Toddler Busy Bags

So my friend just recently introduced me to these things called "Toddler Busy Bags". Of course I had no idea what they were. But they sounded interesting. If you don't know what they are, they are little bags (usually ziploc) that fit in a diaper bag or purse that contain easy to use hands-on activities. They are designed to keep little hands busy when you need them to be still. (Haha... of course they only work for a little while, but that's better than nothing!)
 Now that Lexi is completely mobile and is interested in the whole world (and getting into trouble), I looked into them. I haven't made any yet, but they look awesome! I love DIY crafts. So I'm going to start to make some and post them when I'm done.
There are plenty of sites to look at different activities to make, but here are a few: (click on the pictures)






 


These are just a few. But if you google "Toddler Busy Bags", you'll find a lot more!
I can't wait to showcase my busy bags!

-Mindie

Safe Baby Skin Care Products

There are plenty of harsh chemicals out there in the things that we use everyday and we don't even know about it. And there are always crazy people out there who just throw around these "researched" facts that ----- is bad for you. I usually take these things with a grain of salt and look into the ones that I see that really affect my life. My dad usually brings my attention to the most important things that I should look into. (Because as you all know, mommies have very little time for anything besides the baby =o)).
Recently he has notified me of chemicals that may cause cancer or just are toxic to your body. I of course immediately thought of Lexi. I wondered what things were lurking in her products that I didn't even know about. Paraben being the one chemical my dad told me was really bad. There are TONS more that are too long to even list. Here are 10 chemicals and descriptions for you. Also,  I found a website that lists best, better, and good products to purchase.

BAD Chemicals: 

1. Sulfates (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate)
   If you find these in a shampoo's listing of ingredients as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), you should know that these harsh chemical surfactants are simply foaming agents to give shampoos that thick "luxurious" foam in order to create the illusion that you're getting hair cleaner, when you're really not. SLS's are also a penetration enhancer and known skin irritant.
   Look for farm grown ingredients such as gylcerine and glucosides that come naturally from corn and sugar, usually found on the label as decyl glucodisde, lauryl glocoside or coco-glucoside. These organic ingredients won't give you that abundant lather you may be accustomed to with chemicals, but try the natural shampoo for a few weeks and your hair will become healthier, shinier, silkier and softer.
2. Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl) (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabens)
   Used to inhibit microbial growth and to extend the shelf life of products, these ingredients have caused allergic reactions and skin rashes, and in one laboratory study, parabens were found in breast tumors. This controversial study has fueled the belief that parabens in cosmetics migrated into the breast tissue and contributed to the development of tumors. The cosmetic industry holds steady that parabens are safe for general population use, but because its hormone mimicking properties have proven enough of a "what if", wary consumers are opting now for paraben-free products and cosmetics. And no wonder: parabens penetrate the skin and appear in the blood.
3. Phthalates (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalates) (pronounced THA-lates)
   These ingredients are additives widely used in plastics and other materials, primarily to improve flexibility; in cosmetics they are used to bind fragrance to the product. It is, however, thought by environmentalists that adverse health effects of phthalates include: early puberty in girls, premature delivery, impaired sperm quality and sperm damage in men, genital defects and reduced testosterone production in boys, genital defects and testicular cancer. (Source: www.environmentcalifornia.org) Read this article from a leading hospital, Beauty Chemicals Tied to Early Puberty. http://www.insidecosmeceuticals.com/articles/2010/04/beauty-chemicals-tied-to-early-puberty.aspx
4. 1.4 Dioxane (www.cookiemag.com/brain/kidhealth/2009/06/toxic-baby-products)
   This by-product of a chemical-processing technique called ethoxylation, in which cosmetic ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide, is a possible carcinogen. 1,4-Dioxane is primarily used in solvent applications for manufacturing; furthermore, it is also found in fumigants and automotive coolant. It may contaminate cosmetics as well as personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes. 1,4-dioxane is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant. It is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Dioxane is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic to humans due to the fact that it is a known carcinogen in animals.
5. Formaldehyde (www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=414)
   Stay away from this carcinogenic impurity released by a number of cosmetic preservatives, including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15. According to reviews by the industry-funded Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, these cosmetic ingredients can release formaldehyde at levels as high as one-tenth that of the original ingredient. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as "carcinogenic to humans", and the U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen", based on emerging evidence in humans and robust evidence in animals.
6. Propylene Glycol (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol)
   This synthetic petrochemical mix used as humectants has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, be careful because these are related synthetics.
7. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethanolamine)
   Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers or foaming agents, these ingredients can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. They become toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
8. Petrolatum, Mineral Oil
   Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
9. Synthetic Colors
   Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. These seductive, unnecessary ingredients will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6.
10. Synthetic Fragrances
    Synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 different ingredients, and there is no way to know exactly what the chemicals are, since the label will simply read "fragrance". Some serious problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper pigmentation, and skin irritation.

