May
16
Filed Under: Articles, Bisphenol-A
After recently reporting that the FDA was going to take another look at the safety of BPA, it looks as if the FDA won’t recommend that consumers stop using products containing Bisphenol-A.
For its part, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., makers of Nalgene bottles, have announced that they will stop using polycarbonate. Wal-Mart says it expects all baby bottles it carries to be free of the material by early next year, and Toys R Us has discussed a similar plan.
If such major players are clearly expressing concern over BPA, what legs does the FDA have to stand on for its reassurance? According to Reuters, the FDA’s associate commissioner for science, Norris Alderson, said the feds are reviewing safety concerns, and pointed to two industry-funded studies claiming it poses no risk.
I’ll tell you why companies are eradicating products made of polycarbonate, and stores are eliminating it from their shelves. It’s because of consumers, not because of the FDA. I had an interesting conversation with a representative from the makers of Dr. Brown’s bottles. The sales of the original Dr. Brown’s polycarbonate bottles are still going strong. They still maintain that it’s safe to use (he even stated they used them for his own child) and as long as there’s a market for it, they’re going to continue to manufacture them. But even if the FDA doesn’t back down, people are still going to want the choice. While it bothers me that the FDA is sticking to its original statement, people are become more aware, and if they’re anything like me (without getting too political here), they don’t trust that the FDA really cares about our safety anyway.
Source: The Daily Green
Related articles:
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- FDA reconsidering the safety of BPA
- Lead Toy Recalls Spark Lawsuits
May
14
Filed Under: Skin Care
We here at Safe Mama consider ourselves to be pretty picky when it comes to sunscreens. Heck, we’re pretty picky when it comes to just about any skin care product these days (This is my last bottle of Aveda shampoo, I swear ) and we like to think that’s a good thing. We know a lot of you have asked us for sunscreen recommendations, and with summer just around the bend, we got busy testing them out. We’ve tried just about every sunscreen on the market before we were happy with the short list of the whole five sunscreens we considered to be on the safer side. We sniffed, we slathered, we absorbed. And now we’re sharing our findings with you.
We say safer, because as a general rule of thumb, sunscreens should be used sparingly. The active ingredients in just about every sunscreen can create harmful free-radicls when out in the sun. If you’re going to be in the sun all day, of course even chemical sunscreen is better than turning into a leather handbag, or worse, ending up with skin cancer. Some sun is GOOD for you (Vitamin D!), but if you need a sunscreen for a long day at the beach, we have a few we like best. When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure.
Safe Mama Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of parabens, phthalates, and all the nasty ingredients we avoid in regular skin care (like PEG’s). Another ingredient we watch out for is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some labratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful.
We’ve created a cute little handy dandy pdf file for you that you can print out and take to the store, or better yet, save a tree and shop online, as there’s a link to each sunscreen by simply mousing over the name and clicking. All sunscreens have been cross referenced when possible, with the Cosmetic Safety Database. We realize that the database is not completely accurate, but we know that some of you like to know what is in the products, so keep in mind it’s for informational purposes only, and should be used with a bit of caution.
You can download our PDF here, or simply by clicking the icon.
Let summer begin!
Related articles:
- TruKid Launches Skin Care Line for Kids
- Baby Skin Care Products: A Quick Users Guide
- Contact the Manufacturer!
May
14
Filed Under: Bisphenol-A
When I learned of all this BPA (Bisphenol-a) stuff last year I was bummed to find out that my son’s beloved pacifier, a MAM Ulti, had a polycarbonate shield. We have thankfully, rid him of the pacifier habit now that he’s well over 2 years old. But making a child change their pacifier is not a fun task.
So far we’ve been aware of MAM’s BPA Free bottles, and I’ve seen their BPA FREE labeled boxes at the grocery store over the last month or two. They have 2 types of bottles and a training cup on the market made of polypropylene: the MAM ULTIvent Anti-Colic Bottle, the MAM Drink Easy Bottle and the MAM Transition Trainer. (all pictured above) One of my good friends emailed me a newsletter she received from MAM today. In it MAM announced plans to go further with BPA Free products:
MAM sets standards for the well-being of babies, small children and parents and therefore - 3 years before this debate – took an innovative step and started making bottles out of Polypropelene (PP), a BPA free plastic. Thus MAM baby bottles provide a good night sleep for parents and babies.
But MAM has gone even one step further: Although the current debate relates to bottles only, MAM already decided to offer further BPA free products including for example soothers.
Parents and babies benefit from the perfect combination of safety and design, making early experiences relaxed and fun.
BPA Free MAM Binkies! Hooray! While I can’t find evidence of this on their public website, (and I had do do a double take on their spelling of ploypropylene) it’s slightly reassuring that some companies are taking our demands seriously, even if it’s just to maintain sales.
