The Itsabelly Blog

Turn Off Your Lights Tonight and Join 280,772 People In the Dark!

I just found out about this event where millions of people around the world are joining together to make a statement about climate change by turning their lights off for an hour. It's called Earth Hour and I signed-up to participate-I thought it might be something you'd want to sign up for too.

Earth Hour is on March 29 from 8 - 9 p.m. local time, and it looks like it's going to be really big. So far 25 cities around the world are taking part, including Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco in the U.S.

Sign up for Earth Hour by visiting Earth Hour sign-up and join the movement with me.

And remember - Lights Out on March 29!

The Big "O" - Ten Good Reasons to Go Organic

From the Organic Trade Association, The O'Mama Report

TEN GOOD REASONS TO BUY ORGANIC

Organic products meet stringent standards

Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

Organic food tastes great!

It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

Organic production reduces health risks

Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

Organic farms respect our water resources

The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

Organic farmers build healthy soil

Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.

Organic farmers work in harmony with nature

Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

Organic producers are leaders in innovative research

Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.

Organic producers strive to preserve diversity

The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy

USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!

Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

Bringing Baby Home - How to Help Your Child Adjust to Life with a Newborn

I appear as a guest on our local AM Northwest TV program on channel 2 once a month and this morning I shared the information below.  You can also click on the link highlighted above to watch the video.

If you have a toddler at home and you are expecting your second child you're probably wondering how to help ease the transition into life with a newborn. Your toddler is used to having your undivided attention and now she has to share it with someone new.  This transition phase can be challenging for both parents if they are not prepared.  It's even harder on your toddler if you haven't spent quality time helping her understand how life will change.  I will note that you can never completely take away the change and stress your first child will feel with a new baby but you can definitely help ease her transition by making her feel more secure and loved.

Here are some tips to help your child and you adjust:

Before Baby is Born

• If your child is old enough take her to a sibling preparation class. This class is usually held at your local hospital or healthcare facility designed for children two years of age and older.  It helps siblings prepare for the emotional and physical realities of the arrival of a newborn. Activities can include arts and crafts, role-playing, and a mini-tour of the nursery and maternity unit to see where mom will be spending the night.
• Give her a baby doll to play with
• Expose her to other babies and let her see you interact with a baby
• Children's picture books can help your toddler visualize how life will change with a new baby
  
• Have your child help you pick out gifts for the baby
• Make sure to spend quality one on one time with your toddler helping her understand how things will change once baby is born
• You can tell your preschool age child that you are going to have a baby by sharing the preparation activities and also showing her your growing belly
• If your toddler will be transitioning out of her crib and giving it to the new baby make sure to do this a few months before the birth so the adjustment of losing her crib is not such a huge deal   
  

After Baby is Born

• When baby is born have your toddler come in to spend time with you first before she's introduced to the new baby
• Use the baby's name so that the toddler knows the baby is a person rather than "the baby"
• Encourage your toddler to touch the baby and show her how to do so in a gentle manner
• Make sure to continue your toddler's regular schedule once you come home with baby (ask for help from family members to assist you)
• It is important to maintain the same rules and discipline even after the new baby arrives so your toddler has consistency 
• Include your toddler in usual routines for the baby such as diaper changing, feeding time or bathing   
  
• Each parent should make quality one on one time with the toddler so she still feels that she has your love and attention
  
• Have your toddler become your little helper by asking her to get a diaper for the baby or find the baby's toy
• If your child is older it will be easier for her to adjust to a newborn sibling because they can understand what is happening and be actively involved. 
• You should encourage involvement in helping with the new baby but not force it.  Offer to your older child that she can attend an infant CPR or child safety course designed for children who will become a new big brother or sister.  If your child feels like she has the skills and confidence to help care for her newborn sibling it will make it an easier transition on all of you.

Resources:

Keys to Preparing and Caring for Your Second Child by Meg Zweiback

Siblings Without Rivalry by Faber & Mazlich

Feedback from a parent on reading both books - "The latter has tips which will be more useful long past the day that baby #2 arrives, whereas the first book deals more with psychological and practical preparations for the family's newcomer, with an emphasis on the early days. Both are gems."

 

So, What the Heck Does an Itsabelly Baby Concierge Do Anyway?

