Down To Earth Organics

When is a natural insect repellent not an insect repellent?

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:28:00 +0000

In recent months many of you would have noticed that there seems to be a dwindling supply of natural insect repellents available on our website, this can be attributed to a crack-down on ‘natural insect repellents’ by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority). As the name suggests, the APVMA is a government body established to centralise the registration of all agricultural and veterinary chemical products on the Australian market.

So what does the APVMA have to do with natural insect repellents?

According to the APVMA, an ‘agricultural chemical product’ includes any substance or organism used to destroy, stupefy, repel, inhibit the feeding of, or prevent pests on plants or other things (including us humans). This means for any manufacturer of a product that makes claim to any of these properties (natural or otherwise) is required to register their product with the APVMA before they can make statements like: ‘Contains natural botanical extracts to help repel biting insects’. Registration of a product with the APVMA is a lengthy and costly process, taking several years and potentially 100s of thousands of dollars.

The outcome of this crack-down by the APVMA has meant that many manufacturers of natural insect repellents have simply chosen to take their product off the market. However, there have been a handful of manufacturers that have taken the ‘mozzie by the proboscis’ (so to speak) and have simply chosen to re-label their products to avoid making any claims to ‘repel insects’. The following products are available on our website www.downtoearthorganics.com.au they have been creatively re-labelled to allow the continued supply of these great products on the market. Please support the manufacturers of these products so that Australians can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without having to douse ourselves in toxic chemicals:

Mozzie F.O. Natural Insect Repellent has now been re-labelled as: Mozzie F.O. Natural Skin Lotion .

Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Insect Protection is now called Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Antiseptic Topical Spray.

& Cherub Rubs Scatterbugs is now Cherub Rubs Skin Guard.

Why use natural sunscreens?

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Although from media advertising, it seems imperative that Australians become more sun-conscious, often the effects of chemicals in conventional sunscreens can pose additional threats to our health and well-being. Medical research is now uncovering some the negative effects of chemical UV-absorbers in conventional sunscreens:

Octyl-methoxycinnamate (used in 80-90% of sunscreens):

produces free radicals (singlet molecular oxygen) known to be toxic to cells.

when tested on mice, approx. half died, using a lower concentration than most sunscreens.

showed oestrogenic effects in lab tests making cancer cells grow more rapidly and triggered developmental abnormalities.

Benzophenone-3 / Oxybenzone:

can be measured in urine after topical application of sunscreen.

inactivated important antioxidant systems in the skin (the skin's natural protection system).

76-80mg per hour absorbed of chemical through the surface of the skin.

At Down to Earth Organics we have several natural sunscreens: one of our favourites is Soleo Organics Sunscreen - voted number 1 eco sunscreen by Elle magazine and No. 1 by the Environmental Working Group:

completely free from chemical UV-absorbers, chemical preservatives, titanium dioxide and parabens.

a cosmetically appealing product that is bursting with organic botanical extracts, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to protect and nourish the skin.

Avent To Stop Selling BPA Bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Avent is soon to stop selling baby bottles containing BPA in Australia, this us huge news from the biggest baby bottle maker in the world. Hang on, its not news until they release it...oops.

Top 10 Natural Wrinkle Cures

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Are you after firmer, naturally beautiful looking skin that will get better as your health gets better? There should be an need for women to nourish their bodies from within, this health will them permeate to your skin.

The Top 10 Natural Wrinkle Cures:

Acai Berries - the best Superfood on the planet, wrinkle fighting from within gets noe better than this
Apples - have good wrinkle fight power and can also prevent heart disease
Goji Berries - contain such elements as vitamins, carotene, zeaxanthin which are all effective on wrinkles
Kiwi Fruit - packed full of vitamin C, 1 cup gives you 275% of you daily requirement
Organic Tomatoes - powerful because of lycopene, which attacks skin damaging free radicals
Capsicums - red in particular, like tomatoes, also contain lycopene & zeaxanthin
Carrots - 1 cup of raw carrots contains over 600% of you RDA of vitamin A
Brussels Sprouts - contain whats called phytonutrients that optimise your skin cells'
Garlic - great for reducing skin inflammation, and very good at helping to repair acne and other skin irritations
Flaxseed - also great for helping to reduce skin inflammation, good for menopause

Lavera Natural Self Tanning Lotion

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:10:00 +0000

Well, autumn is here and no doubt your tan is fading. If this is the case and you are a lover of organic and natural ingredients you must give Lavera Self Tanning Lotion a try. Lavera Self Tanning Lotion will not last as as it's chemical filled brethren but you will go out knowing you will not turn yellow and that if a mozzie lands on you it survive.

