Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment

How it Works

This soothing diaper ointment is rich with vitamins A and E to help nourish baby’s skin, while chamomile moisturizes and soothes. Sweet almond oil and beeswax, natural barriers, seal moisture into your baby’s most sensitive skin. Phthalate- and paraben-free.

How to Use It: Cleanse your baby’s skin and pat dry before applying ointment to diapered area.

Ingredients: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, zinc oxide, beeswax, lavandula hybrida (lavandin) oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, tocopherol, lavendula angustifolia (lavender) oil, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, canola oil, glycine soja (soybean) oil

More Reasons Not To Spank Your Children

Violence begets violence. A recent meta-analysis of various spanking studies done over the years concluded that children who were spanked, slapped, hit or on the receiving end of objects thrown at them, were more likely to engage in criminal and anti-social behaviors as adults. This included domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse.

There was a ….”93 percent agreement among studies that spanking can lead to such problems as delinquent and anti-social behavior in childhood along with aggression, criminal and anti-social behavior and spousal or child abuse as an adult.

“There was a ….”93 percent agreement among studies that spanking can lead to such problems as delinquent and anti-social behavior in childhood along with aggression, criminal and anti-social behavior and spousal or child abuse as an adult.

The researchers suggested that children whose parents spanked, slapped, hit or threw objects at them may have a greater chance of physically or verbally coercing a sexual partner, engaging in risky sexual behavior or engaging in masochistic sex, including sexual arousal by spanking. The researchers warned, however, that this is not a one-to-one or causal relationship.”

If you are a regular to our site, then odds are you are an attachment parenting type who does not need a lecture on why to avoid spanking. If you are visiting however, you may still subscribe to the “spare the rod” mentality. Positive discipline is actually less stressful for both the parents and the children. Not only is it in keeping with the basic golden rule but it also teaches children from the beginning that violence is not an answer to your relationship problems. It does not take a leap of logic to see how a child who is physically hurt by the ones they love will grow up to equate pain with love.

A common misconception of positive discipline and attachment parenting in general is that kids can do whatever they want to with no discipline or boundaries. The opposite is in fact true. The cornerstone of effective positive discipline is fast, swift and consistent boundaries no matter what your actual technique for dealing with the situation. The child learns that there is a consequence to their action from their first tantrum or act of defiance. That consequence may be a naughty chair or time out but they will learn that something happens every time they are naughty. They learn not to be naughty without being physically assaulted by the people who are supposed to be protecting them.

For a great read, check out the Love and Logic series by Jim Fay. They are fantastic books offering real life advice and easy to follow examples that can get you started on a positive discipline path and regain control over your home even if your children are already teenagers. The books are highly recommended and they really work. Whatever you do, don’t hit your kid unless you really want to play roulette with his or her adult life.

Top 10 Reasons for Going Organic

1. Organics are Healthier 

Typically organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C enzymes and essential minerals such as calcium (63 percent higher), magnesium (118 percent higher), iron (73 percent higher) and chromium, cancer-fighting antioxidants and being 29 percent lower in mercury. Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food, according to the 2005 study, “Elevating Antioxidant levels in food through organic farming and food processing,” Organic Center State of Science Review (1.05)

2. Taste Better and Truer Flavor

Scientists now know what we eaters have known all along – organic food often tastes better. It makes sense that food taste more appetizing when raised in naturally in nature, but researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab taste trials where the organic fruits were consistently judged as sweeter. It makes sense that chemicals are not going to taste like mother nature provided. Organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association’s Organic Food Awards.

3. High standards 

Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European, US and Canadian law. Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards as well as MSG and other provin toxins. Organic is the only de facto seal of reassurance against these and other modern, lab-produced additions to our food supply, and the only food term with built in inspections and federal regulatory teeth.

4. Build Healthy Soil

Mono-cropping and chemical fertilizer dependency has taken a toll with a loss of top soil estimated at a cost of $40 billion per year in the U.S., according to David Pimental of Cornell University. Add to this an equally disturbing loss of micro nutrients and minerals in fruits and vegetables.

