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!

It’s Yoga, Kids… yoga for all ages and families

November 1, 2009

By Amy Kux, Itsabelly San Francisco

Michelle Wing is the founder of an innovative yoga studio; It’s Yoga Kids. Her concept is to introduce a healthy lifestyle through yoga pre-birth all the way to adulthood. Her yoga classes are offered to families, prenatal and postnatal mothers and to children (baby all the way to teens).
I love this concept and recent reports have shown that healthy lifestyles have a huge impact on children. I have asked Michele some simple questions so we can learn more.
Blog Interview:
Who is she: Michelle Wing
Where did you find her: It’s Yoga, Kids
I started It’s Yoga, Kids because…I noticed how stressed out kids are today with loaded schedules, multiple caregivers, and both social and academic pressure from an early age. I wanted to provide kids of all ages and abilities with the healthy fun that yoga provides.
One thing I’m most passionate about with It’s Yoga, Kids is….that we provide the best possible experience for children and families with our commitment to the quality of our curriculum, our instructors, and our location.
What I say to people that are skeptical about yoga…try it, you may like it!
The best three yoga positions for a pregnant woman are…dependent on their own body. In general, sitting tall with a natural arch in the lower back, rocking on hands and knees, and lying down on the left side fully supported by pillows.

The best three things a parent can do to bond with a newborn are…skin to skin peaceful touch, eye contact and relaxed breathing.

The best three yoga positions for a parent to do with a baby are…cat/cow pose and downdog with the baby between your arms and rolling like a ball with the baby on your shins.

The best three yoga positions for a newborn’s development are…rolling side to side in chair pose (from a reclining position bringing knees to the chest), cobra pose (tummy time) and cross/crawl (crossing the mid-line work).

What is CPSIA? An Itsabelly Review.

October 18, 2009

By Jennifer Lo Prete, Co-author of Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby

Itsabelly Baby Planners have been asked by their clients about the Consumer Product Saftey Improvement Act (CPSIA) and its impact for children. Since our book, Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby published as this law was in the works, we did not have an opportunity to cover it in our book. Although, we do cover the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government agency that manages CPSIA. We would like to give our readers an online update to our book on CPSIA.

So, what is CPSIA?

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) went into effect on February 10, 2009 and regulates acceptable levels of certain substances (lead, phthalates) and sets third-party testing and documentation requirements for manufacturers of consumer goods such as apparel, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, bedding, toys, personal care products and educational materials. Penalties include fines ($100,000 minimum per violation) with civil and criminal penalties.

On August 6, 2009, CPSC granted a lead content exemption for certain materials in children's products. This exemption allows CPSC to determine materials and/or products that will not exceed the CPSIA lead content limit due to their nature unless they have been treated or modified with materials that could affect lead limits. Certain excluded materials include: stainless stood, precious and semiprecious gemstones, woods, certain papers/boardstock and inks, dyes, textiles and fibers.

In January 2009, an Emergency Stay was issued that gave manufacturers one year to comply with CPSIA testing and certification requirements that went into effect on February 10, 2009. However, this Stay did not modify the requirement to comply with the new mandatory safety standards.

CPSIA Background

CPSIA was created in response to the numerous discoveries of lead in toys during 2007/2008. As this law was drafted and debated, many small businesses that make handmade goods opposed CPSIA in its original form because the testing and labelling requirements were not economically feasible for their small businesses. The law appeared to be written with large manufacturers in mind. How could a mom and pop shop making wood baby rattles in their garage and sold at the local farmer's market afford to test all the products? Small business owners related to children's toys, apparel and accessory banded together to create the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA). The Toy Industry Association, whose members include larger toy manufacturers along with small businesses, is also working to amend CPSIA.

These groups agree that lead and phthalates should be banned from children's products. The HTA is working to "amend the CPSIA," with modifications such as component-based testing and testing exemptions for materials scientifically known to not contain lead or phthalates. The TIA also states that it "favors practical common sense approaches to testing products in an efficient cost effective manner that reduces burdens on small businesses, without affecting the inherent safety of toys."

We hope that as CPSIA evolves a balance can be found between protecting our children from dangerous toxins and protecting small business owners. We believe that small businesses (many of which are momprenuers) drive innovation in the children's product industry and are often green businesses. And hey, back in 1930 and 1945 Fisher Price and Mattel were small business start-ups!

As CPSIA evolves, you can count on Itsabelly baby planners to keep you informed of how this law impacts our children. In the meantime, below you will find some great resources for conducting your own research.

Itsabelly's Favorite Resources for Researching CPSIA

• US Consumer Product Saftey Commission (CPSC)
• Complete Text of CPSIA (HR 4040)
• Consumers Union (the group behind Consumer Reports)
• Z Recommends: Website dedicated to consumer research and reporting, product reviewing and consumer advocacy on issues related to health and safety of children.
• The Smart Mama: Founder Jennifer Taggart and author of Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child's Toxic Chemical Exposure, offers XRF testing services for CPSIA compliance and consulting services.
• Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA): Official site of the group working to protect small business interests in CPSIA laws.
• CPSIA Cheerleader: A momprenuer encouraging other small business to work together to amend CPSIA to protect small business.
• Toy Industry Association (TIA): The toy industry trade association for the manufacturers and importers of toys in North America.
• TIA CPSIA Bill Summary

Announcing Our New Seal of Approval Launching at ABC Kids Expo! We're looking for the Best in Show.

