Did you know that only 8% of sunscreens are recommended by the Environmental Working Group? Scary. With our market filled with chemical based sunscreens that disrupt our body’s hormone systems what other choice do we have? Fortunately, there are some companies trying to provide us with a safe alternative to protecting our precious skin. Marie Veronique Organics is one of them and has recently created Kid Safe Screen, a safe chemical free SPF 25+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen.

I was excited when Marie Veronique Organics asked me to review this product. I have been looking all summer for a safe harmful chemical free sunscreen for my family. Just in time for our Colorado vacation, I took Kid Safe Screen with us to help us fight the rays as were played in the sun. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the result. The directions state to shake well and reapply after 2 hours of swimming, perspiring, or towel drying. After a 1.30 hour hike, Tim and I of course were a little sweaty but Mia was on her dad’s back and didn’t even break a sweat. The hike was partly shaded with breaks of sun filled fields. When we took our first break at 45 minutes I was shocked when I looked at Tim and Mia’s red faces. We all reapplied and finished the rest of our hike. When we returned to our condo we were all sun-burnt and pasty white from the numerous applications, a weird combo. Granted we were in the mountains but I never expected to be burnt after 2 applications within 2 hours and hiking in the shaded forest.

Displeased but understanding that we were in the mountains at a higher elevation closer to the sun at the time , I tried it again back home. The results were fair. We spent about 2 hours outside playing in the backyard. I did not see that Mia was burnt but with one regular application she was very pasty from the sunscreen. Although she was not burnt this time the sunscreen did not absorb on her or I and we walked around the rest of the day looking like ghosts. A sharp contrast from what the websites states, “Absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy or ghostly white film.”

Unfortunately, Kid Safe Sun Screen by Marie Veronique Organics is not for my family. I really do believe in the company and what they are trying to do. They are a wonderful company that operates sustainably, make their products using organic and/or locally grown products when possible and use biodegradable products, labels, and easily recyclable packaging. They also donate  10% of company profits to The Acumen Fund, a non-profit dedicated to creating better opportunities for women and children in Third World countries. Such a  beautiful company but their Kid Safe Sun Screen just was not for us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Marie Veronique Organics I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

For those of you looking for a baby bath tub, look no more! And for those of you stomping your feet on the big bulky BPA laden tubs of the past, throw them in the attic and use them for storage. The new baby bath tub of the future is here and it is amazing!

The FlexiBath is the only hard plastic tub free of hazardous chemicals that snaps up with a simple touch of hand and stores flat! Introduced by a Real Cool World, a Danish company, FlexiBath has made headlines overseas and is now making it’s debut this year in the states.

Why we haven’t seen this before eludes me! First of all, the FlexiBath is not made of BPA and other hazardous chemicals that every bath tub on the market today is. Second, it easily folds flat for storage. Third, it can accommodate up to a four year old. Easy for travel, storage and not to mention a great toy container when baby grows out of the tub, this bath tub should be in houses everywhere!

The disadvantage is at around $40 it is a little more expensive than your average baby tub out there but I believe the advantages and length of use makes up for it! To find FlexiBath at a store near you, visit Flexibath-usa.com. Unfortunately, they have not made their way into every city. So, if you can’t get one near you, we have made it available at the In Sock Monkey Slippers “favorites” store. Makes a wonderful and unique baby gift too! Although sold in many different colors in Europe,  it is available in  only 3 different colors here in the US: white/gray, light blue/dark blue and pink/red.

Dancing, e-tradeing, super soaking babies. They all make us laugh with hysteria when they appear on our TV. Seriously, if you want to make a good commercial throw a talking baby in and your gold. I have no clue why we love them so but 9 out of 10 times there’s going to be a chubby little cherub in between a TV show or a football game. As an ex-advertising slave and a current mamma I would like to highlight a few of these commercial masterpieces just for the hell of it but mainly because I’ve been in the garden all day and I  have writers block.

