While cleaning my guest bedroom after a recent visitor, I found a small white pill on the floor tucked into the corner of the wall. Thank goodness I found it before one of my two children did! Typically, I remind visitors to store the medicine out of reach from the children. I give them shelf space in a cabinet that my children cannot reach. I make sure that purses, which may contain medicine, are also stored out of reach. I guess as my children have grown, I have grown a bit lax about ensuring that my house guests are also vigilant about medicine safety. At Itsabelly Baby Planners, one of our most popular services is baby-proofing our clients' homes. Baby-proofing constantly needs to be reevaluated as your child grows. Often, it means getting down on your child's level and viewing your home from their perspective.
And from a child’s perspective, medicine looks like candy. Itsabelly Baby Planners would like to share with you some tips to keep your children safe from medicine.
Provide house guests with a secure spot to store their medicine and vitamins.
Never let house guests leave purses in a spot where a child can open and get into the purse while you are busy entertaining.
Don’t be afraid to remind guests to put away medicine and vitamins. If people are out of the young child stage or if they have never had children, keeping their medicine safe from your child is not on the top of their mind.
Know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the age-appropriate Heimlich maneuver. You can find local CPR and first aid classes here or check with your local hospital.
Post the following near your phone:
Poison control phone number
Doctor and Hospital phone number
Your home’s address (easy for a babysitter to forget in an emergency)
Your cell phone number and any other number to reach you and your partner
Emergency contact information if you or your partner are unavailable
Have a first aid kit easily accessible.
Permalink:Medicine Safety Tags:poison control, baby proofing, CPR, emergency, First Aid, medicine safety, medicine safe, locked medicine cabinet Posted in Recalls/Toxic Baby Products, Baby Gear, Uncategorized 0 CommentsPost a comment
The TummyTub is an alternative to the traditional baby tub or sink. The idea was brought to the public from a Netherland's mother and very popular in Europe. However, the concept has been used by Dutch midwives and maternity nurses since 1950.
The TummyTub is shaped like a mother's womb so that baby can be in a familiar fetal position during bath time. TummyTub is "produced from completely toxin-free baby-friendly materials," BPA & phthalate free. The age use is newborn to 12 months. The TummyTub benefits are the following: warm, comfortable, safe, quality, value, convenient, green, theraputic, options, and bonding.
When you receive a TummyTub instructions are provided. The TummyTub should not be filled with warm water completely. Depending on the age and size of your baby a certain level of water should be achieved. TummyTub also suggests to use Natural Sea Silk Sponge. This "natural sea sponge naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria and is sustainably harvested from a renewable resource." It is gentle and absorbent. Its use is perfect to hold in one hand while the other hand is holding baby.
The few mothers that I asked to use the TummyTub state their babies were comfortable and calm in the TummyTub. The water stayed warmer for a longer period of time compared to a standard tub. It did take some time to get use to. For bathing a newborn, the concept of holding the baby's head with one hand and the other sponging the baby took practice. However, there were a few mothers who had babies that were not relaxed in the TummyTub. It all depends on the child. Try it! Find out for yourself and see if the TummyTub is right for your baby.
Julia Getzelman, M.D., Founder of GetzWell Pediatrics
At GetzWell Pediatrics, we believe that exceptional pediatric care begins before birth. Our comprehensive approach to “greening the womb” encompasses everything from preconception detoxification programs and individualized prenatal nutrition counseling to developmental psychology and the identification of environmental hazards that may affect your baby. GetzWell Pediatrics’ innovative attention to detail both before and after birth makes the practice your home for outstanding “whole kid care” and service. GetzWell’s team of board-certified pediatricians employs an integrative, functional approach to medicine. We take the time to guide you through important health care decisions, including individualized vaccine schedules, and we are accessible on a 24/7 basis via email and telephone.
The following illustrates the importance of vitamin D, a topic that we discuss with all preconception and pregnant women because we believe it deserves much more attention than it typically receives. So, what is the big deal about Vitamin D?