September 5, 2009

Itsabelly's New Seal of Approval

Stay tuned for details on how your product can receive our seal...

Exciting News! itsabelly® is Featured in KIWI Magazine - 2 Page Green Baby Registry Pull-Out

August 26, 2009

Ready to complete your baby registry? Check out the July/August Kiwi magazine for a convenient, pull-out green baby registry guide authored by itsabelly® Baby Concierge. This two-page spread covers everything from gear to bath essentials to diapers and bedding. Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

Feeding: Look for a sticker declaring “BPA-free” on everything from baby bottles to breast pump parts. You will also want to check those easy-to-wipe-clean, plastic bibs. In general, you want everything that touches the baby or the baby's milk to be “BPA-free”. For plastic bottles and sippy cups, look at the numbers on the bottom. Numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5 mean you are A-OK. If you want to keep it simple, look for stainless steel, glass, or rubber substitutes.
Brands itsabelly® loves:
o Medela bottles and equipment
o Weego, Adiri, Weil Baby bottles
o Boon, bamboo, Camden Rose bowls and plates
We also recommend quantities of the essentials you will need for each of the pull-out registry's categories.

We are excited to bring this to you! Next time you are in the bookstore or supermarket, look for Kiwi’s July/August issue or visit them on-line.

SIGG - No Longer Itsabelly-Approved

August 26, 2009

By Jennifer Lo Prete, Itsabelly's Marketing & Green Mama

SIGG recently admitted that water bottles manufactured before August 2008 contain  bisphenol A (BPA) in the internal liner. Due to this fact, we are removing SIGG from our book, Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby.

Due to publishing restrictions, current versions of our book have SIGG listed in our recommended water bottle list. We would like to use this blog post to retract our recommendation. Our version 2.0 book, will not recommend SIGG.

In our review, we note that the bottles do use a lining. We originally recommended this water bottle because of its claims that the liner did not leach BPA, its popularity with customers and wide distribution made SIGG readily available. In our book, we always try to recommend at least one alternative that is easy to find. We know that not everyone lives in a "green city."

However, there are so many great BPA-free bottles on the market from companies that are transparent with their customers, we can no longer give our endorsement of this company due to its popularity and ability to be found.

Background on SIGG Water Bottles:

• SIGG bottles manufactured prior to August 2009 contain BPA in the inside liner of the water bottle. Read the letter by SIGG CEO recently released.
• SIGG still maintains that according to their testing that old bottles do not leach BPA.
• SIGG bottles post- August 2008 are manufactured with what they call an EcoCare Lining. SIGG claims that this liner is " SIGG EcoCare liner is a "powder-based, co-polyester that has been thoroughly tested and certified to be 100% free of BPA and phthalates." (SIGG website FAQ, "Is the new SIGG bottle liner safe?")
• The Soft Landing's blog documents SIGG's lack of transparency in dealing with the BPA issue. By the way, The Soft Landing is our favorite source for non-toxic feeding gear and research!
• According to ZRecommends, the EcoCare liner has cause for suspicion and that BPA-liner bottles are still on the market. We also recommend reading ZRecommends review of the SIGG announcement.
• We have heard that customers are contacting SIGG directly for a refund or replacement bottle. You may need to pay for shipping. We are not positive that they are giving refunds or replacements.

Overwhelmed by which BPA-free Baby Bottle to Purchase? Thesoftlanding.com is Your Answer (the #1 safe baby feeding resource).

August 13, 2009

By Amy Kux, Itsabelly SF Baby Planner

As a first time mom, we rely on other’s opinions and experiences.  But what most mother’s forget to tell you is that not all products work for your baby.  Each baby is unique in their needs, wants and comfort level.  A great example of this is using the bottle.  I personally bought all glass bottles prior to the birth of my child.  Once we started to give her the bottle (2 months old), we found that she would not take them.  My instinct was to buy a bunch of other BPA free bottles.  I sat on the computer for hours in the middle of the night reading through review after review.  I was in need of a bottle for a breastfed baby that was not latching on correctly.  I was amazed with the mixed reviews of each bottle.  Some mothers loved the Adiri, which looks like a woman’s breast, others loved Dr. Browns, and some liked the Nuby and the list goes on.  It was very difficult for me to know which one would work for us.
In the end I bought about 6 different types of bottles, hoping one would work. I even bought two of the same type if I felt the reviews were very positive.
After trying most of them, our daughter decided that Born Free wide mouth bottles were for her.  Now, as much as I would like to say this was a great learning experience, I have to admit it was time consuming and very overwhelming.  First, it was hard to tell what was BPA free.  Some manufactures stressed it, while others would not have anything and then there were a few that you had to read through their comments just to find anything.  Second, parents’ reviews were so mixed, that it causes me to think that maybe we were doing something wrong (common first time parent fear).

