Our Favorite Baby Products from ABC Kids Expo 2009 Receive itsabelly's Seal of Approval!

November 2, 2009

By Melissa Moog, itsabelly Baby Planners

Finally, what we've all been waiting for THE itsabelly Faves list from ABC Kids Expo 2009 is here! As a team we thought long and hard about all of our absolutely note worthy list of children's products. So, we're excited to share this special list with you. We wish that we could include every innovative baby gadget that we oogled over but frankly we'd be writing a novel! We're thrilled to point out that most of our favorites are eco-friendly and toxin-free which always ranks at the top of our list. Drumroll please... from sophisticated strollers, organic breastfeeding accessories to posh diaper bags we've got every category covered for you and your itty bitty!

OUR WINNERS

STROLLERS

Orbit Infant System & Stroller - We love Orbit because it's a truly innovative out of this world stroller which rotates 360 degrees, has a one hand fold and the infant car seat is made of all micro-fiber upholstery which is certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, helping to ensure it is especially easy on baby's skin and the environment - truly safe for baby!



Teutonia - Do you like to build your pizza with your favorite toppings or fill your sandwich with scrumptious ingredients? How about building your own stroller from seat design to color? This is customization at its finest.



UPPAbaby 2009 Vista Stoller - We love the UPPAbaby's stylish look and especially the price! Purchase a full stroller system at only $669.



BABY PROOFING

G180 Pinnacle Gateway (Baby Gate) by KidCo - Hands Free, auto close pressure mount gate with foot pedal operation. The foot pedal makes going in and out with baby in your arms very easy!



Nature Next Bamboo Gate by Safety 1st - Looking for a gate that's made out of eco-friendly materials. This one is made of durable bamboo & 100% recycled plastic parts.



Fireplace Hearth Guard, S710 by KidCo - Soft padding to protect your child from hard, sharp fireplace edges. Easy non-adhesive installation!



GREEN FEEDING

Klean Kanteen 12 ounce - We haven't met a toddler yet who doesn't like their shiny always BPA-free Klean Kanteen bottle. Isabella, our founder's daughter has used hers from 1 to 3+ years old (it was her first sippy converting over to her first water bottle).



Beaba Babycook - A one-of-a-kind counter top appliance which is a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster all-in-one. It cooks food within 15 minutes - super fast, super easy! A JPMA award winner for innovation!



Svan High Chair - The high chair that grows with your child from her first solids to her first finger foods, this sophisticated piece has got you covered. Not to mention it's beautifully and sustainably designed! It's made of bent birchwood through an eco-friendly process. The plastic tray cover is also BPA-free & Phthalate free. And if that wasn't enough - this high chair meets all US Federal Regulations for safety and is JPMA certified!



Medela Freestyle Breastpump - A truly hands free and BPA-free breast pump that makes pumping easy peasy and oh-so portable! Also a JPMA Innovation Award Winner!






My Brest Friend (organic) - Their new environmentally conscious 100% organic cover helps parents provide the best for there babies, with cotton and extra soft bamboo that is chemical and preservative free.



Dr. Greene's Feeding Baby Green - is the first comprehensive guide to help environmentally conscious parents make healthy product and lifestyle choices. You really can make a strong impact on the way your child eats from the day she was born...learn some very valuable tips from Dr. Greene on how to raise a child that will eat healthier foods. Say no to junk food!



Grass Drying Rack by Boon inc. - We wanted one of these just to stare at because it was such an amazingly cool looking product! Add a little color and style to your kitchen by drying  baby's feeding utensils on this fabulously designed drying rack. BPA-free, Phthalate-free & PVC-free!



Pop Pals - Pop Pals are insulating ice pop holders designed to help keep hands warm and ice pops cold. Made from soft flexible FDA -approved food grade material, Pop Pals are lead-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and BpA-free.



Dandelion Utensils & Bowls - These eating utensils are made from biodegradable corn, helping reduce our dependency on both petroleum-based plastics and disposable ware in general.






On-the-go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser by Zoli - BPA-free & Phthalate free, 4 dispensers and easy pour spout. Pack this oh-so cute dispenser up with all of baby's favorite treats & your off for a day of fun.



GREEN DIAPERING

Bum Genius - Who said cloth diapering wasn't hip and easy? Plus we're aiming to decrease the thousands of dirty diapers that end up in our landfill! This cloth diaper sensation isn't just eco-friendly and toxin-free but it's one size fits all.



Birth to Potty Kit by Bambino Mio - Wow, an all-in-one starter kit which has the right number of cloth diapers and covers for all the pees & poops you'll ever have to change! One stop shopping at its best.



gDiapers - Can you say the coolest hybrid & first flushable diaper for baby's bottom? For true innovation in the eco-friendly department and because "g" just has so many cute colors/patterns to choose from we absolutely give this diaper company a thumbs up!



