Health Benefits of Organic and Natural Baby Products – Green vs The Alternative

In the early 1970s I walked into a grocery store in a large metropolitan city and asked for organic eggs. To my dismay, I was literally laughed out of the store. My, how times have changed! In today’s market, being green is more than accepted–it’s recommended. It’s an age of awakening and a new way of life. Educated consumers are demanding a more eco-conscious lifestyle–from the foods we eat to the clothes we wear and now even the products we use on our skin. The latest market to emerge from this lifestyle into the mainstream is that of baby care products.

Unfortunately, as green living becomes more of a part of daily life, so do the businesses that want to jump on the bandwagon of the budding industry. These companies package and sell products to green consumers without truly being green. New consumers to the movement who are uninformed buy these products thinking they are healthy, when in reality they are no different than the harmful ones that have been on the market for years. Speaking with one storeowner regarding a natural and organic line of baby products, I was disappointed to learn that sales of the product were less than stellar.

Upon reading the label, I noticed the products contained parabens and fragrance. To the informed green consumer, these ingredients are both allergens and potentially harmful. The stor eowner admittedly purchased the products based on the wholesale price and not the ingredient list. Rightfully so, parents are becoming increasingly more concerned when it comes to protecting their children from these harmful chemicals. During the first years of a child’s life, it is extremely important to lower a baby’s exposure to chemicals and products that may include harmful insecticides, pesticides and herbicides that are not only harmful in the long run, but unnecessary ingredients. By using organic baby products, parents can help lower their child’s exposure to these hazards.

Green consumers may often be touted as overly conscientious but the negative health effects these unnecessary chemicals have are very real. The proof is in the science. In a recent article published by the Pediatrics – Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 2 February 2008, pp. e260-e268) the authors concluded “that reported use of infant lotion, infant powder, and infant shampoo were associated with increased infant urine concentrations of MEP, MMP, and MiBP (monoethyl phthalate, monomethyl phthalate, and monoisobutyl phthalate) and this association is strongest in younger infants. These findings suggest that dermal exposures may contribute significantly to phthalate body burden in this population. Young infants are more vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of phthalates given their increased dosage per unit body surface area, metabolic capabilities, and developing endocrine and reproductive systems.”

Many consumers do not realize that it can take up to 200 different chemicals to formulate what is listed in the ingredients as a fragrance. The FDA does not require companies to list each of those individual chemicals on their labels. If a child has an allergic reaction to a product, it is most likely in response to one of those chemicals.

In contrast, many natural and organic personal care products carry “The Truth in Labeling” logo. With this label consumers are assured there are no hidden ingredients. What you read is what you get. Essential oils replace synthetic and chemically infused fragrances. These green products are often more expensive than the alternative simply because it costs more to produce natural ingredients than to mass-produce synthetic ones. It’s true that green consumers are spending billions each year to ensure their little ones are protected from a bombardment of chemicals–from organic cotton diapers and clothing to organic baby food and personal care products. Green parents realize the bigger picture in all of this is sustainability. Not only are we protecting our children, but we are protecting their future and planet as well.

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.

A Few Basics

Those first few moments with your baby, no matter when they come, are precious. Guard and treasure them to give you and your baby the best possible start.

Your first few days taking care of a baby may seem overwhelming. But baby care basics are really pretty simple and you’ll quickly master them.

Your baby really just wants to be with you – and be warm, full, clean and dry.

You’ll want to give your natural baby a bath after the first couple of weeks (or sooner!) – bathtime can be one of the most fun aspects of parenting your new child, and it can become very relaxing as well.

Following your baby’s bath with infant massage is a great way to bond with your baby. Mastering the gentle art of infant massage will also help you soothe your baby and learn his or her cues.

Routines and a baby schedule can help bring security to your baby as your baby becomes gently accustomed to them. I also have lots of practical advice on managing your home with a baby (and older children) that’s helpful as you develop a daily rhythm with your babe.

If you have been blessed with a baby boy you might find circumcision is an issue you need to consider. Please research very carefully, no matter what your religious or cultural background is. Caring for your uncircumcised son is actually quite easy!

In the early days, your baby will thrive on milk. But you may want to research starting solids so that you can be prepared when your baby is ready.

Baby’s Sensitive Skin

Defining “Natural” Skin Care

As you walk through today’s health and natural food grocery stores you will find an extensive selection of “natural” skin and body care products. These products will range from toothpaste and deodorant to cosmetics, lotion, and hair care. It seems that many of the companies providing these products are striving to promote their products as “natural” since today’s consumers seem to have a preference towards any product labeled “natural”. This definitely makes sense because really who would walk up and purchase a bottle that says “loaded with silicone derivatives” or “extra carcinogens”.