Related articles:
- California’s Ban on BPA Passes Senate Health Committee
- BPA Free Pacifiers and Teethers Cheat Sheet
- Avent Launching BPA Free Bottle Summer of 08
May
13
Filed Under: Product Safety, Skin Care
I know, you think I love everything. But, I am usually moved to write a review when I am passionate about a product. A few months ago I ordered some items from Nature’s Baby Organics to try out on my son. I’ve always been a California Baby user, because I liked the line but also out of convenience… it’s easy to find. But after starting our Safe Baby Care Cheat Sheets I quickly realized that there are a lot of great companies out there who’s goal is to provide us safe and organic products, without compromising quality. One of those is Nature’s Baby Organics. I forget where I came across them originally but after looking at their website I knew I had to give it a try.
My biggest peeve with truely natural products is the abundance of lavender scents. Lucky for me, I like lavender. But sometimes, you are just over it. Something, anything not lavender will do. Willing to do anything to escape the ho-hum lavender scents I was surrounded with, I purchased the Vanilla Tangerine Shampoo and Body Wash and the Leave in Conditioner and Detangler (we get some serious bed head in this house) and the company generously sent us a few extras to test out. I have a wide array of items that we’ve tried from the Safe Baby Care Cheat Sheet in our bathroom, but I keep going back to the Vanilla Tangerine goodness. I first tried the Shampoo & Body Wash and when it comes out of the bottle it looks little jelly-like, so at first I was skeptical about the performance. But it lathers well and smells sweet without being too overpowering. It rinses clean and a relatively small amount goes a long way. I decided to give the coordinating conditioner a try too… it seemed gentle enough and it touts “Leave In” as an option. This conditioner seems to have erradicated the morning case of bedhead and makes his hair shiny and soft. And did I mention he smells delicious?
In my shipment I also recieved the Fragrance free Face and Body Lotion whic I quickly stole for myself. Duh. Many times, I’ve encountered “unscented” or “fragrance free” lotion and it smells like chemicals or smells weird. Not this one! It has a really subtle clean smell to it and once absorbed it doesn’t smell at all. It has a creamy thick consistency but goes on thin enough to absorb fast so you aren’t waiting around to get dressed. Personally, I hate the smell of the Burt’s Bees body lotions - they are too strong for me - so I ditched them for this one.
I got an array of other items they make including the Organic & Preservative Free Diaper Cream, which I like. I have been a die hard California Baby Diaper Rash Cream person because that seems to work the best on my son, but what I like about Nature’s Baby is the lack of scent. Sometimes I can’t stand the smell of diaper cream so this is a nice change.
They have a wide array of products that cover most of the baby care bases including a nice room spray, the PU All Purpose Room Deodorizer that is safe and long lasting… we all know the evil smell of the diaper pail can be a powerful force. The Organic Soothing Stick was a nice solution to spot treating dry skin patches without needing to slather lotion all over the place, fits nicely in a diaper bag too. I once used it as a make-shift lip balm. And one of the more brilliant products is the Ah-Choo Chest Rub. We haven’t had any colds yet but I love the idea of using this instead of the icky Vicks petroleum based chest rub.
Bottom Line: This is a great product line and a responsible, kind company. They promise their products to be USDA Certified Organic and free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates (SLS), synthetic fragrances and DEA. They are also signers of the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics and are animal cruetly free. Nature’s Baby Organics is Safe Mama Approved!
Related articles:
- Product Review Series: Erba Organics
- Product Review: Little Twig
- Product Review Series: Belli Baby Skin Care
May
11
Filed Under: Website News
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there, from your friends at Safe Mama. We hope you have a safe, wonderful day.
Don’t forget to call your mom! 
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May
9
Filed Under: FAQ, Product Safety, Safe Mama Tips
Last week a Safe Mama reader emailed us to let us know that the company that manufacturers Dr. Brown’s bottles, Handi-Craft, is matching up to 3 bottles per household. All you have to do is send in your UPC codes to the company and they’ll send you back new polypropylene bottles. I spoke with a representative to confirm this, and it is indeed true. However, they’re only sending out polypropylene (a safe plastic) bottles back, even if you purchase glass, just because they don’t have enough glass bottles to currently meet the demand for this particular program. Still, it’s nice to know that they’re helping consumers to replenish their bottle collection with a BPA free alternative. While they still maintain BPA’s safeness and they still are continuing to make polycarbonate bottles, they understand their customers’ concerns. If you’re looking for the newer polypropylene bottles in the stores, they’re pretty easy to find. They’re an opaque plastic with blue ink and there should be a big BPA free sticker on the package.