Here is a link to the site:













Through some of the research that I have seen, it seems that Johnson and Johnson (a brand that we all know and love) seems to use a lot of the big "no-no" chemicals in their products! Who knew! I've also noticed that the target brand equivalents to J and J products also contain them.

For more information, check out the Skin Deep Website and SafeCosmetics.org

Good luck!

I just bought some bath stuff from the Aubrey line.. I'll let you know how they are!

Reuseable Wipe "Soap"/Cloth Diapers

So yesterday I was talking about how I use reuseable wipes. It's my contribution to a cleaner environment. I thought about doing the cloth diapers thing, but I decided against it. I have a friend who, with her second child, decided to try the cloth diapers.

• Some pros that she mentioned were that she didn't need to use any diaper cream since the diapers didn't have any chemicals in them and obviously it kept costs down for diapers. 
• Some con's were that it was really hard to use them traveling and increased amount of laundry. 

She also said that since she works from home and the babies are with her, it's easier to use cloth diapers. Sometimes daycares don't allow you to use cloth diapers there since it's more work for them (totally understandable!). These are all good points to bring up with the cloth diapers. But of course I didn't go with those diapers, but it would be a good choice for moms who stay or work from home.

Anyway, onto the "soap" I used for the reusable wipes. The first thing that I tried was to fold the wipes so that they pulled out like real wipes. I put some water in the wipes box along with soap and dunked the wipes in. You need to ring them out a little so that its not soaking wet. But after a while, I thought that keeping wet wipes (homemade ones) in the wipes box too long wouldn't be a good thing. The wipes didn't grow mold on them, but they started to have the slightest hint of a "wet dog" smell.

 So I tried to think of another way that I could get the wipes wet, but also not having them sit in the water. My solution was to put the "soap" solution in a spray bottle and spray Lexi's bottom and then wipe with the dry wipes. At first, it was a little weird that I was spraying my daughters bottom, and funny =o), but it was definitely the right way to go. I don't measure the components, but the ingredients are baby soap (any kind you like, just a little), baby oil (again any kind you like, on put a little in), and water. I would say approx. a tablespoon (or a few tablespoons) of the soap and oil, and fill the rest with water.

There are solutions that you can buy, but this works just as well. =o)

Natrual Wipes

I was so focused on sharing my baby food making adventures, that I totally forgot about something else that I do for Lexi.
When she was first born, in the hospital, diaper changing was great. She didn't have any diaper rash, and we had all the things we needed. As you all know, hospitals don't supply wipes anymore, you just use gauze and water. It did the job and that was all that we cared. As I said, Lexi's cute little butt was as clean and clear as a whistle.
We got home, and like every other parent, we used the wipes that you buy at the store. We chose to use Huggies natural care. This worked okay for a a few weeks, but one day, Lexi's bottom started to get a little red. Of course, being a new mom, had no idea what to think of it. I figured it was diaper rash, but it would go away if it kept an eye on it. Well it didn't. Also, it was summer and very humid. I, of course, wanted to be outside as much as possible. I didn't have her in too much clothes, but enough for me to feel comfortable that she wasn't going to get cold (being a newborn and all). This turned out to be a bad idea, going outside with too much clothes on. As my mom said "The diapers worked TOO well." It kept all the heat and moisture inside her diaper and created the prime conditions for diaper rash/heat rash.
Luckily being a newborn, Lexi went to the drs once a month. And lucky again, this was right around the time we were scheduled for a visit. During the regular exam, I asked the doctor to look at the reddness. She said it was irritation, but did not say it was diaper rash yet. She suggested that we switch to water and towels, face or hand towels, to clean Lexi for the time being. So we went ahead and started this regiment right away. You wouldn't believe how fast the reddness cleared up! I'm guessing Lexi's skin is just very sensitive to the chemicals in the wipes.  (I will go into chemicals and other stuff in things you use everyday, at a later time. I need to do more research into the best products to use, especially for baby.)
After that experience with the wipes, I decided to just get rid of using wipes during her diaper changes. I looked online and found that there were reusable wipes. Jackpot! I bought a few different kinds, but ended up sticking with Grovia wipes. 


I like these because they are, white (so hopefully no chemicals for dying), and they are soft. Also there are 12 in a pack. I bought three.

The other two I bought were:





These both are okay, but baby kicks are a little rough, and the thirsties are soft, but expensive.  I did not get the spray included in the picture.

Anyway, this is getting a little long, so I will talk about the way I use the wipes (i.e. make them wet) in the next post.

