Consumer's Infatuation With Organic Clothing and Organic Food Continues to Increase

It wasn't that long ago that organic food was barely unheard of. If it was, it was seen as a type of food only really eaten by consumers that either were excessively health conscious, had health disorders or perhaps had too much money to throw around. The existence of an organic store was far from anyone's imagination.

As far as organic clothes are concerned, very few people actually thought such things existed. Natural fibres, such as cotton and wool, have been around for decades. However, the use of the word organic when talking about clothing is quite new. Organic clothing is clothing that is made from materials raised or grown in compliance with organic agricultural standards.

The number of certified organic clothing manufacturers is relatively small but is growing steadily. Unfortunately there is a certain level of dispute about what can actually be deemed as organic. A large number of retailers cunningly market clothes as organic, despite them containing chemicals in dyes and bleaches and other chemicals that aid transportation of the clothing thousands of kilometres from their manufacture.

Organic cotton clothing is particularly popular throughout the world and is seen as the ideal fibre for babies up to the age of two. It is said that the skin of babies in this age bracket is much thinner than the skin of older people. This makes babies more susceptible to skin irritations, such as rashes and allergies like eczema. It is strongly suggested that the chemicals and toxins present in non-organic clothing (ie. those made of nylon and polyester), can easily seep into babies' skin and cause problems of this nature.

Authentic organic clothing can help the environment in many ways. The manufacture of chemicals isn't required, meaning chemical residue can't enter into the environment. It also means that animals and humans aren't exposed to them.

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Blirt Organic Ants in the Pants Tee

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Choosing a Safe Moisturizer For Your Baby - Why a Fragrance-free Baby Oil is Best

A growing number of studies question the safety of chemicals in skin care products. Two chemicals of concern--paraben preservatives, and phthalates, found in synthetic fragrance--are used extensively in baby lotions. Both parabens and phthalates are easily absorbed through thin infant skin. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found measurable levels of phthalates in the urine of 81% of the infants tested. The highest levels were found in babies whose caregivers used scented shampoos and lotions to bathe and moisturize their skin.

Phthalates adversely affect the developing hormonal system. They have been linked to early puberty in girls and genital defects in boys, and recently to insulin resistance and obesity.

Parabens are endocrine disruptors--chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones that control growth and reproduction in people and animals. It is now known that parabens accumulate in fatty tissue such as breast tissue, where they have been found in breast cancer tumors.

Why are parabens and phthalates used in baby lotions?

Lotions and creams contain high percentages of water and must be preserved to prevent bacterial contamination. Parabens--methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben, and butylparaben--are very effective at preventing growth of bacteria, fungus and molds. Discovered in the 1930s, they are still used in hundreds of products despite numerous studies linking them to health problems and cancer. Today, safer alternatives exist.

Manufacturers add synthetic fragrance to mask the smell of other ingredients in a product. Phthalates are chemical "plasticizers," used to help the fragrance blend with other lotion ingredients and help the smell last longer.

Are natural fragrances safe for infants?

Natural fragrances made from essential oils don't contain phthalates. However, long-term effects of daily essential oil use haven't been studied. There is concern that some essential oils, particularly lavender, may affect a baby's immature endocrine system. And any essential oil may cause contact sensitivity or an allergic reaction on an infant's sensitive skin.

Fragrance-free baby oil--the safest way to moisturize your baby's skin

You can avoid exposing your baby to preservatives and fragrances by using a fragrance-free, vegetable-oil-based baby oil instead of a lotion or cream. Baby oil contains no water, so it doesn't need the host of preservatives, emulsifiers and other chemicals required in a water-based product.

But it's important to read the ingredients. Drugstore baby oils are made entirely from mineral oil--distilled from petroleum as a by-product of gasoline refining--and synthetic fragrance.

Unlike mineral oil, natural vegetable oils provide important fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that help your baby's skin stay healthy. Look for sunflower oil or safflower oil--both high in vitamin E and considered excellent for preventing water loss in infant skin--in a baby oil's ingredient list. In several studies, sunflower oil has been shown to reduce bacterial infections in premature infants. A high-quality oil should also contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, to keep the oil from becoming rancid. It's a safe and effective way to keep your baby's skin soft and moisturized, without chemicals.