5. Our Food Source Delima

There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics. Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organizations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK and US government.

6. Kinder to Our Earth

The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide – the main global warming gas – and less dangerous wastes.

7. Avoids Pesticides 

Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips. Chemicals kill.

8. Promote Biodiversity

Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice see a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity. These organic oases are thriving, diverse habitats. Native plants, birds and hawks return usually after the first season of organic practices; beneficial insects allow for a greater balance, and indigenous animals find these farms a safe haven. Organic farmers bring balance back into farming were all aspects of the farm building for the future crop and soil. Support Organic farms – they feed us and we want them around for a long time. According to Organic Farming Research Foundation, as of 2006 there are approximately 10,000 certified organic producers in the U.S. compared to 2500 to 3,000 tracked in 1994. People are taking charge of their own health.

9. Protect Future Generations

Reduce toxic load on humans and the planet. Before children are even born the toxic risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in utero. In fact, our nation is now reaping the results of four generations of exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals, whose safety was deemed on adult tolerance levels, not on children’s. According to the National Academy of Science, “neurologic and behavioral effects may result from low-level exposure to pesticides.” Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility. Buying organic food promotes a less toxic environment for all living things. With only 0.5 percent of crop and pasture land in organic, according to USDA that leaves 99.5 percent of farm acres in the U.S. at risk of exposure to noxious agricultural chemicals.

10. It’s Important – Your Important 

We need to support companies that support us. Organic companies are on the cutting edge of product supply for the aware consumer and if we use our consumer power to support them they are more likely to thrive and add additional products and services to their offering. We do make a difference – every purchase says “yes I want pure products on my plate and in my cosmetic bag”.  It’s important – you’re important.

Eco-friendly Baby Tips

1. Cloth Diapers:
It’s estimated that a baby will use somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 disposable diapers before they are potty-trained. Cloth diapers saves trees, and really aren’t that big a hassle to use. Newer cloth diapers have snaps, removable inserts (some of which are bio-degradable fibers), and can be easily washed at home or through a diaper cleaning service. Experts argue that cotton diapers are also better for a baby’s bottom.

2. Glass Bottles for feeding:
Newer glass bottles are quite tough and resistant to average drop from countertop or highchair to floor. They are also free of potential chemicals that can leach from the plastic into your baby’s formula. For more information on toxicity in baby bottles, read this article on Environment California’s site.

3. Clothing made of natural fibers:
Clothing made from natural fibers are gentler on a baby’s sensitive skin that man-made clothing such as polyester.

4. A Natural Nursery:
When furnishing and decorating your baby’s nursery, pay particular attention non-VOC paints, natural fiber carpets and rugs, and “green” furniture.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Toys, clothing, furniture, even diapers (cloth, of course) that are purchased used not only feels better on the wallet, they reduce the amount of items that will eventually end up in landfill.

6. Choose safe food packaging plastic containers:
Avoid plastic food packaged in containers with the recycle symbol that contains a 3, 6, or 7. Also avoid plastic food containers that have “PC” on them.

Prickly Heat Rash

Heat rash often is called prickly heat but its technical name is miliaria. Nobody really understands exactly why babies have heat rashes, except that the sweat glands in the skin seem to become blocked up. You then get a little leak of the sweat outside of the duct, and that creates irritation or inflammation that results in a tiny red spot or bump about a millimeter or so in size.

Those spots tend to appear in areas where there are skin folds such as in the folds of the neck. They are more likely to happen if a baby becomes overheated. So heat rashes can occur in the summer months in warm climates, or if a baby is a bit too heavily dressed for the surrounding temperature. Sometimes heat rashes can be made worse if parents are applying thick moisturizers or other products.

