Baby, Earth, & Eco-Soy

2008-10-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

NEW! BABYSOY EXCLUSIVE KIMONO BUNDLER AT THE LAND OF NOD

This Fall/Winter 2008-2009, babysoy has teamed up with Land of Nod to create the cutest, softest, and easiest fitting bundler wraps for newborns.

New! Under Wraps Soy Kimono Sac is available only at Land of Nod for $15.00 each. Just snap your little one into Land of Nod's custom Kimono-style sac made with natural soybean fiber for an extra soft and cuddly finish. Elastic bottom opening offers plenty of wiggle room.

• Made by Babysoy
• 50% soybean fiber, 50% Cotton
• Eco-friendly
• Natural soybean fibers are super soft, but stretch less than blends with synthetic spandex- make sure to buy one big enough for your baby's rolls and folds
• Machine wash
• Choose Pink with Dk. Pink trim or Lt. Blue with Brown trim
• Coordinates with our Soy Vey Double Knot Baby Hat
• Sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months
• Imported

Land of Nod has 24 hour assistance over the phone (please call 800.933.9904) and ships internationally!

2008-09-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

PRESERVATIVES-FREE SKINCARE: FANCL JAPAN

In my previous entries, I've brought awareness to our friends and family on the importance of choosing the right sunblock and reading skincare labels. Today, I'd like to introduce a preservatives-free skincare line from Japan, now available in U.S. for the first time --- FANCL.

I love that it is preservative-free and fragrance-free. Both ingredients which leads to clogging of the pores, skin irritation, breakouts and prone to cancer. FANCL products are developed based on the belief that skincare should give skin only what it needs. All products free of preservatives, sterilizers, petroleum surfactants, fragrances and mineral oil.

To eliminate preservatives, FANCL package their products in small, freshness-dated bottles hermetically sealed in their pharmaceutically sterile laboratory. Each package contains enough for a two-to-four week supply, so they stay fresh all the way through. Furthermore, FANCL's innovative, touch-free caps are specially designed to keep out bacteria. It's a revolutionary idea. And you'll feel the difference from the very first day. In fact, they guarantee it. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, send it back and FANCL will gladly refund within 30 days of your purchase. Completely risk free.

My personal favorites are the Mild Cleansing Oil which literally removes everything in its path gently and the Cleansing Powder which is comfortably clean. I've never felt cleaner and more refreshed after cleansing the day's outings off of my face.

I also use the Lip Treatment for our whole family without worrying about eating preservatives, sterilizers, petroleum surfactants, fragrances, and mineral oil.

Being that it's preservatives-free, I use the Mild Cleansing Oil to remove sunblock from my daughter's body before her bath. Most sunblock cannot be washed off completely with just soap and water. Sunblock that's remained on the skin will cause irritation and breakouts.

Visit FANCL's website www.fancl.com and experience the FANCL difference with their full line of Skincare, Makeup, Supplements and Advanced Skincare. Daily cleansing and beauty without preservatives is better living.

2008-09-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY SITE - WWW.HEAVENONEARTHHOME.COM

Store Name: Heaven On Earth Home

Store Website: http://www.heavenonearthhome.com

After searching the Internet for a final item to add to our Baby Blessings Box, we were thrilled to locate babysoy! Three pair of Signature Socks fit perfectly with the padded gift book and "heaven sent" kimono tee shirt that we developed at heaven on earth home. Together the three pieces make a unique and meaningful gift for any newborn. And the custom illustrated Baby Blessings Box itself is a keepsake, perfect for storing that first lock of hair, first tooth, and other precious memories.

When we opened the doors to our inspirational gift and home décor store in Powell, Ohio on June 3, 2008 we were filled with excitement and trepidation. Many people questioned our timing stating the woes of the economy as the biggest deterrent that should keep us from opening until after things turn around; but we couldn't put our dream on hold. I guess you could say we were too determined (no doubt a synonym for stubborn) to wait.

After delivering 500 coupons to area churches and businesses we held our breath and prayed for customers to come. And they did! The first two months we sold nearly the same amount of gifts, jewelry, and home décor. Then, the third month customer traffic and sales spiked a bit renewing our hope and filling us with a stronger desire to make heaven on earth home a store that customers talk about and return to again and again.

With Internet sales increasing a little each month, we believe the future looks bright.