Most pregnant and lactating mothers are vitamin D deficient and don’t know it. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked with an almost 4 times higher Cesarean-section rate (J Clinical Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Mar; 94(3):940-5). Maternal deficiency during pregnancy has also been correlated with low birth weight, pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure, swelling, protein in the urine, and in some cases maternal death), and gestational diabetes. Checking your vitamin D level is accomplished via a simple blood test. Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics is saying: “Given the growing evidence that adequate maternal vitamin D status is essential during pregnancy, not only for maternal well-being but also for fetal development, health care professionals who provide obstetric care should consider assessing maternal vitamin D status by measuring the 25-OH-D concentrations of pregnant women. On an individual basis, a mother should be supplemented with adequate amounts of vitamin D3 to ensure that her 25-OH-D levels are in a sufficient range (>32 ng/ml). The knowledge that prenatal vitamins containing 400 IU of vitamin D3 have little effect on circulating maternal 25-OH-D concentrations, especially during the winter months, should be imparted to all health care professionals.” (Pediatrics. 2008 Nov;122(5):1142-52.) One recent study conducted by Harvard researchers showed that if mothers take vitamin D while they are pregnant, their children are less likely to have wheezing illnesses during the first 3 years of life. Another study indicated that the median adult intake of vitamin D in the US is only 230 IU per day versus the 2000 IU daily dose which is recommended by the Mayo Clinic and the Vitamin D Council. Vitamin D is not found in many foods, but we are able to make lots of vitamin D in our skin when we spend just 10-15 minutes in the sun (without sunscreen). The lower back is an ideal part of the body to expose to the sun so that we make plenty of D vitamin but don’t need to worry about wrinkles! Unfortunately, between October and March in San Francisco the sun is too far away to allow us to make vitamin D and much of the summer in SF is foggy, preventing the sun’s rays from reaching us. So, for most of us a vitamin D3 supplement is necessary. Visit GetzWell Pediatrics’ website at www.getzwell.com or call the office at 415.826.1701 to learn more!
Piggy Backing on the 40th Anniversary of Earthday, I thought it was appropriate to present the importance of reusing and eliminating waste by eliminating the usage of plastic bottles.
Here are just a few facts about the harm that plastic bottles have on our planet:
Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste,
The Food and Water Watch reports that plastic requires 47 million gallons of oil per year to product,
Tap water is held to more stringent standards than bottled water.
80% of plastic bottles are not recycled
Plastic bottles take 700 years to begin composting
Plastics are the most common man-made object sighted at sea. During a 1998 survey, 89% of the trash observed floating in the North Pacific Ocean was plastic
24 million gallons of oil are needed to produce a billion plastic bottles
The United States is ranked number one as a global warming polluter compared to other large nations
Bottled water is the second most popular beverage in the United States
The state of California spends $72 million a year collecting and burying disposable cups and bags
In the Pacific Ocean, there is a floating island of plastic trash twice the size of Texas
So what can we do to help “Save our Earth?”
A simple solution is to buy a BPA free stainless steel or plastic reusable bottle. Lucky for us, this is an increasing market and these products are found everywhere. One company I am personally fond of is EarthLust (www.earthlust.com). I love the fact that this company has an array of great designs and different sizes to fit anyone’s taste. In addition, they donate 1% of their proceeds to causes to support our planet.
Just recently, they have added a baby bottle/ sippy cup to their collection. To me, this is very exciting as my daughter is now into grabbing everything I have, so being able to have a stylish “Mommy and Me” eco-friendly bottles is the perfect solution.
Itsabelly first saw this product at last year's ABC Kid Expo show in Las Vegas. It’s a clever idea.
For those who are busy and do not have time to get to the gym. Love Handles helps to keep you fit while strolling, power walking, or jogging through a park or neighborhood with your child. The resistance mechanism can be adjusted to your fitness level. The device provides benefits: burns 3x more calories, strengthens your core, and tones your upper body while moving your arms and walking. “The material that makes the product is steel handles and Delrin plastic hub- all top of the line, quality materials with a state-of-the-art design. As for the green packaging, it is made out of recycled materials.”
It's that time of year to go outside and enjoy the weather. Enjoy it while taking your daily strolls, power walks, or jogs with your child and working out with Love Handles at the same time.
Ellen Galinsky, author of "Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs" has been in the top 100 of Amazon's Parenting and Families book category since it's release in April. The book provides research on the following skills: Focus and Self Control, Perspective Taking, Communicating, Making Connections, Critical Thinking, Taking On Challenges, and Self-Directed Engaged Learning. These are valuable skills that children should learn early which will help them in the furture for everyday life.
Ellen Galinsky an expert in her field and is a great resource. She's the President and Co- Founder of Families and Work Institute (FWI) which is a "nonprofit center dedicated to providing research for living in today's changing workplace, changing family and changing community."
Ellen Galinsky shares tips from her book with Katie Couric on CBS Evening News on how to ecourage children, especially in dealing with early development.
Itsabelly Baby Planners' first job is keeping babies safe. While this often features our signature eco-friendly twist, it often includes other aspects like keeping up with recalls. Recently, there have been several major recalls on baby and children's products from commonly given medications to cribs and common household items that can be potentially dangerous to children like Roman shades.
