Adventures in Sunscreens

Do you have trouble finding a sunscreen?

Do you or your children break out from them?

I have had this problem with my boys.

Mommy passed on her very sensitive Irish skin so I have trouble finding lotions

 that don't make them break out in a eczema rash.

Which makes finding sunscreens  tricky.

 

I want a sunscreen that is as natural, nontoxic and won't irritate their fair skin, plus it needs to work!

Our skin is one of our largest organs and it does absorb what you put on it so I don't want lotions or sunscreens that have toxic chemicals going on it, especially for my kids.

 

Last year we used California baby and it worked for us.

This year the new bottle made both of them break out in an eczema rash.

(Not sure if they changed the formula.)

 

Back to the drawing board!!!

 

After a lot of research and reading tons of reviews I ordered two sunscreens to test out.
They both have a rating of 1 on the EWGs website.

They both worked, but one I like better than the other.

 

First one is the Honest Company Sunscreen.

It was great on their sensitive skin- no irritation,

but it was difficult to rub it and then they were very sticky even hours later.

 

The second one I liked a lot. It was Badger brand sunscreen. I bought the baby formula.

This stuff worked great, no irritation, smells great and rubs in easily and leaves no sticky residue.

Also no toxic chemicals- its all natural.

So if you are in the market for a new sunscreen I suggest you give it a try.



Mosquitoes Really BITE!!

My six year old suffers from a mosquito bite allergy... I think.

Every year we end up in the doctors office (usually twice a year) because it gets red, swollen and hot.

Then we end up on an antibiotic or they send us home to wait a few more days and  try

Benadryl and cortisone cream and then we end up back at the doctors office and

 then we get the antibiotic because cellulitis is starting to happen.

Does this sound like you or your child???

 

 The immediate reaction to an insect bite usually occurs within 10 to15 minutes after the incident, with local swelling and itching, which may disappear in an hour or less. A delayed reaction may appear in 12 to 24 hours with the development of an itchy red bump, which may persist for days.

Large local reactions to mosquito bites are very common in children and toddlers seem to have a reaction within minutes to the bite.

Here is what I have learned after numerous mosquito bite issues over the years with him.

 

PREVENTION IS KEY

1. Try to stay indoors around dawn and dusk.

2. Wear long sleeves and pants in light colors even a hat if you must be out at those times.

3. Try a insect repellent spray.

4. Use citronella candles when having fun outdoors.

5. Try a yard spray to knock-down and repel mosquitoes like this all-natural garlic spray.

(have not tried it yet, but I am intrigued)

6. Fix any holes in your screens and make sure your screen door closes quickly.

7. Do not wear perfume when outdoors.

8. Eliminate any standing water in your area if possible.

 

 

TREATMENT

Once bitten here is my regime for combating the reaction.

1. See if you can find the pesky culprit and kill it before it can strike again.

2. Wash area gently with hand soap. DO NOT RUB AREA. pat dry.

3. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for swelling (as often as needed)

4. Apply Topricin for Children to bite three to four times daily or as needed.

5. Circle area with a pen to outline any redness, swelling, or heat and watch it to make sure it is not getting bigger, redder or hotter. Call doctor if it does not start looking better within two days from bite you may be getting cellulitis. Also watch out for any fever, vomiting, headaches which might be a symptom of disease mosquitoes spread.

6. Try an oatmeal bath.

 

 

Once I found Topricin, things really started to change for us in the war on mosquito bites.