It's exciting to realize that we designed and produced eight exclusive heaven on earth home products in the past year. It is our dream to develop our own line so customers will be able to shop for unique inspirational products that can only be found in our store or on our web site http://www.heavenonearthhome.com

We look forward to a long relationship with baby soy, and we hope you will visit our web site when you are looking for a special gift to bless someone you love.

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Foundation of Hope Created in 2002, the Foundation of Hope’s mission is to share the love of God and the hope of heaven with children around the world. We seek to educate and encourage children by sharing printed and taped materials that proclaim the truth of God’s love and His promise of eternal life in heaven with Him. 50% of profits earned from the sales of Heaven on Earth Home profits go to the Foundation of Hope to donate books, tapes and related item to terminally-ill children and other children in need.

2008-09-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

HEALTHY CHILD HEALTHY WORLD

If you're a parent who is concerned about the quality of the environment your children are growing up in and understands the importance of the type of food your children consume, then you must meet, join and support Healthy Child Healthy World. Learn how to protect your children by following HCHW's preventative measures for your homes and becoming a smart shopper by choosing non-toxic and natural products for your family. Raising a healthy child is more challenging than ever. With HCHW, we are aware, guided, and informed on just where and how to start battling out toxins and bringing in only the healthy and green into your homes.

Healthy Child Healthy World was founded by James and Nancy Chuda in 1991 after their daughter Colette died from Wilm's tumor — a rare form of non-hereditary cancer. HCHW is a national, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization headquartered in Los Angeles. HCHW is governed by an outstanding volunteer Board of Directors and distinguished group of advisors and is strengthened by community and corporate partners. HCHW is playing a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century.

Healthy Child Healthy World is dedicated to protecting the health and well being of children from harmful environmental exposures. We educate parents, support protective policies, and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish.

Healthy Child Healthy World exists because more than 125 million Americans, especially children, now face an historically unprecedented rise in chronic disease and illness such as cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD / ADHD, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases.

As a national leader for nearly two decades, HCHW has become the nation's leading organization of its kind. We help millions of parents, educators, health professionals, and the general public take action to create healthy environments and embrace green, non-toxic steps.

START a heathier home TODAY by taking Healthy Child Healthy World's 5 EASY STEPS:

Step 1: Manage pests safely - Though we often encourage children to "go out and play," exposure to common lawn / garden care and indoor pesticides is identified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as potentially causing a range of health problems, including asthma, hyperactivity and behavior problems, cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and compromised brain development.

Rather than stifling healthy activity in children, you can make healthier choices in pest control!

Step 2: Use non-toxic products- cleaners, body care, home furnishings - We bring home a wide variety of products that can contribute to making our family and home sick and filled with potentially harmful toxicants. We put them in our grocery bags and they can be found in many home and life-style stores as well. Luckily, there are a number of safe and healthy alternatives to these products, which allow you to make informed and wise choices in your marketplace to seriously reduce the amounts of chemicals you invite in your home.

Cleaners, body care items, and home furnishings are the three main categories that can have serious effects on you and your child’s health.

Step 3: Clean up indoor air - Did you know that people in America spend 90 percent of their time indoors? It might seem safer and cleaner, but indoor air pollution is linked to a host of health effects. Common indoor air pollutants -- which are exacerbated by smoke, mildew, and gas -- include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke, asbestos, lead, and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.

Not to worry, it’s easy to reduce the risk. Start by replacing products that contribute to the problem, then try some other simple steps.

Step 4: Shop smart – eat more organic and healthy foods - Eating organic food reduces the amount of toxic pesticides in our bodies. It’s grown without potentially harmful, long-lasting synthetic chemicals and is approved by the FDA after meeting rigorous standards.

In conventional grown food, however, synthetic or chemical means may have been used to fertilize soil, control weeds and insects, and prevent livestock disease. These non-organic foods often contain chemical and pesticide residue.

What’s the goal? It’s simple: Eat organic foods.

Step 5: Be wise with plastics - Plastic provides a good amount of affordable convenience. Only recently have we discovered that the hidden cost may be our health. Plastics, which are used in much of our food storage and cooking, have the potential to negatively affect health in certain applications.

Some petroleum-based plastics leach harmful chemical into foods and drinks, especially when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and microwaving, as a result of harsh cleaners, and when exposed to excessive moisture.

Luckily, we can all make safe choices.