Now there is a solution to this; The Soft Landing (www.softlanding.com).  They offer sampler kits for BPA free bottles.  This is an ingenious idea that allows parents to try different safe bottles, but also lets parents know that this is a common struggle. Itsabelly fully endorses Thesoftlanding.com which is truly the #1 baby safe feeding on-line resource backed up by thorough research from founder/CEO Alicia Voorhies (a mom & former RN). One important thing to note is that thesoftlanding.com not only carries BPA-free baby bottles but almost every type of feeding gear as well as teething toy that you can imagine!

DON’T Throw Out the Trash!

July 9, 2009

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planner

The old adage, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" is never more true than after you have a baby.  One of my favorite green parenting tips for new parents is to NOT throw out the trash....at least not until you look at emptied containers to see which ones your baby might like to play with!

First, be sure to make sure that the container is safe to play with.  There should be no small pieces, sharp edges or broken parts.  Some of the best baby toys are canisters and plastic jars.  Second, clean the container and make sure there all of the food is cleared away.  Remove any removable labels or stickers.  I usually give mine a good spin through the dishwasher.  After being inspected and cleaned the containers are ready to give to the baby!

Now that he's crawling, my son loves to watch canisters roll across the floor and chase after them.  I watched his eyes light up as he looked through the clear, clean jar that once held peanut butter.  When he's a little older, we'll turn egg crates into painting palates and paper towel tubes into horns.  I feel good about giving my containers a second useful life and not having those items sitting in a landfill.

As with all toys you give your baby, be sure to periodically inspect your reused/recycled toys for wear and tear.  When they are worn or damaged, you can recycle them.

B Braithwaite – Where Paris Meets Peachtree

July 6, 2009

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

Stepping inside the door after being greeted by a giant topiary bunny and bear, I immediately knew that I was being transported to another land.  B Braithwaite, located in the Westside Provisions District is a chic baby boutique inspired by a Parisian boutique - yet amazingly warm with Southern charm.  You'll find that the ladies who work there love babies and babies love them in return!

There's more to love than just great company to enjoy, B Braithwaite is brimming full of luxury products for baby and nursery.    There is also a great selection of green products that prove that "green" doesn't have to be blah.  You'll find a great selection of Itsabelly approved products found in Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green With Baby including Uppababy and Orbit strollers, furniture by Stokke and bottle feeding supplies by Adiri.  You can dress your little one in organic cotton clothing by Seedling Kids and provide organic and natural toys by MiYim and Dandelion.   There is also a fabulous selection of organic cotton crib bedding and bath towels as well as organic crib mattresses.

I had a chat with store owner, Chaffee and she told me that her hands down favorite stroller was the earthfriendly Uppababy G-Luxe.  Itsabelly Baby Planners love Uppababy because of their commitment to the environment; they recycle materials in old strollers and will even help parents to donate or recycle their used strollers - even those that aren't Uppababy's!

Chaffee let me take the G-Luxe on a little test drive around the store.  I found it to be completely "luxe" and loved the lightweight frame and awesome functionality.  When I decided to buy one (I'm a bit of a shopaholic!), the ladies at B. Braithwaite assembled it for me in record time, gave me a "mini class" on all of it's features and carried it out to my car.  Try getting that level of service at one of the "big box retailers"; I can personally remember being 7 months pregnant and having to carry my own unassembled stroller - box and all out to my car!  I was truly in need of a baby planner!

If you're interested in planning a nursery that cradles your baby in the lap of luxury with many green options and amenities, make sure to visit B Braithwaite.

Sprout is Springing Up in Atlanta!

July 3, 2009

By Nicole Mabry , Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

Located in the Westside Provisions District on Howell Mill Road, is one of Itsabelly Atlanta’s favorite green children’s boutiques – Sprout – A Children’s Store.

The shop carries some of Itsabelly Baby Planner’s favorite brands, including some mentioned in Itsabelly’s Guide to Going Green with Baby.  In the store, you will find an assortment of toys by blabla, Haba Toys and Viking.    On my visit, there, I simply couldn’t resist buying a Viking Truck for my little boy.  Though made of plastic, Viking’s parent company, International Playthings continually scrutinizes its products their materials for lead and other harmful chemicals.  Viking toys are billed as “strong, sanitary and simple” – if they happen to get dirty (a likelihood with little boys!) then parents can just toss them in the top rack of the dishwasher.

In addition to fun toys, Sprout also carries functional, eco-friendly and beautiful furniture.  Some examples include the HiLo chair by AGE Designs, nursery furniture by Oeuf and textiles by Zid Zid Kids.

Once baby is entertained and the nursery is outfitted, the last to be outfitted is your little one.  Two of this baby planner’s favorites – shoes by See Kai Run and great casual clothing by Tea Collection are available at Sprout.

Just a short stroll across the bridge and you’ll find yourself at Sprout’s sister store, Seed Factory – a children’s store for older children.  Seed Factory is a store and more!  Seed Factory has a great play and learning area and holds storytimes and creative classes each week for children from 2 to 12 years of age.