GREEN BABYCARE

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash - Skindeep Database rates Earth Mama Angel Baby's baby wash & shampoo FREE of toxins, that's a big FAT zero - no ickies at all, totally safe for baby! Shh, don't tell anyone mama uses it too!



Puj Tub - Living in the city and have a smallish space to bathe baby? The Puj Tub molds to your sink so you can bathe your newborn (0-6 months) easily. It stores flat and is hypoallergenic & toxin free.



Ringley Teether - Anything your baby puts in his mouth needs to be safe! This is an absolutely non-toxic teether made in Canada from natural maple wood and 100% certified organic terry cloth. Winner of two awards - we're not surprised!



Nosefrida - Looking for a non-evasive nasal aspirator? Nosefrida is a doctor recommended nasal aspirator that removes mucus from your child's nose. It was invented in Sweden by Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, and has been used by Moms and Dads for years. Non-allergenic & latex free!



BABY CARRIERS

Ergo Baby Organic Carrier - Hands down the Ergo never disappoints as a durable, safe and easy to use carrier for mamas & papas.



Baby K'tan Carrier - What we loved about the Ka'tan is its ability to carry two babies at a time - can you say twins?!



GREEN NURSERY

No-Compromise Organic Cotton Ultra Crib & Toddler Mattress by Naturepedic - We were surprised at how many awards (6 to be exact) this organic mattress has won for it's eco-friendly design and toxin-free materials. We like it so much that we hope baby can move over and make room for mommy to sleep!



Organic Ultimate Receiving Blanket by Swaddle Designs - You definitely want to wrap your baby in the safest non-toxic materials while sleeping by using this beautifully designed organic swaddle blanket. With the instructions right on the label so you don't forget how to swaddle in the middle of the night Swaddle Designs is the best for baby & mommy brain! Created by a former RN, you know this blanket was made with every bit of love and care!



Sweet Slumber Sound Machine by Graco - This was THE gadget that got quite a few oohs and ahs at ABC. From 12 lullabies, ocean sounds, white noise, night light and plug-in for an MP3 player - this item got our attention. Here's to a well rested baby and no more sleepless nights!



DIAPER BAGS

Studio Diaper Tote by Skip Hop - A very stylish purse that fits baby's bottle, some diapers, wipes and a lap top. You had me at HELLO! Plus it's made of PVC free and eco-friendlly material - I'll take one in champagne please.



Tim & Leslie Diaper Bags - You can't go wrong with this line of extremely posh convertible diaper bags. You'll want one in every color!



MATERNITY CLOTHING

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker is the ultimate compression tank! You'll be WOWed with how it smoothes and shapes your middle! Mother Tucker™ uses a soft tubular knit, designed with three zones of varying compression.




Sublime Nursing Bra by Bravado!Designs - Feel fabulous and absolutely comfortable. This bra is made of soft, delicate lace and beautiful design elements to show off your radiant style. Who says you can't nurse in style?



Bellaband Organic by Ingrid & Isabel -Now made in organic cotton you can use Bellaband to keep up your loose pants, keep up the pants that won't button or if you need extra reinforcement this is the perfect product for around your middle!

New Report Confirms Carcinogens In Bath Products for Children

March 24, 2009

By Jennifer LoPrete, Itsabelly Marketing Mama

Once again, a new reports confirms toxic chemicals and known carcinogens can be found in baby bath and skincare products often labeled as “gentle” and “pure.”

We’d love to know what these well-known manufacturers find “gentle” and “pure” about using 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde in baby bubble bath and baby lotion?

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent unopened baby/children’s bath and skincare products to independent laboratories to test for 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde. Buyers must beware because you will not find these toxic ingredients listed on the label. Scary isn’t it?

We thought so and thought you might like to take action.

You may read the whole report here: www.safecosmetics.org/toxictub.

Here is the list of products tested: http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=426

Wondering how products with secret toxic chemicals can be legal? We are too. Contact your legislator here: Take action right now: Ask your legislators to clean up cosmetics.

Send and e-card about the report and spread the word to friends and family.

A Breastfeeding Cover Up

February 4, 2009

Are you breast feeding in public and want a practical but yet fashionable way to cover up?  Then you must get a Bebe au Lait nursing cover (also known as Hooter Hiders).  I know nursing can be difficult in the beginning, but trust me this will make your life easier.  For those more bashful, this nursing cover will give you the confidence to nurse in public, especially around the family.

This award winning nursing cover has a a rigid neckline so that mama can see here baby without exposing herself to the world.  Also, this cover stays in place, unlike a blanket that keeps falling off your shoulders. The material is lightweight, so your baby does not get hot while nursing.

It comes in many fabulous fabrics that would make any fashionista happy.

You can shop online at www.bellyblossom.com.