• If you can’t pronounce or understand the ingredients, keep looking.
  If the manufacturer doesn’t bother to put it in (simple terms) it is likely something included to benefit their bottom line, not your baby’s bottom.

  In most cases, these mystery ingredients preserve the shelf life and make the product look and smell more appealing so you’ll want to buy it.

• Mineral oil/Petrolatum/paraffin are byproducts of crude oil, and they are cheap to use.
  Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. It holds in moisture, but prevents your body from releasing unwanted toxins. Mineral oil can also block the body’s absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients.
• Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl).
  These preservatives and antibacterials are used in shampoos, creams and baby lotions to extend product shelf life. They are petroleum-based and can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.

  Parabens are thought to alter estrogen levels and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a report expressing concern about parabens showing up in our sewage systems (from humans) and posing a risk to aquatic life.

• Talc powder.
  The Cancer Coalition states that talc is a toxic carcinogen that can cause ovarian and lung cancer with repeated exposure. It is also used in soaps, deodorants and in food processing.
• Phthalates
  These have been in the news lately. They are found in fragrances in shampoos, lotions and powders, but their true intention is to make plastic soft. They can leach out of plastics so why would anyone want them on their skin?

  According to TIME.com, studies have been done on phthalates in urine from babies’ diapers. They are toxic, carcinogenic and have been linked to infertility.

  Note that companies are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances, so the product could have them and they not show up on the label.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Suflfate are foaming agents found in many shampoos and hair conditioners.
  They can be disguised in labels as “comes from coconut” You can find these in other garage floor cleaners and engine de-greasers. They have been linked to eye injury as well as cell membrane and immune system damage.
• Isopropyl alcohol SD 40.
  It is not only drying, but it strips the skin of natural acids, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. SD 40 comes from propylene and may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
• Glycol is used as a humectant.
  It comes in several forms and is carcinogenic and mutagenic.
• FD&C Color Pigments are synthetic colors made from coal tar.
  They contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in the skin. Animal studies have shown them to be carcinogenic (causes cancer).
• Here are some more ingredients to avoid.
  Aerosol propellants
  Aluminum by-products
  Benzoates
  Diethanolamine (DEA, TEA)
  DMDM hydantoin or MDM (a form of formaldehyde)
  Flouride
  Nitrates, nitrosamins and sulfur compounds
  Quaternium 15 (also a form of formaldehyde)
  Toluene
  Triclosan
  1, 4-Dioxane (a known carcinogen)

In closing, I will tell you that you can find information justifying the use of each of these chemical ingredients in baby skin care products.

However, why take the chance when there are more natural organic skin care products available for you and your baby?

Baby skin

Skincare starts at day one. A baby’s skin is naturally more sensitive to environmental factors like sun damage and dehydration. Plus, skin irritations or product reactions are common. So knowing how to treat an infant’s fragile, delicate skin is key. Caring for a baby’s skin requires developing a gentle, simple routine, and reading labels to avoid harmful ingredients lurking in shampoos, cleansers and lotions.

Childhood

Kids’ skin can be sensitive, too, making it tougher to find the right products. With so much time spent outside in the dirt and mud, kids need a non-irritating cleanser that removes all traces of dirt and grime. Bruises, bug bites and rashes are also common during childhood. Don’t forget to take them into account when learning to care for a child’s skin.

The “in-between” phase

“Tweens—kids between eight and 12 years old—differ drastically in their skin concerns. Some tweens don’t experience any changes, while other tweens start to notice more adult-like skin problems, such as acne, flakiness or irritation. It’s important to help your tween design a routine that’s simple and gentle enough to maintain every day.

Teens

Let’s face it — your teen may be more concerned about experimenting with makeup than creating a daily skincare regimen. But even if she (or he) has clear skin, the teenage years are the perfect time to customize a skincare routine and foster healthy skincare habits like applying sunscreen. Teens can skip complicated “adult” products like serums, eye creams and anti-aging products. Most teens do great with a basic daily regimen.

Teen acne

This is probably the biggest concern teens have about their skin. If your teen is suffering from oily skin and acne, help him or her choose lightweight, oil-free products that will combat acne without over-drying. Find out how to create a specific acne-fighting regimen here.

College

The college years can be a tricky time for skincare. Most young adults are so preoccupied with studying and socializing that skincare typically takes a backseat. Find out how to work skincare into your busy schedule by using double-duty products and money-saving formulas. Here’s more on designing a skincare regimen just for the college years.