Visit HCHW's website for more information and subscribe to their quarterly newsletters for updates. Get involved by donating (in various ways), become a partner, volunteer, intern, or host an event.

2008-08-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY STORE - SILOAM SPRINGS, AZ: THE BABY HABIT

Store Name: The Baby Habit
122 S Broadway
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Store Hours: Monday Thursday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Store Website: www.thebabyhabit.com

Shop Online:
Our hope is that all visitors to our website enjoy their time here and find the perfect products for their own children or as gifts for others. Our passion for this website is to find good quality unique products to pass on to you. You will find that many of our products can be personalized, which is all done in house. You will also find a good selection of eco-friendly products that will support your goals of making good choices for the environment. Keep checking back, as we will continue to add more products to choose from.

The Baby Habit Store:
Now Open! Call Toll Free 1.800.549.0815 for info.

The Baby Habit Embroidery:
Our industrial embroidery equipment is ready to go. See our products for examples of what we can do and check out our best selling babysoy line with personalized embroidery on the basic bodysuit, the long sleeve pocket tee, the short sleeve kimono tee and many more.

The Baby Habit Story:
This venture came about through an evolution of an idea that began with personalized burp cloths. Soon we began to look at what other products we could personalize. As we began adding products to our list, we discovered even more items that though they couldn't be personalized by us, they are exciting enough to share with others. We have several children and they will be wearing our products as well. We hope to share with you our journey as we discover more unique baby products.

The Baby Habit Passions:
As husband and wife, we are committed to strong healthy family relationships. Having the time to teach, train, and play with our children is important. Sharing our time and talents with others is also a priority. This is one of the reasons that we only have phone hours 4 days a week. We also use the extra time to further our artistic talents and pursue other interests.

2008-08-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

MUST READ BOOKS: ON MY TO-READ LIST

I adore books and I'm passionate about reading. I love to surround myself with shelves and shelves of books and run my hands across each spine and feel the covers. Holding a book in my hands is one of the most satisfying moments in my life.

I usually browse fiction & literature aisles. Non-fiction, self-help, biographies and current issues books never made their way to my bookshelf.

However, that has changed. Environmentally related issue books are sprouting everywhere. They are usually the first ones to greet you in a bookstore, online, or even at coffee shops and gift shops.

This is one issue that affects every single one of us directly. So I invite you to be aware, understand, and practice safe earth.

Healthy Child Healthy World Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home - Christopher Gavigan:
Leading medical experts and scientists team up with celebrity activists to help parents detoxify and green their households.

Nothing makes one more keenly aware of health risks lurking in the everyday world than becoming a parent. Most know the importance of using cabinet locks and child gates, but research is showing many more ways we need to be childproofing our homes. Tens of millions of American children now face chronic diseases and illnesses including cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD/ADHD, allergies, learning and developmental disabilities, as well as a host of lesser but disruptive ailments. And the growing research points to much of the increases on unseen threats wrought by exposure to chemicals in everyday products like cleaning supplies, beauty care and cosmetics, home furnishings, plastics, some foods and toys as contributing to these ailments. With that in mind, the non-profit organization Healthy Child Healthy World offers parents a definitive guide to creating a healthy, nontoxic, and environmentally sound home.

Filled with easy steps and simple solutions to improve family living without wreaking havoc on schedules or budgets, this book includes inspiring ideas for safe, eco-friendly cleaning methods, choosing healthier food, pet and garden care, nursery and home building materials, plus extensive tips for energy saving and family fun. With contributions from environmental science and public-health experts such as Dr. Phil Landrigan, Dr. Harvey Karp and Dr. Alan Greene, as well as many celebrity supporters (including Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, Tobey Maguire, Sheryl Crow, Vanessa Williams, and Tom Hanks), Healthy Child Healthy World is the essential guidebook for parents wanting to go green. (See more at www.amazon.com).

The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability - James Gustave Speth:
Contemporary capitalism and a habitable planet cannot coexist. That is the core message of The Bridge at the Edge of the World, by J. "Gus" Speth, a prominent environmentalist who, in this book, has turned sharply critical of the U.S. environmental movement.

Speth is dean of environmental studies at Yale, a founder of two major environmental groups (the Natural Resources Defense Council and the World Resources Institute), former chairman of the President's Council on Environmental Quality (under Jimmy Carter) and a former head of the U.N. Development Program. So part of his thesis is expected: Climate change is only the leading edge of a potential cascade of ecological disasters.