I hope this blog entry will give you a good idea of what a day in the life of a Baby Planner is like while providing consultation to an expectant couple.

I recently traveled to Arizona for business and pleasure.  While I was there I met with The Bump's Managing Editor, Kira and her husband Jeff Krieger.  We planned a few hours to head over to the baby store and check out products they were considering for their registry.  

Many people wonder what a "Baby Concierge or Baby Planner" does exactly because it is a new and growing field.  When I first launched Itsabelly 1 year ago I would explain that I was like a wedding planner but instead of planning for the big wedding day I'm helping parents plan for baby's arrival and the first year after.  This could mean doing research to figure out the best baby products to place on a couple's registry or designing the baby's nursery with a personal touch by assisting parents in picking out furniture and decor.  There are many concierge and consulting services a baby planner can offer and it's just a matter of what an expectant or new parent needs help with.  Itsabelly takes care of pre-natal needs before baby is born and services new parents 12 months after baby is born (e.g. helping parents choose the best car seat as the infant grows out of the infant seat or learning how to make organic baby food). 

For Kira and Jeff, it was a breeze because they already had a clear idea of what their budget, space and lifestyle needs entailed.  I also provided a simple set of questions for Kira and Jeff to review prior to meeting with them so that we could spend our time efficiently at the baby store.

Kira and Jeff had a middle of the road budget and didn't want to clutter their home with too many baby gadgets and gizmos.  They wanted to go the simple but sophisticated route when choosing their baby gear.  They also wanted to go organic in certain areas so I advised them to consider going green on items that would touch baby's skin or placed in baby's mouth.  Products such as baby clothing, swaddle blankets, crib sheets, baby bottles and pacifiers were items I recommended they go green in.

Jeff was a great expectant dad to work with because he asked some very good questions and really wanted to be involved in deciding on big ticket baby items (like the crib, stroller and infant seat as most new dads do).  Kira beamed as she watched Jeff get into the baby registry experience.  Kira was able to push, pull and touch baby gear in the store while listening to my consultation on what to look for in items like a stroller or crib.  It alleviated many of her questions and allowed the baby registry experience to be much less overwhelming.  We already know being pregnant and going through labor is stressful and challenging enough! 

I'm grateful to be part of Kira and Jeff's very special time by helping them ease into parenthood.  I know that they will absolutely be wonderful parents!  Thank you to Kira and Jeff for making my job as a baby planner a real treat!

The Non-toxic Feeding Series Review - Part 4 - Safe Sippy & Klean Kanteen for Tots

Isabella finally put two new sippy cups through her tough toddler test.  The sippy cups she tested were the Klean Kanteen and the Safe Sippy. 

Klean Kanteen is a 12 ounce stainless steel bottle which you can use an Advent spout with (made from safe, non-leaching polypropylene, pp#5) as seen in the picture to the left.  It is a safe container that is non-leaching.  It's also great because it will grow with your toddler into pre-school and beyond because you can switch out the Advent spout for the regular water bottle spout.

I have to admit that the Safe Sippy that we received didn't screw on properly but at no additional charge the manufacturer shipped me a new one free.  Great customer service!  I really like the Safe Sippy because it is covered in thermoplasticized rubber material so that when your toddler decides to throw the bottle across the room and it hits the floor it doesn't dent like stainless steel.  The rubber also keeps liquids hot or cold. 

Although the Safe Sippy's spout is made out of plastic it is very safe made out of Polypropylene #5 plastic.  This is the most stable of all plastics.  Overall, from Itsabelly's review based on form, functionality and frugal-ness (is it worth the money I spent) we give Klean Kanteen 4 out of 5 bellies and Safe Sippy 4 out of 5 bellies (5 being excellent).  Check out more safe sippy cup reviews and non-toxic feeding products at The Soft Landing.

How to Go Green in Your Baby's Nursery

I liked the article below because of its valuable information about greening up baby's room that I had to reprint it for my readers.  It was written by Alicia Silva who is a green architect that has taught a class on eco-friendly nursery design.  I thought it gave easy tips for parents to consider when you're going green in baby's nursery.  Remember it doesn't have to be all about buying an expensive "green" crib made out of sustainable material.  There are many things you can do to decrease the toxins your newborn will be exposed to as Alicia mentions below.

