Baby Gear

Summer time in our house is filled with sun and fun. We spend a lot of trime outdoors and even though the kids and I do tan we also have fair skin and a family history of skin cancer. I love to find great family friendly sunscreen at a good price. We use a lot of it, so I am always on the search.

Substance Baby Natural Sunscreen has an SPF 30 and includes zinc oxide–making for an even stronger sun barrier. We love that, in addition to the zinc and the SPF, it is also chemical free!
I just love that in a sunscreen, especially for my children.
It also happens to be waterproof, a necessity in this house of swimmers. From the site: This chemical-free sunscreen also helps shield babies and children from skin damage caused by weather exposure, and keeps their skin hydrated with nourishing natural oils of shea butter, sesame seed oil and jojoba oil.
And with a certified herbalist behind this formula, it’s no surprise that Substance Baby Natural Sunscreen also includes an anti-oxidant-rich botanical blend of calendula, grapeseed and green tea extract to gently cool and soothe skin that’s been heat- and sun-exposed.

It smells like fresh mint and summer orange, not chemicals! Buy now, Substance Baby Sale: Save 20% on all Substance Baby products through July 31.

baby gear, sunscreen for kids, chemical free sunscreen, baby gear reviews, mom reviews, babies, kids, suncreen, Substance Baby Natural Sunscreen

Just another case for breastfeeding all of our babies. Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what’s considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found.

The study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked for the chemical, perchlorate, in various brands of powdered baby formula. The study was actually published last month, but the Environmental Working Group issued a press release yesterday to draw attention to it.
The chemical has also been found in several cities’ drinking water supplies. It can occur naturally, but most perchlorate contamination has been tied to defense and aerospace sites.

There is no studies right now that have shown the chemical caused health problems, but scientists have said significant amounts of perchlorate can affect thyroid function. Thyroid problems can be problematic if not treated and can impact fetal and infant brain development.
The government does require formula to contain iodine, which counteracts perchlorate’s effects.
The largest amounts of the chemical were in formulas derived from cow’s milk, the study said.

Melamine in formula, BPA ridden formula containers and now this. I think this is the best argument for breastfeeding your baby so (s)he doesn’t need any formula, I have ever seen.
Tell me if you give your baby formula, does this recent study concern you?

What can you do about it? Call your baby formula company and ask if perchlorate is in your formula, and ask what they are going to do about it.

reasons to breastfeed, formula, baby formula, is formula safe, rocket fuel in formula, perchlorate, breastfeeding, infants, babies

source: www.cdc.gov

They say doctors pay their medical school tuition with just ear infections. It is the most common illness parents bring their children to the doctor for diagnosing. It is hard to diagnose at home. My baby will tug on his ear and I wonder, is it an ear infection, teething or is he just tired? Many times you may think your baby has a small cold when it is in fact an ear infection with no symptoms!

Now parents have a new product to arm themselves with that is perfect for all parents: Ear Check. Ear Check can check and detect the presence of middle ear fluid. It can tell you if your child might have an ear infection and to monitor that ear and when it is necessary to seek medical attention. If your child goes to the doctor often for ear infections, this can let you know at home if the medicine is working and the fluid is going away or gone.
The EarCheck Middle Ear Monitor uses gentle sound waves to accurately and painlessly detect the presence of middle ear fluid, a key sign of an ear infection. This is the same patented and proven acoustic reflectometry technology used by thousands of physicians since 1997, and is a technique recommended by the American Academies of Pediatrics and Family Physicians.