"Half the world's tropical and temperate forests are gone," he writes. "About half the wetlands . . . are gone. An estimated 90 percent of large predator fish are gone. . . . Twenty percent of the corals are gone. . . . Species are disappearing at rates about a thousand times faster than normal. . . . Persistent toxic chemicals can now be found by the dozens in . . . every one of us." - Reviewed by Ross Gelbspan From The Washington Post's Book World/washingtonpost.com (See more at www.amazon.com).

Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry - Stacy Malkan:
Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible? Simple. The $35 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades. Not Just a Pretty Face chronicles the quest that led a group of health and environmental activists to the world’s largest cosmetics companies to ask some tough questions:

Why do companies market themselves as pink ribbon leaders in the fight against breast cancer, yet use hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals that may contribute to that very disease?

Why do products used by men and women of childbearing age contain chemicals linked to birth defects and infertility?

As doors slammed in their faces and the beauty myth peeled away, the industry’s toxic secrets began to emerge. This scathing investigation peels away less-than-lovely layers to expose an industry in dire need of an extreme makeover. The good news is that while the major multinational companies fight for their right to use hazardous chemicals, entrepreneurs are developing safer non-toxic technologies and building businesses on the values of health, justice and personal empowerment. (See more at www.amazon.com).

2008-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY STORE - CHICAGO, IL: THE LAND OF NOD

Store Name: The Land of Nod

Northbrook Court Store:
Northbrook, IL 60062
847.291.9902

Store Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

North & Clybourn Store:
900 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.475.9903

Store Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Oakbrook Center Store:
Oakbrook Center
Oakbrook, IL 60523
630.368.9990

Store Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Store Website: www.landofnod.com

Partners with Crate & Barrel and CB2, Land of Nod is one of the largest and most complete online and retail store in U.S. offering high-end, designed, quality furnitures for baby, kids, and children. Other than baby furniture and baby bedding, Land of Nod's baby department has recently expanded to include baby gear, stroller & carseats, diaper bags, baby clothing, baby toys, nursery decor, bath & potty, feeding & nursery, health & safety, baby books, baby gifts, and last but not least, organic & eco-friendly.

Land of Nod is also famous for its catalogs. With beautifully illustrated covers and well photographed images you'll want to collect all issues. Available to view online.

2008-08-13T09:03:00.001-07:00

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP IS COMING TO L.A.!

Great news! I just received notice that EWG is coming on Thursday, September 11th, 2008 to Los Angeles to take part in "What's Going On? Toxic chemicals in our toys, cosmetics and bodies."

WHO:
Environmental Working Group, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Healthy Child Healthy World

WHAT:
What's Going On? Toxic chemicals in our toys, cosmetics and bodies

WHERE:
Bullocks Wilshire Building
Southwestern Law School
3050 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

WHEN: Thursday, September 11th @ 6:30pm

WHY: Toxic chemicals contaminate every American's body and have been linked to serious health effects like cancer, reproductive problems and learning disabilities. Join us as we expose the hidden dangers of chemicals found in our everyday environment and find out what we can do as we discuss "What's Going On?"

HOW: Save your spot at www.ewg.org/LAevent or call 202.667.6982

Richard Wiles, co-founder of the Environmental Working Group, will give a multimedia presentation about the 287 chemicals found in the blood of 10 very special Americans. Stacy Malkin, author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry will read an excerpt from her book about toxic chemicals in personal care products. And Christopher Gavigan, Executive Director of Healthy Child Healthy World, and author of the book with the same name, will provide simple steps to reduce children's exposure to toxic chemicals.

The event is FREE (donations are welcome), and light food and beverages will be provided.

If you're in the area, please make an effort to go!

2008-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY STORE - GUILFORD, CT: JUST HATCHED

Store Name: Just Hatched

Store Address: 112 State Street, Guilford, CT 06437 (just south of boston post road)

Store Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Store Website: www.justhatched.com

About Just Hatched - "At Just Hatched, baby gifts are our only business... it's what we do. We have been providing unique baby gift ideas and satisfying cutomers since 1997. If you have questions about any of our baby gifts or would like to create one of your own, please feel free to contact us or stop by our retail store."

2008-07-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

NEWBORN MUST-HAVES: LAYETTES

It's exciting to welcome a new baby into the family. Yet with a myriad of adorable baby selections available, which do babies really need? In response, I've compiled this first must-have layettes list for newborns. It includes what to buy, which to buy, and why. Remember to not buy more than you need for a particular stage to help keep our earth green!