Now, onto the good stuff. To get your free bottles, simply mail your UPC codes (up to 3) to:
Handi-Craft Company
4433 Fyler Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63116
Your receipt is not necessary.
Thanks to the Safe Mama reader who tipped us off about this great program!
Related articles:
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- Baby Cubes: BPA & Phthalates Free Food Storage for Baby
- Plastic Baby Bottles and Cups Under Fire
May
9
Filed Under: SafeMama Press, Website News
My son has a fair amount of Fisher Price toys. A lot of them gifts from grandparents and various friends, sure, but being that he’s an only child, we’ve definitely supplied him enough plastic from China to help put some of those workers into early retirement. It’s not something I’m proud of, and as he outgrows his toys, we’re definitely making a more concerted effort to choose toys that are less noisy, more educational and thought provoking, as well as better for the earth.
We’ve gotten emails from numerous Safe Mama readers regarding Fisher Price’s motives on keeping parents in the dark regarding the materials used in making their toys. Most companies have been very nice about disclosing product materials used in their toys, which warms my heart. Not so much with Fisher Price. It seems that Fisher Price refuses to give out information on exactly what types of plastic are used in their products. No matter how much they’re pushed. Stating that they either “Don’t have that information...” or that the information is “proprietary.” Nearly every person that has called has been assuaged by statements like “all of our products are tested for safety” and “meets strict testing standards.” Quite frankly, we’ve had enough. This is a company that makes up a large percentage of the world’s toys and I find it disgusting that they try to hide behind their legal team to avoid telling consumers what the products are comprised of.
There are lots of other great toy options out there, which we support and plan to support through this website. From here forward, we at Safe Mama will not be purchasing, promoting or otherwise acknowledging anything from a company that so adamantly refuses to disclose product information to its consumers.
We understand, that Fisher Price is within their rights to not disclose material information. By assuring consumers that “It’s made with the highest of safety standards.” they are covering their behinds. That’s all fine and good but as we have all learned or will learn this year is that just because a company stands behind something that the higher powers say is safe, doesn’t always mean it is. In essence, Fisher price is telling us “It’s safe, cupcake…don’t worry your pretty little head about the details.” As if to suggest that as a parent we can’t comprehend what polypropylene is or how the recycling code system works. This isn’t rocket science, but parents today are learning about these things and have a right to know what their toddler might be chewing on.
What applaud companies such as Phillips Avent or Playtex that can come out from behind the “We stand by BPA and it’s safety” wall and disclose their materials because it’s what their customers want. Even though they still support and sell it, we can respect the fact that they are listening to us. Fisher Price, we’re afraid, is being a bully and assuming we’ll all continue to buy their products and get over it. Sorry Fisher Price… until you start giving parents what they need to feel comfortable buying your products, we just won’t buy them.
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May
7
Filed Under: Bisphenol-A, Dear SafeMama, FAQ, Skin Care
Note: This was originally published on April 13th but we reposted with some new data, see below.
As the mother of a 2 year old who does occasionally chew on his toothbrush, I wondered of it’s safety. Apparently, I’m not alone in this and I’ve gotten a dozen emails from parents asking this very question. Do toothbrushes have Bisphenol-A in them?
Safe Mama Jaime, my new resident researcher, (Thanks Jaime!) took on the challenge of finding out what some those little toothbrushes are made of. In the interest of efficiency she contacted the a couple of the most popular child toothbrush carriers Oral-B and Learning Curve. Here are the results:
Oral-B carries a bevy of children’s toothbrushes, and we were pleased to find that ALL children’s toothbrushes are made with polypropylene (#5) plastic. The heads and bristles are made with Dupont Nylon Tynex, thermaplastic elastomer, brass staple wires, pigments, and some have the heat transfers.
Learning Curve reported in:
American Red Cross Toddler Toothbrush 2 Pack: Polypropylene #5 (outer) TPA Krayton (inner) and have nylon bristles
Infant to Toddler Oral Care Kit: Polypropylene #5 with nylon bristles;
Infant Finger Brush: Silicone
Alicia from The Soft Landing has already determined that the Sassy Teach Me Toothbrush Set and the Raz-A-Dazzle Silicone Toothbrush is Non-Toxic/BPA Free as well.
This is just a few popular ones, that thankfully are BPA free.
Updated May 7, 2008:
Gerber Grins & Giggles: Polycarbonate plastic toothbrush head and Nylon bristles. We therefore have to assume this toothbrush is not BPA Free.
We have feelers out on a few other brands so we’ll re-post as we get that information.