This product is safe to use on babies 6 months old and up. It is FDA and UL approved and has been clinically tested by pediatricians. It is lightweight and very user friendly!
I thought my kids would squirm or hate to have me check their ears with this, but they sit still and it doesn’t take long to give you the results, just a few seconds.
The Ear Check is available at Walmart, Amazon.com, CVS and Babies R Us.
I think this is a great product, great for all parents and a great way to save some co-pay money!

babies, infants, ear infections, how to tell if your child has an ear infection, diagnosing ear infections, Ear Check, Ear check review, baby gear, baby gear reviews, baby shower gift, baby registry, new moms, fluid in the ear

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.

sippy cups, personalized labels, personalized cups, bottles, day care, preschoolers, baby gear, toddlers

Children spend about 85 percent of their time indoors, where the air is two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air! The materials and products we use to furnish and maintain our indoor environments can release hundreds of pollutants such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (found in paint), ozone and even biological allergens. As a result, they face long-term health risks due to indoor air pollution. The source for these pollutants come from a variety of products in our homes and schools such as furnishings, flooring, electronics, window treatments, mattresses, cleaners and paints.
With increasing concern over pollutants and their impact on children’s health, the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program offers a solution to parents concerned about the indoor air quality of their homes and in their children’s schools.

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools standard is overseen by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), an industry independent, non-profit organization. The Institute’s mission is to improve human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air, tests and certifies indoor products based on strict chemical emissions criteria. The GREENGUARD certification mark can be found on more than 110,000 products produced by over 100 manufacturers like DuPont, Owens Corning, Hunter Douglas and Naturepedic. (more…)

When I was pregnant I really stepped up my “green” efforts. I mean what better time to clean up your house, look for well made better products for your family then when you are bringing another baby into your home? I started researching crib mattresses because I knew I needed a new one for our crib.

The Natural Mat Company was born in 2000 when the current Directors, Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall, both keen sailors, became frustrated with the poor quality mattresses found on boats. The synthetic fibres being used were not allowing the mattresses to ‘breathe’ so they became damp and musty so they looked into using natural fibers. Their crib mattress uses no chemicals, no plastics and no PVC. They use the finest natural and organic raw materials including lambs wool, natural rubber latex foam, coir, mohair and cotton. It seems much better then foam or a spring mattress!

The Natural Mat is handmade in England and is a 100% renewable product. Natural Mat passes all fire regulations without the use of chemical or unnatural treatments in any part of the mattress, it is a natural fire retardant. I also love that it comes in eco-friendly packaging.
The Natural Mat Company conducted a recent customer survey and 100% of the mothers questioned stated that their babies slept better on a Natural Mat. A better sleeping baby? You have me sold!

This is the perfect time to upgrade or purchase a new crib mattress, all reviewingbabygear.com readers get 10% off your natural mat purchase! Just use the code “reviewingbabygear” when you check out at moderntots.com!

natural mat, cribs, crib mattresses, organic crib mattresses, nursery, new moms, baby gear, baby gear reviews, baby shower gifts

When my twins were little they really didn’t have too many diaper rashes. I tried to keep them dry and in good quality diapers, but when they got sick and had a bad case of diarrhea, man the diaper rash was horrible. Red, blotchy skin, they would cry even if I wiped them gently. I tried every diaper rash cream on the market, but they did little to help calm the rash. I wish I knew about Vusion diaper rash cream.

Vusion, which is available by prescription only, is the first and only prescription product ever approved by the FDA for the treatment of diaper rash (caused by a specific yeast infection). It can be used on babies 4 weeks and older and is steroid free. Candida, a type of yeast, is commonly found in the intestinal tract and is carried to the diaper area by a baby’s stool. Treating diaper dermatitis, along with a regimen of washing your baby well and frequent diaper changes, may require the use of a prescription skin medication.
If you didn’t know this you are not alone, according to a Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates study, many moms (52 percent) are unsure or do not know when to see a healthcare provider about their babies’ severe diaper rash.

All moms have to deal with diaper rash at some point or another, so knowing there is something out there to help with the worst diaper rashes is great to know. Thanks to MomCentral for giving me (and you) this great information about Vusion ointment!

diaper rash, diaper rash cream, Vusion ointment, babies, infants, toddlers

A lot has happened in the five years since I have had kids. I found out early in my pregnancy that everything my kids had when they were babies from bottles to rubber ducks were laden with BPAs. I was suddenly on the hunt for new bottles and pacifiers for our new baby. Green to grow was one of the companies I found with BPA-free bottles.

