Baby Gear

A potentially cancer-causing chemical called bisphenol A is in the lining of most cans of liquid baby formula Says the Environmental Working Group. The chemical can and does go into the formula at levels that are dangerous for babies. This has been shown to cause reproductive disorders and neurobehavioral problems in laboratory animals.

Bbisphenol A, or BPA, is a component of the plastic epoxy resins used to line metal food cans.
The group recommended that parents avoid liquid baby formula and use powder formula instead until companies line baby formula cans with bisophenol-free resin, the Toronto Star reported. The Environmental Working Group had calculations indicate that babies fed powdered formula likely receive 8 to 20 times less BPA than those fed liquid formula from a metal can.
More than 100 independent studies have shown that small doses of the chemical can cause developmental problems, cancer, obesity and early puberty.
The makers of Nestlé, Similac, Enfamil and PBM (who make store-brand, generic formulas that you can buy all over) all said that they use BPA in the linings of metal cans holding liquid formula. They use them on powdered formula as well, except for Nestle Good Start.

First it was unsafe baby bottles and sippy cups and now the formula itself. If there was ever a good reason to breastfeed your baby, this is it.

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When you are going to have a baby there are some items of baby gear that you need. A stroller, car seat, a crib, diapers and a high chair. There are alternatives to a traditional high chair these days which is perfect for parents who live in apartments, don’t have a big kitchen or just don’t like the bulky piece of baby gear. I had two big old high chairs in my kitchen, so I understand.

Fisher Price Healthy Care booster seat is a great alternative to a high chair. It connects to virtually any chair, has a 3 point restraint system and 3 height adjustments to grow with your child. The back and tray can be removed for an older child. It also has the best feature for any high chair or booster seat, a dishwasher safe removable tray. I would never buy any feeding chair that didn’t have this.
This is inexpensive at around $23.00 so you can buy one for the grandparent’s houses. This is also perfect for traveling with!

Kaboost is a revolutionary idea in alternatives to high chairs. This attaches to a regular chair to add height for a smaller child. It just snaps on a chair, is very stable and can holds up to 300 pounds. It comes in three different colors and at $39.99 makes any chair into a high chair. I wish I thought of this!

If you really just want a regular high chair this Graco chair is the slimmest when folded. This seat comes complete with 6- position height adjustment, 3- position recline and two trays that are dishwasher safe. It is slightly more expensive then the average high chair at $129.00.

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Are you looking for great accessories for babies? Maybe you are searching for a great baby gift or something unusual to bring to a new mom and baby? Look no further. Burpbees are unique personalized gifts that any new mom or new baby would love.

They make coordinating burp cloths, bibs and onesies with various ribbon embellishments. All the burp cloths are made from 100% pre-folded cotton diapers. Take my word for it, these are so soft and absorbent. Of course they are machine washable too.
They make two kinds of bibs, a drooler bib for infants that can be personalized. They are great for babies who are teething and well, drooling. They have a tie closure.
They also have larger bibs for older babies and toddlers. The ribbon bibs coordinate with burp cloth and pocket onesies designs. These are made with a velcro closure.

The 100% cotton onesies can be personalized and are short sleeved. They can be coordinated with the bibs and burp cloths. They also make custom fleece/flannel baby blankets by special order.
I also see on their information packet that they sell personalized children’s aprons and tote bags for $15.00 each but I did not see them on the site. The aprons would be perfect for my twins, they love to cook and bake with me and for that price I can afford two!

These are wonderful shower gifts, a change from plain white burp cloths and onesies. Plus all gift sets come wrapped very sweetly in ribbon with a decorative pacifier. Their prices are affordable, check out the different prices and packages.

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Go to any toddler’s birthday party and you will see the same sight endless amounts of bottles and sippy cups. Every kid has at least one and they all look the same. Then your kids picks his off the table and disappears with it. You find it on the floor, but there is the same cup on the table, and another one on the counter. Which one is yours?

Try these labels from Mable. Classic Stickies and Skinny-Minis™ are perfect for toys, containers, cups, bottles and are made to withstand dishwasher, microwave, UV Rays and kids. Now you will be able to find your child’s cup or bottle in no time. They also make labels for shoes, bags, clothing and for kids with food allergies.
This is very useful for kids who go to daycare, bring their lunch to school or camp. These are $18.50 for 45 labels.

If you don’t want to put a label on your cups what about these bands for cups, snack cups and bottles? They are non-adhesive, reusable and personalized. They are microwave and dishwasher safe and come in great colors. A four pack is $11.95 and considering what sippy cups cost these days, this is much cheaper then replacing lost ones.

You could also get a monogrammed bottle & sippy cup custom designed covers.
But maybe that is going a litle too far?

Any of these are a must have for preschool or daycare. I have had one of my children drink out of a stranger’s cup before and I was totally grossed out.

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I was in Target (my favorite place!) this morning and spied the melamine dishware that I love on clearance. I love these pieces because they are easy to clean, do not stain and are not going to break when my children or a baby drops it or throws it. they are usually all top rack dishwasher safe too which makes cleanup very easy. I also love any children’s plate or dish that is divided. I think it is easier for kids to manage what is on their plate and it is easier for you to see what size portions you are giving them. It is also a great tool to help teach kids about the food groups. These also have a lip so it is easy for kids to push foods to the side to help “stab” it onto the fork.

These cafeteria style plates are great for older kids and for outdoor eating. They come in a ton of colors and they also have matching flatware.
Here are some great patterns and styles for kids of all ages. I think I want the ladybug plate set for myself!

Of course when baby first tries to feed themselves you better have a sunction cup plate or bowl. This is perfect because baby can’t play fetch with you and his cutlery. Because really, don’t you clean enough already?