Gives you a tan in hours.

New Website Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

After much anticipation our new website launched this morning, thank you all for your patience. We really believe you will all enjoy it.

Here are some of our new categories:

See a short video of our new website.

New Company Website

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:38:00 +0000

After many years we are finally almost ready for a change, which has been many months in the planning.

We are about to launch a new website so you can look forward to the following:

You will able to find us in Google and other search engines a lot easier
The website will be a lot safer
Our products will be much easier to find
The website will be a lot faster
The shopping cart is 'state of the art' in terms of technology
We have increased our products to around 1500
We will be able to offer customer discounts for regular's
You will be to track and trace your order

And MUCH, MUCH more.

We hope to be able to go live by the 26th of March. Watch this space.

PS: That is why we have been so quiet for the last six months.

BPA - have your say

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:10:00 +0000

As most of you know - the media has recently drawn attention to the dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA) in bottles. This attention created immediate hysteria - we literally have 100's of concerned mothers ringing us - frightened that they may have caused irreperable damage to their babies by feeding them with bottles that contain BPA and also angry that no one, including doctors, pharmacists and midwives have ever informed them about the dangers of this chemical.

Sadly, once the media hype dies down and the issue no longer has attention, a whole new generation of new mothers are again oblivious to this terrible situation, where in Australia, there are hundreds of bottle on our shelves, poisioning our babies.

How does this make you feel?

Breastfeeding And Bottle Feeding - my experience

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:34:00 +0000

We have recently had some very negative feedback about the information provided on this page of our site - www.downtoearthorganics.com.au- some of which has been rather abusive to say the least! Despite the tone in which it is delivered, we welcome feedback and take on board everything that is expressed to us. There were some comments made on the site which were based on personal experience and opinions (aren't we all entitled to this?) - that may have appeared to be pro formula and anti breastfeeding - which of course is not our intention. We do apologise that these comments have offended some people and as a result they have been removed.

I wish to make it clear that we are neither pro breastfeeding or pro formula feeding. We are merely trying to provide information (including personal experiences) and chemical free products for those mothers who can not, or choose not to breastfeed.

Like most things in life, the choice to breastfeed is a personal one, but sadly not a choice that all mothers are presented with. I solely breastfed my beautiful angel from the second she was born, however after a couple of weeks I visited my lactation nurse and was horrified to find that she had lost a considerable about of weight. Honestly, it was one of the worst days of my life - I felt I was a failure as a mother. I was reduced to tears, my poor baby - she must be so hungry - how could I let this happen! I fed her as often as I humanly could, but unfortunately I was unable to produce enough milk to satisfy her - particularly as she was a very large bubba (10 pounds 7 at birth). I ate well, took vitamins and herbs such as blessed thistle and fenugreek to help my flow, but unfortunately I still did not produce enough. It was suggested to me that I could take a particular drug to assist with my milk flow, but I have a strong anti drug policy (particularly when breastfeeding!) so this was not an option for me.

My lactation nurse recommend that I supplement feed her with formula, and within a week she had gained weight, started sleeping well, and I started to regain my sanity. I continued to feed her with both bottle and breast until she was ready to be weaned, and whilst I adored breastfeeding her - she was never as satisfied after a breastfeed as she was after a bottle feed. This would not be the case for everyone of course - but it was certainly the case for me. Of course, I suffered a great degree of guilt and a sense of failure that I could not solely breastfeed her - but as I watched her thrive and develop in to a beautiful healthy child, I knew that all that mattered was she was happy and healthy - regardless of where she was getting her milk from.

She is now 2 and a half and she has never been sick - despite being unimmunised - and is the most beautiful, healthy. happy child in the world (well, we think so anyway). From 12 weeks old, she has slept 12 hours straight every night, and 2 hours every day, she has no allergies, is tall and strong, and is as bright as a spark. Now - there is no doubt that my child enjoys the blessing of optimum health due to her being breastfed - however I have to say that I believe formula also provided her with wonderful nutrients, and prevented her from being hungry. I receivied a comment from on lady who claimed that formula fed babies are "deprived". Of course I find this comment highly offensive - as would all mothers who formula feed. My child has never, and will never be "deprived" of anything - especially nutrients! So, I have to say that formula feeding my precious angel with formula was in no way detrimental to her health. But again - this is simply my experience.

