Save Handmade Toys from Ridiculous Legislation! December 23, 2008

In August I posted with celebration about the passing of the Safe Toy Bill – a bill which legislates high standards and mandatory testing for lead and phthalate contamination in products (like clothes and toys) designed for children.  Late this fall the sad fact has emerged that, unless amended, the Safe Toy Bill will cause handmade toys and many European toys to disappear from the US market. 

Why?  The bill mandates testing that may cost upwards of $3000 per toy design.  There are no exceptions made for toy artisans who only make a few hundred toys a year and no exceptions in place for toy makers who already follow stringent European standards for testing and safety.  The cost of the testing will price out of the market those people, like the talents artisans at Etsy,  already providing safe toys to our children.  Obviously, crafters who sell a few handmade dolls each year, at a small profit, cannot afford to have their design independently tested according to the law.  And, European companies like Haba and Selecta, who already put so much money into passing European toy tests cannot afford to add a second round of tests without significantly increasing the price on their toys. 

Some European toy companies have stated that the price of their toys in the US may double, while others (like Selecta) have announced that unless the Safe Toy Bill is changed, they will not be exporting to the US at all.  Any crafters who continue to sell their toys without certification will do so illegally and at their own risk.  The removal of handmade and European toys from the US market will be a big blow to natural toy boutiques (like our family business at EuphoriaBaby.com), to millions of individual toy artisans and to parents who have enjoyed providing these high-quality toys for their children.

What can you do?

Let’s get the law changed to address these frustrating and unintended consequences!  As of this time, I have not come across any action one can take to protect European toy makers.  But, there are at least three things you can do now to protect handmade American toys:

1. Sign the Petition at Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA
2. Vote for Save Handmade Toys From the CPSIA at “Ideas for Change in America.”  The top 10 ideas are going to be presented to the Obama Administration on Inauguration Day and will be supported by a national lobbying campaign run by Change.org, MySpace, and more than a dozen leading nonprofits after the Inauguration.
3. Share this blog post with your friends to help build support

For more information on the organization sponsoring the petition and proposal on Change.org, see the Handmade Toy Alliance.

Mercury, Fish and Pregnancy – The FDA Scandal December 18, 2008

Have you heard the latest sad story about corruption in the FDA?  Here’s an excerpt from the good folks at the Environmental Working Group:

On Friday, December 12, the Environmental Working Group made public internal government documents disclosing the Food and Drug Administration’s secret plans to reverse federal warnings that pregnant women and children limit their fish intake to avoid mercury, a neurotoxin especially dangerous to the fetus and infants… The Washington Post broke the story, and other national stories followed.

Reaction from Capitol Hill was swift and sharp. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT., denounced the FDA: “Now, in the administration’s 11th hour, they are quietly trying to water down advisories for women and children about the dangers of mercury in fish, disregarding sound scienceon this issue. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin capable of impairing childhood development at very low levels.”

I read the full Washington Post story, and the whole situation is just sad.  The last thing that pregnant woman need is more ambiguity about what is or is not safe to consume while pregnant.  I absolutely agree that pregnant and nursing women (and young children – ok, all of us) should severely limit consumption of fish known to carry dangerous amounts of mercury.  In fact, after doing some research I didn’t eat tuna at all during those critical times.  And, now, I still don’t eat canned tuna because all tuna cans are lined with BPA-emitting plastic.  It’s just not worth a tuna sandwich!

It’s true that fish is a unique source of extremely important omega-3 fatty acids, which are rare in the average American diet.  These omega-3’s are important for brain growth.  BUT, you can provide these nutrients for your family with a high-quality fish oil supplement (we use Nordic Naturals), by eating wild-caught Alaskan salmon (which is unlikely to contain mercury) and by eating walnuts, another food packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Christmas Crunch Time December 16, 2008

I love Christmastime, but this year we’re just not prepared.  I had so many ideas for gifts to make, ways to mark the season, stories to tell and projects to do with my children.  But… the reality is that my husband and I have been remodeling an old farmhouse for the past 7 months, and we only just moved in last Wednesday.  Moving into a dusty remodel, with incomplete closets (um, no shelves yet) and an sadly unfinished entry room, makes for quite a challenge anytime of the year.  Add to that our insistence to find and decorate a potted Christmas tree, attend Christmas parties, send out Christmas cards, etc. all while trying to unpack and you’ll understand while I’m feeling a bit more Christmas “crunch” than Christmas cheer. 