Evian {my personal favorite}

photo courtesy of CPSC

Following recent warnings by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 1 million Infantino slings were recalled yesterday. The CPSC advises consumers to immediately discontinue use for infants younger than four months old. The recall comes in response to many complaints and three infant deaths in the United States last year alone. Now the question arises, is a sling safe for baby?

One of those complaints came from yours truly after my daughter turned blue and almost suffocated while in the Infantino ”Sling Rider.” I bought the Infantino sling with the purpose of caring my baby with me as I completed daily tasks. According to the instructions I placed my, at the time, 8 pound baby in the sling and strapped her in. I double checked the diagram to make sure she was properly in the harness. While I was adjusting to this new feeling of independence  and terrifeied that I was going to slam her into a wall or door I looked down to check on her. She was steadily turning a concerning shade of blue. Of course, any shade of blue is concerning. I then immediately took her out. Days later thinking I had done something wrong I tried the sling again. Following the instructions to a tee, it happened once again. Third time’s not a chance for this lady and I returned the product the next day for a full refund. I also wrote an e-mail to Infantino describing what had happened. I did not get a response.

What had happened in my case was that my daughter’s airway became restricted due to the curled position of the Infantino sling. I was convinced that the episode occurred due to the age and prematurity of my baby. Yet, nowhere on the packaging did it state that there was age or weight limits other than to carry an infant up to 2o pounds. This is where the CPSC had concerns earlier in the month and issued a warning about sling style baby carriers on March 12, 2010 stating:

Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies… The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply.

The warning goes on to state that the babies who are at greatest risk are the ones under 4 months, at  low birth weight, or have a cold. This is where I have to chime in. Really? If you want to carry your baby around in a sling are you really going to wait 4 months? Why use one at all? Seriously, look at this sling. After using it I can’t imagine how a 4 + month baby would comfortably fit in this thing and neither did they because every product photo that was on the box was of a young baby. At the time the CPSC did not specify brands and said that 14 deaths in the last 20 years were under investigation. After the three deaths this year, all involving the Infantino ”Sling Rider” or the Infantino “Wendy Bellissimo” the CPSC was prompted to announce the official recall of the brand.

The question still remains. Are all slings unsafe? Baby experts and breastfeeding advocates insist that slings that keep a baby in the upright position and solid against the mother’s body are safe. Not only are they safe but are a way to bond with child and an ideal way to calm and sooth a cranky baby.

There are currently no safety standards for infant slings. The CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is needed and is working with ASTM International and concerned companies like Infantino.

Moby Wrap

I wanted to get the thoughts of real moms and surveyed 20 close friends and random strangers. Yes, that was me calling your house asking about baby slings. The overall reaction was 60% in favor of slings or baby carriers. For those in favor said they could not live without them and found them invaluable with no complications.The favorites were the Moby Wrap and Mei Tai which can act more like front carriers than a sling, Hotslings and the Maya Wrap. All of these are vastly different from the Infantino Sling models. I can see how they fit snug to the parent’s body and do not form the compressing shape that is causing the suffocation problems. As for me, my daughter would not look at another sling after that so, we said forget it and carried her the old fashion way without any problems.

What should you do if you have an Infantino ”Sling Rider” or “Wendy Bellisimo” sling? Infantino and the CPSC ask that you stop using these products immediately and contact Infantino through their website or (866) 860-1361 for a free replacement product and a rattle.

All babies and their parents are different. It’s up to us to know what is best for our children. After our experience I am glad that these Infantino Slings are off the market because they are truly a potential hazard. As with the other “wrap” models I can’t see the obvious hazard as I did with the Infantino and don’t believe we need to ban all slings and baby carriers. I do agree with the CPSC that there needs to be a standard for corporations that make baby carriers and slings to follow so we don’t have a reckless product on the market.

sources: CPSC, Infantino

Bananaquac. Sounds completely gross right? I thought so too. Until one day out of frustration while trying to get my daughter to eat avocados I mixed a banana with it. Now six months later she still devours it.