Unfortunately, when I was struggling with breastfeeding and trying to find the most natural way of bottle feeding my child - there were very few sites that sold organic formula and it was almost impossible to find baby bottles that did not contain Bisphenol A in them. This, was one of the main reasons we had for starting this business. I want to be able to provide those mothers who can't, or choose not to breastfeed - with chemcial free alternatives - and help alleviate the guilt they may suffer as a result of not breastfeeding.

I have many friends and customers who have had differing experiences with breastfeeding. Some have breastfed up until their children are 2, some until 6 months, some, like me have breast and bottle fed, and some have chosen not to breastfeed at all. Whilst I may not agree with some of their decisions, I still embrace them and understand that this is a very sensitive subject for some mothers - therefore I would never dream of criticising them for the choices they have made. Acceptance brings peace. And lets be honest - the last thing we need in those first few months of parenthood is criticism. So, next time you see a baby being fed from the breast, or from the bottles, smile, and be happy that that child has someone to love and care for it and that it is being nourished.

Love and light

Siobhan

Oh! And in response to those comments that we are providing this information about formula because we are "money hungry monsters" and "greedy", allow me to make some facts clear. We sell over 1500 natural and organic products on our site, 3 of these products are organic baby formula. As a small retailer, the profit that we make on this formula (like most organic products) is miniscule - roughly $5 per box. The sale of formula on our site represents a very small part of our total sales. The money that we make on selling formula per year would barely be enough to take ourselves off to the movies. Hardly money grabbing..........

Further information:

Australian Breast Feeding Association - here
Information regarding formula - here
Information regarding herbs that may assist with milk flow - here
A wonderful lady Michelle who lives in our local area in far north NSW, who offers incredible advice on all things bubba related - here
World Health Organisation information on breastfeeding - here
Australian Government information on bottle feeding - here
All about the pros and cons of bottle and breastfeeding - here

Video below about benefits of both bottle, and breastfeeding:

Carbon Sequestration

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:03:00 +0000

Carbon Sequestration is the concept, and now a reality, of storing CO2 to stop it being released into our atmosphere, thereby slowing global warming.

Whereas trees and plant life absorb CO2 gasses, carbon sequestration essentially means the premeditated creation of ways of storage that do not naturally occur. These mass storage areas are called carbon sinks and may include things like underground geological formations, oceans, minerals, vegetation and soils.

Storing CO2 underground?

This is simply known as geological sequestration meaning that CO2 is basically pumped underground to be, over time, absorbed by the surrounding environment - that is rocks. Advocates of this method of carbon sequestration claim that the gasses will be safely stored forever in this manner, while critics of carbon sequestration that potential CO2 leaks and the energy to force the gasses underground are not worth the risk.

Shopping For Mother Earth - the how to guide

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:37:00 +0000

1. Stop the shop: grow your own vegetables
2. Use a bag: keep your shopping trip short by using a bag instead of a trolley
3. Smart shopper: do not buy products with palm oil and that are genetically modified
4. BYO bag: ditch the plastic for something a little cooler, see eco-bags
5. Wasted on food: buy only what you need
6. Bulk foods and natural cleaning products: save on food miles and reduce packaging by eating local foods and by buying highly concentrated natural cleaning products
7. Organic: rid the world of fossil fuel thirsty pesticides and eat organic foods
8. Fresh foods: avoid processed foods as huge amounts of energy are used in the packaging of foods
9. Seasonal food: only eat what is in season, this will reduce the need to have food stored (storage emissions) and of course reduces transport emissions
10. Walk it: keep shopping at a walking distance which is not only good for you, it’s good for your wallet, the car & your carbon footprint

Environmental Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Here are a few facts that we at Down To Earth Organics having been digging up for the last few months that may give some the motivation to make their lives just that little bit greener.

One polystyrene cup contains as many as 1 billion molecules of CFC's
Every minute we are pumping 16000kgs of sewage into our oceans, worldwide
Every year roughly 100,000, marine mammals, 1,000,000 birds and 50,000 seals are killed by floating plastic
Amazingly, 25 billion polystyrene cups and 2.5 million plastic bottles are thrown away every hour
85% of household rubbish can be recycled
If one famous London paper used recycled paper on one printing run , on any day, it would save 70,000 trees
It takes 100 years for a plastic bag to decompose
40,000,000 acres of lush tropical rain forest are being destroyed through logging every year

Feel free to add your own.

Toy Safety In The Home

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Every year in Australia, and all around the world, toys are involved in thousands of accidents so it is vital to take care when buying extra toys and when leaving toys lying all around the home.