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When my children got the go ahead to eat foods other then what was in their bottle, I was confused. I wanted to give them good, nutritional food, I didn’t want them to start off their life with preservatives and additives. I made some of my baby food and supplemented the rest with organic baby food.

You can buy a baby food mill to make your own baby food or just use a food processor like I did. Here are some tips to make your own baby food:

Wash your fresh vegetables or fruits well (you can also use canned fruit if you don’t have access or fresh)

Steam or boil the fruit or vegetables. Some fruit do not have to be cooked and can be just mashed like bananas.

Puree the fruit or veggies in a blender or food processor, or process with a food mill until the food reaches the right consistency. Very smooth for a child who is just starting on solids and thicker for a baby that is older and can maneuver food better in his mouth.

Strain the food to remove any stray peels or seeds. Some veggies or fruit you can peel first but the skins have a lot of vitamins in them.

Next spoon them into an ice cube tray to freeze. Once it is frozen you can put the individual pieces into a freezer bag to store. It will keep in your freezer for about a month.

Thaw individual servings when your child is ready to eat.

You can always check out some baby food recipes here or here or read about starting solids here.

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The other day I was looking for bottles that were polycarbonate-free and were safe for my baby. I found glass bottles but I wondered if there was something else. I found these bottles from Adiri.

I have to say, they are great to look at. The Adiri nurser are made with a unique co-molded nipple and bottle body that prevents lost parts and assembly hassle. No need to buy any other parts!
It is designed like the breast so it would be perfect for nursing mothers that want to still be able to pump for their child. It also warms to a child’s cheek, like a breast, when filled with warm milk. Shaped like a breast, they encourage the same type of open-mouthed latching that is required for breastfeeding, making bottle and breastfeeding more easily interchangeable.

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With all the news recently about plastics in our house and especially in our baby products that can cause genetic defects, it can really drive you crazy. The chemical in plastics is known as bisphenol A or BPA. It’s found in many of common products, mostly polycarbonate plastics. Nearly all plastic baby bottles in the U.S. are made of this kind. So are many food containers from take out, food storage containers and water bottles.

Some animal studies have linked BPA to low sperm count, hyperactivity, early puberty, obesity, small testes size, and enlarged prostates.
Now that I have a new baby on the way (announcement!) I am wondering if I should throw away all of our Advent bottles we had leftover from my twins, and we have a lot, and find something safer.

The only ones I can find so far are these glass bottles from wee go. They have a sleeve which is non toxic and will protect the glass and make it easier to hold. The plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable. It comes in six colors.

I am not sure how I feel about glass bottles but really what choice do we have these days? Do you know of any other BPA free, non toxic bottles? It is really a case for breastfeeding every and all children.

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After the bib recalls from Toys R Us and Babies R Us, I know many moms who are scrambling to replace the bibs they lost. These hip bibs from baberoo.com maybe just what you are looking for.

They come with various cute sayings, from “I’ll have my people call your people” to “Hey baby, come here often?”
They measure 10 inches long and 14 inches across. They are soft and absorbent, two must have requirements for bibs. They are $15.00 for a three pack or $5.00 each.
Adorable!

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The worst part of feeding kids is the mess they leave. I am not just talking about all over their face and tray either. Have you ever looked on the floor below the highchair after a feeding? If you do not have a dog that likes scraps you are in trouble!

This new food catcher may be just what you need. It attaches to the bottom of the high chair to catch everything that is dropped or thrown. It is made of 100% ripstop nylon, a water resisitant, light-weight & durable material that is machine washable.
It comes in six different colors and patterns, something to match every highchair or kitchen.
At $19.99 it is cheaper then getting a dog!

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Sheila at www.loveprints.net had sent me her Handy Burpee for review. The Handy Burpee is not a regular burp cloth, it is made with a pocket for your hand. This way you will have the burp cloth right under baby’s chin but no drool or spit up will get on your hand. This would be great for infants with acid reflux or are big droolers.

It is longer then a regular burp cloth and made with very soft cotton flannel. She has a ton of patterns for boys, girls or gender neutral it will be hard to chose just one!

I love supporting Mom owned businesses and this burpee is a great idea!

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The Gap always has the cutest and softest things for baby. I remember finding out the sex of my twins and the next day, on my lunch hour going to the babygap and buying a million matching things for them. I thought I was pretty good about waiting 5 months until I bought anything!

The Gap also has bibs that velcro or snap on the side, not the back. That makes life just a little bit easier for Moms and Dads. Not only that but they are made with 100% cotton and are very soft as well as adorable.

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When you get your children’s food ready are you like me, either putting the fot bowls of food in the freezer or blowing like a mad woman on it?
Now, we have some help with the Mac & Cool Quick Cooling Dish.

You fill the dish with 1 cup of water and keep it in the freezer, take it out and serve any hot food like macaroni & cheese, oatmeal or spaghetti and meatballs on it. It cools down a child’s dinner in less then 1 minute.
It has a great product rating and is only $5.95.
I am ordering two right away.

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If you have just a big bag you use as a diaper bag, which I know many ladies do to get away from that pastel baby look, then you need as much organizing help as you can.

This baby jar and food organizer does just the trick.

This is a microfiber tote with a carry handle and different compartments for your babys jar food and fruit cups. No more rattling bottle and jars in the bottom of the bag and no more worries of spilling your baby’s food.

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Gerber just recalled their organic baby cereal because it may be a choking hazard. Yesterday they recalled all of the rice and oatmeal cereal because it can clump up and pose a choking hazard.

All codes of the two products, sold in 8-ounce boxes, are being recalled. The organic rice cereal UPC code is 15000 12504 and the organic oatmeal cereal UPC code is 15000 12502.

You should not feed your child any of this cereal and call Gerber at 1-800-443-7237 or 231-928-3000 to get a refund.

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