This is why I like Topricin:

 

Topricin® Junior Ingredients:HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES (HPUS)... PURPOSE
Aesculus hippocastanum 6X... Relieves pain in the lower back, hip and spine
Arnica montana 6X..................Treats pain of impact, falling injuries and contusion to muscles and joints
Belladonna 6X.........................Treats muscle spasms, night leg cramps
Bellis perennis 6X................... Excellent for bruises, muscle soreness and sprains
Calendula officinalis 4X.............Promotes rapid healing of the skin
Crotalus horridus 8X................ Relief of impact injuries and deep muscle bruising
Echinacea 6X.......................... Relieves sharp stitching pain in joints and muscles
Graphites 6X........................... For skin conditions
Hypericum perforatum 6X......... Excellent for nerve pain and impact injuries to fingertips, toes and tail bone
Lachesis mutus 8X...................Relief of sciatic pain, and carpal tunnel
Naja tripudians 8X....................Relieves nerve injury pain
Rhus toxicodendron 12X...........Pain relief for muscle cramping, joint and post-surgical pain
Ruta graveolens 6X................. Relief of injuries to the knee, shin and elbow
Sulfur 8X................................. Relieves itching, stinging and irritations of the skin

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Purified water, Highly refined vegetable oils, Glycerin, Medium Chain Triglyceride

 

 

We had our first mosquito bite of the season this week.

The culprit got him inside the house through his pajamas, or under them?

I immediately washed the two bites, and applied the topricin and by the second day of applying it 4 times a day the bites were almost gone. Usually be day two we are either on our way  to the doctors.
I am completely in LOVE with this product, finally a safe weapon in the war on mosquito bites!!!

Please note- I am not a doctor. This is just what I have found works for me and I am sharing in the hopes it will help someone else. Please consult your doctor if you have any medical questions about mosquito bites, your bite has become hot and swollen and or their is red streaking around the bite.


 

 







 

Is your Nail Polish Toxic?

Yes you should now also be checking the labeling on your nail polish! Many traditional brands carry dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde -- commonly called the ''toxic trio."

Toluene is a toxin that may cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been linked to birth defects in studies involving lab animals, and formaldehyde, a carcinogen are all ingredients you want to make sure are NOT in your polish.

Unfortunately, there are no certifications or labeling in the United States that indicate a ‘safe’ or ‘better’ nail polish or polish remover. The best you can do is look for advertising that publicly claims they are free of these specific chemicals, so look for "DBP-free" "formaldehyde-free" and "toluene-free" messages.



Here is a list of brands that are
free of these toxins:

Acquarella

Butter London

Honeybee Gardens

Nars

No-Miss

Nuance

Priti NYC

Suncoat

Scotch Naturals

Zoya Naturals


For little ladies- try these fun non-toxic
brands made in more kid-friendly colors:

Hopscotch

Piggy Paint

Priti in Pink Princess




So now it also stands to reason that if most nail polishes are toxic, then the stuff you use to remove them is also toxic. They’re usually full of acetone, fragrances, methyl ethyl ketone, phthalates and toluene. Most of these cause significant damage to the human body.

So now that you have chosen a toxin-free brand and painted those fingers and toes how do you get the color off safely when you want to change colors? Fortunately some of the brands mentioned above are already ahead of you and have safer polish removers.

Acquarella Polish Remover

Butter London Nail Polish Scrubbers

Hopscotch for kids Polish Remover

No-Miss Nail Polish Remover

Piggy Paint Polish Remover

Priti NYC Soy Polish Remover

Suncoat Polish Remover

Scotch Naturals Polish Remover

Zoya Naturals Polish Remover

And not to leave out our furry friends that might be polish divas- I could not help but share Puppy Paint. A non-toxic brand of polish for posh pups that even covers dark colored nails and dries quickly.

 

Happy painting!



Keeping Your Kids Healthy this Cold Season

It’s November and that means everyone has been back to school for a few months now, and has been exposed to plenty of germs and now the weather is starting to change. Which also means that your house will inevitably be hit with colds, if they haven't already. Here are some natural ways to combat colds:

TO PREVENT COLDS:

1. A Good Multivitamin- I have my kids on the best children's multivitamin available which is Shaklee's Increditives. My kids love these!  They are actually the first children’s chewable multivitamin in the U.S.with lactoferrin, which helps kids’ immune systems stay strong.
Most kids consume more than 25% of their calories from junk food, and French Fries are the number one vegetable source in their diets.  What is your child’s diet like?