Because of the stringent regulations imposed on toy manufacturers, the safety of toys themselves isn't the major problem. Instead, the majority of accidents occur when toys are left lying around the home and when young children have access to toys intended for older children.

When purchasing a toy as a parent should always make sure that the baby or toddler carries a CE or Lion Mark, both of which suggest toy excellence and its obedience to toy safety regulations. It is important to be aware that if a toy does not have one of these special mark stamps, it may well be designed as a novelty toy and possibly will not be safe for children. Furthermore, as parents or children you should at all times check the age range viewable on the toy's packaging and only ever allow children access to a toy once they are above the minimum age range specified.

Safety tips around the home:

* Check toys methodically for tiny, removable pieces before giving to your children (especially those under 3)

* By no means give babies under the age of 3 balloons, small balls or marbles or anything else they could put into their mouths

* Ensure you keep all magnets and toys with magnetic parts away from children under 6 years of age

* Do not allow children to play with toys made of fluffy fabric or 'hair' that can easily be sucked, chewed or pulled out

* If possible try to avoid giving children under 6 toys with long ribbons or ropes attached

* Make sure children use the correct safety equipment when on a bike, skateboard or roller skates

* Regularly test the state of your children's toys and get rid of any showing signs of wear and tear

* Make sure older children tidy their toys away following use as falling over toys is one of the most frequent household accidents

* Persuade your children to play with just one toy at a time so they are easier to control

By taking the above safety tips into consideration and you provide your children with constant supervision whilst they are playing, the risk of toy connected accidents will be lowered considerably.

How To Have Your Baby While On A Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:36:00 +0000

How To Have A Baby On A Budget

Any of us cannot turn around presently without all the forms of the media screaming about the global financial crisis and how hard things are for all of us. But without doubt, a slow news arrives, and the media begin tallying up exactly how many hundreds of thousands of dollars it’s going to cost us to raise our children.. However how much does it really cost to have a baby?

The answer is completely in your hands. You can buy a new Bugaboo, or a pram on Ebay for a 1/10 of the cost. You can buy the latest baby seat and capsule, or you can buy second hand one from your best friend.

Having a baby costs as much as you want it to. If you want a new nursery in your home think about ways to lower the costs involved - beg and borrow.

As with a lot things in life, there is a big difference relating to desires and requirements. Babies are truly very straightforward creatures and require little more than love, somewhere warm to live, food, someone to change them and a lot of love - that is the easy part.

As a result if you’re planning a baby, or perhaps a new one, plus your budget could do with a little bit of help, below some guidelines that may help ease the financial pressure of a baby.

Borrow, Beg but don't steal

You might have friends that may have a baby that has outgrown the cot or bassinette it has been using, make use of it for the few months that your baby will need it. Do any of your relations have a spare cot? Possibly even the cot you slept in while a baby? Always check that baby equipment is secure and complies with the Australian Standards, but using second-hand items makes excellent monetary and environmental sense - that is it will lower your carbon imprint. Save your money for a new cot mattress, a reasonable stroller and a new baby car seat.

Buy only what you require and no more.

It can be so enticing to dream away the pregnant days thinking of things you might need then spending time at the shops purchasing masses of gorgeous things that your baby won’t ever actually use. If this is your first baby, try and restrict yourself to just buying plain things like singlets and jumpsuits. You may well be shocked with the amount of hand-outs you will receive for your baby. More often than not babies grow too fast to be dressed in all the outfits they are given, as a result it makes sense to limit yourself and then see what you really do need to buy.

Swap parties & toy libraries

Ask your buddies who have had babies what baby things, products or items they suggest and what they rarely used. Swap parties are a really great idea. If friends have babies that are slightly older or younger than yours, arrange to swap clothes with each other. Go ‘shopping’ at a girlfriend’s house for your baby’s new sized wardrobe and return the favour. Swap or lend maternity clothes once you do not want them anymore. When your baby is older, keep toys clean and stimulating by trading with all your friends once a month, or try a toy library which are increasing in recognition and are a brilliant idea.

Breastfeed!

Breastfeeding is the cheapest means to feed your baby. The health benefits are well-known, however from a monetary view point, making your baby’s milk yourself is the ultimate as it’s totally free.

Modern cloth nappies (MCNs) and wipes

Reusable nappies save money and the environment. Modern cloth nappies are a world away from old fashioned terry-towling squares that countless parents were subjected to when they were babies, made from renewable fabrics like bamboo. Now in marvellous colours and designs, they are more like disposables in fit and purpose.

