Pajama Mommy - A Women and Mothers Blogger Community A Women and Mothers Magazine » Children

Bath & Brush with Jason Natural

Jessica C — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:23:07 +0000

I have talked about my love for Jason Natural Sunblock, now I want to share with you the wonders of Jason Natural Toothpaste and Bath Gel for kids. My daughter is only nineteen months old and trying to brush her teeth is definitely a task. Usually she just walks around the house eating the toothbrush, or we have to hold her down to get a couple of good brushes in. I had the opportunity to review Jason Natural Toothpaste (Strawberry) for Kids and I can say I was pleased with the outcome. First, I tried the toothpaste myself in a very tiny amount. The taste was great, I didn’t have a lot of foam you get with most toothpastes (could be because of the tiny amount) and my mouth didn’t feel fresh afterward. This isn’t for adults, I was just testing it before my daughter did. For a two year old, I think Jason Natural Toothpaste is wonderful. I say this because my daughter actually let us brush her teeth with it. She loved the taste and even wanted “more” once or twice. She is more willing to let us brush a couple of teeth now when using the toothpaste. Jason Natural Toothpaste of Kids comes in a 4.2 oz squeezable tube ($4.79) and is wheat and gluten free.

My daughter has always enjoyed bath time since she was two weeks old. We have never had any issues with bathing her, except when it comes to using bath wash. At 19 months old, she has very sensitive skin. Since birth, we have only been able to use natural products with her – fragrance free, hypoallergenic, with no harsh chemicals. We tried fragrance products a few times with her, but it usually causes a rash or makes her skin dry. Therefore, I was a little fearful in bathing her in the Jason Natural Bath Gel (Berry Burst), so I bathed myself with it. The bath gel is actually wheat and gluten free, I’m not for sure if these products can affect a child through skin if they are allergic – but I imagined it could if the child had a severe allergy to wheat or gluten. The smell is tolerable, I actually liked it and it didn’t stay on my skin too long after showering. The gel isn’t sticky, it squeezes onto a washcloth well, and washes well. I am not sure if the gel can create a bubble bath or not for kids, as I wasn’t able to test it out in a bathtub. When my daughter gets a little older and is not as sensitive to many products, I will be more than willing to test out the bath gel with her. The Bath Gel for Kids comes in an 8 oz bottle and retails for $7.87.

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Camilia: All Natural Teething Pain Relief

Jessica C — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:39:54 +0000

I am a mother to a nineteen month old little girl. One of the many joys I have experienced in motherhood is teething. My daughter started teething around six months old, but didn’t get her first teeth until she was eleven months old. Yes, it was horrible – for her and for us. Once her two bottom teeth came through, teeth started coming in left and right (literally). At first, we were solely relying on Hylands Teething Tablets, but most of you know they were recalled in October 2010 and haven’t been on the market since. For awhile we were just using Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for pain relief and inflammation, but I didn’t like giving medicine to my daughter. Over the past 2-3 months, we have been using Orajel Naturals and Hylands Teething Gel. I was recently told by our family doctor to not be using Orajel and if I do to strictly follow the directions. She warned me of the ingredients. I stopped using the Orajel and stuck with the Hylands Teething Gel. Now, this was going well until my daughter started refusing to have a finger stuck in her mouth to rub her gums. Who blames her? Although I have never tasted the Hylands Teething Gel, by her reaction, I don’t think she liked it so much.

We were on the market for new all natural (no medicine added) pain relief for teething. I remember going to Blogher ’10 last year and having the opportunity to try natural alternatives from Boiron and thought I would check their website for teething pain relief. To my surprise, they actually had some – Camilia. I found a new love. Not only is Camilia benzocaine free, but it is has no preservatives, flavors, dyes, sugar or artificial sweeteners. It’s truly all natural. Camilia arrived just in time, our daughter is getting a molar teeth on the right side – yikes! My favorite part is Camilia comes in convenient, sterile single-use doses. I no longer have to squeeze gel onto my fingertips and rub them on my daughters gums – yuck! All you have to do is twist cap to open and squeeze into mouth. She didn’t gag, show disgust, and we didn’t even have to hold her down. Camilia can be used every 15 minutes for two more doses. Even though it’s all natural and I know she cannot overdose on it, I still space out the doses for ever 2-3 hours for two more doses. Other great news, you can start Camilia at one month old (if you have an early teether) and not worry about any side-effects! I would say that one box of 15 single-use doses will last us a week, or so. Even though we will be spending more on teething pain relief, we do not have to worry about medications (so hopefully no recalls!), overdoses, or holding her down to give her something to relieve the pain. Totally worth it in our opinion.

my nineteen month old’s teeth

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Sports Drinks for Kids: A Do or a Don’t?

Stefanie — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:41:22 +0000

Guest Written by Joy Paley who also writes for online accounting classes as well as other education sites found here

Sports drinks have been getting a ton of bad press lately. Google the subject, and you’ll find a myriad of newspaper articles and blog posts “exposing” sports drinks for what they are—water with sugar and a little artificial coloring. But it’s no surprise that sports drinks have sugar in them; that’s something that’s never been hidden. The real question is, will that extra sugar be bad for your kid? Well, as most things, it depends.

Dental Health: One mark against sports drinks like Gatorade is that they can be bad for your teeth, if you drink them often enough. They all are relatively acidic, which can lead to enamel degradation. Juice and soda are acidic too, though, so it’s not like sports drinks are special in that regard.

Performance: The literature review of the effectiveness of sports drinks on preventing dehydration and increasing performance is mixed. In most respects, water and sports drinks perform equally well. After working out however, kids who have had the sports drink have been shown to have a higher body weight—meaning they lost less fluids during their workout. This is one potential benefit of choosing a sports drink over water.

Calories: Sports drinks are generally full of high-fructose corn syrup, providing many sugary calories to whoever drinks them. For example, 20 ounces of Gatorade Performance has 122 calories! That’s less than 20 ounces of soda, but it’s still nothing to sneeze at.

And, many studies have correlated a higher intake of sugary beverages, like soda and sports drinks, to higher body mass index and worse diet in children. It makes sense right? If a kid is drinking soda all the time, they’re consuming more calories, and drinking less of the beverages that are actually beneficial, like milk or 100% juice; greater intake of those beverages correlated to an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium.

In Moderation: If you look at all the scientific studies I mentioned above, you might want to make a knee jerk reaction and pull that sports drink right out of your kid’s hands. Those studies aren’t about your specific child or family, however, and it’s important to realize how your particular situation could come into play here.

If you live in a house where kids rarely have soda or other sugary drinks, letting them have a Gatorade at sports practice isn’t going to make them obese. If your kid is already guzzling soda at home, then adding a sports drink isn’t going to help—but sports drinks are only one thing that should be on your list of dietary worries.

What you do want to avoid is having your kid think that sports drinks are somehow “healthy,” when the truth is that they’re not. And, you don’t want a situation where your kid drinks sports drinks in place of water, because they think the sports drink will somehow make them feel better. However, as long as the drinks are had in moderation, like being consumed only at a specific activity like sports practice, they aren’t going to make your kid unhealthy.

Other Possible Beverages: I would caution parents to avoid replacing regularly sugared sports drinks with lower-calorie artificially sweetened ones. The trouble with these? In studies, greater intake of diet soda has been linked to higher BMI. Why? People rationalize that they are consuming less calories, so they “make up” for it by eating more.

Instead, try creating your own fruit-infused water. Cut up strawberries, cucumbers, and apple slices, and let them sit overnight in a pitcher of water. The result is delicious and low-calorie. Or, pick up a low-sugar 100% fruit juice from the store.