Studies show that kids who consume diets lacking adequate nutrition perform poorly in school.  Poor nutrition can negatively impact a child’s immune system, bone growth, and overall physical development!

 

Incredivites are packed with 23 essential nutrients – with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C.

• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added
• Naturally sweetened with xylitol, which does not promote cavities
• Gluten free
• Packaging is safe from BPA, phtalates, and toxic inks – and it is recyclable.

I give my 6 year old 2 chewable Incredivites a day and my 3 year old gets one a day crushed up and added to applesauce, or you can also crush and add to drinks.

Here is a short video that talks about the Shakleekids products.

*if you need gluten and casein free vitamins try The Ocean Wonders Vitamins


2. DHA-
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and is a major building block of brain and eye tissue.  Adequate intake early in life is vital to proper brain and visual development and to ensure the cells of the brain, retina, and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly.  Foods that are high in DHA are things like tuna, sardines and organ meat…not really foods high on a kid’s list! :)
Mighty Smarts is 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA.

Mighty Smarts are gluten free, have a natural orange flavor, and contain no artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Just one Mighty Smart a day is all you need!

3. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

I give my kids 1 chewable per day as a preventative. When they are sick, I will give them 2-3 a day.
If you need to you can crush up and give in applesauce.

4. A Healthy Diet-
Feed your kids a well balanced diet that is organic as possible. Now we all have our days when we hit the fast food line for a quick dinner, but I really try to stay away from there as much as possible. When you feed your kids crap, they feel like crap! So try to feed them the healthiest food you can get them to eat as often as you are able to.

5. Sleep-
Everyone needs a good night's sleep! Infants need 15-16 hours a day (including naps), Toddlers 1-3 years old need 12-14 hours a day (including naps), Preschoolers 3-6 years old need 10-12 hours a day, School age kids 7-12 years old need 10-11 hours a day, and teenagers 13-18 need 8-9 hours a day. Sleep is a vital to every one's health and well being, so make sure you and your kids are getting enough!

6. Hygiene-
Be sure to wash hands when you come in from outside, when you come home from being out, before you eat or prepare foods, and after you blow your nose. I go one step farther and change clothes after the kids come in from playing outside (allergies) and especially when we come home from a doctors appointment. My favorite hand soap is Shaklee's Hand Wash Concentrate and dispenser, this super mild, sudsy wash has wheat germ oil and algae extract to moisturize; soy protein to condition; aloe, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and linden flower (Tilia cordata) extracts to soothe; and rosemary and arnica extracts to energize and it has a mild refreshing scent. Stay away from soaps with triclosan as it has many adverse affects on your health.

 To Combat Colds-
Once the cold or flu bug hits, here are some ways to combat it naturally and help you get back on your feet sooner.
 
1. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

2. Humidifier-
 Use a humidifier in the bedroom at night- this helps to keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe.
My favorites are the Crane humidifiers. Be sure to clean them properly once a week.

3. Elevate your head-
Prop mattress up a little under your head- try sticking a pillow under your mattress directly under where your head lies. This help with keeping drainage going down, not up into your sinuses.

4. Saline-
Flush out stuffy noses with saline. I stock up on the little noses non-medicated saline drops. Since it is just saline you may do this as many times as needed. Helps thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe. Also for little ones, who are not able to blow their noses yet, it may be helpful to get a nasal aspirator (or as we call it in our house- the nose sucker)

5. Stay Hydrated-
Drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of healthy food like fruits. Try to get some chicken soup down too!
Our favorite hydration drink is Shaklee's Performance Drink.

6. Honey-
To help soothe scratchy throats and coughs try some honey before bedtime. Honey has many antioxidants that can help you fight off the cold faster and because it is thick and sweet it helps coat and soothe the sore throat from coughs. It is best to let kids cough during the day to get the mucus up, but when coughing is keeping them up all night, when they need rest try some honey. For kids ages 2-5 try 1/2 tsp, ages 6-11 try 1 tsp, and ages 12-18 try 2tsp.

DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OLD- may cause a rare, but serious case of botulism.

I usually give my kids honey mixed in with something they like, usually I mix it with a little applesauce and warm it for 3 seconds in the microwave so its goes down smoother, you could try to add the honey to some warm (not hot) water.
http://suite101.com/article/honey-may-be-best-cough-medicine-a169827

6. Clean-
I find it helpfully to change the sheets everyday or at least every other day to get rid of the germs quicker (can be hard if you are the one sick). I also will run  every one's toothbrushes through the dishwasher and replace them after illnesses. And clean and disinfect with soap and water and vinegar. Keep in mind to do all door handles, phones, computer keyboards and also remote controls- you know the items every one touches all day, but you never really think to clean.

Here's to a happy and healthy fall and winter!


You may also like-
Fighting colds naturally
How to Clean your Vaporizer Nontoxically

Back to School Lunch Gear

I used to love the fall, until I had kids that were old enough to go to school. Now back to school dampens my favorite time of the year :( 

 

Whether you love or hate back to school, you still need to do the back-to-school shopping for supplies thing. So  I am sharing my favorite back to school lunch essentials.

 

 

1. You need a lunch box. Pictured above is the LapTop Lunch System by Bento-Ware. They are a great little company that makes SAFE lunch containers and carriers. Click Here for my post about them.

 

 

 

2. You need Baggies. Ditch the not safe, and not earth-friendly plastic baggies and go for the reusable, washable kind. My favorite is lunchskins2 they are free from toxins, come in fun colorful patterns and are available at Target. You get a large and a small coordinating 2-pack that can easily be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. These will soooo pay for themselves very quickly!

 

 

 

3. You need drink ware. My favorite are the FUNtainers by Thermos. They are double-wall insulated providing up to 12 hours of coolness, have a hygienic push-top lid with a silicone straw, and are made from unbreakable stainless steal. And all parts are dishwasher safe and are BPA free.

 



4. If you need utensils try not to do the disposable plastic thing. But if your kids keep tossing your good utensils then you may have to do the plastic-thing, or buy cheap plastic reusable ones. I like to use the old toddler spoons for this as they clean up well in the dishwasher, come in fun colors and I don't mind if they don't make it home because they are easy to replace.

 

5. Now that you have all your supplies the big question is what to make? For lunch ideas try Momables a great website and blog that plans the lunch menus by week, gives you shopping lists and recipes for a small subscription fee.

 

 

Happy Back to School! :) /  :(





Nontoxic Mattress

Most Mattresses are Toxic
The boys were in need of new mattresses so I decided to do some research into the new nontoxic mattresses. Typical adult and crib mattresses contain dangerous chemicals and toxic gases that are not healthy for anyone, but particularly not safe for babies. The primary filling material used in nearly all mattresses today is polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is highly flammable because it is essentially a petroleum product. In fact, the National Association of State Fire Marshals refers to it as “solid gasoline.” While new mattresses off-gas toxic chemicals, older mattresses can be just as bad- as they age the materials they are made of break down and become part of your household dust and you are exposed to the toxins. Both children and adults can become ill by repeated and continuous exposure to the low level of chemicals continuously emitted while sleeping. Babies are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals, and there is research that suggests that the toxic gases emitted from mattresses can be a cause of crib death or SIDS (see article on toxic gases and SIDS).

What is a Healthier Option?
I chose a 100% organic cotton mattress which is the safest, most non-toxic mattress material available. Cotton is also firm and breathable and provides a comfortable sleeping surface. Other nontoxic mattresses can be made of wool or latex which can be allergens, so cotton is the most hypoallergenic choice. And does not have any toxic flame retardants applied. The Mattress I chose was The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Quilted Deluxe Mattress. It is GreenGuard Select certified – the most stringent certification for off-gassing. It is completely safe, non-toxic and firm.