Making use of cloth nappies and baby wipes for subsequent babies make it even cheaper. And hey, what’s one more load of washing every two or three days compared to buying a pack of disposable nappies every week? But if cloth is not your thing, try using a less expensive disposable nappy in the day-time when you are changing baby regularly, and saving the more absorbent/expensive nappies for night-time use.

Cook or make your own baby food

It could sound like difficult work, but it doesn’t have to be any more hassle than regular cooking. Cook up some extra vegetables with the family meal, then puree or mash the vegetables as baby requires. Spoon them into an ice-cube tray, pop on the lid, and you have a week’s worth of baby food in your freezer!

If you have any leftovers left after you have served dinner for the family, spoon into a little container and freeze. Your baby can eat a array of family meals without any additional effort or cost on your behalf.

Get Dad to make some toys

Make your own toys. Little babies like to grab an orange bag filled with loud paper. Crush up some newspaper and let them play with it. Pack a little Tupperware container with rice and tape shut to make a shaker. Fill a soft drink bottle with water and bits of coloured sponge and food colouring and watch them roll it around the floor for hours.

Make use of park - swing the days away.

Go to your local park, play on the swings, dabble at the beach, read a few books, have a picnic in your backyard. They are all free!

How To Motivate Dad To Help Baby Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:30:00 +0000

New fathers, these days, are making a lot more of an effort in getting involved as much as possible with baby feeding - this makes fathers feel like they are chipping in and gives them the opportunity them to bond with the new baby.

The remarkable study established that greater than 30% of new dads made some type of an effort to arrive home in time to offer their baby a night-time feed on more or less daily basis.

The study furthermore found that 30% of dads made the effort to get home from work one time a week to give the bedtime feed, while an impressive 37% made it their day by day obligation by doing it six or seven nights a week.

The mothers that were questioned, in the same study, more than 70% mentioned that they encouraged their partners to be alone with their new baby at some point in the day whether it was morning or night.

Here are a few ways to get Dad involved:

1. Invent an involved and important role for him by putting him in charge of sterilising baby bottles and other baby feeding accessories - this can be accomplished whether you are breastfeeding or baby bottle feeding. Ensure you give him a suitable education in bottle sterilising.

2. Assign him a regular bottle feed so he can take pleasure in a quiet cuddle time with baby- if you are thinking to do a ‘dream feed’ (around 11pm) this could be most appropriate. Further, you can get some much wanted sleep.

3. If mum is busy feeding baby, let him give you a treat by preparing a wholesome dinner for the both of you to enjoy when the time is right. There is no need for him to be a great cook, even a toasted sandwich or beans on toast tastes so much better if someone else has made it.

4. If you are the one who is feeding, give dad the job of burping baby - this role will make him feel a part of the team

5. If the day is getting closer to when you start to wan your baby, and assuming Dad is a decent cook, get him to start preparing weaning food.

Baby Safety, the Nightlight

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Nightlights are not merely a vital baby safety feature, they are in addition very handy for Mum and Dad too - particularly at feeding time when you do not wish to fully arouse your baby up, a nightlight may assist with this. Nightlights emit a faint soothing glow for your baby or child as they are sleeping.

A lot of types of nightlights are available including cool and ornamental lights in the appearance of animals or funny characters, and totally automatic nightlights that know to turn on in the dark and off and at what time the sun is up.

Nightlights moreover provide parents a way of checking on their sleeping baby without turning on the room light and possibly waking their baby.

There are a number of possible negatives to nightlights though. A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania Medical School found that babies below the age of two years old, whose parents used nightlights, had a five-fold increase in myopia compared to other babies or toddlers who slept in a room that was dark.

In fairness to parents of young babies who use nightlights the study does not establish night time nightlights that are used during early childhood is a direct cause of myopia, parents may want to consider the study on baby safety when deciding whether to use a nightlight or not - please remember however that this was just one study and although it did have interesting findings they were not conclusive as the sample set was not large.

Baby Safety, From The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:12:00 +0000

You need to take immense care to protect your baby's skin from the sun. Sunlight is full of ultraviolet light that can set off short and long term damage to your baby. Not only will sunburn cause your baby great discomfort and pain, a solitary session of severe sunburn during childhood can add to the growth of skin cancer in later life.

Like adults, babies with lighter skin possess an even bigger risk of sun skin damage if exposed to sunlight, even on a cloudy day or in the shade.