So, right now, I’m writing this post to remind myself and others to STOP and think about what I really want to accomplish in these last 8 1/2 days before Christmas.  I don’t want to look back on Christmas 08 as a blur of nothingness.  I want to:

1. Put together that Advent chain and take off the first chain at dinner tonight.
2. Read aloud a Christmas story as a family each night before bed.
3. Mail Christmas cards by Thursday.
4. Bake cookies with Aria on Saturday to bring to the elderly.
5. Make soap with Aria and Liam on Sunday for Grandma Nana.
6. Wrap presents for others with Aria on Sunday.
7. Enjoy Christmas Eve by inviting our friends over for the first playdate at our new house!

Breastmilk Storage Options: Pros & Cons December 11, 2008

You’re planning to breastfeed – great!  But if you want to be able to bottle feed for that occasional date or regularly, while you’re at work, you’ll want to be ready to store and serve that precious milk.  The serving is easy (you probably already bought/registered for some bottles), but what about milk storage?  Options abound.  Here’s my thoughts on breastmilk storage options from bags to bottles to trays.

Breastmilk Freezer Bags

You’ll see these little plastic breastmilk freezer bags at your local Babies R’us.  They’re easy to find, old-fashioned classics, but not at all easy to use.  You cannot pump milk directly into the bags, which leaves you to pour it in.  It’s not so easy to pour milk into a floppy bag.  Spilling just a little is quite frustrating, since every drop is precious (especially if you have milk supply issues).   Plus, if you don’t seal it right with the little bag ties, you’re milk will get freezer burn. 

Pros:  Compact in freezer.

Cons:  The bags are not reusable, so over time the costs add up (20 bags for $16).   Difficult to pour and seal.  Cannot pump into the bag or feed baby from the bag.  Every time you transfer milk, you will probably loose some and do risk contamination. 

Bottom Line:  I used these a few times and quickly decided I did not like them. 

Breastmilk Freezing Trays

Trays are relatively new to the breastmilk storage solution scene.  After pumping, you pour your milk into the tray, which is easy since the trays are rigid and horizontal.  Seal with the tray lid and freeze.  Once frozen, pop out your breastmilk cubes/sticks into a large freezer quality storage bag.  Reuse the tray!  Breastmilk trays are designed so that your milk is frozen in one ounce portions.  This makes it easy to defrost just the right amount for baby’s bottle.  Just place the breastmilk portions in the bottle and defrost it right in the bottle.  No waste! 

I tried “Fresh Baby” brand milk trays first, but the ice cube-shaped milk cubes did not fit easily into my wide mouth baby bottles, causing frustration and milk loss as I resorted to jamming them in.  The Sensible Lines milk trays (available at EuphoriaMaternity.com) are better because the slim milk sticks they create are easier to work with. 

Pros:  Compact in freezer.  Most affordable (one set of trays for $18 + large ziplock bags as needed).  No wasted milk.

Cons:  Cannot pump into or feed out of the tray.  Every time you transfer milk, you may loose some and do risk contamination.

Bottom Line:  These were my favorite method of milk storage since they are affordable and allow you to defrost just the right amount of milk each time.  For the eco-sensitive and price-sensitive mama, milk trays are the best choice.

Breastmilk Storage Bottles

Storing your breastmilk in ready-to-use bottles is probably the most obvious choice.  Many breastmilk storage bottles are designed to work with popular breast pumps, so that you can pump right into the bottle.  The advantages of not transferring the milk after pumping include: no milk loss, no contamination and convenience.  Some storage bottles, like the Mother’s Milkmate collection we offer in our boutique, even have storage racks you can place in your freezer to organize and rotate your frozen milk bottles on a first-in, first-out basis.  You can feed baby right from a storage bottle, if you get the correct attachments to work with the nipple of your choice.  Or, you can pour a defrosted storage bottle into any other bottle when you’re ready to serve. 

Pros:  Convenient.  Most hygienic.  No milk loss.

Cons:  Expensive (6 bottles for $16 – depending on your needs, you may need 12-24 bottles).  Requires the most freezer room. 