Green to Grow was founded last year and makes exclusively BPA-free infant and toddler feeding products. Instead they are made from PES plastic, which gives them a natural golden color. They make 5 oz and 10 oz regular or wide neck bottles from PES plastic and medical-grade silicone, made in Taiwan.
The first thing I noticed about these bottles were how cute they were with fruit faces on the front of them. They are easy to use and clean without valves or other intricate parts. They range in price from $7.49 to $10.49.
You can feel good about buy these bottles because not only are they safe for your baby, but they are made with 100% recycled packaging, soy inks, and 1% of annual profits going to environmental causes!

BPA free bottles, safe bottles, green to grow bottles, green to grow, infants, parenting, pregnancy, BPA free baby items

If I don’t go into labor sooner, I will be having this baby via c-section this morning. Since I won’t be around for a while, while I take care of my newborn and five year old twins, I decided to share with you some of my favorite baby gear. Here are some reviews on things that I cannot live without and things I know you will enjoy:

I love this monitor and will use it for years, they are not just for newborns!

There is nothing like a good swaddling baby blanket.

This nest egg has helped me sleep at night which is a luxury when you are nine months pregnant. I think it will be a great help with breastfeeding too. Go get your own with the coupon, even if you are not pregnant this is great for kids or for travel!

We are trying to be more green in our house and what better timing then when a new baby comes!?

I love these products for Mom. The names and packaging are so cute that I would buy them for that alone! They really smell good too.

I think this is great for the summer. I know I would have to get it if I lived in a state that was hot all year round.

I love this thermometer and couldn’t live without it. Plus it is so much cheaper then it was new to the market and I bought it!

baby gear, reviewing baby gear, toys, swaddling blankets, green baby products, nesting egg, breastfeeding, shower gifts, new baby, infants, toddler gear, toddlers, pregnancy

I know I am germ phobic but c’mon grocery carts and universal high chairs are so gross. You can see how well they clean them (never) and it is enough trying to keep a baby healthy at home. Not to mention kids will put anything into their mouths even the bar of a cart, especially when they are teething. That is why I was so excited to try out the Clean Shopper.

The Clean Shopper is a universal and original shopping cart cover for babies and toddlers. You know the ones that everyone at your grocery store has but you? They are made with 100% cotton-quilted fabric and has two built-in side pockets for storing anything you or your baby will need. Each also has two loops for attaching toys. I was also surprised to find how many fabric choices and prints there are!
They are very well made and are one piece so it is easy to put on by yourself. It also held up to a washing with no shrinking. They also sell a super soft clean shopper that is 40% fluffier than the original clean shopper!
I wish I knew about the twin clean shopper when I had my twins, I never found anything like that and believe me, I looked!

Looking for more ideas? They offer many other products like the clean changer, the clean diner which fits on public high chairs (although the clean shopper works well on these too!) and the clean burper. The clean burper is a fabulous over sized burp cloth that is thick and absorbent. This also held up to a washing well and are shaped perfectly for over the shoulder burping.

Go check out their great products for yourself but they also make great baby shower or new baby gifts!

healthy kids, keeping kids healthy, infants, toddlers, shopping cart covers, high chair covers, germs, parenting, baby gifts, baby showers, baby registry, burp cloths

When you are pregnant for the first or fourth time you know there is a lot of things you need for a baby. They may be small but they can take over your house with their “stuff”. Some things you need for day to day living and some baby gear is a luxury. Besides diapers, wipes and clothing, a baby monitor is very necessary.

When I had my twins I received a baby monitor as a shower gift. We were living in a apartment and the traditional monitor was ok, although I would get to hear the occasional phone conversations of my neighbors that the monitor picked up. Now that I am pregnant again I wanted a monitor that allowed me to see the baby now that we are mostly downstairs during the day and the baby’s room is upstairs.
I had the pleasure of reviewing Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Video Monitor. This 900 MHz monitor blows away my old traditional monitor. This portable handheld unit is perfect for moving around the house and still being able to see your baby. There are also traditional sound lights that visually show baby’s level of activity. There are nighttime LED lights on the camera that makes the baby fully visible both day and night!
The video monitor has batteries or you can use it with an AC adapter. It also has a kickstand which is perfect for me to view it while I am doing dishes, using the computer or watching TV.