The Bottom Line: If your kid eats a healthy diet and avoids most sugary beverages, letting them have a Gatorade at their practice or game isn’t going to hurt. Just don’t let sugary sports-drinks replace water in regular day to day activities.

Nourish Baby and Toddler Water in Ready To Serve Bottles and Sippy Cups!!!

Sandy — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:38:23 +0000

The first of its kind, Nourish, is a patented ready-to-serve bottle for babies and spill-proof bottled water for toddlers.

Nourish Baby comes in a formula-ready bottle with a nipple top. Each 8 oz bottle can be recycled and reused. Nourish Toddler comes with 10oz of purified spring water and a no-spill sippy top that won’t let water out or food in. http://www.nourish-inc.com/

My granddaughter just loved these bottles for her 8 month old!! We just had to open and add formula and shake and we were off! The nipple is sturdy but soft and just right for the formula flow. I love that you can wash out and re-use. The sippy cup was just as great and no leaks which is so important when you are on the go!

Nourish-Inc. received the 2010 MAX Award for most innovative new product in Georgia. In the meantime, The Nourish Relief Program has donated more than 5,000 Nourish bottles to bring clean water and clean bottles to infants and children in Haiti and to homeless shelters and disaster areas in the United States including the Genesis Shelter in Atlanta.

Nourish is the convenience solution for young ‘on the go’ families. Nourish Baby is eight ounces of purified natural spring water that is ready to mix with powdered baby formula.

Nourish Baby’s slim bottle is designed for tiny hands to hold. The wide neck aids in the spill-free addition of powdered formula and the bottle’s measurement markings assure mixed proportions are correct. The nipple has been sanitized and kept sterile with a tamper-evident seal and liner. To use Nourish Baby simply open the top, pour in the formula, close the top, and shake. Now active parents can lead their busy lives with out the cumbersome tasks of preparing and carrying adult-size bottles for their infants.

Nourish bottles are BPA free and created with the most highly recyclable PET plastic.

Please note that Nourish baby water contains 8 ounces of water and is not filled to the top to allow the addition of formula.

Little Love Prints Fingerprint Jewelry

Kia — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:39:52 +0000

With the new year starting, new relationships blossoming, and many new babies being born, there’s a lot of love in the air. I always want to have a way to be connected with the ones I love the most. One of the best and most creative ways I’ve seen is through Little Love Prints jewelry. Now, there are lockets to hold a baby’s photo and there are matching necklaces a mom and daughter can wear, but Little Love Prints uses a mold of your child’s actual fingerprint and places it on a piece of fine silver jewelry. The artist, Mandy, uses a mold that captures every fine line of a fingerprint and transfers it to recycled pure silver. She uses hearts, stars, and even cuff links for the guys to wear! And, even cooler, Mandy can miniaturize a baby’s footprint and place it on a pendant as well. If you don’t have children and your pets are your babies, Little Love Prints offers paw print necklaces! If you want to keep it simple, there are adorable and simple personalized pieces too. For the prints, Mandywill send you the impression kit so that you can get your child’s fingerprint, and she does all the metalwork once she gets it back. This is a very interesting and unique way to have a piece of your little one with you all the time. You can find Mandy’s creations on Etsy at her shop or on her website, Little Love Prints. Go get printed!

Give the Gift of American Express and Heath Care to Needy Children

Heather G — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:54:16 +0000

Need the perfect gift for someone? Have no idea what to give them? How about an American Express gift card? The American Express Children’s Health Fund Gift Card is accepted wherever American Express is accepted. It is available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, and $200. There are no fees to activate, no fees to check the balance, no fees for card replacement, and the funds never expire.

But this isn’t the best part of giving the American Express Children’s Health FundGift Card is that the $3.95 purchase fee is donated directly to Children’s Health Fund. Children’s Health Fund supports children and families who cannot afford health care on their own.

Visit American Express to make this very important purchase. Give the perfect gift and help out children in need!

All Natural Zarbee’s Children’s Cough Syrup is Safe for Your Kids

Heather G — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:56:42 +0000

Several weeks ago, my daughter became sick. She had a sore throat and runny nose and it all ended with a dry throat and a hacking cough. We went to the store to buy our normal cough suppressant only to find that it had been recalled. So, I spoke with the pharmacist. He couldn’t give me any advice because Hailey is only 5 years old and most cough syrups are not recommended for children under 12. I left the store more than a little angry that I could do nothing to ease my child’s pain.

Then, I was miraculously introduced to Zarbee’s Children’s Cough Syrup. Seriously good timing! It is an all natural product made with honey and contains antioxidants and a full day supply of Vitamin C. There are no harmful ingredients like in other cough syrups. Plus, it comes in great flavors.

I gave Hailey some Zarbee’s before she went to bed. She spent the whole night in bed. Not once did she get up crying or asking for some water. It was a great night!

Dr. Sears Family Essentials: Vitamin Chews the Kids will Love to Take!

Sandy — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:40:01 +0000

Developed for kids by pediatricians and moms, Dr. Sears Family Essentials is a line of all-natural snacks and supplements that taste great by world renowned pediatrician Dr. Bill Sears. Dr. Sears has been building his brand name for over thirty years and has written over 32 books, with over 4 million in print in four languages, and a website that attracts 1.5 million unique users each month.

Omega-3 DHA Acai Fruit Chews

• This product is an excellent source of Omega-3 DHA
• These chews contain no artificial flavors or colors
• These are Great tasting flavors that kids love

DHA is an essential nutrient for a healthy body and is a key component of the brain, eye and nervous system. Most children don’t eat enough fish, and we know it’s important for children to get DHA on a daily basis. But if they didn’t taste great, it’d be a no-go, you can’t fool kids. So we gave our Omega-3 DHA Fruit Chews delicious all-natural flavors that young ones crave. Which means you’ll see shinning smiley faces during supplement time.

MultiVitamin Mixed Berry Fruit Chews

Our Multi-Vitamin Fruit Chew formulation is something we are very proud of. The delicious mixed berry flavor is a perfect combination of sweet and tart. So yummy, it will have your kids reminding you that it’s supplement time. But, don’t be fooled, each chew is packed with 18 essential vitamins and minerals. Use promotes healthy development of bones, teeth, eyes and more.

Mulit-Vitamin Chews contain No Artificial Colors or Flavors
Chews are 100% All-Natural
Chews provide 18 essential vitamins and minerals

Immune Citrus Fruit Chews

Our Immune Plus Fruit Chews feature Vitamins C and D, Zinc, Selenium and a remarkable super-nutrient called Wellmune. Our proprietary blend mobilizes and fortifies you child’s immune system while they play and work. Immunity is a key part of a healthy childhood. The puckering tangerine flavor will produce ear-to-ear smiles in your little ones at supplement time.

• Immune Plus Chews contain No Artificial Colors or Flavors
• Chews are 100% All-Natural
• Chews provide Vitamins C and D, Selinium and Zinc + Wellmune

POPUMZ™ All Natural Caramel Crisps -

Kids’ schedules are crazy these days at school. Sports, activities and homework dominate their time. The result of this busy lifestyle is more snacking. The answer? Popumz snack crisps. Popped whole grain crisps with protein for power and fiber to fill ‘em up. Plus a decadent 100% All-Natural drizzle in Chocolate, Vanilla and Caramel flavors fortified with 100mg of Omega-3 DHA. The delicious anytime snack you can give your kids (and yourself) without guilt.