Now you’re thinking no one in there right mind would do this right. I mean who goes to the store and actually tries to buy a skin care product that will cause their body damage. Actually most people these days do exactly that, unknowingly of course as they aren’t aware of the toxic ingredients in the product of their choice. What people need to start realizing is that not every company that throws the word natural on their product really cares about the ingredients being truly natural. If you do a little research on the ingredients in skin care the information is alarming as you find that many skin care products contain carcinogens and other toxic ingredients. Check out a website called skin deep for more information on what is in your skin care.

Aren’t skin care products supposed to be helping your body not hurting it? Yes, they are but unfortunately that isn’t the case with all of the products available. This is where certified organic skin and body care products come in. When they are certified organic they have to meet strict requirements by the certifying body and are very safe for the consumer. Certified organic skin care products are made up of ingredients you can actually read and understand such as avocado oil and safflower oil not six syllable words that don’t mean a thing to you. This way you actually know what you are feeding your skin rather than just hoping it works because the company that made it claims it will.

When you go to purchase a “natural” product be sure to research the company producing it. Find out what their stand is on ingredients such as silicone derivatives and the like are. See if there focus is on a toxin free line of skin care or just one that smells good etc. There are wonderful certified organic skin care products available so don’t settle for some supposedly natural junk when you can have the best available for your skin.
Erika Juhas is the owner of Kalista Organics. She offers extensive information regarding the organic lifestyle on her website. Primarily she represents an organic line of skin and body care products that will contribute to eliminating toxic chemicals from your body and your families.

Basics of Baby Skin Care

After the early months of babyhood have passed the skin of most children has a more than adequate layer of fatty ‘padding’ which gives it a beautiful smooth appearance, often described as having the quality of ‘purity’. All the functions are very active, and because the stratum corneum is functioning effectively the skin is very well hydrated. Indeed, by and large children’s skin is the healthiest we ever see.

A child’s skin shows little or no damage from sunlight. Children have more leisure time than they will ever enjoy again, however, and many of them play outside whenever they can, often spending most of the summer out of doors. There is often massive exposure to the sun during childhood, which will have long-term consequences.

The care of the skin of small children is almost entirely in the hands of parents or other carers. Nevertheless it is never too soon for them to begin to learn about skin care. The skin does not need moisturising unless there is atopy or eczema, or after prolonged exposure to sun or sea, but regular protection against the sun should begin now.

Products for babies and young children are usually highly fragranced. That sweet, recognizable aroma you could smell a mile away is nothing more than added fragrance, which we know can cause irritation. Moreover, baby products almost always have a pretty yellow or pink tint, which is contrived by coloring agents, another group of problematic skin-care ingredients for sensitive skin. If baby products were really gentler than those that adults put on their skin, they would be fragrance free and contain no coloring agents. Sadly, few of those existed just a decade ago. But now there are many clean, healthy skin care products lines to choose from.

Cosmetics and hair-care companies know that mothers have an impulsive emotional pull toward scents that trigger the image of their babies. That subconscious pull is difficult for a marketer to ignore, given the way women gravitate to the fragrance generated by other perfume-laden products. In other words, hair and skin-care companies don’t have much motivation to take these problematic ingredients out. That means you, the mother and consumer, as an advocate for your child, need to pay attention to this issue and choose fragrance-free and color-free products whenever you can!

Can Your Baby Talk To You?

Most likely not, so seeing and understanding your baby’s skin will help you to understanding whats happening with your baby’s body.  Many of us have heard it before, “Be sure to take your vitamins every day if you want to be healthy.” These days, vitamin intake has gone beyond just being healthy, it has become imperative. We are finally learning what years of eating processed, fast foods or ‘take out’ meals have done to our bodies – not to mention our environment – and the reports aren’t good. Processed foods that contain high amounts of salts and fats, have been found to cause increases in cholesterol, blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and even liver failure.

One of the most visible signs of poor nutrition can immediately been seen in the condition of our skin. So, the question is what DO the vitamins do? How can you tell if you need one or another. Obviously, every body is different and to make a truly informed choice, a visit to your family practitioner or your local nutritionist may be in order. If you just want to get some general information to start, and see where you might be lacking, the following is a list based on the Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA) from the EU guidance that is used for nutrition tables on food products. If you think you may be vitamin deficient in any area, these would be good points to bring up when you do go in for your next checkup.