Dr. Bronner’s Aloe Vera-Baby Mild Castile Liquid Soap

Using Herbs While Breastfeeding: Part ll

Engorgement and Mastitis

Nursing frequently and on demand will help to quickly establish a healthy and comfortable milk supply, and avoid blockages in the ducts. It is just in those first few days following your milk’s arrival that can be so uncomfortable, with seemingly enough milk for three babies and plenty of swollen discomfort. This will change as your body normalizes and adapts to baby’s specific needs. But while you are waiting for this marvelous equilibrium, here are some suggestions…

-wear loose, comfortable clothing; nothing restrictive

-avoid underwire bras

-poultice the breasts with cabbage leaves to reduce heat and swelling; this can be done by placing a large leaf in each cup of your nursing bra, and changing frequently.

-massage out any lumps or blockages in the ducts, moving from the armpits downward and inward, and expressing excess milk by hand or pump.

Attend to engorgement promptly, as it can lead to the more uncomfortable breast infection mastitis. Mastitis is a blockage in the milk ducts of the breast, usually visible beneath the skin’s surface as a red, swollen lump, and is tender to the touch. Mastitis is often accompanied by a fever and achey, flu-like symptoms. Continue to nurse your baby, or express excess milk to keep the ducts clear. The infection will not harm the baby, and in fact continuing to nurse is the best thing to do as it will steady the milk supply and relieve engorgement. Continuing to poultice with cabbage leaves will offer relief from pain and alleviate swelling. Vitamin C can be taken to aid natural immune function, 500 mg every 3 hours. The use of lymphatic herbs will assist drainage and boost the immune system’s response to the infection. These are all safe for use by a nursing woman, and fine to pass along to baby.

Cleavers (Galium aparine): useful for swelling, which blocks proper and necessary drainage, and boosts blood-cleansing capacities in the body. Use fresh flowering tincture of cleavers, 30-40 drops in warm water every 3 hours.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): excellent for promoting the flow and drainage of lymphatic fluids, calendula is especially beneficial in dissolving blockages. Because it is difficult to find in tincture form, drink one cup of the infusion every 4 hours, or three times a day.

Prickly ash (Xanthoxylum americanum): stimulates lymphatic flow, increases immunity, and dissolves deposits and blockages. Take 20-30 drops of the tincture in warm water every 3 hours.

Echinacea root (Echinacea augustifolia, purpurea): use this antibiotic alternative in conjunction with your chosen lymphatic(s) for its innate infection fighting capabilities. Divide the body weight in half to determine the amount of tincture drops to take, and repeat this dose every 3 hours.

Garden sage or parsley eaten or brewed for tea will act as the opposite of a galactagogue, drying up excess milk to reduce blockages in the milk ducts and improve swelling, helping the infection to heal. Use small quantities over a short period of time, so as not to threaten the establishment of an adequate milk supply. These are wonderful to remember for use when it’s time to wean…

Nipple Conditioning

The best prevention for sore nipples is protection. Newborn babies have a tendency to camp at the breast, and this frequent use can cause some wear and tear. Conditioning of the nipples can begin during pregnancy, with simple and natural emollients. Almond oil is a good option, or lanolin. Lanolin, unlike the almond oil, can be used after baby arrives and is established in nursing. Lanolin will not interfere with baby’s ability to latch on to the nipple correctly, nor will it harm baby to suck on nipples wearing lanolin. It need not be removed to nurse, and can be applied prior to feedings to protect and nourish the nipples. Regular use of lanolin will help to prevent tears on the nipples, which aside from being painful provide an opening for bacteria and increase the likelihood of developing mastitis. Lanolin can be found in the baby supplies section of your drugstore; a popular brand is “Lansinoh”. Allow fresh air to visit the breasts. Go braless for periods of time, or leave the nursing flaps of your bra open for a “breather”.

Seek help from a lactation specialist or breastfeeding advocate if nursing continues to be an uncomfortable experience. It could be that the baby is not attaching to the breast properly, and these people are trained to provide guidance and support. Please refer to the Appendix for resources on breastfeeding support. LaLeche League is an international organization for breastfeeding advocacy, and has trained support people who will come to your home, free of charge, if need be.