A couple of forms of sun protection are available; sun creams that shield your baby's skin when exposed to sunlight, and clothing/accessories that stop the sunlight from touching your baby's skin at all.

Baby Sunscreens

You could look for a sun cream expressly formulated for a baby's skin, as sunscreens used by adults can initiate irritation. You should buy a sun block cream, offering greatest protection from UVA and UVB rays. Even if your baby is wearing sun block, it is still prudent to keep them in the shade where possible or use one of the supplementary means of additional protection given below.

Baby sunscreens typically come from natural ingredients or are chemical based, ensure you read the instructions previous to use. We would advise not using chemical based sunscreens on a baby below 12 months of age and that clothing offers the best form of protection for a baby below 12 months of age.

Protective Clothing

Wear A Hat - your baby should be dressed in a hat that helps to stop the sunlight from reaching their neck and neck. That means a hat with a broad brim all the way round it, or a cap that offers a peak at the front to protect the face and a flap at the back to protect the neck. Make certain the hat is a good, snug fit or you possibly will find your baby wanting to get it off all the time.
T-shirts - a long sleeve T-shirt will offer your baby the best protection from the sun, although this may not be sensible given the warmer temperatures that accompany the sun. At least a normal T-shirt is essential as the shoulders can burn very easily.

Parasols and Mesh Covers

You can give further sun protection while your baby is in their pram by attaching a sunshade. Some manufacturers will provide a parasol designed for a particular pram. Nonetheless, parasols with a worldwide attachment are just as effective and usually not as expensive. They simply clip to part of the pram using a spring loaded clip, and the angle of the parasol can be adjusted to ensure maximum protection from the sun.

Sun protection for your baby is also available in the form of mesh covers. These material covers are placed over the buggy or pram in the same way you would use a rain cover.

Baby Safety, Around and In The Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Baby Safety, Around and In The Nursery - Your baby's nursery is a room in which both mum and dad and baby will spend a enormous amount of time; by partaking in good safety protection measures before your baby is born, you can set up a safe environment in which your baby can play and rest all the way through their infancy.

From the outset your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping so it is vital to make certain that their sleep environment is danger free. When choosing a cot for your baby's nursery it is always preferable to buy a new one so that you can be sure it is outfitted with the most recent safety features; however this is not always practical.

When loaning or buying a second hand cot it is crucial to ensure that it is of a strong build and that hold brackets and bars are fitted firmly. You should also check the cot bars are spaced less than 45 - 64mm apart (so baby can't fit their head through) and that the cot has no corner post extensions which baby could get their clothes caught on. If your second hand cot is painted you must strip and repaint it before baby arrives (mums-to-be should avoid doing this) as the paint used to beautify many older cots contains lead which is now known to be hazardous for babies.

The cot's mattress ought to be firm and fit snugly with less than the width of two fingers in between the internal edging of the cot and the side of the mattress. There should be no holes or cutouts in the head or footboard of the cot so baby can't get stuck and the sides of the cot should each time be locked into position when baby is inside.

Babies, chiefly those below 12 months, must not be placed to sleep on beanbags, pillows or adult beds and when baby is put down for a nap they should always be placed on their backs (unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare expert). As well, duvets should not be used on babies below the age of one as they have been caught up as a potential factor in cot death. In its place you could use layers of fitted sheets and blankets tucked under the cots mattress so you can easily preserve your baby's temperature and stop them from overheating.

When placing a baby in their cot you should ensure that their feet are positioned near the bottom of the cot with the sheet tucked under the mattress appropriately - this prevents baby from moving under the covers. Bumper pads can be secured around the sides of the cot to protect baby and stop them from reaching though the bars. Though, these should be removed when baby begins to stand so they can't be used as a step to help baby climb out of the cot. Pillows, teething toys, soft toys, dummies and comforters should also be taken away from the cot before baby is put down to nap.

Cots or changing tables should on no account be positioned close to windows or wall mounted accessories that could be grabbed or pushed over. Additionally, you should cut any lengthy cords used to draw curtains so that they no longer form a loop and tie them well out of baby's reach. You should also ensure that windows are kept locked, that electricity outlets are fitted with socket covers and that heaters are protected by guards. At Down To Earth Organics we advise using oil, timer, heaters - though if you can get away with extra clothing and blankets it would be better on your carbon footprint.