Bodysuits/Onesies: Bodysuits extends past the waist and has snaps that allow it to be closed over the diaper. Bodysuits keep baby's tummy warm and protects the ambilical cord in those first weeks. Bodysuits are sometimes referred to as a onesie. The word onesie is a genericized trademark registered to Gerber Childrenswear Inc..

Onepieces/Rompers/Coveralls: Onepieces are great for babies to lounge at home in and nap in. It also makes for the quickest baby outfit. Throw on a hat and a pair of socks and baby is ready to meet the world. Onepieces comes with and without footies. I prefer the ones without footies myself so it's less faster to grow out in. However, for babies that reside on the cooler part of the planet, Onepieces with footies will keep them warmer from neck to toe.

Bundlers/Lap Gown: These baby night gowns allow for quick and easy nighttime diaper changes. They usually go up to 3 months and sometimes are made go up to 6 months. Get just a few for newborns when they are spending most of the time at home, sleeping and being changed throughout the day.

Pants: As cute as a baby can look in just a bodysuit and a diaper, pants are quite essential. Look for ones that are easy to slip on with elastic bands that are sewn into the waist part to prevent an overly-tight fit. Babysoy's slip-on pants do just that. Easy, comfortable, roomy and leave no marks around the waistline. Protect those adorable legs as they explore around the house in nice comfy pants.

Hat/Cap: Used to protect baby's fontanels, or soft spots (a newborn's skull is made up of several separate bones that will eventually fuse together) until it is fully closed-up. Look for soft, easy to wear hats. Babysoy's Duo-Style Signature Hat often doubles as a chew toy for teethers and are incredibly soft like the rest of the line.

Bibs: Stay away from any embroidered, printed or adorned bibs. They may be too cute to resist but they are rough on baby's skin thus losing its purpose to wipe a drooling mouth. The ideal bibs are absorbent and decorations-free. Babysoy has THE BEST bib on the market. They are soft, absorbent, provides good coverage and are embellishment-free.
Snap-button bibs are better than velcro bibs. They are noise-free, won't pull baby's hair and won't stick to clothing in the laundry. Some parents buy burp cloths but I double bibs as burp cloths to reduce laundry load.

Blankets: For basically everything and everywhere you can think of. At home, in the car, in the stroller, a nap in the park, playtime, story-time...etc. An important tip here is to buy a blanket that will not be discontinued anytime soon by the manufacturer. Or as soon as your detect an attachment to a specific blanket, buy another as backup ASAP. Every parent's worst fear is losing their baby's security blanket and not be able to replace it. In addition, look for blanket that has some weight to it. Decorations-free blankets are the best. Alike the bib, baby will rub their face to the blanket and you won't want anything that will scratch their delicate skin.

Socks: I don't remember how many pairs we've lost when my daughter first discovered her toes. Sometimes, they will fall off and disappear without her help. Babysoy has these great non-slip off socks that is baby proof. It will take at least an 16 month old to pull them off. Also, the signature socks wrap security and snuggly around the ankles without being too tight or cause any discomfort. Simply the best.

Hoodies and Cardigans: These are great to have extra in the diaper bag, stroller, or car. Babies travel from indoors to outdoors with a drastic change in temperature sometimes. It is handy to have a hoodie or cardigan to warm up the child and keep them protected from the sun as it is not suggested to put sunblock on infants.

Mittens: Look for ones without prints as babies will like to chew on them. Make sure all labels are removed from the mittens. Stay away from mittens that has a string attached between the pair as it may easily get tangled and is unsafe.

MOM'S TIP: The quantity you buy per item should be enough to last in-between laundry days. Some items gets soiled more easily than others so you will need more of it (such as bibs over socks). Always wash new clothing before putting them on baby.

2008-07-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY SITE: WWW.BUNNYBURYBABY.COM

Site Name: Bunnybury Baby

Store Website: www.bunnyburybaby.com

Amazon.com Storefront: Cuddle Street

"Bunnybury" came from the imagination of L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wizard of Oz." For those of you who have never found your way south of OZ, we’d like to welcome you to the hamlet of Bunnybury! Built by Glinda the Good Witch to protect the forrest rabbits, this mythical little town can be found in the “Emerald City of Oz,” the first book in the series.