=o)

Fashion: Maxi Dress/Skirts

I know as a new mom it's hard to stay on top of all the new fashions. And at the same time we're trying not to wear those "mom jeans" that everyone is so afraid of turning into. You know the typical "mom" look, yoga pants/sneakers/t-shirt, or mom jeans/t-shirt/sneakers and on top of all that, driving a mini-van! I can say that I am one of those moms that is REALLY afraid of becoming this typical mom! So I scan through all the magazines that I can (Lucky, Cosmo, People, etc..) to find the latest trends, and also to catch up on my celeb. gossip! Hey! Moms need time for themselves too!!!
But anyway, I came across the most cutest style, Maxi dresses and skirts. I've always thought that they didn't look nice, or were really hot. But with the new looks, they are SO cute!!! So I've been on a rampage looking for maxi skirts/dresses everywhere and trying not to spend a lot of money! Well, I found a black jersey knit maxi skirt at MARSHALLS!! Talk about a bargain, since the ones I've found were from stores like J-crew, Nordstroms, etc... you get the picture. But I'm still looking for more, since you can't just have ONE! But it is the most comfortable thing to wear EVER!. They are easy to wear with almost anything! You can dress it up or down! It's a new change from the daily JEANS!

Here are some ideas:
        

Last tip for baby food...

Hi everyone!

I have been super busy the past few weeks with a baby shower, work, and all the other things a working mom has to worry about! Its also been really crazy in my house! =o) But I've been trying to think of what else to focus on after all the baby food making has decreased. It's not that I don't make her food anymore, its just not necessarily "baby food".
I'm not sure if I posted this tip a while ago, but there is something else I'd like to add to the Peas post.
To make sure that the puree is really smooth, you can push the puree into a sieve (strainer) so that you get all of the skins off and out of the puree. Sometimes the babies don't like the puree with the skins, and I know they give a tip to make it less noticeable, but I think that taking the time to push the peas into the strainer will make it better.

That's probably the last thing I have to say about baby food that I can think of.

Ain't no thing....=o)

      So in my last post I mentioned that as a new parent, you should try and take what the doctors say to you lightly. It's funny that I brought that up because I went out to dinner with some mom friends and we were talking about what doctors say to us. It seems that there are many different types of pediatricians. You get the ones who just let your child grow and develop (without much worry instilled in you. They just want to monitor things just in case), the worriers (they are concerned about every "abnormal" characteristic of your child and get you over worried and stressed), the overachievers (they want to see your child at the top of all development and push that they are), and I'm sure there are varying degrees of each one. Luckily, the doctors in my practice are pretty good and don't worry me too much! Not to say that they don't... haha =o). Anyway, I am always concerned about Lexi's height and weight because she has been, and probably always will be, at the bottom end of the spectrum. The first the doctor worried me about her head, because is was small. This was around 9 months. Don't get me wrong, i really like this doctor. But he was just concerned a little and wanted to make sure that her skull was still fragmented for growth. He was very calm and assured me that he was 99% sure that she was just fine and this was a precaution. But as a mom. you can't help but worry just a little. I didn't let myself get too worried and just kept telling my self she's fine. I mean, she was developing mentally just great! After we got the x-ray results back and everything was fine, I sighed a breath of relief. Though in the back of my mind I still was concerned that she was tiny. Again, shes proportional. shes developing great, eating., and she's a girl (you want them a little smaller.. =o)).
      Even though Lexi is still smaller, and weighs less than most babies 5 months and up. even though she is a year old, I'm not as concerned about her size as before. UNTIL I went in for her 1 year check up and the doctor told me she was underweight. Granted, yes she is not even 15 pounds yet, but shes just tall and lean. So we had to get some extra blood work done just to make sure her thyroid and something else was good. And there I go again worrying. Also around this time. Lexi has been picky about her food and not eating as much as she used to. So it just built up upon each other. But let me get to the REAL reason I mentioned this. We went into the bloodwork place and Lexi's name was called. I was thinking that they were going to o the heel prick just like when she had jaundice. Oh Boy was I wrong! The technician said, okay, pull her sleeves up... I was thinking "WTF.. what do you mean BOTH sleeves, Does she mean mine of Lexi's?!?!?!?" She meant Lexi's. So I pulled her sleeves up and the technician comes in with a pediatric needle. OMG was I freaking out..... They actually had to put the needle in her ARM!!!! Let me tell you SHE IS A STRONG child! haha... But since they had to take 4 vials of blood doing the heel prick would have taken ALL WEEK. Well I probably will never forget about this experience and do not look forward to any time she has to get blood drawn. I don't mind it, and I wish I could have taken her place. You feel so bad when they are crying and trying they hardest to wiggle out. =o) None the less, Lexi tested just fine and I am back to 0.1% worrying. =o)