If you have a change table in your baby's nursery you should make certain that changing accessories and toiletries are stored high out of babies reach (although easily accessible to an adult). Doors and drawers in which little fingers might get trapped could as well be fitted with child proof locks and bookshelves and cupboards should be attached to the wall to prevent tipping. You should also make sure that baby is no able to lock their nursery door from the inside.

By properly assembling the furniture in your baby's nursery and by keeping in mind some basic nursery safety principles, you could make a happy, hazard-free room in which your baby can securely sleep and play all day long.

Baby Safey, In the Bathroom

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:53:00 +0000

For an unaccompanied infant the bathroom can be crammed with likely and dangerous hazards, nevertheless by taking a couple straightforward safety measures the risk of accidents may be reduced.

Some parents of young babies prefer to keep the bathroom door locked or blocked with a gate to ensure that their infant can't get in unattended. Nevertheless, this is not an method favoured by all as baby is not given the opportunity to familiarise themself with the bathroom and get to learn about its possible dangers before they start off toilet training.

Significant precautions to take include ensuring all medications, toiletries and cleaning products are secured in cupboards high out of baby’s reach, removing any pointed objects such as scissors, razors and tweezers from the bathroom or storing them in a cupboard fitted with a child proof lock in addition to keeping electrical appliances out of the bathroom. It is also wise to fit a child lock on the toilet seat to prevent inquisitive children from peering or climbing inside.

By setting the thermostat on your water heater at no more than 50 degrees Celsius you will help to reduce the probability of your baby being burnt by hot water. When running a bath for your baby you must fill the bath with cold water first and then add the warm water. You should make sure the temperature with your elbow or wrist as opposed to your hand as these parts of your body are more responsive to heat. In addition, as babies are very easily burnt (their skin is 15 times thinner than an adults) it is critical that the hot water used in an adult bath is drained as soon as it is done with.

You should in no way leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a second while you answer the phone or go to get something - even when your baby is resting on a bath support or in a baby seat. For this reason it is important to make sure that you have all the bits you need to bath your baby to hand, if you have forgotten something, take your baby out of the bath and take them with you.

Avent Bath Thermometers are available to help you run the optimum temperature for your baby's bath, however if you choose to use one it is vital that you physically check the temperature of the bath water yourself before submerging your baby as if temperatures are extremely hot or cold the thermometer display may not work.
If you take these precautions and making sure you by no means leave baby unsupervised in a room with a filled sink or bath, you will help to minimise any potential hazards whilst helping your baby to learn how to use the bathroom safely.

Is It Ok To Diet Before You Try To Fall Pregnant?

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Whilst attempting to fall pregnant you will need to be as fit and strong as possible to make certain your well being, as well as that of your unborn baby. As a result you may be contemplating going on a diet if you aren't absolutely delighted with your weight at the moment.

Although this can be a good proposal for those who are medically overweight, it may not be necessary if you are already in excellent shape.

Realize your 'ideal weight'...

When making a decision whether or not you should go on a diet while attempting to fall pregnant, you should ask yourself honestly how close you think you are to your perfect weight. This does not mean attempting to drop a clothing size so you can squeeze into your old pair of denims, but instead trying to reach a weight that is healthy and balanced for you.

To find out what your optimum weight is you could consult your doctor, or work out your BMI (Body Mass Index) yourself here. By entering your present weight and height you can discover out how close you are to reaching a weight that is perfect for your body.

What if I am overweight?

If you are overweight or obese you may benefit from losing some weight ahead of you fall pregnant.

If you achieve a beneficial weight your probability of conception may perhaps actually rise. If you have had problems with erratic periods you may possibly find that your menstrual cycle becomes more regular. It may mean that you are more likely to feel healthier and fitter when going through all the different stages of pregnancy.

Reaching a healthy weight is in addition extremely significant when trying to conceive as it means you are less probable to go through difficulties during your pregnancy. Those who are at a healthy weight when conceiving will have a reduced possibility of developing pre-eclampsia or diabetes than those who are overweight.

Nevertheless, rather than attempting to shed weight speedily in time for the start of your pregnancy, it is sensible that as a substitute you focus on consuming a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of nutrients, and drop weight bit by bit. If you subject your body to sudden weight loss you may be less expected to conceive as your body will experience excessive strain.

The greatest thing to do to guarantee a healthy diet is to make sure you are receiving a lot of low-fat foods, speckled nutrients, fibres, and lots of fluids, while introducing a light exercise regimen, so that you can shed weight gradually and steadily.

What if I am underweight?