BunnyburyBaby.com is of the best baby gift site on the web. The site features over 1,100 products and babysoy is proud to be one of the top selling products. In addition, they are also the Number 1 Rated Amazon.com Seller. BunnyburyBaby.com assembles many adorable babysoy gift set bundles. These include the Blossom & Chocolate Hoodie Bundle, the Chocolate & Ocean Kimono Bundle (a celebrity favorite!), and the Tea Bodysuit Bundle. All are available with Free Gift Wrapping.

2008-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

SUN PROTECTION: KNOW YOUR SUNSCREEN

I subscribe to EWG's email newsletters to stay informed on their research with issues related to the environment, health, toxics, and natural resources. This month, their newsletter covered safe sunscreen: What works and what's safe. Do we really know what we are buying? I read the labels but my knowledge stops after SPF 50 PA++. I then buy the highest SPF I can find with commonly trusted brands. Yet does buying the highest SPF product guarantees the required protection from the sun? What about UVA rays? Are the ingredients safe for my body to absorb or inhale (if it's a spray bottle sunscreen)? At last, EWG answers sun protection concerns for me and my family. My advice is if you must be outdoors, use additional sun protection for children such as hats, sunglasses, umbrella or stay under the good old tree.

All info provided below are provided by EWG (Environmental Working Group). Please visit their website, subscribe, donate, and support the organization.

Do you know that 4 out of 5 sunscreen out on the market don't give the protection you need? Usually blocking too little of the sun's harmful UV radiation, or containing ingredients with significant safety concerns.

According to EWG, below are important information to study before choosing your sunscreen and making sure what you have is safe for you and your family.

The SPF rating is only part of what you need to know, since it only tells you about UVB (sunburn) protection. That's why EWG's rating system includes critical information on UVA protection, how stable the product is in the sun, and potential health hazards of ingredients. Get sunscreen tips and look up your sunscreen.

TOP TEN APPROVED SUNSCREEN BY EWG
1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30
2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
4. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
5. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum
6. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
7. Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35
8. UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
9. Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30
10.Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

RECOMMENDED COMMON BRANDS
1. Blue Lizard (anything without oxybenzone)
2. California Baby (anything with SPF 30+)
3. CVS with zinc oxide
4. Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock
5. Kiss My Face “Paraben Free” series
6. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock
7. Olay Defense Daily UV Moisturizer (with zinc)
8. SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense
9. Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face
10.Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears

WHAT TO BUY
-SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
-At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

WHAT TO AVOID
-Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3: skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
-Spray and powder sunscreens: inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
-Fragrance: allergies, reproductive problems
-Sunscreen with added bug repellent: you can get too much of the pesticide in your body
-Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat: fewer than 5% of their products are recommended as safe and effective

TOP TEN SUNSCREEN TIPS

1. Protect kids! Everyone is at risk from sun damage, but children are more sensitive to heat stroke and have higher risk for skin cancer later in life when they get too much sun. Keep children under 6 months out of direct sun.
2. Avoid midday sun when intensity peaks. Summer sun is more intense between 10 and 4, also at high altitudes and in the tropics.
3. Seek shade or bring your own. Cover up with a shirt, hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Remember that invisible rays can reflect up toward you from the ground, so you may still need sunscreen if you wear a hat.
4. Slop on sunscreen and reapply often. Put it on before you go out in the sun. Sunscreen washes off in water and can break down in the sun – reapply often. Wear daily on skin not covered by clothing.
5. Using bug repellent? Apply it at least 15 minutes after sunscreen to cut down on the pesticide soaking through the skin.
6. Buy new sunscreen every year. Start with our top picks list at cosmeticsdatabase.com

WHY SUNSCREEN MATTERS?
More than 1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. This number has steadily increased over the past 10 years. Sunscreen is more important than ever.

IS YOUR SUNSCREEN SAFE?
EWG's Sunscreen Investigation found that of nearly 1,000 name-brand sunscreens, only 1 of 5 provided adequate protection from both UVA & UVB radiation with few ingredients linked to known or suspected health hazards. (Click here to view a list of Recommended Products from Popular Brands and Major Brands That Have No Recommended Sunscreens).

FDA IS FAILING
After 30 years of delay, the government has failed to set mandatory, comprehensive sunscreen safety standards to protect consumers’ health. In August 2007 FDA proposed first-ever UVA standards for sunscreen, but the rules are not yet final. In the meantime, companies are making misleading claims about product quality, and ineffective products crowd store shelves. Tell FDA to make sunscreens safe!