Bottom Line:  If your baby will be having more than 3 or so bottles a week, the convenience and hygienic nature of a bottle system is probably worth the cost.  For the mama looking for the easiest option, breastmilk storage bottles are it!

Essentials for Baby’s First 6 Months December 9, 2008

That first pregnancy, there’s so much to do!  Research about pregnancy, birth, and baby care basics.  Plan the nursery.  Prepare for breastfeeding.  Think about your parenting style, caregiver arrangements, vaccinations, and more.  Phew! 

And, then there’s the work of aquiring all that baby stuff.  I think registering lists found in most magazines and baby super-stores are overwhelming and designed to make you spend, spend, spend.  What do you really need for those first 6 months with baby?  Here’s my list:

1. A Carseat.  An infant carseat, like Graco’s snugride, makes errands possible without disturbing baby’s sleep.  Priceless.
2. A Baby Carrier.  What’s easier to store than a stroller, more soothing to baby and easier to use in crowded public spaces?  Answer: a baby carrier.   Experience the freedom and bonding experience that this centuries-old tradition creates.  If money is tight, skip the stroller, at least for now. 
3. A Sleep Space.  This may be your own bed.  But do purchase or choose (so you’re ready to purchase) an additional place for baby to sleep alone and unattended.  A moses basket on a rocking stand (available at EuphoriaBaby.com) is absolutely ideal for the first few months.  A crib will be used until baby is 2-3 years old.  Be sure to buy a non-toxic mattress and mattress protectors.  Conventional mattresses filled with polyurethane foam and conventional vinyl mattress pads are completely unsafe and should be banned.
4. Clothing.  Everyone loves to gift baby clothes.  See what you get for your baby shower before stocking up.  Choose simple, unfussy options so baby is comfortable and happy.  Stick to only natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk), which are soft and breathable.  Buy at most one pair of soft leather baby shoes for 3-6 months , but realize that these are just for looks, as baby is not likely to be crawling yet.
5. Diapers.  Save money, save the environment and avoid chemical exposure by cloth diapering your baby.  I suggest starting with 18 diapers for a newborn.  It’s possible you may need more, but better to start with 18 and add as needed, than buy more than you  need.  18 One-Size BumGenius diapers will last most children from newborn to potty training.   
6. Feeding Supplies:  If you plan to breastfeed, buy 3 nursing bras: one to wear, one in the wash and one that’s clean should you spring a leak.  Also needed: nursing cream, nursing pads, 3 or so bottles for occasional use (Adiri’s are a great choice for breastfeeding moms), and a breast pump (an affordable, non-electric pump will do fine for the occasional, weekly bottle).   Add non-toxic bowls, spoons and natural fiber bibs later, when baby is ready for food. 
7. Pacifiers.  Start with 2 pacifiers.  Even if you plan to discourage pacifier use, you’ll want them handy for difficult situations in the middle of the night or when you’re unable to pick-up your crying child (such as in the car).  If your child takes the to pacifier (which I think is a very helpful tool), you’ll want more than 2, but wait until you’re certain what kind baby likes.  Be sure to buy BPA-free choices, like our natural rubber pacifiers at EuphoriaBaby.com.  You’ll also want a sturdy pacifier clip, if your child likes the pacifier. 
8. A few Toys.  Keep them simple and natural.  2-3 wood and cloth teethers and rattles from reputable companies such as Haba and Selecta.  2-3 soft baby toys such as cloth blocks, balls, and manipulatives.  2-3 wooden baby toys that make clacking sounds or squeak or spin.  Avoid plastic.  Avoid overstimulating products that have a million things for baby to do.  Avoid electronic toys with lights and recorded sounds.  Natural sounds created by your own voice or a real bell are more nurturing and don’t require dangerous and wasteful batteries.  Above all, avoid excess!  Your baby does not need a new toy to discover every week.  Young children learn from repetition, are soothed by familiarity and are learning from your example about how many things they should want/need.  Excess ruins the magic of play, while creating more work for you in cleaning and storing.

What about baby swings, bouncer seats, play mats, exersaucers, crib toys, and the list goes on and on?  Generally, Americans buy babies too many toys and gadgets designed to engage the baby so the caregiver can do something else.  Marketers tell you that you must have these things to survive with baby, or failing that, they tell you that these things will improve baby’s life.  Don’t believe that last line, one second.  You are your baby’s best source of stimulation, education and brain-boosting interaction any day!