• DHA is an essential component of the Brain, Eyes, and Nervous System
• Popumz are 100% All-Natural
• Chocolate/Vanilla/Caramel flavors that kids and parents love

All these items and more are available for order at: http://www.drsearsfamilyessentials.com/ . They are tasty and packed with the essential vitamins all children need. Finally a vitamin you don’t have to fight with the kids to take.

Pirate Brands Potato Flyers

Linda — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:52:47 +0000

There are potato chips, and then there are Pirate Brands Potato Flyers. These are positively, officially, my new favorite brand of chips. Let me give you some background: I am a potato chip aficionado and have been for more than thirty years. I just love potato chips. Pirate Brands Potato Flyers have such an array of flavors and tastes that I cannot believe I didn’t discover them earlier.

The Original flavor has a hint of garlic which you don’t expect, but you truly cannot stop at just one. I also ate the Sour Cream & Onion, Homestyle Barbeque and the Sea Salt & Vinegar. Each one was better than the next, but the Original was still my favorite. Pirate Brands are not greasy, and I didn’t get any acid reflux afterward like I do from a competitors greasy, salty brand.

Potato Flyers are baked with pressure, which makes them crisp and tasty, proving that you don’t have to “sacrifice” taste and fun for health when it comes to your potato chips. Like all Pirate Brands snacks, Potato Flyers are all-natural, trans-fat and gluten free and provide a first-class crunch. Plus, the chips are only 120 calories for a one ounce serving! They are perfect to pop in the lunch box or bag for your kids for school. Don’t forget your own bag!

Stretch Island Fruit Co.

Linda — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:51:56 +0000

Real, yummy fruit you can just stick in your pocket, backpack or lunchbox. It doesn’t get much better than that, except for maybe a real piece of fruit!

Stretch Island Fruit Strips – an all natural and healthy option to consume your favorite fruits when they’re not in season. Offering a half serving of fruit per strip and only 45 calories each, it’s a nutritious option with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Slip them right in your pocket! Available in Starbucks.

FruitaBu Fruit Rolls – Parents can pack these in lunches for their children or even hand them out as tasty treats on Halloween as bundles of candy are the typical choice. It’s a great way to sneak fruit into your children’s diets, as they offer a whole serving of fruit in each roll! Plus, your kids will love them because they’re fun to unroll, eat, and share with friends.

The Stretch Island Fruit Strips are delicious and will easily be gobbled up by kids as well as adults. We all taste tested these and had no problem asking, “Oh! What other flavors do they have?” They were that good. Look, kids are inundated with so much sugar and junk these days, why not offer a healthier snack for them (and you) even if they don’t realize they’re eating fruit and something good for them.

Back to School Shopping Made Convenient at CVS!

Sandy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:22:03 +0000

Back-to-school is upon us, and families everywhere are looking for tips on saving money and trimming time off of the inevitable BTS shopping. For supplies from notebooks and pens to snacks and hand sanitizers, you can count on CVS/pharmacy to provide a convenient, budget-friendly stop to pick up many of the needed essentials:

Follow CVS/pharmacy on Twitter for great deals, money-saving tips
and discounts at: http://www.twitter.com/CVS_Extra

CVS Hand Sanitizing Spray For Kids

: Shaped like a pen for easy storage in backpacks and discreet usage, this non-alcoholic, citrus-scented hand sanitizing spray is a perfect way to keep kids germ-free when there isn’t a spot to wash their hands. The misty spray won’t run or make a mess like gels can, which makes cleaning up easy for kids. With 43% of school-aged children<(http:/www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_244.pdf)> missing three or more days of school due to illness or injury – these germ-killing sprays can help keep kids healthy!

Caliber Recycled School

Box<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687875&productId=687875&navAction=jump&navCount=3>

or Caliber Pencil Case with Zipper<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=970301&productId=970301&navAction=jump&navCount=3>: Send the kids to school in style with high-quality school supplies from Caliber, an exclusive CVS/pharmacy brand. The line also includes more Basic staples such as index cards<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=239815&productId=239815&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

notebooks<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687738&productId=687738&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

scissors<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687874&productId=687874&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

and gel

pens<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=452859&productId=452859&navAction=jump&navCount=3> to round out the supply lists.

Gold Emblem snacks like Whole Natural

Almonds<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=409016&productId=409016&navAction=jump&navCount=3>, Trail Mix<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=488840&productId=488840&navAction=jump&navCount=3>

or Dried Cranberries<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=694917&productId=694917&navAction=jump&navCount=3>:

Make sure kids are snacking and eating healthily during the school year. Golden Emblem offers a variety of foods so delicious, they’ll be the envy of the cafeteria.

My Little Beating Heart Soothes Anxiety and Distress

Heather G — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:23:20 +0000

It’s tough to be a kid, right? I know we all wish we could go back to those carefree days, but think really hard about how tough it is to be a kid. Babies can’t express their needs or wants except for crying. Toddlers don’t have the words to show their distress besides crying or acting out. Then it is time to go to school and that brings on a new set of anxiety and distress. As parents, it can be difficult to discern what our children need from us. What we need is a little decoder ring that tells us what our children need. But for lack of that decoder ring, we need something to help us soothe our children when things get rough for them.

Enter My Little Beating Heart by Banana Design Lab. It’s a cross between a pillow and a stuffed animal, shaped like a heart. It is adorable. And the cover comes off so it is machine washable! But what does it do?

My Little Beating Heart mimics the sound of the heartbeat. Hold it close and soon your heartbeat will be in sync. It is the perfect way to calm down that racing heart when our children are in distress. They just simply need to hold it close and soon they will calm down. It really works. I had the chance to test it out with my five year old daughter, Hailey. Hailey was in a fit over something. I still can’t tell you why because I just don’t know. I turned on My Little Beating Heart and handed it to her. She held on to it and within minutes she was calm enough to try and explain her feelings to me. By then, however, even she forgot what her fit was about. Problem solved.

While My Little Beating Heart is aimed at children, I wondered if it would work for me as well. I suffer from moderate anxiety and every once in awhile, my heart will start racing. Later that same day (yes, she was tired) Hailey threw another hissy fit. When I threatened to make her take a nap, she ran to her bedroom crying, “I don’t like my Mommy. I only love my Daddy now.”

So, I grabbed My Little Beating Heart and held it close to my own heart. It worked. Within minutes, I felt more calm. My heartbeat was in sync with My Little Beating Heart and I was calm enough to handle the situation.

My Little Beating Heart by Banana Design Lab will work for you and your children too.

Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever

Heather G — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:40:39 +0000

When Tylenol was removed from the shelves for recall, parents everywhere gasped. What are we supposed to give our children to reduce fever? To help soothe sore throats and headaches? Tylenol was the go-to brand.

Now we have Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever to give our children. Triaminic has been in business for over 50 years and is a trusted brand by pediatricians, parents, and their children. Currently, Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever is the only acetaminophen product available to us parents to use to relieve minor sore throats, headaches, and reduce fever.

Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg addressed the situation and had this to say, “It is important that parents know there are safe and effective treatment options now available from brands they know and trust. If parents have any questions about which over-the-counter options are most appropriate for their kids, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.”

We use Triaminic in our home and have always been thrilled with the results. Our daughter actually likes the flavor and it has reduced her cough and cold symptoms for the past two years. Now we have Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever to add to our medicine cabinet.

“I breastfeed because…”

Heather G — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:14:24 +0000

Women that have chosen to breastfeed know the advantages of doing so. But choosing to breastfeed is a very personal choice. Whatever your reasons are for choosing to breastfeed now or in the past, Ameda wants to hear why.