Bananas are great sources for fiber and potassium and avocados contain folate, fiber, iron, Vitamin E, and healthy fats. Mixed together and you have an ideal meal.

Bananaquac makes 4 oz or 1/2 cup { for baby stage 1 +}

1/2 large banana, peeled

1/2 large avocado, peeled and seeded

In a bowl mash banana and avocado with a fork till desired texture is reached and serve. Just that simple. If you desire a smoother texture (which might be ideal for baby’s first food) puree in a food processor or blender until smooth. Can be frozen for storage but will discolour and can alter the texture. It’s so easy I just make it fresh.

For babies 8 months and up, try adding some tofu for added protein.

It’s oatmeal time again. We were out for a while. It was tough, real tough but I got a chance to make a couple weeks worth and now we have a happy baby. Here’s an updated take on the first stage 1 oatmeal recipe post: oatmeal is everywhere.

This recipe makes 2 large adult servings or 1 ice-cube tray (for storing) and a little left over for baby. We’re making it this morning to get Tim fueled up for his upcoming race this weekend in Ft.Woth.

Note: pears, apples, cherries, and raisins are all on the “dirty dozen” list of produce to by organic. If possible try to get these items organically. Also, as with any new baby food recipe make sure baby is used to all ingredients before serving.

Pear Apple and Cherry Oatmeal {for baby stage 2 + and everyone}

• 2 cups water
• 2/3 cup oatmeal, not instant
• 1 pear, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1 apple, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped, organic if possible
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, choped, organic if possible
• 2 Tbs brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon* some babies are known to have a sensitivity towards cinnamon, read this WholesomeBabyFood.com “Spices and Herbs” article for more information

In a pot bring the water to a boil and add the rest of the ingredients listed. Simmer on medium low for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pears and apples are tender.

You can either serve now or puree in a food processor or blender. Add more water if needed.

If making this strictly for baby you will have plenty of left over. Pour into an ice-cube tray. Cover with plastic wrap or ice-cube tray cover. Place in freezer and when frozen remove from trays. Store in freezer bags. Each cube is 1 ounce. Will store in freezer for 3 months or in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Mia is now 15 months and still loves this recipe! If you are like us and the doctor’s orders are to add a little more chub to those baby cheeks (b/c of Mia’s prematurity), this is a great vehicle for a little extra whole milk or butter!

Now I must get off the computer and in the car. It’s time for another marathon weekend. It’s funny how when my husband and I first were together and in the early days of our marriage, weekends were full of music gigs and musicians. Now it’s full of races and sweaty runners! This time we’re off to The Cowtown Marathon and in the spirit of things I will leave you with a couple of photos of races from the past. If your interested (I know it’s peeking your curiosity, right?) I’ll tweet with updates. So, follow along on twitter or check the side bar on here. Have a good weekend everyone!

Left: honestly, I can’t remember what race this is from but I love how he’s always smiling before a run. Right:White Rock Marathon in Dallas, TX

Left: Jingle Bell Run. He ran it injured, in a tux and still placed 3rd in age division! Like I said crazy. Right: Hills and Heels 1/2 marathon.

The title says it all. There’s no need for explanation. It’s every kids dream meal. Cheesy goodness with a little something green snuck in. Made in small portions, this is an easy bite size meal or snack.

Mac’n Cheese {for baby, toddler, oh who am I kidding? For everyone.}

• 3 Tbs butter
• 3 Tbs flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cup white cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 c will be used in sauce and 1/4 c for the topping)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 4 cups cooked elbow pasta
• 3 heads or close to half a pound of broccoli, cooked, chopped and stems discarded (I steam mine in the microwave in a bowl with a little water for 5 min. You can also put it in with the pasta when it is cooking.)
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Pre heat oven to 400°.

In a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until flour is cooked about 2 minutes.