This text intends to provide information on the traditional uses of native plants, not to prescribe. If your child is not well, please seek the assistance of a competent health care provider.

Certified Organic Skin Care Tips

When you are choosing skin care, personal care and cosmetic products, you should become a label detective. This is the only way to ensure you purchase honest and truly natural and organic skin care products.

# 1: Learn To Read Product Labels
Be aware of the Rule of Thirds:

The top third of the ingredients label generally lists the ingredients that comprise around 90-98% of the product. Most of this is usually water. Read on to find out why this matters!The middle third generally represents approximately 5-8% of the product. The bottom third represents around 1-3%.

# 2: ‘Natural’ skin care is not always natural.

There are two definitions of the world natural. The dictionary definition: “Existing in or, formed by, nature”. The cosmetic industry definition: “Any ingredient derived from a natural substance”. Manufacturers commonly use the world ‘natural’ on labels to deceive consumers. For example, “Cocamide-DEA derived from coconut oil”. Cocamide-DEA may well be from coconut oil, but a synthetic chemical called diethanolamine is used in the extraction process. It is known to cause cancer. An ingredient is not really natural if it has been processed in this way.

# 3: Organic doesn’t mean what you think.
An organic certification on a product label is the only way to guarantee the integrity of a product. The definition of certified organic is as follows: “An independent third party guarantee of an organic claim”. Always look for a logo that guarantees the product’s integrity. Certified organic products must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients excluding water and salt/minerals, with a small allowance for natural, non-organic ingredients that must comply with very stringent processing criteria. There are two definitions of organic: Organic chemistry is concerned with substances that contain carbon. Carbon is present in all living things. Legally, the cosmetics industry is allowed to label any product that contains carbon as ‘organic’. So if it contains petrol, it is organic. Methylparaben is derived from petrochemicals, which are derived from crude oil, which is derived from living matter. It is a widely used preservative in organic skin care products such as body creams, body wash and deodorants. So effectively methylparaben can legally be labelled as organic. Now, it is worth noting that a recent study reported traces of methylparaben in human breast cancer tumours.
The second definition of organic is, “The sustainable system of agriculture that uses natural substances & methods to create healthy nutrient rich and fertile soils”

# 4: How much water is in the product?
In personal communication with a leading industry expert, I was told what can actually be meant when companies put ‘73% Organic’ on their labels. Basically manufacturers can place a few organic teabags in a vat of water and let them infuse into the water. Because the water constitutes 70+ percent of the overall product, the manufacturer is allowed to claim that the product is 73% organic at the top of the label (remember # 1 in this article?). If you removed the water, the actual organic content of those fancy herbal infusions would probably be less than 0.05% of the total product.

# 5: Be aware of inconsistent labelling standards
In some countries, ingredients that are not allowed in certified organic foods ARE allowed in certified organic personal care and cosmetic products. This represents a lack of continuity or consistency in labelling standards. How can food and cosmetics products have the same certified organic logo when ingredients that are allowed personal care and cosmetics are not allowed in food? Remember that if it’s on your skin, you’re drinking it!

# 6: Miracle ingredients don’t exist
Vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, active copper and other ingredients may be touted as miracle ingredients. The fact is that there is no miracle ingredient for the skin or hair, just as there is no magic pill for curing illness and disease. The quality of the skin is a function of feeding the body and skin high quality nutrients over time and keeping the toxin levels of the body as low as possible. When you use high quality, certified organic products, ALL the ingredients are active. They are ALL beneficial and they all feed the skin.

# 7: If it harms lab animals it will harm you!

If you read books by Dr Sherry Rogers, M.D, you will discover that in order to give a rat cancer or Parkinson’s Disease, it is injected with some of the very same chemicals that you will find in your cleverly labelled organic skin care, personal care and cosmetic products.