The Itsabelly Blog

Baby Colors? Add Green to Classic Pink & Blue...Front Page Headlines for Itsabelly

Last week was a wonderful week for press related activity when Itsabelly landed on the front page of The Oregonian's "How We Live" section of the newspaper in the article "Baby Colors?  Add green to classic pink and blue" written by freelance writer Emily Puro.  Thanks Emily!!
 

We also aired on Fox12 BetterTV sharing tips on how to Create an Organic Nursery.  We're so excited to see our Itsabelly brand continue to grow and great interest in such an important topic of "going green with baby".  Itsabelly believes that there are two very important reasons to go green even in the smallest of ways and those are to protect our babies and our planet.  We are so happy our message is getting heard on front page headlines!

Itsabelly Making it into International Headlines, Hooray!

We're truly excited to share with you that Itsabelly has made it into international headlines!  Our latest piece of press was on April 21st in the world renowned Springwise newsletter.  Calling us the "Baby Concierge Service with an Eco Twist"...a total surprise to us and since then our web and blog statistics have gone through the roof!! 

So, if you're sending in an inquiry and we don't get back to you right away you'll know why :) but no worries you'll hear back from us,we promise.

One word describes how we feel about Springwise's feature, "hooray"!  Thank you to Nancy Grossman of Back Channel Press who submitted our story and to Springwise's editor.

Our Special Announcement to Honor Earth Day!

             

Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby is the first book to provide a simple resource for evaluating eco-friendly baby gear and to learn more about organic and natural family living. We offer mom-tested product reviews and tips to raising a healthy baby and creating a happy planet. The founders of Under the Nile, gDiapers, TheSoftLanding.com and Earth Mama Angel Baby provide insight on why choosing organic and natural baby products is important to creating a healthier lifestyle. Going Green with Baby features personal product recommendations from eco-minded moms Jennifer Lo Prete and Melissa Moog. Jennifer is a writer and mother of two that has long practiced green living. Melissa is mom to a toddler, writer and the founder of Itsabelly Baby Concierge, a premier baby planning agency that specializes in going green with baby.

Going Green with Baby will be released in the Summer of 2008. To pre-order your copy, please send us an email to info@itsa-belly.com or call us at (503)799-5719 with your name and contact information. We will contact you when the book is available for purchase. Wholesale inquiries are also welcome.

A Peek Inside...

• Plan your baby registry with the best mom-tested reviews of over 300 eco-friendly baby products. We cover all your baby’s needs from slings to strollers, non-toxic bottles to safe skin care products, organic baby clothes to eco-friendly diapers and sustainable nursery furniture.
           
• Learn why going green with baby is important for a healthy baby and happy planet. Our panel of eco experts weighs in on the importance of organic apparel, sustainable wood, non-toxic feeding products and natural skin care products.
           
• Discover our simple eco-mom tips to raising a healthy baby and protecting our planet.
           
• Decipher the meaning and standards behind eco-labels. What does organic mean anyway? We make your trip to the store easier with a useful guide to common eco-labels and organic certification standards.
           
• Gain valuable tips on going green on a budget. From our own experience, it may not be financially feasible to turn your household completely organic. We give you tips on how you can make green choices that are right for your family.

      

Luna Lullaby's Bosom Baby...Could it Be Your Breast Friend?

Luna Lullaby was kind enough to send me their Bosom Baby Organic Breast Feeding Pillow for review.  I really liked the fact that it's a large pillow that could form to the shape of your body as needed.  The organic materials were of course a definite plus and because the pillow is large in size moms can use it to feed twin babies.  It also acts as a great sleeping pillow!  I know that my pillow definitely became my best friend when I cuddled up with it at night after a long day with baby. 

Bosom Baby creates the perfect position for mothers to raise baby up to breast level, making the latch-on process easier. The unique V-shape also makes a cozy, comfortable maternity sleeping pillow.  The pillow cover design does not utilize zippers or velcro. Instead it is a fold-over design that helps keep the inner-cushion secure and in place. 

The organic flannel pillow comes in an oatmeal and light pink color.  It sells for $58 on Luna Lullaby's site and they offer covers  (no organic covers at this time) at $34.

Here are some facts about Bosom Baby pillows:

*Helps properly position baby for any breastfeeding hold
*Size and shape supports elbows and shoulders
*Fits every waistline
*Great maternity sleeping pillow
*Removable washable covers
*Good for twins
*Good for tummy time
*Helps in handling and holding baby
*Soft, luxurious covers

We passed the test - the FIRST green baby planning business!

Just a quick announcement to let you know we're so excited to share with the world that Itsabelly was approved by Co-op America for their green seal of approval!  This means we're listed as a socially and environmentally responsible, green company.  Co-op America's list of businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees,communities, and the environment.  We are PROUD to be a member of this community!

We applied for Co-op America's seal in December 2007 and received the approval last month.  It was 3 months of a long wait! The application process was tedious and there were some really tough questions we had to answer.  Goes to show you that Co-op America is serious about who they give their seal to and they are a totally professional organization with the highest standards.

We are THE FIRST and only baby planning business to have this green seal of approval.  So, with that said we are tooting our own horn, hooray!!!!

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.

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.

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 Scoop on Plastics and a Ton of Research on How to Avoid the Toxic Stuff

I wanted to share a couple of my favorite websites which have absolutely invaluable information for parents looking to purge bad plastics and understand more about non-toxic feeding.  Below is some information about the particular business and a link to their site.  If you're even a wee bit concerned about all of the BPA and phthalate talk going around I encourage you to take a few minutes and click on the links below to find extremely helpful information.  You'll find cool cheat sheets, great product reviews, interesting research/studies and resources galore.  Enjoy!

If you have a favorite BPA, phthalate free, non-toxic informational resource or product please share it with our audience and comment here!

Green to Grow - this company produces Bisphenol-A and Phthalate free baby bottles.  Green to Grow was founded by Michael and Shelley Ritterbrown after reading reports that highlighted the potential dangers presented by polycarbonate plastic, which contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol A—a neurological, developmental, and reproductive toxicant.  Their link here takes you to a page titled "ABC's of Plastics", a plethora of information! Note, I will be reviewing their product as part of my non-toxic feeding series review soon!

The Soft Landing - this company founded by Alicia Voorhies, a recently retired RN and mom who after caring for her nefu decided that there needed to be a one-stop-shopping experience for parents to find non-toxic feeding options from an array of companies.  She is THE first business to enter an un-tapped market place and has really focused her efforts in helping parents find the best non-toxic products available for baby.

Safemama.com - this blog founded by Kathy Scoleri, a mom and professional author decided to create a blog that was abundant with informational resources and research right at parent's finger tips!  She describes her blog best "a one stop child safety, product recall, health and well being resource for parents."

Z Recommends - this blog created by Jeremiah and Jennifer McNichols, who are obsessive product appraisers, invested online community members, occasional consumer crusaders, and tireless blog enthusiasts.  Their posts are invaluable and they do excellent research!  Quite a few bloggers echo my sentiments.  They have created an in depth review of children's feeding products with rankings that you don't want to miss!!

The Green Guide - this blog entry gives you a helpful cheat sheet on how to choose and use plastics from Rubbermaid, Ziplock to Tupperware check it out!  The Green Guide is a wealth of info for all Tree Huggers :)