Archive for May, 2008

What about the American babies? Don’t they deserve BPA free?

I was recently in the states at the family condo in Birch Bay and had to go shopping for baby bottles because the border lineups were so crazy that we decided to wait it out. We went to the local shopping mall and I was surprised at what I found. BPA containing bottles. Once I thought about it, it made sense. Health Canada is the only federal governing body to completely ban BPA containing baby bottles and sippy cups. The US is still allowing them. This made me wonder a couple of things. One, does the US care less about the future health of its children? and two, do the companies that sell these bottles not care that they are poisoning children when there is conclusive evidence that this stuff is bad for kids? I can’t help but feel that these companies are probably relieved to still have a market to sell the remainder of these bottles. Many of these companies are now having BPA-free bottles manufactured and they are starting to appear on Canadian store shelves, yet only the BPA containing bottles are on US store shelves. Sort of reminds me of how pesticide companies are still selling agent orange to developing nations even though it is banned in the developed nations. What is up with this?!?!?!?! Shame on these companies and I sure hope that the US steps up to protect its children.

Who to trust in the bottle department?

While many of us parents would like to think that the companies that manufacture and sell kids products such as baby bottles and toys are looking out for our kids’ best interests, where does it leave us now that we find out that BPA isn’t safe?

I would like to consider myself a cautious parent when it comes to the things that I purchase for my girls. However, I also allow myself the peace of mind that if it is for sale on the shelf, it is probably just fine. I mean, how much spare time do I have to research about baby bottles, diapers, skincare products, toys….???

Now that Health Canada has banned the presence of BPA in baby products such as bottles and sippy cups, many of the companies that sold us these unsafe products are now coming up with alternatives for us. I have to say that I am not sure how to react to this. While many of us are left having to replace baby bottles and sippy cups and need to find new ones, I can’t say that I am feeling all that comfortable with purchasing these companies’ new alternatives. So Avent and Playtex and all the others on the list suddenly have BPA-free options for us? Number one, how did they get these manufactured so quickly, did they know something we didn’t? and number two, if they weren’t looking out for my children’s best interests the first time, why should I trust them again?

I try hard not to be a jaded skeptic, however, I trusted these companies with my most precious asset, and they let me down. I find it difficult not to question their motivation in this industry and it seems apparent to me that it is the all-mighty dollar. This is why I have decided that I will only purchase products from companies that put my children’s best interests first. Companies that were designed by parents that care and that while making money is essential to the survival of their business, was not their primary motivation for existence. Companies like Green to Grow, Greig, Klean Kanteen and Nature Babycare.

Just some food for thought… I’d love to hear your comments on this one… am I going too far?

Safe sun protection…go natural

Check out our latest e-newsletter featuring a product from our newest line of natural baby skin care. Derma Soleil, natural sunscreen for babies and adults from DermaMed… click here to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter…

Better Baby Bums is proud to present its newest line of baby skin care products, DermaMed Pharmaceutical Inc.

DermaMed is a Canadian company that manufactures natural, therapeutic products. We are excited to carry many of their products that we use on our own kids including, sunblock, moisturizer, shampoo, bubble bath, healing cream and much more.

To help you become more familiar with this great new line, Better Baby Bums is happy to introduce our new weekly Q&A e-newsletter that will feature various BBB‘s products. We get lots of questions from our fellow moms about sun protection, “owee” care, cradle cap, eczema and more. Enjoy our first newsletter and we hope it helps answer some of your questions about natural baby skin care.

“SPRING IS HERE, OUTDOORS HERE WE COME!”

Should I be concerned about putting sunblock on my baby?
Yes. We all need vitamin D, your baby included, but doctors recommend laying off the sunscreen until your little one is at least 6 months old. The question is, what do you do when they start crawling and walking and you can’t keep your busy bee in the shade? Answer, a natural sunblock. Many sunblocks available in stores contain chemicals whose safety is questionable. One in particular, oxybenzone, has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. When penetrating the skin of pregnant mothers, it can lead to low birth weight in baby girls. Other chemicals in these products may also be suspected carcinogens. What does this mean? When choosing a sunscreen for you and your family, grab a bottle of DermaMed’s DermaSoleil, and slather up with peace of mind! These products contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, chemicals which rest on top of the skin rather than being absorbed by it, to effectively block the sun. Choose the SPF that suits you best and you’re ready to hit the beach!

What do I put on my toddler’s “owees”?
With the arrival of the outdoor season comes scrapes and the infamous “OWEE”. Other than a kiss to make it better, what should you put on them? Better Baby Bums now carries Baby DermaMed’s Bee Propolis. Rather than using something harsh like peroxide that stings and doesn’t protect the wound, try Bee Propolis. This cream is an effective aid against bacterial infections by stimulating the body’s natural process to destroy harmful bacteria. Bee Propolis is the strongest natural disease-fighter in Nature!

Get prepared for the outdoor season! Learn more about DermaMed Derma Soleil products under Skin Care and Sun Protection…