Add milk and whisk. If you have a second warm the milk in the microwave for a minute before adding it to the flour/butter mixture. This will help with any lumps but if the kids are running around, the phone is ringing and the dog is chewing on the baby toy then don’t worry about it and do a little extra whisking. Bring to a slight boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cheddar, 1/4 cup of parmesan, salt, and pepper. Once melted and smooth, turn off heat.

Add pasta and broccoli. Stir until combined. Taste and add any extra salt or pepper if needed.

Add small spoonfuls into greased mini-muffin pans.

Combine the breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan cheese in a bowl and stir. Sprinkle a small amount over each cup in the pan. Place in oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden. Allow to cool and then remove carefully. Makes 2 mini muffin pans, or 48 mini-muffin size portions. Of course, you can do what I did and make 1 pan of 24 and eat the rest for dinner. Totally cancelling out this mornings workout. Adding in the glass of wine I’m drinking now and well, I’m hopeless.

This is a quick re-heat meal or snack. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for a month. To reheat, place a damp paper towel over the mac n’ cheese an place in microwave.

Tip: Add 1/3 cup of shredded cooked chicken or use peas instead of broccoli.

I think she likes it.

As the name suggests, this is a quick and healthy breakfast for baby. Mia of course loves it and devours it every time. Why else would I make it so much? This recipe is one for the older baby who is ready for more texture and finger food. For a smoother veggie and egg breakfast for the younger baby check out “Butternut Squash and Egg Breakfast.” Hopefully, you can use this as a starting point for your own egg recipes. Add different veggies, cheeses and whatever you can come up with that your baby can handle! Enjoy!

Eggs are an excellent source of protein,  vitamin A, D, E, B12, choline, and folic acid!

Please note that it is suggested that babies should be given only egg yolks starting at the age of 8 months, if not allergic, and the entire egg, including the whites, at 12 months. As always make sure that baby has been previously introduced to all ingredients in this recipe to rule out any allergies.

Quick Veggie and Egg Scramble {for baby stage 3+}

• 1 whole egg (baby age: 12 months) or egg yolk (baby age: 8 months)
• 1 Tbs whole milk, or formula / breast milk if baby is not ready for milk
• 1/2 Tbs butter or 1 tsp of olive oil
• 1 Tbs diced onion
• 1 Tbs diced or shredded zucchini
• 1 Tbs shredded carrot
• 1 Tbs diced tomato
• 2 Tbs marina or tomato sauce, low sodium if possible

Crack egg or egg yolk in a bowl. Discard shell. Add milk and beat with a fork until scrambled. Set aside.

Over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion, zucchini, and carrot. Saute until soft. About 5 minutes. Add tomato and sauté one minute more.

Next, add egg and saute until soft and cooked. Turn heat off and add tomato sauce.

Allow to cool before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

Yummmmmmm!

If Popeye and Olive Oyl ever made a meal together for Swee’Pea this is what it would be. Spinach, mango and pear purée. It’s slightly sweet flavor makes it easily enjoyable for babies, Mia in particular.

Why wait till baby is 10 months to serve spinach? Spinach is high in nitrates and by giving baby spinach at that age would ensure that the body is ready to handle nitrates. For more information on nitrates read the Nitrate Article by Wholesome Baby Food.com

Spinach, Mango, and Pear Puree

You will need:

• 2 medium mangos
• 1 pear, pears are on the “dirty dozen list” of foods to by organic if possible
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, but not Olive Oyl, that would be strange
• 10 oz. fresh baby spinach washed and picked through, organic if possible
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water or baby pear juice

Peel, core, and dice the mango and pear in medium chunks.

Heat oil on medium heat.

Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

Place spinach in food processor or blender with mango and pear. Do not use any remaining cooking liquid from the spinach. Add 1/4 cup of water or pear juice. Puree until desired consistency is reached adding the remaining water or juice if needed (I used 1/2 cup).

Transfer to an ice-cube tray and cover with plastic wrap. Each cube is 1 ounce. Place in freezer until frozen and store in a freezer bag. Use within 3 months. Makes enough for 1 ice-cube tray plus extra for serving right away. Can be stored in refrigerator for up tho 3 days. As with any new food check with your physician to see if your baby is ready.