Author Alicia Silva, Founder of Synergy Design Studio

Green Baby Nursery
(Reprinted from Seattlepi.com)

Welcoming a baby implies a great deal of change in our lifestyles.
This is a great time to understand and go green.
When we have kids it makes a lot more sense.
I will be teaching a Green baby Nursery class at the Environmental home center, now Ecohause.

The following tips will help you to start with your baby project with well being in mind.
After all green is the standard of giving the best to your loved ones.

Reasons why it's important:

1. They are a lot more sensitive to the toxins
2. Green is all about better living
3. Babies produce three times more garbage than most grown ups
4. Helps to protect the world they will be living in
5. No, it is not more expensive
6. You will be walking your talk

I just read an article where a person was creating the baby room and she did not know if the old carpet was better than the new one. Well, those are the things that you really want to know about when preparing the baby's room.

Tip 1 - Floor Options

Consider carpetless if possible, cork or marmoleum are great options for nurseries, and it is always better to be able to grab the rug and clean it outside the children's room. Did you know that wall to wall carpet doubles its weight after a year of being installed. Your baby is still going to be developing his immune system but please do not stress over it unnecessarily. It is a big effort to change the floor but if you can, I strongly recommend this. Tile carpet is a good alternative just make sure does not contain PVC, I recommend tile carpet FLOR Or wool carpet how ever try throw rugs instead of wall to wall carpeting.

Tip 2 - Paint

The strange smell from non environmentally friendly paint is AMMONIA, I do not even want to tell you about the side effects and bioacumulative effects in our body, the gallon of low VOC paint might cost $5-8 more but believe me it's cheaper than a kid with asthma.

Tip 3 - Furniture

If buying new furniture try to ask for finishes that do not give off gas, if nobody can tell you about this, or they think you're strange to ask, at least order the furniture and leave it outside the baby's room for a month. Please buy quality and hand down what you do not use, better furniture can be used for more people, my children's cradle is still around and they are 12 now. Used furniture is the best, especially for sofas in case you cannot find a sofa manufacturer that can produce a sofa with out polyester and those ugly carcinogens and fire retardants.

Tip 4 - Linens and Mattress

There are so many places that offer organic products now that it should be easier to find safer products.  The popular conventional mattresses are made out of latex and they have to have fire retardants by law which are toxic. 

theCradle.com Tip - Pick a natural mattress made without petrochemicals, such as those made of wool, organic cotton or 100% natural latex. If you decide to go with a conventional mattress (the natural ones can be a bit more expensive), try to use an organic mattress pad protector as a barrier between baby and the bed.  Also, air it out a couple of months before placing it in the crib (for off-gassing). 

Please choose organic sheets and covers. Cotton sheets and duvet covers that are grown with pesticides are toxic to the skin and even if you wash them several times they've already polluted the land.

Tip 5 - Toys

Please avoid plastic toys they do leach and they will be in your kid's mouth in no time.
Natural materials create negative ions that help babies relax.
Toys should also be selected that way. Wooden blocks are far better to develop creativity than things that are made of plastic and make loud sounds.

Tip 6 - A secret to create a relaxed room

No TV screens on kids rooms, mp3 or audio ok.
Have a black out curtain to create complete darkness
Plastic items create so much stress avoid them if you can.

Well the intention is to help, not to overwhelm you with lots of info but I really think our kids deserve environments that support their health and well being and green alternatives already have that.

NOTE:  Check out another great article from The Cradle on creating an Eco-Friendly Nursery.

Alicia Silva is the principal of Synergy Design Studio, a design firm dedicated to help people enhance their lives by designing beautiful, healthier and high performance environments that not only increase well being but also quality of life.

Alicia is an interior architect and a Sustainable Building Advisor, she is member of the USGBC, IIDA, ASID and also and active member of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.