August 1-7 was World Breastfeeding Week. To bring attention to this special week, Ameda is running a huge contest for all women that have chosen to breastfeed their children. Simply go to www.ibreastfeedbecause.com to enter the contest. You will be asked to upload a 20 second video explaining why you have chosen to breastfeed your children.

This contest will run through September. The winner will receive a $2500 nursery make-over and 25 runners up will win $50 American Express cards. But this is not the only reason to enter into the contest. There is a higher purpose.

Every video upload, video comment, or tweet will result in Amdea making a charitable donation to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

So, why do you breastfeed? Answer this simple question and you could win!

LensCrafters 50% Off Sale

Heather G — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:04:59 +0000

LensCrafters for Your Children

As parents, we thoroughly prepare our children for back to school. We buy all their school supplies, get their physicals, and sign them up for fall sports. One thing we may neglect is our children’s vision.

This is not uncommon. We can easily overlook our children’s vision needs assuming that their vision has not changed; that they do not need glasses or need a new prescription. But we can be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time and it won’t be the last.

This is why LensCrafters holds its semi-annual sale right before back to school time. They understand that a child’s vision needs may change. They also understand that the majority of learning a child does in school is visual and it is imperative that they can see properly.

So from this weekend through the month of August, LensCrafters is offering a 50% off prescription lenses sale with the purchase of any pair of frames. This includes bifocals, no-lines, and prescription sunglasses. Best of all, they have a 30 day money back guarantee. So if your child decides he or she does not like their new glasses, they can be returned or exchanged.

We need to be there for our children and sometimes they don’t understand everything that is happening with their bodies. It is up to us to make sure their vision is attended to. LensCrafters also offers on-site vision testing.

RADIUS Intelligent Toothbrush

Linda — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:17:06 +0000

Did you know that on average, men only brush their teeth for 45 seconds and women for only 60 seconds? With the built-in 2 minute timer on the RADIUS Intelligent toothbrush, which is recommended by The American Dental Association (ADA), you can get a special feeling of satisfaction by being sure to hit that recommended time.

This is so NOT the average toothbrush, for the following reasons:

-It has a 2Minute electric timer in the handle with a 30 second quadrant guide
-3 month Wear Meter tells time for replacement head
-93% of waste is eliminated by replacing only the head, not the whole toothbrush
-Premium RADIUS Hex bristles with a radiating design to ensure accurate and effective brushing

The RADIUS toothbrushes have up to 300 percent more bristles and they are soft, fine bristles. RADIUS has seven distinct and unique lines of toothbrushes for different styles and needs, which you can peruse on their website http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/ The kids tootbrushes are great, and they have travel cases too.

I have sensitive teeth and wish I had brushed longer and more thoroughly many years ago. However, with the RADIUS Toothbrush I have that clean, fresh feeling each time, each 2-minute time, I brush! Of course they also come in an array of colors so you’re bound to find one you like.

On a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the highest, I give this toothbrush and honest to goodness 6, with a strong urging for you to check them out. The toothbrush head is very comfortable and cleans my teeth better than any other I have used. (Even is I cheat and use it for less than 2 minutes!).

Steri-Bottle for the Mommy on the Go

Sandy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:35:24 +0000

Imagine the convenience of disposable diapers…but for Baby Bottles! No need to wash or sterilize – just open the box, take out one ready-to-use bottle and nipple, fill, and feed. Perfect for traveling – when you don’t want to take a full kit of bottles and sterilizers with you. And there’s no need to carry home half-finished bottles that have been sitting around for hours – once you’ve done feeding, just dispose or recycle. Ideal for those 3 a.m. feeds when you don’t have any clean bottles and just want another 10-15 minutes of rest. Steri-bottle helps you feed your child and get back to sleep faster. Perfect for daycare too because Steri-bottle is a single-use bottle that features a locking cap so you can be sure your baby gets the feed that you’ve prepared. Steri-bottle was developed in the U.K. and has been trusted by Moms since 2000. Steri-bottle is made in the U.S.A. in our clean-room facility near Chicago, IL. Each package comes with complete bottles and nipples that are ready to use, BPA-free and phthalate-free and 100% recyclable. Get a10-pack or 5-pack and find out what U.K. parents have known for years: Steri-bottle Saves You Time…and More!

We were just thrilled to sample these bottles, as my granddaughter is ready to deliver her first baby in just a few short weeks, and I know in my heart these will come in handy and save a lot of time and energy that she can use in different areas where the baby is concerned! It is also ideal for breast milk too.

Features

Fast Flow Nipples for Babies 3 months+
Holds up to 9oz
No need to wash or sterilize. Ready-to-use immediately.
Perfect for travelling, for the daycare, or for night feeds

To purchase go to www.babiesrus.com!

BornFree Natural Baby Products: From Newborn to Toddlers-They have You Covered.

Sandy — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:45 +0000

I was so excited to hear about this as my granddaughter is expecting her first baby in June 2010, and we were concerned about the BPA that we have been hearing about all over the news and also at the obstetricians’ office. But I can now put my worries to rest as BornFree has solved the problem, and we now have a place to buy all our baby items at: www.newbornfree.com and also at local retailers depending where you live, like bottles, pacifiers, teethers and cups as the baby gets older! They are soft and very parent and baby friendly, so the comfort level is very high. And just knowing that the baby is safer, we will all sleep better!! I love these products, and I am going to be adding these to my baby shower gift lists for all new babies coming into my world in the future too! One of their best selling items is the training cup, shown below. The little hands will have no problems holding onto this cup, and no worries about spills this cup is spill proof.

BornFree, was the first brand to provide a BPA Free and completely safe line to consumers, even before all the hoopla… Parents are still stressed about the BPA controversy and for good reason… New health concerns are popping up seemingly every week and with no ban from the FDA in sight – it’s so important to be aware of the health concerns and know which products are best for you and your family.

BornFree, an all-natural, Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC free line of bottles, cups, pacifiers, teethers and accessories for babies and kids. BornFree, has a wide range of products – totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals. The products also have unique venting systems that minimize vacuum pressure as well as orthodontic silicone nipples and pacifiers, safe for kids’ developing teeth (developed under the guidelines of biological dentistry).

Tested And Proven!

In a recent independent test, various leading brands of bottles were tested for the level of vacuum (negative pressure). The more negative pressure, the harder it is for your baby to feed. The BornFree™ bottle was proven to have the lowest vacuum level making it the easiest way for your baby to bottle feed in combination with our very soft range of nipples.

Pura Stainless Bottle Review

Candace — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:00:28 +0000

My family is always trying to make good choices as far as the environment and our health goes. When I found these Pura Stainless bottles, I was so excited to try one out. I can’t think of anything more eco-friendly than a stainless steel baby bottle that can also transform into a sippy cup! This means that you don’t have to go out and buy a bottle AND a sippy cup later on.. You just use the same canister but change out the nipple/cap. I haven’t found anything more versatile than this!

These stainless steel bottles are BPA free and will not leach any chemicals or residues into your child’s drink. They are lightweight, durable and super easy to wash. They come in an array of fun colors like green, racing red, pretty pink, aqua blue and tangerine. I’ve washed mine 8 times since I’ve had it and the color on the bottle has stayed the same and hasn’t chipped or anything. I love how the ounce markings are indented on the inside of the bottle so you can easily measure how much liquid you put into the bottle.