What steps can parents take to protect their children against recalled products?
1. Visit the Consumer Protection and Safety Commission website (www.cpsc.gov). On their site, you can register for email announcements regarding recalls of infant and child products. 2. Register the products you buy for your baby with the manufacturer. Manufacturers will often let purchasers know when a product is recalled. 3. Save receipts for major purchases. Some retailers will refund your money in the manner you used to make the purchase (cash for cash, credit card refund for credit card purchase) instead of just issuing a store credit if you have a receipt. 4. Retain the boxes and all packaging inserts for all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) at least until the baby has finished the medicine. 5. Follow Itsabelly Baby Planners on Twitter and Facebook. We often post news about baby and child recalls on our site with additional information about steps to take to get your product repaired, replaced, or refunded.
Permalink:What To Do About Recalls Tags:recalls, Itsabelly Baby Planners, baby safety Posted in Recalls/Toxic Baby Products, Life with Baby, Baby Gear, baby planning, Uncategorized, Car Seats 0 CommentsPost a comment
Join IBPA for our first official “Twitter Tea Party” May 18th from 7-8PM PST
(and no we're not referring to that political "Tea Party"- it's all about safety & babies)
Grab your cup of tea or favorite beverage and log into IBPA's first Safety Soiree ~ where we'll discuss “Car Seat Safety and How to Choose One” with special guests and industry experts JPMA and Britax. One lucky tweeting participant will win a Britax Advocate Car Seat valued at $369.99.
See below for more details on how to register for the event along with a quick Twitter party overview.
IBPA “Twitter Tea Party” Highlights:
Host: International Baby Planner Association Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Time: 7-8 PM PST Location: TweetGrid.com hashtag, #IBPABabyPlanner Topic: "Car Seat Safety and How to Choose One" Prize: Britax Advocate CS Car Seat RSVP: Please RSVP by May 16th to Melissa@InternationalBabyPlanners.com with email and Twitter ID to attend and be eligible for the prize.
Follow Our Hosts on Twitter at: @IBPABabyPlanner @Britax @JPMA
Special Guest Industry Experts:
Britax has been a leader in mobile safety for more than 70 years, with a legacy of leadership in developing innovations that enhance the safety of child car seats and improve their ease of installation and use.
JPMA is a national trade organization representing 95% of the prenatal to preschool industry. JPMA represents 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who manufacture, import and/or distribute infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items.
Twitter Party Information:
What is a Twitter Party? A Twitter party is an online discussion that focuses on a few related topics. It is simple and fun to join in the conversation by posting comments or asking questions via Twitter.
How Do I Participate?
You must register by emailing Melissa@InternationalBabyPlanners.com by May 16th with your Twitter ID. If you do not have a Twitter account you can easily create one in advance by visiting www.Twitter.com.
How Do I Join In and Keep up with the Conversation? Join the party by using TweetGrid.com and enter the hashtag #IBPABabyPlanner to join the event. A hashtag is simply the sign “#” with a name attached to it. Tweet Grid will automatically include the hashtag on your tweets after you have entered the party. You will be able to follow the tweeting discussions in real-time.
When is the IBPA "Twitter Tea Party?" The IBPA Twitter Tea Party will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 7-8PM PST.
Why Should I Join in on the Fun? The IBPA Twitter Tea Party will give you the opportunity to network with other parents, expecting couples and industry experts on child car seat safety. It will be a great chance to ask all of the questions you have about car seats and how to choose one. One lucky participant will also win a Britax Car Seat!!!!!!
IBPA "Twitter Tea Party" Rules and Regulations: 1. Be nice to other tweeters in the party! We all have opinions so let’s respect our differences and share advice. 2. This a stress free environment to tweet about important issues – relax and have fun! 3. This Twitter party giveaway is for United States and Canadian residents only. 4. You must register by May 16, 2010 via email to Melissa@Internationalbabyplanners.com with your Twitter ID and actually attend the party to be eligible to win. 5. You must be 18 years or older to participate. 6. There will be one winner randomly drawn after the party is over from the list of registered participants. 7. Winner will be notified via email via the registered email address by May 21, 2010 by a member of the International Baby Planner Association.
New and veteran moms appreciate having two hands to run errands in the house and around the town. With a squirmy newborn baby or a curious toddler, it may be hard to focus and get things done. (Writing a deposit slip with one hand while standing in line at the bank is no picnic.) Luckily for moms, there are exceptional baby wearing products on the market today. The Boba Carrier has recently made its entrance in the baby scene with style. This new carrier is both functional and sophisticated, which deserves an Itsabelly review.