Two Mamas Fight to be Green & Lean

We did it with frost bitten toes and fingers!  Last Sunday morning was Portland's 5k Shamrock run and we crossed the finish line with flying colors (ok, truth being we had a hell of a time jogging what was a slight incline (it really felt like a killer hill) at the 1.5 mile mark).  It was a bit crazy starting our day at 5:30 am, getting our babies bundled up with parents in tow (we freezed our bunz off).  We took the Max train which is our local light rail public transportation downtown so we didn't have to worry about parking.  There was a record 14,000 people celebrating the Shamrock Run's 30th anniversary at the race participating in events like the children's 1k to a 15k run.  People dressed with green fedoras, green/white striped Dr. Seuss hats, four leaf clover tights and apple green tutus filled the waterfront park area where the event kicked off.  The cool thing about this event is that a portion of the net proceeds from the 2008 adidas Shamrock Run benefits Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation.  So, not only did we burn some calories but Itsabelly is helping a great cause!

This was my second 5k run/jog and I finished it in 36.25 minutes.  Still boasting a S-L-O-W 12 minute mile and proud :)  Moe (my sis-in-law) was right behind me, yahoo!  I'm very proud to have been her partner in this race especially because she just gave birth to her first baby 3 months ago!  Now, isn't that something to high-five about!  Right on!!  And our hubbies and babies they completed their 3.5 mile walk so high-fives all around (dads survived all of the melt downs & feedings without us, that's the real accomplishment).

I truly believe in setting goals and striving to accomplish them. This helps keep me accountable and focused on the end result.  Signing up to do the last two 5k runs has totally helped me to stay fit and lose most of that dreaded baby weight. 

So, if you haven't gotten up off your behind yet and signed up for a fitness goal do it now!  Stay tuned as I sign up for my next race...anyone want to join me?!  Share with us here what your next fitness goal will be.  If you enter a comment you may be the lucky winner of an organic Earth Mama Angel Baby Gift Basket or an iPod Shuffle.  Don't miss out!

Another Toxic Ingredient in Skin Care Products - 1,4-Dioxane

By Jennifer LoPrete, Itsabelly Marketing & PR Manager

The recent report from the Organic Consumer Association (OCA) gives consumers yet another reason to worry. The OCA report released on March 14, 2008 found a chemical linked to cancer in over 40% of the products they tested that were labeled as “natural.” Once again proving that we cannot trust labels and the need for stricter regulation of skin care product ingredients. The ingredient is 1,4-Dioxane, which is petroleum-derived by-product.

1,4-Dioxane is on the list of chemicals "known to the State of California to cause cancer." The EPA considers 1,4-Dioxane a probable human carcinogen. The National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen. So, what is it doing in our products, especially those sold at the health food store as “natural” or “organic?”

Last year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) did an ingredient evaluation of 15,000 products in their database and found that 22% of those products may contain 1,4-Dioxane. The group found 1,4-Dioxane present in 55% of baby bubble baths, 57% of baby shampoos and 55% of baby soaps in products tested.

The EWG offers these tips to avoiding 1,4-Dioxane:

- Read ingredient labels and avoid any of the 56 cosmetic ingredients that can contain 1,4-Dioxane, including "sodium laureth sulfate" and ingredients that include the clauses "PEG," "xynol," "ceteareth," and "oleth."
- Check the EWG Skin Deep website for a comprehensive product database that offers ingredient analysis and a safe product guide.

The OCA offers the following tip to avoiding 1,4-Dioxane:
- Read ingredient lists for indications of ethoxylation including: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names.

1,4-Dioxane is derived when companies use a process called Ethoxylation to make harsh ingredients milder. This process requires the use of a petrochemical Ethylene Oxide that generates the by-product of 1,4-Dioxane. Apparently, it is a cheap short-cut process and 1,4-Dioxane is easy for company’s to remove… but some of them are not removing it.

Since 1,4-Dioxane is a manufacturing by-product, the FDA does not require it to be listed on ingredient labels. Surprising to many consumers, the FDA does not require safety testing of cosmetics/skin care products or ingredients before sale to consumers. Rather the FDA allows the cosmetics/skin care industry to police itself through the industry trade association. The FDA has been measuring 1,4-Dioxane levels since 1979, but the agency has little authority over the industry. In 2000, the FDA did recommend that cosmetics products do not contain 1,4-Dioxane over 10 parts per million. However, the Safe Cosmetics Campaign found 15% of products they tested contained 1,4-Dioxane at exceeding limits. Plus, the FDA recommendation does not consider that your baby may be exposed to 1,4-Dioxane through a combination of products therefore increasing baby’s exposure to this carcinogen.