If you weigh less than your optimum weight and have low body fat, you might be less likely to conceive, particularly if your menstrual cycle is not regular due to your weight. In this case you may have to increase your calorie intake in order to be at a healthier weight and regulate your menstrual cycle, making you more likely to ovulate.

The key thing to keep in mind is to eat a healthy variety of food while attempting to conceive. If you constrain your diet in any way in an attempt to lose or gain weight, you might not be getting all the nutrients you need to conceive and carry your pregnancy through to term.

If you are scheduling on attempting any form of diet while trying to conceive, ensure you to ask your health practitioner firstly. They will be able to let know you of your ideal weight and how you can go about reaching that healthily and safely. They will moreover be able to advise you of the right foods to eat and exercise to take that will increase your individual chances of conceiving.

If you do not plan to breastfeed and intend on bottle feeding you may be interested in a range of BPA free baby bottles.

The Cost Of Baby Bottles That Are BPA Free

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Those of you who are now knowledgeable in everything bisphanol A (BPA), who own baby bottles that contain BPA, and are at the present considering a switch to BPA free baby bottles are perhaps looking at all the bottles on the market and are shocked at the prices - given that a low-priced BPA free baby bottle is $16 and a usual baby bottle can be bought for as low as $4.00 I am not surprised.

The fact is that most BPA free baby bottles are made from either polypropylene of PES plastic and both these plastic are simply more costly the polycarbonate. The main reason for this price dissimilarity is that polycarbonate is more abundant, thus making it more expensive.

The second reason, and maybe one not mentioned earlier than, is that PES plastic is still in it's childhood and a little on the boutique side and less frequent. Also, the main brands that have determined to manufacture BPA free baby bottles are still producing polycarbonate baby bottles, if not in the U.S certainly for the remainder of the globe. To demonstrate this I apply the parallel that when Ford develops a new concept car, the cost to build could be millions of dollars, but it's not until it goes to bulk manufacture that the price comes downward to a figure that the bulk of people can afford. Meaning, one day, BPA free baby bottles will turn out to be cheaper to create.

This means that, for the time being, BPA free baby bottles will stay a little on the dear side. One thing to deliberate, though, is that BPA free baby bottles will last a good deal longer than a polycarbonate baby bottle and it's probable that if you have more than one child that you will be able to pass this bottle on.

The other issue to think about is this; what cost should you pay for your baby's safety and peace of mind?

Smart Baby Bottle Review

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:32:00 +0000

General:

Smart Baby Bottles are made from BPA free PES plastic which has been deemed the safest for making baby bottles, PES plastic also gives the smart baby bottle it's golden glow. Smart Baby Bottles come in a 300ml size and the company in Australian owned.

Smart Baby Bottles come with a patented anti-colic teat which will no doubt give parents hours more sleep - thank you Smart Baby.

Pros:

PES plastic

BPA, lead, pvc & phthalate free

Standard anti-colic teats

Australian owned

Cons:

New company

Hard to find

RRP: 18.70

Nuby Natural Flex Pacifier/Dummy

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:05:00 +0000

Nuby Natural Flex Dummy range is a brilliant and safe (BPA free) new innovation by Nuby. Nuby Natural Flex Dummies have been especially designed to stretch and flex to resemble breast movements. This flex and stretch by the Nuby Natural Flex Dummy also encourages a natural sucking action by your baby.

If you would like to learn more about the Nuby Natural Flex Dummy see here. Or perhaps you would like to see our entire range of BPA free dummies and teethers.

Weaning from the breast or bottle to the cup

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:13:00 +0000

Most parents out there usually offer a cup to their baby as a first step to weaing from a baby bottle or breast. For this to work most effectively is should be done slowly, over many months. The easiest way to start is by replacing your baby's worst feed of the day, the one she likes the least, whith a small cup of baby formula or breast milk.

Tiny Tribe Shampoo Review

noreply@blogger.com (Leonie) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:32:00 +0000

General review:

Tiny Tribe Shampoo, with orange and patchouli, is a divine smelling safe shampoo for your baby. Designed by Mums (for Mums), Tiny Tribe Shampoo is made with natural and organic ingredients and has a gentle and non-drying affect of your baby's skin.

Even though Tiny Tribe Shampoo is free from sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) it lathers up very nicely and will not sting little baby's eyes.

Pros:

Fantastic packaging
No sulphates
No artificial fragrances
No parabens
No tears
Plant based
Australian owned & made

Cons:

Wish they made more products
Availability

RRP: $12.95

To see our range of natural baby shampoo's click here.