IN THE NEWS
7/10/2008 SF Chronicle: 4 Out of 5 Sunscreens Inadequate, Study Finds
7/08/2008 Web MD: Burning Questions About Sunscreens
7/08/2008 Baltimore Sun: SPF Is Not Enough
7/07/2008 Boston Glove: Are Sunscreens Made With Parabens Safe?

2008-07-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

FEATURE BABY SHOP - BERKELEY, CA: O! BABYBABY

Store Name: O! baby baby (the O! is for organic)

Store Address: 1885 Solano Ave, Berkeley California 94707

Store Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am -6:00 pm

Store Website: www.obabybaby.com

Store Blog: O! babybaby blog

O! babybaby believes in only the best for their little ones. They give precedence to those products that are good for your baby, good for the environment and good for people! From feeding gear to furniture to non-toxi rubber ducky, O! babybaby is one of the THE best shop in the area and beyond for modern parents. Most of all, they carry nearly the entire line of babysoy layettes on their site and in their store. Enjoy looking around their organic/eco-friendly/fair-trade/local-designer made boutique located in the beautiful, reputable downtown Berkeley.

2008-07-01T02:52:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS SOYBEAN PROTEIN FIBER?

babysoy is the first company in the world to use soybean protein fiber for baby layettes. Creating baby's first wardrobe with eco-friendly, sustainable and soft material makes us quite a hit amongst modern, green parents, celeb moms and baby medias.

What is soy bean fiber?
Soybean protein fiber is a sustainable and botanical textile fiber made from renewable and biodegradable natural resources - the leftover soybean pulp from tofu and soymilk production. Its 16 amino acids are healthy and nutritional for our skin. It is a green textile fiber that possesses the superiorities of many natural and synthesized fibers.

How does soybean protein fiber help our environment?
babysoy's baby layette line is sustainable and eco-friendly. This is because soybean fiber is a textile that’s made from recycled material and it does not add any extra burden to mother nature.

How does soybean protein fiber compare to other fibers?
Soybean fiber is a soft, light, and smooth protein fiber. It is smoother than cashmere and has the same moisture absorption as cotton but with a better moisture transmission, making it more comfortable on the skin. It is hydroscopic, air pervious, soft, smooth, dry and has superior warmth retention that’s comparable to wool.

How is soybean protein fiber made?
1. Proteins are extracted from the leftover materials of tofu or soymilk production.
2. Protein liquids are forced through a device resembling a showerhead, called a spinneret, to make liquid soy. This is called wet-spinning.
3. Liquid soy is solidified to make soybean protein fiber.

After protein is extracted from the leftover soybean pulp, it can be used as fertilizer. All substances used in the production of soybean protein fiber are of a harmless nature. babysoy cares about our planet and is a socially-responsible company that supports artisans who are fairly-treated in a safe working environment.

2008-06-30T06:10:00.001-07:00

HELLO FROM THE BABY, EARTH, & ECO-SOY BLOG

Things are usually born out of necessity---as it is with this blog. Being a founding-mom of babysoy, I am often approached by many for discussions on issues ranging from the ultimate-must-have items for newborns to how to keep a toxin-free and clean home. Even with the massive resources available at our fingertips, I find that many people (including myself) still crave for the warmth and the experience given first-hand by a someone we know.

Different people are resourceful on different subjects. I am a mom with a 3 year-old daughter; I have lost a family member to a non-hereditary cancer; I am a co-founder of an eco-friendly baby layette company; and I am designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Art Center College of Design.

Being all of the above, I often come face questions such as how to raise healthy children? how to help make a greener planet? how to dress a baby in softness and comfort? and most of all, how to do it all with style.

Each week, I will review 1 store and 1 site that are fabulous in their unique ways. Each month, I will recommend a children's book and a healthy product for the family. You will also find great deals and coupons of the month from babysoyusa.com here. In addition, there will be must-have lists for babies and mommies, topics and tips on a greener planet, a peek at my discoveries while I attend the yearly tradeshows (ENK and ABC Kids Expo) and many daily finds on baby boutiques and sites across the globe.

So this blog is about the things that are close to my heart---things that people come to seek my first-hand experience for. So enjoy the blog, share the blog, and remember to re-visit the blog!