Don’t get this monitor just for a new infant, I would have loved this for my twins when they first transitioned into their toddler beds. It would have saved me countless trips upstairs to see what they were up to. Parents love this monitor, go ahead and read the reviews yourself. This is one of my new favorite baby products to tell all parents about.

baby monitor, color video monitor, handheld video monitor, babies, infants, baby gear, baby gear reviews, baby gifts, baby registry, parents, newborns, toddlers

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.

chemical contamination in baby formula, baby formula, safe baby formula, liquid formula, powdered formula, breastfeeding, babies, infants, parenting, keeping kids safe, new moms, parents, parenting children

Every parent I know is concerned about lead in children’s toys, baby gear and accessories for kids. I know I have been going through my cabinets, throwing away plastic cups and plates and trying to replace them with safe products. It will make me sick to throw away all the sippy cups and bottles I have saved for this baby. Never mind all the baby toys I have saved that I now have to test for lead. Every week up until Christmas I will list some safe toys made for babies and toddlers and none of them will be made in China.

This Nest Jax toy cube is made from sustainable materials including organic cotton and recycled wood. Made in India through a fair-trade partnership. Perfect as a toy bin in a child’s room, closet or as a hamper. This comes in orange, green, pink and purple.

This Nest Seat is great for one or two children. It has interlocking parts to share with a friend or sit alone. Better then a bean bag chair and more durable. Made from sustainable materials including 100% certified organic cotton and is also made in India through a fair trade partnership.
It comes in orange, purple and green.

Little Tykes 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym is perfect for babies from birth to three years old. It adjusts into twelve different positions and for five different stages of development.
Little Tykes makes over 70% of their toys in the U.S. and tests everything it sells.

toys, baby toys, infant toys, toy bins, toys not made in China, China free toys, fair trade toys, safe toys, safe gifts for kids, toys made in the USA, baby gifts, parenting,

Looking for a great baby gift? Are you trying to be more green and environmentally conscious these days? Check out www.greenkits.com. they sell reusable natural or organic grocery bags, environmentally friendly household products and fresheners. They have a ton of amazing items for you and your household to save money and help the environment.

They even have a baby green kit. Perfect for a baby shower or new baby gift, this kit is everything a new mom would need. It includes everything an ecologically aware parent needs to ensure that only pure, non-toxic ingredients touch baby. The kit includes:
Non talc baby powder- No talc means no danger to baby’s breathing
Baby shampoo and body cleanser- this tear free soaps are natural and sulfate-free
Calendula baby lotion- Made with sweet almond oil and organic jojoba oil
Diaper Cream- mineral balm with natural zinc oxide blended with organic almond and sunflower seed oils
Baby laundry wash-Plant based and non-toxic
Baby wipes-These do not contain alcohol or synthetic ingredients
Travel baby wipes

All this for the same price of $55.00. You can also get it placed in environmentally friendly gift packaging or placed in a personalized tote. Very cute, very earth friendly and a gift any new parent, new grandmother or new baby would love!

Do you use earth friendly products in your household? Do you think it is important to use plastic free, recyclable and green products around your children?

green baby care, environmentally friendly baby products, baby products, baby gifts, baby registry, baby gear, infants, children, kids, parents, new parents

Studies show that massage is not just terrific for adults but also for babies. We know how a massage makes us feel and we know massage promotes overall health and well-being. Baby Massage Snuggie Touch of Love is a long sleeve onesie that can help you with massaging your baby.

This was designed as a collaboration between a Pediatric Chiropractor and a clothing designer. This long sleeve onesie has colorful icons clearly mark pressure points making massage simple. Massaging your baby can help you bond and help your infant calm down and fall asleep especially when done as a ritual like a bottle, bath, massage, bed.

It comes with a instruction sheet to help you with the pressure points. It comes in a cute gift bag and is a perfect gift for a new mom or for a baby shower.

baby gifts, baby gear, reviewing baby gear, infant onesie, baby clothes, onesies, baby registry, infant massage, massage for babies, new moms