Organic Consumer Association Report Press Release

OCA Study Full Product List

OCA Coming Clean Website

Environmental Working Group Study Press Release

EWG Skin Deep Product Database and Guide

Campaign For Safe Cosmetics 1,4-Dioxane Fact Sheet

Campaign For Safe Cosmetics 1,4-Dioxane Press Release and Product List

The Ultimate Blog Party is Here! Join us For Some Fun!

Welcome to Itsabelly's Blog Party as hosted by 5minutesformom.com! 

So, I thought my family and I would share the inside scoop on the people behind Itsabelly Baby Concierge during our blog party.  But let me explain what we do first...we're a premier service that assists new and expectant parents on how to navigate the world of all things maternity and newborn with a green focus.  If you want more info on our business click on our website here or click on our link located on the sidebar to the left.  I'm also the Pregnancy Planning Expert for The Bump and will be the Green Parenting Blogger for emomsathome.com soon.  BTW, if you leave a comment on my blog, sign up for my newsletter or blog feed via Feed Blitz before April 1st you will be entered into our cool iPod Shuffle giveaway contest, see details here.

So, above in our first picture we have Randy (husband, daddy,VP of Finance & Operations), Isabella (our 19 mo old, inspiration and Chief Tester of all Baby Products), and myself, Melissa (Head Mama, Queen Multi-tasker, x-HR high tech junkie).  This picture was taken in Cabo San Lucas just a few weeks ago.  As you can see we had a beautiful time!

Here we have Cindy (my sis-in-law and inspiration). Cindy actually flew up from Cali to help me register at BabiesRus almost 2 years ago.  Without her personal assistance I would have pleaded insanity and died of overwhelming stress from not having a clue about what to put on my baby registry (this is where I gave birth to Itsabelly).  Cindy was important in helping me come up with my business concept.  Thanks Cin!

Here is my mom with Isabella at 2 months.  Mom makes it possible to get Itsabelly work done and as Isabella's favorite playmate loves every minute.

Pictured below is Czari (pronounced Zar-ree), my sister.  She is with Isabella at 9 months during our picnic in Napa at Via Sattui Winery along with our little friend Malia.  Czar is a fabulous Auntie and always so supportive of Itsabelly, willing to help me with Sales and Marketing anytime!

Last but not least is Jennifer LoPrete and her 2 beautiful children (last picture).  Jennifer is a wonderful mama and Itsabelly's Marketing & PR Manager who has done a superb job.  Her excellent writing skills, marketing talent and dedication make her a rare gem.  We love her!!

I hope you enjoyed a view into the Itsabelly Family.  Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment to say hello!

And if you're a parent, pregnant or know someone who's expecting please send them Itsabelly's way to sign up for our free parenting tips and information on non-toxic baby products via this blog.  Don't forget to enter and win an iPod Shuffle too just for saying hi!  Cheers! 

Mother Earth Greets, a Mom Owned Business that Knows How to Celebrate Motherhood

I received some beautiful eco-friendly greeting cards designed by Jenae Hester.  She is the founder of Mother Earth Greets, mama to Deja, and card designer extraordinare.  All of the cards are printed on 100% post consumer paper and a portion of each sale is donated to The Conservation Fund, thus preserving our Mother Earth.

From first glance, the pictures she chooses captivate moments in a mom's everyday life.  From mountain peaks with the sunrise behind them or a deep, red rose with dew drops, the pictures are really worth a thousand words.   My favorite card has a quote on the front stating "the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world".  When you flip the card open it says "Don't ever think of yourself as just a stay-at-home Mom.  Molding a human being is the single most important work in the world!"  Right on!!  As mothers who work very hard to raise responsible and kind adults don't we all believe that?

The sentiment on her cards really evoke a message that point out how motherhood can be the most challenging job you could ever have but also the most critical. 

Kudos to Jenae for creating a beautiful line of eco-friendly greeting cards, protecting our earth and celebrating moms everywhere!  Check out Mother Earth Greets and why not send a special greeting card to a mom you know needs support.