How is it made Fire Safe?
Organic cotton is a far superior filling material and is significantly less flammable to begin with.  Naturepedic uses an exclusive fire protection system that is based on the unique fire retardant properties of  baking soda and hydrated silica permanently bonded to cellulose. This results in an inherently flame resistant barrier that does not break down. The cellulose fiber used is derived primarily from eucalyptus and poplar trees and has a low carbon footprint.


Now How do I make it Leak Safe?
 You will need something to protect the mattress from the baby’s or child’s fluids and night-time “accidents.” The typical vinyl (PVC) or polyester laminate waterproof mattress pads may be toxic and can contain phthalates, so you will want to avoid these. An organic waterproof mattress pad is recommended to protect the mattress from wetness and Naturepedic also sells these or you could by the 2-in-1 Ultra Mattress which has one side that is leak-proof.

What if I can't afford to replace my mattress right now?
Well without purchasing a nontoxic mattress you won't be able to completely illuminate the toxins, but there are steps that can help reduce the exposure. I would do these steps and start saving for a new organic mattress in the mean time:
-Purchase an organic cotton mattress cover
-Purchase organic cotton waterproof mattress pads
-Replace your pillows with organic options.
-Replace your bed linens with organic cotton options.
-It is hard to say no to your kids when they want those popular character sheets, but they come covered with toxic flame retardants. So wash them many times until you no longer smell anything coming off them and be sure to use some vinegar in each wash as it helps to break down the flame retardants.

Sleep Safe!!!

Laptop Lunches By BENTO-WARE

Knowing that in the fall my son is going to need a lunch system I decided to start researching them now and was pleased to find and purchase this Laptop Lunch System from Bento-ware.

I decided upon this system as it offered a way to keep his lunches contained and cool and it also had many green features. The company boasts:

Safe! NO lead, BPA, phthalates or PVC

Cost-effective - pays for itself in just 3 weeks

Reusable - lasts for years

Recycled & Recyclable

Easy to Clean

Waste-free

Food containers made in the USA

Also the containers and lids are all dishwasher safe and the containers (not lids) are also microwave safe. I was very happy with the quality of the product and many of the reviews said they have had these for several years and are still going. They are a bit more expensive that regular lunch systems, but if they last several years, I feel they are worth it, plus the knowledge that they are as safe as I can get also gives me peace of mind. So check these out of you are in the market for new lunch boxes!

CeraVe Cream for skin issues

This winter both my son and I were plagued with dry skin issues. Mine started and was caused by washing my hands too much and getting my skin dried out. I tried tons of creams, but my usual stand-bys were not cutting it- my hands were so dried out they were at the point they were cracking and bleeding!!!

My son started with eczema this December with it on his face, behind his ear and on his wrists. I use the Exederm Baby brand on him and myself and this usually keeps our skin looking good. However all of a sudden this year it just wasn't keeping ahead of the dry skin. A trip to the pediatrician for a steroid cream and using aquaphor gave some relief and then it flared up some more. Then we made a trip to the pediatric dermatologist (yes, there is such a thing) for a steroid ointment that almost cleared it up, but we could only use for two weeks and then when the two weeks were up- it flared up again. Then we happened to be at our routine visit to our allergist when she saw his eczema and recommended we try CeraVe Cream. After a week of applying it once daily my hands are 90% healed and after not quite a week of applying at least twice daily to my sons eczema patches his is looking better too- not healed, but not red anymore...it has lightened to pink and I think we are starting to see it make a dent in the healing process.

So if you are struggling with dry skin or eczema give this cream a try. It is strictly a moisturizer cream, not a steroid, so it is safe to use and apply as often as needed.

We found ours at our local CVS or any drug store should carry it. You can check out more reviews at http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Cerave-Moisturizing-Cream?skuId=322573
It comes in a large container and is between $15-$20, but  a little goes a long way- it will last you a while. I put it on my hand before bed and for my son I put it on before bed and then in the morning before school.

Hope this helps!

Portable North Pole

If you have a little one, you need to try this- so cool! You can make their very own video message from Santa!!!
http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home

Sensitive Skin Care- Exederm to the Rescue!!