20s

For 20-somethings, for the most part, skincare is a breeze. Most don’t need anti-aging products quite yet, so the key to great skin in the 20s is protecting it from damage that can result in wrinkles, uneven skin and dryness later on. Banish bad habits and build your ideal routine in just a few simple steps.

Adult acne

Unfortunately, acne can still persist well into the 20s. In fact, acne affects about 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men. Learn some specific tips for fighting adult acne here.

30s

The trick to radiant, healthy skin in your 30s is to build upon good habits, and add a few powerful anti-aging formulas to address fine lines. Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C can effectively treat the skin, targeting fine lines and other telltale signs of aging like sun damage and roughness. Serums, high-performance moisturizers and eye creams are all great additions to a skincare regimen in the 30s.

40s

Frustrated by dull, flaky, wrinkled skin? The 40s are the perfect time for a skincare overhaul. Some women notice that their skin type begins to change in the 40s, often becoming more prone to dryness and dehydration. Take a closer look at your skin and consider what you’d like your products to do. You might also consider in-office treatments to boost your skin. Get the details on both products and procedures here.

50s

Skincare in your 50s can be frustrating as wrinkles deepen and the skin becomes noticeably thinner and less resilient. But having healthy, happy skin is possible when you take good care of it with a consistent routine and potent anti-aging formulas. Options such as minimally invasive procedures, injectables and traditional cosmetic surgery are also available. Read more here.

Your skin experiences many changes throughout different stages in your life. So don’t be surprised if you’re frequently adjusting your routine to keep up with skin’s natural fluctuations. Also, keep in mind that individuals differ markedly in how their skin acts. In other words, there’s no “right” way to care for your skin at any given age. When creating your routine, keep the above in mind as guidelines. And be sure to listen to your skin and evaluate it regularly. If you’re still stumped on how to approach your skincare, consider visiting a dermatologist, who can help you create a custom routine.

The letter was asking the company to reformulate it’s iconic baby shampoo and other care products to be free of the cancer causing chemicals 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde.  The widespread response it in reaction to a recent study showing many J&J products as containing small amounts of these dangerous chemicals.

The response from Johnson & Johnson response was that they have no immediate plans to take steps toward removing the chemicals and that their are many regulatory agencies in the world that consider the trace levels of these chemicals to be safe.  There are others of course who do not.  The true concern is not that Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo in and of itself has dangerous levels of 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, but that it in combanation with the many other care products from Johnson & Johnson among other companies eventually will add up to dangerous levels.  The chemicals could be removed from the products at additional cost, as in Japan where regulations prevent the use of chemicals that will create formaldehyde.  J&J products do not contain formaldehyde in Japan.

At the very heart of this ordeal is the fact that although cosmetic care products are obsorbed into our bodies they are not regulated for safety in the United States, a fact that cosmetic companies have lobbied hard to maintain.

The CSC commissioned an independent laboratory to analyze the contents of 48 products marketing for use by babies for the two cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.  The real concern is not neccessarily that one product may contain small amounts of these dangerous chemicals but that many of them would and the small amounts would add up and potentially lead to illness.  Both of these chemicals are known carcinogens and are associated with a number of health problems.  Many countries have laws restricting the use of these chemicals in care products, the United States is not one of those countries.  Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are not intenionally added to products.  Formaldahyde is a by-product of many commonly used preservatives.  1,4-dioxane is a by-product of chemical processing and can be removed from the product but manufacturers are not required to do so under current law.  Common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane include PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20.

source: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

It is very important that you consider the sun exposure when you are considering baby skin care because a baby’s skin is extremely sensitive. A baby’s skin can burn quickly and sunburn is very painful for your baby. You need to use sunscreen specifically designed for your baby’s skin to ensure that he or she won’t get burned.

When you wash your baby with soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths, you should use only the most gentle baby skin care products as possible. Soaps can be harsh on a baby’s skin and cause it to rash or even become dry and chapped. Dry and chapped skin on a baby can quickly crack and bleed and it is very painful for the baby and there isn’t much that will soothe your baby at this point but time.

Mom’s Skincare light baby moisture lotion is made from the purest natural oils and vitamin rich plant extracts to protect and nurture skin.

Ingredients are as follows:

Unconditional Love, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cabbage Rose Water, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Beeswax, Xanthan Gum, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.

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

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.

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.

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.