The bottle is thin which made it REALLY easy for my 11 month old’s tiny hands to grasp the bottle and hold it. It is light weight, even with liquid in it so she was able to hold it and feed herself. The only two things I would warn is be careful if you heat your bottles (I wouldn’t heat these, the metal will hold temperature (hot or cold) and will be felt from the outside of the canister) and if your child likes to throw their bottle or drops it on a hard surface, it could possibly dent or paint could chip off. We haven’t had any denting or chipping with ours yet, but we have other stainless steel bottles in the house that have had this happen to. It doesn’t affect the safety or the use of the bottle, it is purely a cosmetic issue. If you are a veteran stainless steel user, then you probably already know these things!

So, if you are a mama out there wanting to choose the greenest and healthiest option to feed your baby a bottle or from a sippy cup, look no further because the Pura Stainless Kiki bottle is for you! Don’t forget that Pura Stainless also offers adult stainless steel water bottles! It’s a one stop shop for getting your family on a greener path to a greener lifestyle!

New Study Possibly Links Cognitive & Moter Delays with ‘Flat Head Syndrome’ in Young Babies

Jessica — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:58 +0000

I want all of you to take a moment and read the press release below. How do you feel about this new study? I personally have mixed feelings about this study because both of my children developed “flat head syndrome” as infants and neither of my children have any sign of delays. I know it is not necessarily saying that all children with “flat head syndrome” develop delays, but they are definitely going out on a limb with this research. What are your thoughts/feelings on this?

———————————–

In a new study, infants averaging six months of age who exhibited positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) had lower scores than typical infants in observational tests used to evaluate cognitive and motor development. Positional or deformational plagiocephaly may occur when external forces shape an infant’s skull while it is still soft and malleable, such as extended time spent lying on a hard surface or in one position. This is the first controlled study to suggest that babies who have flattened areas on the back of their heads during the first year of life may be at risk for developmental delay. Led by clinical psychologist Matthew L. Speltz, PhD, from Seattle Children’s Research Institute, these findings suggest that babies with plagiocephaly should be screened early in life for possible motor and cognitive delays. “Case-Control Study of Neurodevelopment in Deformational Plagiocephaly” published online on February 15 in Pediatrics.

“Developmental plagiocephaly seems to be associated with early neurodevelopmental disadvantage, which was most evident when testing motor skills,” said Matthew L. Speltz, PhD, chief of outpatient psychiatric services at Seattle Children’s Hospital and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “This suggests that babies with flat head syndrome should be screened and monitored for possible cognitive and motor delays. However, it’s also important to note that our study examined babies at one particular point in time, so we cannot say with certainty whether these observations continue to hold true as these infants grow older. Our future studies will re-visit this population at 18 and 36 months of age, to see whether this association persists as these infants mature.”

“Statistically, there has been a dramatic rise in the diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly since the 1990’s. This may be a result of multiple factors, including increased awareness and babies spending more time on their backs in strollers, car seats, infant seats, cribs and sleeping on their backs. This time period also coincides with the national Back-to-Sleep campaign designed to help protect babies against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), although it should be noted that a direct correlation with flat head syndrome hasn’t been scientifically established,” added Speltz. “For every ten babies, one or two may have at least mild plagiocephaly. Many parents and physicians have dismissed it as a cosmetic issue or one that babies will grow out of as they develop, but our study indicates that we should look deeper.”

In the study, 472 babies with ages ranging from four to 12 months (average age six months) were screened for cognitive and motor development using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID-III), a series of industry standard observational tests. These common tests observe babies for basic cognitive, language and motor skill development. During the BSID-III, trained examiners present a series of standardized test materials to the child and observe their responses to simple tasks that require problem-solving and memory, such as searching for a hidden toy, as well as the ability to imitate, vocalize, observe and respond to their environment. Infant motor skills like crawling, rolling from side to side, and being able to lift up from a tummy position are also observed and measured. Half of the babies in the study had exhibited and been diagnosed at the Seattle Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center with some level of flat head syndrome, while half were a “normal” control group.

For the study, cranial images and measurements of each baby’s head shape and size were also obtained using a 12-camera, 3-D system that allows for 360o imaging of the head. The study found that those babies who exhibited some degree of flatness at the back of the head were more likely to perform worse on the BSID-III, by an average of 10 points for the motor test scale. The most significant lower scores showed in large muscle motor functions, such as rolling from back to side.

Though the findings indicated an association between flat head syndrome and developmental delay, they do not indicate a direct causal link, the researchers say. There may be a reverse correlation, if, for example, babies with pre-existing motor delays are more likely to end up with flatter heads because they may move less or remain in one stationary position for longer periods of time.

“Physicians, psychologists and parents all need to know that it remains very important for babies to continue sleeping on their backs,” added Speltz. “Regardless of any suggestion of plagiocephaly or developmental delay, the safest way for babies to sleep still aligns with the Back-to-Sleep campaign’s recommendations to help prevent SIDS.”

For information on the national Back-to-Sleep campaign and the ongoing importance of babies sleeping on their backs, visit: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/, http://www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html and http://pediatrics.about.com/library/blbacktosleep.htm.

For information on positional plagiocephaly, visit:

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/chromosomal-genetic-conditions/positional-plagiocephaly/ or http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/positional_plagiocephaly.cfm.

tips for parents and caregivers:

Flat spots in a young baby’s head can be quite common, and by itself they are not a cause for alarm. Ask your baby’s doctor about it
If your baby is diagnosed with plagiocephaly, ask the doctor to screen for developmental delays in both motor and cognitive skills. Talk about the results.
Remember that babies develop at different times, and at different rates. What is “normal” for your baby may be ahead of or behind what is normal for another baby. Babies who start out slower often catch up later.
Always place babies to sleep on their backs: this remains the safest way to sleep. Place your baby’s head at one end of the crib and switch to the other end the next night.
Encourage active “tummy time” when babies are awake: find ways to for baby to engage, play and move while on their tummy, several times each day. Watch your baby during tummy time.
Choose different positions and ways for babies to play and be held: variety of stimulation is important. Switch the arm you use to cradle your baby each feeding session; right one time, left the next.
Use strollers, car seats, infant seats, bassinets, cribs and play pens when necessary, but remember that babies need frequent lap time, cuddling, active play times and chances to move that aren’t limited to being in stationary positions.
Develop motor skills: play with babies to get them moving. Encourage crawling, rolling, reaching, pushing, pulling, holding, grasping.
Develop cognitive skills: play with babies to get them thinking and talking. Encourage interactions with their environment, looking, listening, imitating, babbling, singing, talking, reading.

Speltz’s study collaborators included Brent R. Collett, PhD; Marni Stott-Miller; Jacqueline R. Starr, PhD; Carrie Heike, MD, MS; Antigone M. Wolfram-Aduan; Darcy King, ARNP; and Michael L. Cunningham, MD, PhD.

NextStep® Built-In Potty Seat™ Giveaway

Sandy — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:35:32 +0000

Two-in-one toilet seat promotes child independence, eliminates clutter and improves hygiene!

Bemis is going to give one of our readers a NextStep Built-In Potty Seat for their toddler! Just follow the rules below and one of you will have this wonderful NextStep Built-In Potty Seat for your very own. Good Luck Everyone!

My grandaughter Chloe is two and 1/2 and we have started her potty training. We had originally bought one of those plastic “mini” versions of the adult toilet, and she actually cried when we tried to put her on it! For some reason it scared her so bad we had to wrap it up and put it in the attic far away from her. I was sent one of these Bemis Built in Potty Seats to try and share with our readers, and I am so thankful ! She loves to use the potty now and feels like one of us as she isn’t set aside in a corner all by herself, or heaven forbid she knocks into it and it tips or spills–YUK. She tells us when she has to “go” and we have no scary scenes or crying , and we are all very happy! I feel better knowing that this potty seat is from a comapny that has built toilet seats for a long time and it is a respectable and trusted name. We call it the “Perfect Potty” in our house!

Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world leader in toilet seat engineering and design, has simplified the realm of potty training for both parents and toddlers with the launch of its NextStep® Built-In Potty Seat™.

The durable wood, two-in-one toilet seat accommodates both adult and child users equally. The seat’s design features a built-in potty seat that recesses into the seat cover where it is secured magnetically when not in use. When the cover closes, the magnetic feature automatically picks up and secures the child potty seat in the cover recess, eliminating the need for adult users to manually lift the child seat. When it is time to use the potty seat, toddlers can easily pull it down into position by themselves, allowing them to exercise their growing independence and reinforce their “I can do it myself” sense of confidence. The built-in magnet is not visible to the eye and is just strong enough to secure the potty seat to the cover but not so strong that a child cannot pull the potty seat down into position.

“The way this seat integrates right into the cover to eliminate clutter is a huge benefit to parents,” said Melissa Glancey, product manager of North American Plumbing Products for Bemis. “They don’t have to have that additional seat on the floor, and it’s always ready to use. When you’re potty training a toddler, having a system that’s quick to react to your child’s need makes a big difference for everyone.

“The NextStep seat is designed to equally accommodate children and adults. It also appeals to parents who want to maintain an adult-style seat in their bathroom. The seat has a sleek design that comes in white, in both round and elongated sizes to fit all manufacturers’ toilet bowls. It features a chrome hinge that complements bathroom hardware.”

With the NextStep seat, toddlers are able to use the regular toilet immediately and foster a grown-up feeling instead of first learning to use a small potty chair and then transitioning to the adult toilet as potty training progresses. Toddlers can use the seat with confidence knowing it is sized to hold them, is securely attached to the toilet and will not shift underneath them.

The NextStep seat also improves hygiene and simplifies cleaning. No need to handle and store a portable insert seat to enable adults to use the same toilet. No need to empty the content of a potty chair after each use. And no need to clean an additional toilet.

The NextStep seat is available in the Bemis® brand at The Home Depot. The suggested retail price for the round NextStep is $29.99 and $34.99 for the elongated version.

Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of toilet seats, serves residential and commercial buildings and OEM industries. Founded in 1901, Bemis continues to be privately owned and operated. Headquartered in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Bemis has worldwide distribution in North, Central and South Americas, Europe and the Far East. For more information, visit www.bemismfg.com.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

CONTEST ENDS: December 31, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

ecotimetoys.com $30 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Sandy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00:24 +0000

On a trip to visit their friend in Northern California, the founders of ecoTimeToys.com were amazed at the toys that their friend’s 2-year old was playing with. These were not your cheap plastic toys from your local big name retailer. They felt different and were definitely unique. Our friend explained to us that they were ”eco-friendly” toys, made out of high quality materials such as natural wood & organic cotton and contained no harmful chemicals or toxins. In addition, many of the toys were made from materials that came from sustainable and clean sources. These toys were not only good for children, but also good for the environment! What a perfect combination for today’s children to have! But they soon realized that it was difficult to find a central place to shop for eco-friendly toys. Many stores didn’t even carry these type of toys and the few stores that did had a very small selection. So they ventured out to create a new type of toy store that would redefine the conventional toy store. They founded ecoTimeToys.com with the goal of bringing the biggest and best selection of eco-friendly toys to children. They built our toy store around four fundamental characteristics:

Eco-Friendly. Safe. Quality. Affordable.

From organic cotton plush toys to sustainable wood teething toys, we are the premier toy store for eco-conscious parents!

We understand that you want the best for your children. That’s why we have spent a countless amount of time looking for some of the best toys around. We look for toys that have substance, spark imaginations and last generations. Additionally, we only carry toys from manufacturers that place utmost importance on quality and safety. We believe these are all characteristics that will have a positive impact during the crucial early child developmental phase. We are also constantly roaming the globe searching for the highest quality toys to add to our ever-growing selection.

We are very selective in choosing the toys that we carry. First, we generally stay away from toys made from plastics. Second, all toys must be non-toxic, phthalate -free, and contain no harmful chemicals. Third, all toys must pass very stringent American and/or European testing standards. Fourth, all toys must be made from the highest quality materials and fabrics. Additionally, many of our toys are hand-made and/or made in small-production batches. They also may be made from recycled or sustainable materials.

So we welcome you to explore our magnificent line of eco-friendly toys. Our vast and diverse selection will allow you to find the right toy for your special little one! We’re sure that your children will enjoy our toys for years to come and you will be delighted at the quality and craftsmanship. If you would like to learn more about our toys, please visit our Green Toy Knowledge Base. We look forward to serving you and thank you for visiting ecoTimeToys.com – Toys for a GREENER time!

Rules for giveaway are as follows:

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

4) Following ecoTimeToys.com on Twitter

5) Following ecoTimeToys.com on Facebook

6) Joining the ecoTimeToys.com E-mail List

(All of the above links can be found on their homepage: www.ecotimetoys.com)

CONTEST ENDS: November 28, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Clementine Art Creates Simple, Natural, and Healthy Art Supplies for Families.

Sandy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:19 +0000

Now with my grandkids, I love the fact that these art supplies are free of all the bad for you ingrediants that can make kids sick. Jordon, who is autistic is very vulnerable to everything as his immune system is lower than most, so this was very close to my heart for him! Clementine Art, a natural children’s art company, is pleased to announce the launch of the first line of all natural children’s art products available nationally at Whole Foods Market!. Clementine Art’s six innovative, natural products include washable paints, water based markers, crayons, crayon ‘rocks’, scented modeling dough, and washable glue.

There is significant public concern over the ingredients used in children’s products. Clementine Art removes the mystery and worry by creating art products that have simple, natural ingredients. Clementine’s pure and natural products allow children to express themselves with materials that are safe for them and the earth.

Healthier Products, Healthier Children
Clementine Art produces professional quality and earth friendly art supplies with pure, simple ingredients. Clementine’s products are colored with plant and mineral pigments instead of artificial dyes, providing an innovative solution to chemical laden, artificially colored art supplies. For Clementine, “natural” doesn’t mean a sacrifice in quality. Clementine offers creamy, washable tempera paints that don’t flake or crack; crumble-free, long lasting modeling dough; soft, vibrant crayons, and rock crayons designed to help children develop their dexterity through creative play; and a clear, strong, washable glue for paper, fabric, and wood.

Clementine’s ingredients appeal to parents who are concerned about the products that their young children interact with every day. Clementine offers ingredients that are both earth and child friendly. Clementine is dedicated to the health of the child and the health of the planet. Its product ingredients, packaging, and business practices reflect a commitment to sustainability and the environment. Clementine Art’s products do not contain any synthetic preservatives, animal byproducts, or petroleum bases, and Clementine is the first art product company to list all ingredients on its packages. Clementine Art uses renewable resources; all packaging is made from 80 percent post consumer recycled materials and is printed with soy based inks in a wind powered facility. Clementine is gentle to kids and to the earth.

Think Outside the Box, Color Outside the Lines
Clementine Art was founded in 2008 by Diana Mercer, a former teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field of education, arts education, and child development. Diana created Clementine Art to encourage open?ended art explorations for children. The process of creating art is a powerful developmental tool for children, and Clementine Art products encourage children to dream, imagine, experiment, create, problem solve, and above all, express themselves. Explains Diana: “Real art is about creating. Early childhood educators know that the process of creating art is just as important to a child’s development as the outcome. I wanted to create products that not only engaged children in an open ended creative process, but that could also become an everyday part of a healthy and creative lifestyle.”

