapp for years. People love Tripp Trapp chairs because they’re just so darn functional.

If you’re looking for the perfect high chair, you’ve found it! A must have for any hip mama.

Are you a Tripp Trapp fan?

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Growing up, the Easter Bunny often left creative, sometimes even practical “baskets” filled with goodies. Rarely did a traditional basket make its way into the house. I’d still take a toy wheelbarrow, laundry basket, or garbage can any day over a traditional pastel basket.

If you’re also into unique Easter baskets, check out this totally chic kid Shopping Cart by Plan Toys.

What young child wouldn’t be thrilled to find this cart loaded up with a gigantic chocolate bunny on Easter morning?

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St. Patrick’s Day is less than a week away. If you’re looking for an excuse to go green or need a deadline to jumpstart an eco-friendly lifestyle, give St. Patrick’s day a new purpose. Go Green! Whether going green means recycling that pile of old magazines in your house, stocking the shelves with organic baby food (better yet making your own!), teaching your children about climate change, or shopping for Bispenol-A free baby bottles, use March 17th to motivate change.

What better day to go green, anyway? Even one small lifestyle change can have a huge impact on the world around us–and on the lives of our children and future generations.

What small change will you make next week?

A couple of years ago, a friend (and mom of three children) introduced me to the MeToo Portable Seat by Phil & Teds.  Finding the seat was a bit harder back then.  I vividly remember dashing store-to-store looking for the seat–now, the seat is available online, like at baby-Wise.com. 

The baby/toddler chair ranks near the top of my personal Best of the Best Baby Gear Purchases.  The MeToo is a practical portable high chair.  Perfect for bringing along to restaurants.  Lightweight, yet rugged, aluminum makes carrying the chair, along with the diaper bag and baby, a breeze.  I especially appreciate the MeToo when I go out to restaurants that prohibit the use of a real high chair at a booth due to fire code (hey, weren’t booths made for families in the first place?).  I simply attach the MeToo to the table within the seated booth area, and voila, my little one is at the same level as the rest of the family.

If you have a small home or need to conserve space, the MeToo is also a good substitute for a traditional high chair.  Some parents even use the MeToo on eat-in kitchen bars or islands.  Relatively speaking, the MeToo Chair is not that expensive given the potential frequency of use.  In my household, the MeToo is used everyday–at breakfast, lunch, dinner, among other times.  Talk about a good value.

If you’re looking for a great gift for expecting parents, or a gift for parents of a young child (the seat is designed for up to 40lbs), the MeToo is the perfect, ultra practical gift.  Given that the seat takes up little space, compared to a bulky, traditional high chair or tray-seat, and uses little packaging, I give the MeToo high marks in the eco-friendly department, too.

Is the MeToo one of your overall best baby purchases?