Bamboo Booster seat for toddlers!

Wondering where to seat your toddler this holiday season? Too young for the kids table, but too old for the highchair. I found this great Bamboo Booster seat on Diapers.com which easily attaches to almost any chair. Brooke loves to sit in it and now she can eat with the grown-ups at any event. I love that it is made from sustainable bamboo instead of plastics!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Green Your Halloween!!

Halloween is almost here and Brooke loves pumpkins!!! If you missed the National Costume Swap Day, you can plan to participate next year or ask friends if they have costumes to swap. This reduces the landfill waste. You can make your own costume or go to a local thrift store and throw something together. If you do succumb to the fancy costumes that I have seen the catalogs....at least let your child dress up in them throughout the year or be sure to swap it next year! Here are some other options, especially if you need face paint/makeup for your child. The chemicals in traditional Halloween makeup are not good for anyone, who wants a rash???

The candy, candy, candy!!! Since it is National Non-GMO month it would be a good time to find Non-GMO treats don't you think??? I have seen Organic Bunny Gummy Candy at Whole Foods along with Fair Trade Chocolates. I found this great website for organic candies, www.naturalcandystore.com. You can give out organic raisins, organic animal crackers or pretzels too. If you do opt for the sugary treats, be sure to offer the bite size candies so kids can't overindulge. You can't even pronounce the ingredients, so that should tell you something. I do have a hard time resisting chocolate but when I found out what is actually in these treats, I feel like I need a week of juicing detox. You can also give out trinkets instead of candy. Visit greenhalloween.org for more ideas. It is hard to completely GREEN your holidays without resistance from the kids, but a few small steps is a step in the right direction. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Green on the Scene: PVC Free Backpacks for Back to School!

Green on the Scene: PVC Free Backpacks for Back to School!: If you are still looking for the perfect non-toxic backpack to send with your child to school, there are great options at Hanna Anderson!
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PVC Free Backpacks for Back to School!

If you are still looking for the perfect non-toxic backpack to send with your child to school, there are great options at Hanna Anderson!
Read more on PVC dangers.

You can also find other Eco-friendly backpacks at The Ultimate Green Store.

Polyvinyl chloride.

More on PVC dangers.

Need any more convincing on why a PVC-free backpack is what your tot should be toting for BACK TO SCHOOL??
Here is the link to more PVC FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES.

Toxic Flame Retardants on Children's Sleepwear???

As you do your back to school shopping...be careful what pajamas you buy for your children. When I put Brooke in her PJ's I should be confident they keep her warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I never thought I would have to worry if they are disrupting her endocrine system!!! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has regulations on sleepwear which are intended to prevent burns. Unfortunately it does not mention the safety of the flame retardants which a manufacturer can use or which ones specifically are used on each product.

The chemicals, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)which are used as flame retardants, have been linked to damage to the nervous and immune systems, reproductive systems,impairing thyroid function, hyperactivity, cancer and effecting developing brains. These chemicals have been banned in Europe since 2004. They are used in many items from upholstered furniture and mattresses to TV's and Computers. They are not used in sleepwear according to EWG, but no manufacturer discloses what chemicals are used. Confusing???? The regulations in the U.S. clearly need to be changed. Read more on what the Environmental Protection Agency is doing regarding this issue.

There are better options. I love Hanna Anderson Organic sleepwear. See the ad above to see their products. Costco also has a line of Kirkland Organic Sleepwear for kids. Before you throw out all your kids pj's make sure they are 100% cotton and have the "Wear Snug Fitting, Not Flame Resistant" in the label. These are the better option. It is always best to buy natural fibers like wool and organic cotton since cotton is the most pesticide saturated crop other than coffee.

If you are co-sleeping, avoid permanent press, wrinkle resistant, no-iron sheets because these have been treated with chemicals. This goes for stain resistant, water resistant, wrinkle-free clothes as well. Lastly, choose a natural, organic, or latex mattress for you and your child. Others are treated with these chemicals as well. Brooke has a Naturepedic, see the ad on the side for info. I hope you find chemical free sleepwear, pajamas, jammies, pj's on your back to school shopping trip!!!

New BPA Free High Chair from BabyBjorn

Finally a BPA free high chair!!!! I've always been concerned about the safety of Brooke's current high chair with food falling on the plastic tray. Now new Mom's won't have to worry if they have a BPA FREE high chair from BabyBjorn. They make such great products already that it is no surprise that they have come out with a high chair. It can be used from 5 months up to 3 years, ergonomically correct for proper feeding, and it can be folded for storage. Now what highchair has all that! You can find it at Giggle.

Rehydrate with Coconut Water!

We discovered VitaCoco Water almost a year ago when it was offered on a Jet Blue flight. Coconut water has become Brooke's favorite beverage! She definitely needed it on our recent trip to DisneyWorld with the grandparents!!! Most of the sports drinks contain artificial colors, high amounts of sugar and other things I can't even pronounce. Coconut water naturally contains electrolytes, is high in potassium, and is a very good choice in the heat if you need something other than water. Kids especially need to replenish since they are so active. VitaCoco does add Vitamin C(230%) per serving,so if you are pregnant or have problems with too much Vitamin C, be cautious. I've tried a few other brands like O.N.E., and ZICO, they are also great but VitaCoco seems to be Brooke's favorite. Read more on Coconut Water and try to stay cool this summer with something that doesn't contain artificial flavors and colors!