References

1. "Phthalates Overview." Environment California. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/environmental-health/stop-toxic-toys/phthalates-overview.

2. Stahlhut, R, van Wijngaarden, E, Dye, T et al: Concentrations of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated with Increased Waist Circumference and Insulin Resistance in Adult U.S. Males. Environ Health Perspect. 2007;115(6):876-882. On Medscape.com http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/558240

3. Sathyanarayana, S, Karr, CJ, Lozano, P et al: Baby care products: possible sources of infant phthalate exposure. Pediatrics. 2008 Feb;121(2):e260-8. Full text at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e260

4. Darmstadt GL, Badrawi N, Law PA et al: Topically applied sunflower seed oil prevents invasive bacterial infections in preterm infants in Egypt. A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2004;23:719-725. [http://www.popline.org/docs/1508/273776.html].

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Kicky Pants Coverall, Orchid, 12-18 Months

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Buying Organic Baby Clothes

The demand for organic stuff is increasing day by day, be it organic vegetables, meat, medicines, or clothes. A large number of parents prefer organic clothes for their babies for various reasons. One important factor is to prevent any sort of allergies as some babies can be very sensitive when it comes to polyester or unnatural fibers.

The question is how to differentiate between organic and inorganic clothing line for babies. This article features some handy tips that you can benefit from.  When you shop for nice little clothes for your baby, read the label first. The label should say something like 100% certified organic cut. Make sure the label explicitly mentions it being all organic cut, and not being blended with any synthetic fiber like polyester. Remember there is no such thing as "organic polyester"- it is just a made-up term that some manufacturers use to deceive the customers.

You should also be careful about getting misled with marketing terms that are written on the baby shirts or sweaters that say organic baby, or natural baby, etc., because this, in no way, guarantees about the fabric being organic. Always go for the label and read what it says instead of believing what the shirt says.

For baby clothes that have screens and pictures on the front, make sure the drawings are made with water-based inks and not with any chemical substance. The fabric should be softer and thicker. The white organic fabrics have a yellowy tinge that you can easily notice. If they are bright white it means they have been bleached with chlorine, and you should avoid such clothes. Clothes made of organic cotton also come in different colors. Fabrics can also be dyed with plant-based dyes.

Make sure you know what your baby is wearing. Organic or inorganic, baby clothes should make your baby feel comfortable, without causing any sort of allergy.

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Top Tips for Weaning Your Baby

Weaning can be one of the most exciting times for a Mum, and of course for baby too! New tastes, new sensations and new expressions... you will begin to appreciate the saying, "Variety is the spice of life!"
However it can be a little stressful, and there is no doubt that if you want your baby to have the best possible and most nutritious start in life - you DO have to be organised. SO...

My Top Tips

1 - Think a day ahead!

2 - Keep a diary - this is vital to monitor food reactions, baby's mood which may be linked to upsets in blood sugar levels, and of course it will be something to refer to years down the line or for when number 2 comes along!

3 - Introduce ONE food at a time. This is important to note down any unusual reactions (especially if there are signs of allergy or a history of allergy in the family).

4 - When you are introducing any new food to your baby, leave 3 days before starting any new foods. Signs of an allergic reaction include sneezing, runny nose, diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash, or ear infection.

5 - Rotate foods from day to day as much as possible.

6 - Be patient - mealtimes shouldn't be rushed. Your baby will decide when he-she is full.

7 - Persevere with a food, if at first your baby doesn't seem to like it. Try it again the next day, or in a few days or weeks.

8 - Try not to worry too much during the weaning process!

9 - When you are "out and about" the best foods to carry with you are bananas and ripe avocados. Both can be mashed together easily and will be tasty, nutritious and satisfying for your baby!

10 - If your baby gets a little constipated when you first introduce solids... don't panic. It may take a while for the bowels to "wake-up" to solid food. Try giving kiwi fruit!