Related articles:
- FAQ: BPA in High Chair Trays
- Dr. Browns Adds PolyPropylene Option in Spring 2008
- Bisphenol-free bottles
May
6
Filed Under: Phthalates Info
One of my favorite bloggers, Amanda, who blogs on EWG’s Enviroblog posted a handy crash course on phthalates. In short, phthalates are endocrine disruptors which are linked to reproductive and genital abnormalities. Companies use them to soften plastics, and it’s also used to bind fragrance to a product. You can find them in many household products such as nail polish, skin care, toys, and air fresheners. Amanda has posted a quick list of what to avoid to limit your exposure to phthalates:
Avoid these, and you’ll also be avoiding phthalates:
1. Nail polish: Dibutyl phthalate is often used to make nail polish chip-resistant. Look for it on the ingredients list, where it may be shortened to DBP.
2. Plastics in the kitchen: Take a critical eye to your cupboards. Phthalates may be more likely to leach out of plastic when it’s heated, so avoid cooking or microwaving in plastic.
3. Vinyl toys: Phthalates are what make vinyl (PVC) toys soft, so don’t give them to children. Opt instead for wooden and other phthalate-free toys, especially during that age when they put everything in their mouths!
4. Paint: Paints and other hobby products may contain phthalates as solvents, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated space.
5. Fragrance: Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is often used as part of the “fragrance” in some products. Since DEP won’t be listed separately, you’re better off choosing personal care products, detergents, and cleansers that don’t have the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list.
6. Vinyl: Vinyl shows up in a lot of different products; lawn furniture, garden hoses, building materials, and items of clothing (like some raincoats) are often sources. Aside from carefully choosing materials when you’re making purchases, there is one easy change you can make: switch to a non-vinyl shower curtain. That “new shower curtain” smell (you know the one) is a result of chemical off-gassing, and it means your shower curtain is a source of phthalates in your home.
7. Air Fresheners: Just like fragrances in personal care products, most air fresheners contain phthalates.
Sounds like a pain. But there are phthalate free alternatives to ALL of these items so it’s totally do-able. here are a few examples:
DBP Free Nail Polish: Nicole by OPI doesn’t contain DBP, Toluene or Formaldehyde. They have a large array of colors and they go on well. No need to go bare nailed anymore. They are available at Target and other beauty stores.
Vinyl Free Shower Curtains: Instead of a vinyl curtain liner, try a fabric one. They make some good mildew resistant ones which you can find at most super stores. Or you can buy them on Amazon… this one is 100% polyester. Not the most fabulous material on the planet but is Phthalate and Vinyl free.
Air Fresheners we covered once before but just as a refresher, ditch the Glade and opt for plants (lucky bamboo is a great indoor air cleaner) or try soy candles.
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May
5
Filed Under: Product Reviews, Skin Care
A while back, I had emailed Rosemary, the founder of the Love Me, Baby Me, in regards to some concerns that were voiced by our readers, stating that they had purchased some of the products, only to find PEG’s on the label. Rosemary had assured me that all the products had recently been reformulated to be free of PEG’s, and on top of that, sent me one of their Precious Paks, which contained 2 ounce sample sizes of all of the Love Me, Baby Me line (perfect for traveling).
When I first opened up the bottles to smell, I was at first, a little taken back. I’m so used to everything smelling so strongly of lavender and medicine, that I was surprised. The smell is different, and at first, I wasn’t sure that I liked it, but it grew on me. It’s very floral, like a fresh spring day. Even my husband liked it, which I thought for sure he would have thought it was too girly for our son.
The website states that a little goes a long way, with all of their products and that is true. One of the things I hate about a lot of the chemical free products, is the lack of lather. I have to use two to three times as much shampoo, which makes it more expensive in the long run. Love Me Baby Me lathers fabulously. The creamy cream has a little bit of lingering greasiness, but once it absorbs, it leaves my skin soft (why yes, I did steal the lotion, like you’re surprised).
All of Love Me, Baby Me’s products are free of parabens, phthalates, SLS’s dioxanes, propylene glycol, and other PEG’s.
Edited To Add: I completely forgot to add, which Rosemary so kindly pointed out to me, that the line was also recently reformulated organic as well. Their base uses an infusion of an organic botanical herbal tea, They also use a proprietary blend of pure flower extracts from Europe as their preservative system, which gives Love Me Baby Me its unique scent. And it really is unique.
Related articles:
- Product Review: Little Twig
- Cheat Sheet: Paraben and Phthalate Free Baby Products
- Product Review: Nature’s Baby Organics
US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Child-Related Product Recalls- Manhattan Group Recalls Infant Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
- Maran Inc. Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at TJ Maxx
- Children's Rain Ponchos with Drawstrings Recalled by Daiso Due to Strangulation Hazard
- Baby Bottle and Food Warmers Recalled by Munchkin Due to Fire Hazard
- Playworld Systems Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard Caused by Defective Clevises
- ConsumerAffairs.Com Recalls and Safety Alerts
- EWG