Boba Carrier Features
In 2009, NAP Inc. (also makers of the Sleepy Wrap) debuted it’s first soft structure carrier - Boba Carrier. It is intended to hold toddlers weighing 15 lbs to 45 lbs (roughly 1 to 4 years-old) in a front or back carry position. Here are some great features.
Accommodates children 1 - 4 years old or 15 - 45 lbs
Offering a long life, this carrier can be used for up to 4 years and more if you have more than one child
100% Certified Organic Cotton (fabric and batting)
Unique and creative patent-pending footstraps are attached on to the carrier to provide proper leg support starting at 2 years-old. They can be adjusted by sliding across the waist belt and resized to fit the feet by tightening the velcro. If your toddler is still too small to reach the footstraps comfortably, you can remove them and save for later.
Removable Hood
A matching, adjustable and removable hood is included to shield your toddler from the sun or windy weather.
Safety Buckle
The waist belt has a safety buckle that clips for extra security.
Width
The carrier has a wide and comfy seat for support.
High Back for Overall Support
Since this carrier is intended for toddlers, the carrier has a high back for full support.
Front carrier (facing inward only) and back carrier
One size fits all
Modern designs are offered in 6 different colors.
Made in Boulder, Colorado
Functionality of the Boba Carrier
The carrier is easy to fold up and place in a tote bag for traveling. I packed it in my luggage for a weekend family reunion in Sonoma, CA. I just rolled it up like an egg roll and folded it in half.
It takes approximately less than a minute put on the carrier and secure the baby. It probably takes me longer to get my daughter out of her car seat.
Easy to adjust the straps for the waist and arms. To adjust for comfortability, I hold my daughter up and use my free arm to tug on the straps to find the best fit.
All the weight from the baby is on the hips instead of your back. This is definitely a life saver especially since your toddler is growing.
A great carrier to use while running errands around the city. When I’m traveling to multiple places, taking the stroller out ten times in one afternoon is not my cup of tea. Sometimes, I don’t even take off the carrier in between rides. I just unclip the top back strap and let it fold down like an apron. It works great and saves me 20 seconds.
Besides running errands, the Boba Carrier is great for walks around the park and hiking.
Summary
The Boba Carrier is a great investment for your family. It is sleek and stylish while being functional and modern at the same time. For more information, please visit www.bobababycarrier.com.
As our economy continues to remain slow and people are re-evaluating their expenses and priorities, I felt the need to look into the cost of diapers.What I found is that “Green” can be cheaper, but the initial investment is much higher.Below is a quick cost breakdown of several diaper brands for newborns.Keep in mind that we do change between 12-16 diapers for the first 2 weeks and as the baby becomes older, the frequency of changes drastically decreases.
Here is a quick chart of the costs.
Cost of Newborn Diapers
Cost per change
Cost in one month (assuming 10 diapers/day)
Disposables (Pampers)
$0.28
$84.00
Disposables (Huggies- Little Snugglers)
$0.25
$75.00
Green Disposables (7th Generation)
$0.25
$75.00
Green Disposables (Tushies)
$0.30
$90.00
Green Biodegradable, Disposables (Nature Babycare)
Looking at these prices, the pre-fold cloth diapers are the most affordable, but may be inconvenient for most.The hi-tech cloth diapers seem on the expensive side, but it is important to evaluate your long term goals and sizing.
As babies grow, the disposable diapers pack cost the same, but there are fewer diapers in the packs.With the hi-tech cloth diapers, the larger size fits a wider span of sizes (often lasting from 12-18 months onto potty training age).There are even diaper covers that are so adjustable, that one can lose almost the entire diapering stage (keep in mind that these may not work for all babies)
In the end, I found that cloth diapers do pay off. The cost per change averages $0.22 per change for the hi-tech diapers, while the disposables end up costing $0.39/ change (over the span of diaper changing).Yet again, this demonstrates that it pays to be green in the long run.
Permalink:Are Green Diapers Really Affordable? Tags:Posted in Non-toxic Babycare, Green Diapering, Green Baby, Cloth Diapering, Green Living/ Eco Friendly, Itsabelly Atlanta, Parenting, Itsabelly News, Pregnancy, Press 0 CommentsPost a comment
Itsabelly’s Guide to Going Green with Baby is the first of its kind book to provide a comprehensive review of baby registry essentials for raising a healthy baby and creating a happy planet.
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