When a baby reaches the age of 6 months (usually having doubled his or her birth weight), the energy (calorie) requirements as well as the requirements for nutrients such as protein, iron (see below), selenium, zinc, vitamin A and D, & essential fatty acids, exceeds that which can be supplied by mother's breast milk. Breast or quality follow-on milk should ideally be carried on until the age of one at least. DO NOT give cow's milk to a baby until they are AT LEAST one year old. Some believe it should be nearer to 2 years old - I would say definitely 2 if there is any history of allergy in the family.

Build up foods over the next 4 months "loosely" in the following order...

Vegetables and fruits - see note below but generally enjoy introducing a whole variety! Fruits are easy to introduce as babies love the sweetness, and of course they learn what NATURAL sweetness is. Avoid fruit juices. Fruits also mix well with veggies, but try not to rely too heavily on fruit, just because you think your baby is more likely to want something sweet! Just watch some fruits with large pips such as raspberries - kiwis should be fine. Frozen fruits and veg such as peas are fine for your baby and can be very handy to use!

Pulses and beans - well cooked and well blended - try chickpeas, white beans, and puy lentils. These mash well and combine with savoury or sweet ingredients and add bulk to satisfy.

Cooked brown rice, quinoa, millet and tapioca - homemade porridges or purees using these grains are superior to shop-bought baby rice. If you need to use baby rice, make sure you buy organic and one that is FREE of fillers, e.g. Organix.

Lamb, poultry, and fish (especially oily fish such as wild trout and sea bass which have the lowest PCB and mercury levels) - introduce in small quantities at first, concentrating on organic meats if possible. You may find after introducing meat such as lamb or chicken, your baby's mood and energy levels will soar!

At 6-9 months, iron requirements are thought to be 7-8mg/day.
To give you an idea of how to reach this, mix and match the following foods that are good sources of iron...

4 dried apricots (best soaked and mashed) - 5mg
100g cooked red lentils - 2.4mg (combine with something sweet for an interesting dish)
100g cooked peas - 2mg
* 100g cooked spinach - 1.6mg (not to give until 1 year)
100g cooked chickpeas - 1.5mg
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses - 1.5mg
4 prunes - 1mg
100g cooked sweet potato - 1mg
150g cooked butternut squash - 1mg
½ avocado - 0.4mg
100g cooked cabbage - 0.4mg
1 tablespoon raisins - 0.4mg
100g cooked carrot - 0.4

More thoughts...

Concentrate on vegetables as much as fruits in the first few weeks if you can. Try the "sweeter" veggies such as carrot, parsnip, peas, and sweet potato, butternut squash, asparagus, cauliflower and broccoli

Shop seasonally and locally whenever you can. Don't avoid introducing a food that you don't like or didn't like as a child! Remember, with a baby - you are starting with clean palate, and NO understanding or experience of likes and dislikes. SO go ahead with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, pumpkin, leeks, swede or mushrooms - they may well surprise you! ALL these veggies are fantastically healthy in their own right!

N.B.

It is generally advisable to avoid the "deadly nightshade family" of vegetables as they contain substances that a baby may be sensitive to. These include aubergines, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers. Wait until the first year is up!

After introducing these as single foods, try these "mashed" or "pureed" combinations...

Ripe avocado and banana
Ripe avocado and mango
Sweet potato and peas
Quinoa porridge and paw paw
Quinoa and kiwi
Beetroot and peas
Broccoli and peas
Orchard fruit puree - apple, ripe pear and peach
Apple, parsnip and butternut squash
Apricot and swede - don't be afraid of combining fruit and veg - be imaginative!


Meat, fish and bean combos..
Chicken, rice or sweet potato and broccoli
Lamb, peas, sweet potato
Tuna salad - mashed and blended yellowfin tuna, avocado, natural yogurt, chopped chives and lemon juice!
Bean and root veg mash - swede, celeriac, sweet potato and organic baked beans (sweetened with apple juice)

Other foods that will form your baby's "diet"...
Suitably fortified foods - e.g Nanny Goat's milk, organic baby rice, cooked brown rice, tapioca, millet and quinoa porridge. These cereals have very low allergenic potential, as well as being excellent sources of protein and carbohydrate - see above.