Little ones are awake and ready to engage for short periods of time each day.  Be with your child during those times.  Carry her.  Lay on the floor with her.  Talk to her.  You will never get this time back, and you will never regret these moments.  When you must get something done, put her in the carrier so that she can be stimulated by watching your tasks, all the while able to go to sleep when she’s ready.  Then, when she sleeps, put her down and do that something else, which required your baby-free energy.

Don’t Give Baby the Keys December 2, 2008

Do you ever let your baby or toddler play with your key ring?  You may want to rethink that.  Turns out that typical household brass keys contain lead – in amounts significant enough to be very dangerous for your baby.  Studies initiated by the California Attorney General showed that handling average household brass keys exposes a person to lead at 19 times the allowable daily exposure threshold established by Prop 65.  Just handling the keys is the problem (let alone mouthing!), because lead is transfered to the hands where it can find its way into your mouth or baby’s. 

Bottom Line:  Definitely don’t give baby the keys.  And, pregnant and nursing women should always wash their hands after handling household keys.

A Simple, Eco-Friendly Birthday Party December 1, 2008

My eldest, my daughter turned four early this November.  Her party was a simple, beautiful celebration, one that minimized consumerism and tread lightly on the planet.  Here’s how:

Inviting

Rather than opting for a house packed with guests, with all the noise, expense and excess gifts that involves, Aria invited four friends to join us for a “princess party”.   Limiting the number of guests to her age (4) made sense to her and made managing the party so much easier!  It’s a new birthday tradition for our family.  We did invite grandparents as well, who did not count in her 4-guest tally.

I wanted to make this party very special for the Aria and our guests.  What’s special about the usual Disney princess invitations, plastic tablecloth and cheap decorative doodads?  We skipped the party store and headed over to www.pingg.com.  Aria and I chose a free Pingg invitation with a vivid jellybean photograph and off it went to our friends via email.  No waste, fast and free!

Preparing

So how does one make a princess party without falling back on mass-marketed products?  Why, with dress-up, of course!  With my recent Waldorf conversion, dressing-up seemed like the perfect party activity.  Set out some play silks, jewelry, crowns and shoes, step back and let their imaginations take it away!  And, less facilitating meant more time for us moms to chat.  Perfect!

To compliment the dress-up princess theme, I was inspired to make princess wands for each guest.  Crafting is something deeply rooted in Waldorf culture, something I’m finding time to do more often.  After all, since I wasn’t spending money on party store supplies, I could purchase felt and dowels to make a gift for each child, in lieu of junky party favors.  My mother had ribbons, beads and notions about that I used to transform each design into a one-of-a-kind creation.  Let me tell you – this wasn’t easy for me!  It was hard to get going and it did take quite a lot of hours, but each wand completed was encouragement enough to continue.  I loved them all and couldn’t wait to give them to the girls during the party!

And, then, the food.  Our party was after lunch, so we served cake and tea.  I made almond-flavored white cupcakes from my Martha Stewart cookbook, whipped up some cream cheese frosting and had daddy buy some naturally flavored and colored jellybeans from the health food store for decorating.  I was quite surprised by how good those jellybeans tasted!  Aria was absolutely thrilled to decorate the cupcakes with jellybeans.  They were quite a surprise since candy is a very special treat in our family.

Enjoying

The day went beautifully!  The girls were lovely and played so nicely together.  Keeping the number of guests down helps everyone feel included, I believe.  After dressing-up and mingling for awhile, I casually invited a child to choose a wand from the glass vase.  With wide eyes the others approached and silently plucked their gift.  Aria and I had spoke in advance about letting all of the guests choose first.  I had also made one extra, so that everyone could really choose.  Because they were all different, and all so special, there was no conflict, just joy!  I enjoyed watching them play with the wands and new that each girl felt like a princess that day.

After playtime we served tea and cake at a table dressed with simple tablecloths and set with my mother’s teacup collection.  After presents, an impromptu puzzle and storytime ensued… a perfect ending to a simple, eco-friendly birthday party.

Yes, it was a princess party, but not one made by Disney.  Those five beautiful princesses made magic all their own… or with a little Waldorf inspiration.