Sorry Mia, no bananas in this one.

Tofu? For babies? That’s right. It’s a perfect way to introduce protein in your baby’s diet. When Mia started to turn her nose up at meat recently, and I was tired of feeding her copious amounts of yogurt I came across an article on tofu. I am not a tofu lover. Sorry, but it’s gooey texture is not much to be desired in my opinion. On the other hand my husband and now my baby love it!!! I was a little worried when I first offered a bowl of tofu to Mia. I was for certain that she would turn her nose up at it and through it in my face. In preparation I adorned an apron to protect me just in case I got a fist full of tofu thrown at me. In my total shock she smiled and inhaled every bite and wanted more! Why did I not try this earlier. I am now a transformed tofu lover (not for me, I’m still a little shy of the stuff).

Here are some quick facts about the odd jello-like substance:

• Tofu is a soybean curd.
• An excellent source of protein, iron, and calcium.
• Can be given to baby starting at 8 months (stage 2) but should not be given to any baby with a soy allergy
• Varieties: There are three types of tofu, Firm, Soft, and Silken. Like it sounds, it’s according to texture but the nutrition is differs.
  • Firm: Most nutritious with the highest amounts of protein, iron, and calcium. (4oz. = 120 cal., 6g fat, 13g protein, 120 mg calcium) I prefer Firm because Mia is a little older and doesn’t mind the texture. Although labeled “Firm” it is really soft and easily mailable.
  • Soft: Best used for younger babies (8 months) because of its soft texture. (4oz. = 86 cal., 9 g protein, 5g fat, 120mg calcium)
  • Silken: Again best for babies not used to texture. Silken is the softest and most creamy. (4oz.= 72 cal., 9.6g protien, 2.4g fat, 40mg calcium)
• Buying and Storage: Tofu comes in a solid block and in a carton of water. At home cut the block into 1″x1″ cubes (or smaller) and store in an air tight container filled with water. Change out the water every two days. Will last for 7 days.

Since tofu doesn’t have much flavor it can be mixed with a variety of fruits and vegetables. We have tried bananas, avocado, applesauce, butternut squash, sweet potato, and peas. We are just starting to experiment with this lovely curd so be on the look out for more experimental mixes and toddler bites!

Tofu and Banana Mash

• 4 cubes (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) of  Tofu, I prefer Firm
• 1/4 of a large banana

If you haven’t already, cube the tofu. Store the remainder in an air-tight container with water.

Mash tofu with fork.

Next, mash the banana.

Combine and serve. Not too pretty is it? Oh well. According to Mia it’s pretty darn good.

Variations:

• Tofu, Avocado, And Banana Mash: Follow directions above and add 1/4 to 1/2 of a ripe avocado – Mia’s favorite
• Tofu and Sweet Potato Mash: Wash potato and poke several wholes in it with a fork. Wrap with damp paper towel and then plastic wrap. Place Sweet potato in microwave for 6 minutes or until soft. Scoop out flesh and discard skin. Mash potato and add 1/4 or 1/2 cup, depending on baby’s appetite, to an equal amount of mashed tofu. Stir and serve
• Tofu and Butternut Squash Mash: Defrost 3 cubes of butternut squash purée (see simple purees for baby) or use 1/4 cup cooked and mashed butternut squash. Combine with equal amount of tofu, 1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on baby’s appetite. Stir and serve.
• An idea from WholesomeBabyFood.com : Cut soft or firm tofu into small bite-sized cubes and dust it with crushed Cheerios, wheat germ or crushed graham crackers.  (cubes work best with Firm tofu but Soft works as well) I haven’t tried this yet but will be soon.

For those of you following this blog you know I like to freeze baby / toddler meals in portions for quick serving ability. This does not freeze well. Trust me! It’s better fresh anyway and is simple and fast. Enjoy the wiggly, white wonder that is tofu!