A Bold and Bright Future
Clementine’s Management Team is comprised of natural products industry leaders. CEO John Maggio co-founded Boulder Potato Company [Boulder Chips] in 1994 and has since brought more than 100 retail products to market. Gordon Cooper, VP of Sales and Marketing, joined Clementine Art from Larabar, where he served as Vice President of Sales until it was acquired by General Mills in 2008. Katherine Gregory, VP of Operations, joined Clementine Art from Williams Sonoma, where she held management roles in both operations and marketing. Founder and Board Chair Todd Woloson, is a managing partner at Greenmont Capital Partners in Boulder and a co-founder of IZZE beverage company.

For more information on Clementine Art’s natural art products: visit www.clementineart.com or www.twitter.com/clementineart.

Cleanoz® Is the Safe, Smart and Hygienic Way to Clean Baby’s Nasal Passages

Sandy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:31 +0000

The Only Battery-Powered Nasal Aspirator That Uses Disposable Reservoir Nozzles

To Eliminate Germs and Contaminants

Boy oh boy can it become a production just to wipe my grandaughters nose, let alone try to get her to blow it! And the thought of trying to use one of those rubber bulbs to suck out the gunk, well, its not pretty, and alot of yelling and crying (from chloe too) goes on! Oh, and then trying to clean all that gunk out of those nasty bulbs is just impossible, and it is so uncomfotable for the little ones. Well, that has now come to an end! YEAH!!! What a great idea!

Cleanoz^® from UBIMED^® is the first battery-powered Nasal Aspirating Kit® that uses disposable reservoir nozzles, offering today’s health–conscious parents and caregivers a revolutionary new and sanitary way to clear the nasal passages of infants and toddlers while reducing the spread of harmful germs and eliminating time consuming cleanup afterwards.

Cleanoz^® is designed with safety and comfort in mind and uses soft flexible disposable reservoir nozzle tips that are gentle enough for even a newborn baby’s delicate nasal passages (unlike most bulb syringes that are awkward to use and can penetrate baby’s nasal passages too deeply). In addition, the disposable reservoir blocks the secretions from entering the inside, so it’s extremely hygienic while delivering a mild, yet effective suction that can clear a baby’s nose within seconds, eliminating the stress and anxiety usually associated with aspirating a child’s nose. Furthermore, the Cleanoz® battery compartment door is fastened with a protective screw for added security.

“I invented Cleanoz^® in response to several of my patients, who were unhappy using ineffective and unhygienic nose cleaners,” says Dr. Jose Bensoussan, President and CEO of UBIMED and a pediatric ENT. “I spent several years researching existing products and began the development of disposable nozzle pieces to replace the difficult an unsanitary options that were available to my patients. I also wanted to create an ergonomic design for Cleanoz^® to make it as comfortable and easy to hold as possible. My family and I came up with the smooth, ergonomic shape when we were on vacation and a dolphin jumped out of the water, surprising us. Thus, the dolphin shape was born”.

With Cleanoz^®, parents can rest a lot easier, now that there’s finally a safe, effective and sanitary way to help baby’s breathe easier without the health risks associated with obsolete nasal aspirators of the past. To use; simply insert a new disposable nozzle into Cleanoz^®, place a few drops of saline solution into baby’s nostril to loosen thick nasal mucus, and then insert Cleanoz^® into baby’s nostril, and press the button for a few seconds to suck out the secretions. You can then empty the reservoir by pressing on the edge of the nozzle tip so that it can be used again in the other nostril or as needed. Then throw away the disposable reservoir nozzle when done or at the end of the day.

Cleanoz^® complies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, as well as regulations of the Canadian Heath and CE ClassIIa regulation. The Cleanoz^® MB002 is packaged with three disposable reservoir nozzles, and three AAA batteries for $29.99 (MSRP) through www.cleanoz.com, Toys”R”us/ Babies”R”us, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, Target.com, and specialty retailers nationwide. Refill packages of 10 disposable reservoir nozzles are also available for $6.45 (MSRP).

Innovative Line of Organic Baby and Children’s Hair and Body Products Remains on Cutting-edge of Science: jenerations baby®, favorite of celebrities

Sandy — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:00:10 +0000

Children and messes go together like peanut butter and jelly. As you wash your little mess-maker for the hundredth time, do you think about what chemicals are in the products you slather them with daily? Most children’s hair and body care products contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, and tea tree oil and lavender, staples of many natural/organic products, have recently been shown to cause unhealthy increases in children’s hormone levels.
Five years ago, jenerations baby® founder Jennifer Reilly’s eldest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis piqued her interest in the safety of children’s products and Reilly searched for ones that were gentle enough to use on her son who was sensitive to harsh ingredients. Even with 14 years of industry experience as a hair salon owner, she could not find products she felt were safe enough, much less ones that performed to her salon standards. So she joined the rising breed of mompreneurs and made them herself.
After much research and scientific testing, jenerations baby® was born. The newly formulated hair and body care product line for babies and children is 100% free of sulfates and parabens, and made with no lavender or tea tree oils. The jenerations baby® line is completely hypoallergenic, physician-tested and includes two versions of children’s shampoo/bodywash, detangling conditioner, moisturizing lotion, and even hair gel, all made with only the safest natural and organic ingredients.
In a market where moms and dads have little choice when it comes to purchasing professional hair and body care products for their children, jenerations baby® is the answer for concerned parents. Reilly’s products are a favorite among celebrity parents like Holly Robinson Peete, Angela Bassett and Ali Landry.
jenerations baby®’s mission is to enable parents to feel secure and comfortable using healthy hair and body care regimens with their children at an early age. Reilly’s pledge to parents to keep up with the latest scientific research on the safety of product ingredients makes her a true industry pioneer. Reilly lives with her family in New City, NY. A percentage of jenerations baby®’s proceeds go to Asperger’s education and research.

Eating Healthy This Halloween By: Dr. Margaret Lewin, Medical Director of Cinergy Health (www.cinergyhealth.com)

Sandy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:24:49 +0000

Careful as we are all year, we seem to lose our inhibitions against junk food when Halloween rolls around – snacking on the sugar-laden treats we bought for neighbors’ children as well as the ones our own children bring home from their trick-or-treating. Here are some tips for resisting temptation:

Buy treats only a day or so before Halloween – so they’re not around long to tempt you
Keep the treats in an inconvenient, difficult-to-reach place till Halloween arrives
Buy treats which you don’t particularly like, making it easier to resist

Buy healthy mini-packs of

- Raisins or other dried fruit
- 100% juice
- Sugar-free hot chocolate mix
- Trail mix
- Cheese and crackers
- Sugar-free gum

Buy non-edible treats such as

- Stick-on temporary tattoos
- Mini bottles of bubble bath or blow bubbles
- Costume accessories such as wax false teeth or a stick-on mustache
- Sidewalk chalk

Take your children out after dinner – when you’re not hungry
Go through the “goodie bag” when you arrive home – discarding any outrageously unhealthy treats or those with questionable packaging
Put the remaining edible treats in that same difficult-to-reach place – to be dispensed one at a time on a scheduled basis (such as dessert time)
When you yourself get that urge to indulge, take a look at your watch and wait ten minutes (if you’re lucky, you’ll get distracted and forget about the urge)
Set a date – maybe two weeks after Halloween – when you’ll dump the leftovers

So… plan ahead and – when it comes to the leftovers – think “waist” instead of “waste”!