My kids were blessed with my sensitive skin (poor things). About a year ago my eldest son started scratching his face constantly to the point that it was bleeding and I finally figured out it was the Johnson's bubble bath I was using was giving him eczema. A trip to the pediatrician confirmed that yes indeed the "supposedly pediatrician recommended" Johnson's is not that great for sensitive baby skin in fact it can be down right harsh as we found out the hard way. So she recommended something gentler like Aveeno baby products so I switched. Then came the info that Aveeno products as well as a lot of Johnson Products (Aveeno is owned by Johnson) have cancer-causing chemicals in them.
See link http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/johnson-johnson-baby-sham_n_1069123.html

So I went on the hunt for something safer that was for sensitive skin and one day I happened upon Exederm in the baby aisle at Stop & Shop. It had the National Eczema Association seal of approval, boasted that it contained NO HARSH chemicals and had an adorable baby on the packaging. I decided to take it home and try it out. It worked like a charm and cleared my son's eczema up in two days!!!

Children with Eczema require sensitive skin care that does not have harsh irritants in them. Exederm's line of baby cream, baby shampoo, baby bath wash, and baby lotion and baby oil boasts that they contain:

-NO Fragrance
-NO Parabens
-NO Lanolin
-NO Propylene Glycol
-NO colors or dyes
-NO SLS- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
-NO CAPB- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-NO Phtalates

Check out there web page for comparison charts of Exederm vs leading baby products and their ingredients to see what your current baby products contain. www.exederm.com

Ever since I have changed to Exederm about a year ago my son has NOT HAD ANY flare ups. I even use the products on myself. They have an adults line, but I just use the same as the kids since I already have it in the house. I usually buy mine a Stop & Shop- they have the cheapest price. Bottle of the products are usually $9 and change, every so often they go on sale for $7 and change and I try to stock up then. You can check their website for stores that carry them www.exederm.com

Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Database to see how safe your cosmetics, shampoos, sunscreens, and baby products are. http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=308

 

Honest Company Diapers

I recently have not been happy with the diapers I had been using on my toddler- Pampers Baby Dry (didn't have Dry Max). I noticed that they smell a little chemical to me lately- that I never noticed before and that the seem to fall apart very easily lately and I have those annoying gel beads to clean up. I suspect they have changed something in the way they make their diapers. So I went on the hunt to find the best diaper and while I was at it I wanted to find a more eco-friendly option.

My research revealed that the diaper I had been using was the best-rated for keeping kids dry and lasting through the night. Well damn, that is not what I was hoping to find. And all the eco-friendly brands where more $ and didn't get the greatest of ratings for holding up well. Then I came across a new brand of diapers- The Honest Company.

The Honest Company is the baby of Jessica Alba (that's right, the actress) and Christopher Gavigan (former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World). They make top quality eco-friendly diapers that your order from their site and are delivered to your doorstep. https://www.honest.com/ I was intrigued- so I researched them and found that moms who tried it seems to all be singing their praises. So I ordered a sample and have been very happy and decided to order the monthly bundle.

THINGS I LIKE ABOUT HONEST COMPANY DIAPERS:

• Naturally biodegradable & pure plant-based PLA in the inner & outer sheet (NO petrochemicals/oil)
• Bio-based wheat / corn super-absorbent materials blended with reduced SAP gel  
• Secure moisture barrier cuffs to prevent leakage or blowouts
• Comfortable stretchy, re-fastenable grip tabs- they feel more sturdy than our old diapers
• Hypoallergenic 
• Chlorine free fluff
• Non-toxic adhesive used
• No heavy metals in the inks used
• Super Absorbent

So if you too are in the market for better quality, safer, eco-friendly diapers I suggest you check them out. They are a little more expensive- a month supply is about $80 plus shipping and tax, but hey they work, don't smell (unless your child makes you a present) and are very absorbent for overnights. They have a free sample package (you pay S&H) if you wanna test them out before ordering.
https://www.honest.com/