* Spinach is a good source of iron (as well as calcium and vitamin A), but is best left until the baby is 1 year old.

Blue-green algae and spirulina are green "superfoods" widely available in supplement form, and are useful additions for vegan/vegetarian babies, "atopic" babies, especially those not being introduced to cereals of any sorts until the ages of 1-2 years.

(N.B 10g of dried spirulina provides nearly 3mg of iron).
For these babies, the best cereals to begin introducing are millet and quinoa, highly nutritious, gluten-free and excellent sources of protein and iron. Both can be cooked and served as porridge, with interesting additions, such as banana or papaya.

How much food should I give?

The following is a guide to the first 3 months of weaning - e.g. from 6-9 months of age.

Weeks 1 and 2 - Try 1-2 teaspoons during the lunchtime feed, halfway through the breast or bottle-feed.

Weeks 3 and 4 - As above + 1-2 teaspoons at breakfast halfway through bottle or breast feed. Increase lunchtime feed to 3-4 teaspoons.

Weeks 5 and 6 - 1-2 tsp at breakfast. Introduce 2 courses at lunchtime with 5-6 tsp, and introduce a teatime feed of 2-3 tsp.

Weeks 7 and 8 - As above + offer solids FIRST at lunchtime feed and then top-up with milk.

Weeks 9 and 10 - As above + solids only for lunch + water from a beaker - offer solids FIRST at teatime.

Weeks 11 and 12 - Solids only for lunch and tea. Give a beaker of water after lunch and tea.

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"All-in-One" Or "Pocket" Babies Diapers

Arguably the greatest advance in diaper technology since disposables burst onto the market in 1951, "all-in-one" babies diapers provide disposables' convenience with the comfort and durability of cloth. Best of all, they pose no risk to the environment.

"Pockets" for Babies Diapers
Better known as "AIO's" (all in ones) or "pocket" diapers, these all-natural miracle devices combine a washable, breathable, organic outer "wrapper"-the pocket, with an all-natural liner. When baby soils her diaper, you quickly, adroitly remove the pocket, change the liner, snap or Velcro the pocket back in place and continue with your daily routine. No more fumbling with pins or juggling ingenious-but- useless diaper-pin alternatives. Because they "breathe"-like your hockey jersey and your favorite running singlet-pockets keep your baby drier, protecting her from skin irritation and rashes. Pockets quickly clean-up with regular soap and water, air-drying completely in about ten minutes. Completely machine washable and practically indestructible, pockets easily will endure many more children than you plan to deliver, becoming hand-me-downs for your children's children and six generations after them. Moms delight in pockets' fashions: Clever, style-wise manufacturers make pockets in each season's trendy colors and fabrics, and they frequently add little touches to make runway-savvy moms just melt. Most manufacturers also offer swimsuit pockets-another great breakthrough in diaper technology.

Organic Liners for Two-Layer Babies Diapers
The pockets combine fashion's allure with hard-minded, down-to-earth practicality. The liners preserve mom's peace of mind, reduce her workload, and help her control the family's budget. Liners come in many different materials, all of them equally safe, earth-friendly, and economical. You may choose organic disposables-yes you read that correctly, and, no, it is not an oxymoron; or you may choose hemp/cotton cloth diapers, by far the softest and friendliest among Mother Earth's best friends. "Disposable" liners, made of cellulose and natural fibers, contain no chlorine or volatile organic chemicals, and they break down after just 150 days in a landfill. Better still, many are flushable, breaking-up quickly and easily in the toilet and sailing effortlessly down the tubes. Many also are compostable, so that you may mix them with your yard waste and use them to nourish next spring's tender rosebuds. Cotton/hemp cloth diapers wash quickly and easily in cold water, growing softer and more absorbent with each run through the cycles; and they dry quickly on your clothesline. Hemp, the strongest natural fiber known to humankind, outperforms and outlasts more than 90% of high-test synthetic fibers. Hemp simply will not break or wear out, and it grows abundantly, gently, doing more to replenish than to exhaust fertile soil.

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