“Back to School Brush-Up”

Sandy — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:26 +0000

Now that children have headed back-to-school to begin new lessons in math, science and geography to name a few, renowned Dentist Dr. Daniel C. Smith of Focus Dentistry thought it would be the perfect time to give parents a quick lesson as well – on how to properly teach children to brush their teeth!

“It is absolutely amazing how many parents and children have no idea how to brush their teeth,” says Dr. Smith “I am always surprised by this huge number–as many as 75 percent–because improper brushing can result in as much damage to your teeth and gums as not brushing at all.”

In order to ensure your kids are properly brushing their teeth and preventing unnecessary cavities and gum disease, Dr. Smith urges you teach your kids the following:

The most important time to brush is before going to sleep because the body does not produce enough saliva to fight against sugars in the mouth says Dr. Smith. All bodily functions slow down while sleeping, therefore, bacteria grows rapidly, causing cavities and infection.

There are many types of toothbrushes on the market today, including electric, ultrasonic, ionic and the “normal/standard” toothbrushes, but Dr. Smith thinks that mechanical options show better results than standard ones. Regardless, Dr. Smith believes that a toothbrush should be soft bristled, regardless of size or shape.

Dr. Smith recommends anti-plaque, high fluoride toothpaste containing little or no abrasives. Abrasives wear out the enamel in teeth, which may look sparkly white but may be unhealthy. As far as gel or paste toothpaste, that is your child’s personal preference.

According to Dr. Smith, flossing should be done daily. Unfortunately, most people floss three or four times weekly. Flossing at night is very important to reach food particles that have remained in the mouth after eating all day.

Finally, even if your children are following a proper routine, still be sure to schedule your child regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and oral exams. A check-up every six months is recommended by Dr. Smith in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

10 TIPS FOR BREATHING EASY THIS FALL: Chicagohealers.Com Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl Brings Relief to Allergy Sufferers

Sandy — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Fall is right around the corner and allergens are in full force! Pollen, ragweed, and mold are still taking their toll on allergy sufferers. These are harmless substances for most; but for some they take the enjoyment out of Fall. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, roughly 20% of Americans suffer from allergies and another 20% suffer from hypersensitivities to food, environmental substances, or stimuli.

So what can you do if Fall allergies make you miserable?
ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH is a Doctor of Acupuncture and herbalist who specializes in the treatment of children and adults with allergies and hypersensitivities. Dr. Wahl brings relief to sufferers with 10 tips breathing easier this season:

Take a whole food based Vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. Dr. Richard Podell, author of When Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Best: Errors That Even the Best Doctors Make and How to Protect Yourself, recommends 1000 milligrams of vitamin C (Ester-C) twice daily to help with allergies and asthma.
Magnesium eases breathing Some immunologists suggest taking 400 milligrams of magnesium daily helps with nasal allergies and breathing problems. Taking more than that can cause diarrhea. If you want to supplement your diet with magnesium-rich foods, the best sources are nuts, beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and bananas.
Wear sunglasses when going outside Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, creates a certain amount of photo sensitivity. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce your sensitivity to light and thus helps your eyes from excessive watering.
Bring a cold pack. When you are at an outdoor sports event, periodically place a cold pack Over your eyes and on your face to reduce inflammation and help relieve some of your symptoms.
Drink a lot of cool water. Rehydrating is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from your body. It cools you down and provides some symptom relief.
Stay away from dairy. If you have hay fever, eating dairy will produce even more phlegm and make you feel worse.
Use your bathroom exhaust fan when taking a shower. This will help prevent to growth of mold in the shower. Replace your liner every month or two, if you have mold sensitivities or asthma.
Keep your dryer vent clear. Build-up of lint in the dryer vent will cause an excess of dust in your house. Have your vents cleaned regularly to avoid aggravating your allergy symptoms.
Get rid of clutter. Allergy sufferers need to be especially careful about controlling dust in their homes. Clutter is a major source of dust and dust mites.
Get tested for food allergies. Many people who have allergies are also sensitive to different foods.

These multiple sensitivities build on each other and stress the immune system. Find out what foods you are sensitive to and either eliminate them from your diet or get treated for them so you can eat those foods symptom-free.

For more information, please visit www.chicagohealers.com.

The Jewish Guild for the Blind’s National Tele-Support Network

Sandy — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:23:05 +0000

The only one of its kind in the country provides free, weekly telephone support groups facilitated by social workers and psychologists for families of blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled children and teens. The Guild is nonsectarian and one of the nation’s foremost not-for-profit vision health
agencies.

Created by The Guild’s Children’s Vision Health Initiative,
which seeks to eliminate preventable vision loss in children, the
Tele-Support Network responds to a national need for support and
facilitated interaction among these families. For many, The Guild’s
Tele-Support Network is the only opportunity for them to interact with
other families with a blind or visually impaired child and it meets a
critical need especially if participants live in small towns or rural
areas.

Families are encouraged to join The Guild’s Tele-Support Network. To
register or for more information, please call 1-800-915-0306 or visit

http://www.jgb.org/programs-parent-tele.asp.

The Guild’s Tele-Support Network includes:

*Parent Support Groups are organized around children’s eye conditions and
provide parents the opportunity to share their struggles and successes of
raising a child with blindness and/or multiple disabilities. The support
groups offer parents, many of whom are the only parents in their community
with a blind child, an outlet to no longer be in isolation from others
sharing similar experiences. The weekly sessions touch on a variety of
different topics including how to get services in their local communities,
education opportunities and question and answer segments with health and
education experts from The Guild.

*Fathers’ Support Group was recently added to help fathers of children with
vision impairment learn more about blindness and how to relate to their
children. The group meets every other week and covers subjects such as
engaging blind children through sports, financial planning for a child with
a disability and ways to be more involved in their child’s education
planning.

*Support Group for Teens provides an outlet for legally-blind college
students experiencing social isolation. The teens, many of whom are the
only blind student on their campus, discuss how to adapt to the challenges
of college including finding resources that are available on their campuses
and ways to meet other students.

Bath Time Fun with Belli Baby Products

Jessica — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:18 +0000

Bath time can be a great experience for moms and babies to share. Once you’ve gathered up your baby’s favorite bath toys, you’ll need a gentle body wash and lotion that’s sensitive enough for their delicate skin. Belli, the world’s safest skincare line available to address the specific issues of pregnant women, new moms and babies, offers the most sensitive and calming products to pamper your baby’s skin. Calm Me Hair and Body Wash and Nourish Me Enriched Body Lotion is the perfect addition to your baby’s bath time routine.

“A baby’s skin is extra sensitive and can be too delicate for products that contain harsh ingredients. Choosing products for your baby that leave out dyes and fragrances will ensure your baby’s skin does not react to these strong chemicals,” says Annette Rubin, a mother and Founder of Belli. Annette recommends using the Belli Calm Me Hair & Body Wash and Nourish Me Enriched Body Lotion to ensure your baby’s skin stays pure and clean.

What is Belli’s Calm Me Hair and Body Wash?
Belli’s Calm Me Hair & Body Wash is a blend of ingredients that cleanse and moisturize baby’s hair and skin. It features the essential oil of marigold and chamomile, which softens and refreshes the skin. This product is pH-balanced for baby’s delicate skin and tear free. Retail Cost: $18.

What is Belli’s Nourish Me Enriched Body Lotion?

Belli’s Nourish Me Enriched Body Lotion is pure and gentle hydration for baby’s skin. This lotion features the essential oil of chamomile to soften, refresh and soothe. It also works well as a pampering massage cream for your baby. Retail Cost: $24.