Monkey Tyz gets a unanimous thumbs up and wins the prestigious MACT Excellence Award for being a product that parents can trust in to keep their little Houdinis securely fastened in their car seats. I mean really, is there any other cargo as precious as your child? And according to a fairly recent Yale University Study, way more children (approximately ages 3 and under) are capable of releasing their chest clip than I thought possible. Many of them unbuckling while the car is in motion. Yikes!

Thanks to the tested and true Monkey Tyz, which happens to be the only product on the market that addresses the unbuckling of the chest clip on most infant and children’s car seats, parents can drive down the highway with the peace of mind that their child is safe and happily secure in their seat.

Why Monkey Tyz Wins The MACT Excellence Award

Both my kids (now 5.5 and 2.5) never tried to unbuckle themselves, so we ask 2 moms from our MACT Awards panel of parents to test Monkey Tyz for us.

Then just before Christmas, we drove to my mom’s place (3 hour distance) with both kids and for the first time, my 2 1/2 year old son was able to push down the chest clip to slide out both arms. I couldn’t stop on the freeway and was worried for his safety….that’s when I thought Monkey Tyz was a genius idea and I needed one immediately!

Some of the reasons why we love Monkey Tyz include:

1. By fastening the Monkey Tyz strap to the upper buckle of your child’s car seat, you can prevent your child from getting out. Simply slide the fabric over the front of the buckle, and clip it in the back. Your child is now ready to cruise safely and securely.
2. The fabric (83% Polyester/17% Cotton) is made from recycled fabric and has the look and feel of suede.
3. Designed by a mom who was looking for a solution to her own concern.
4. Manufactured in California, USA!

Real Mom’s Review Monkey Tyz

A MACT Awards Mama from our panel raved:

“Ever get that nervous gut dropping feeling when your toddler has just unbuckled themselves in their car seat and your going 65 MPH on the highway? What do you do? Slam on the brakes chancing a car accident, or maybe fiddling the buckle with one hand while trying to pay attention to the road at the same time? Those are simply not safe at all and we now have a solution called Monkey Tyz! It’s a simple and fantastic invention made from a concerned mother who was having the same problems. I have enjoyed this product as my toddler was always unbuckling herself when we were out and about, and I was always worried she was going to be in the front seat with me at one point she was so fast at it. Taking the extra minute to attach it to the buckle is worth the life saving benefits that every mom worries about.

Monkey Tyz has two different sizes to work with numerous car seats which is very nice. The website has videos to walk you through the process so no guessing if your doing it correctly. They are made in the US with recycled fabrics, and have a super soft suede look and feel for comfort and style. With 3 easy steps you can save an injury and possible death happening to your child. 250,000 kids get injured a year, and 2,000 children die in car accidents. Those are astonishing, and if this product can lower those numbers who wouldn’t be all for it!

My toddler didn’t seem to like it at first, she would tug on it and whine that she couldn’t get it off, but after having it on the past couple weeks its normal routine when getting in the car seat. I would much rather deal with her whining in the car than repeatedly unbuckling and chancing her running about the car which is not safe! Monkey Tyz is also hand washable which is a great thing, when toddlers always seem to get stuff dirty. I washed mine with a wet rag and little soap and then let air dry and it was set to go again.

For any parent with a child in a harness car seat between the ages of 18mos to 4 years of age this is a must have! Why wait for the chance of your child learning to unbuckle the belt when you can prevent it altogether. At a price of $29.95 you can save your child from an injury that could occur when they are free from the seat. They arrive in a plastic container and all the instructions you need to have a successful car ride. Its a simple item your going to love and enjoy!”

Another mama’s experience with Monkey Tyz:

“My kids always undo the top buckle of their car seats. It has become a problem as they always pop their arms out of straps and get free. I tried the Monkey Tyz and noticed that they still messed with their belts and one actually got the Monkey Tyz loose.

After receiving some extra tips I realized I was not tightening the top buckle and pushing it up to meet there chest. This allowed their little fingers to get behind the buckle. After securing the belt tighter and putting Monkey Tyz over buckle I didn’t experience any more problems. Now the kids ask me to put on the Monkey Tyz. They work great once I learned the right way to put them on and would definitely recommend!”

 

 

And yet another happy mama tester says this:

“Monkey Tyz is fantastic because it has helped keep our little “monkey” safely strapped into her car seat. It gives us as parents, the peace of mind that she is safe, so that we don’t have to constantly look back while we’re driving to check on her – thus potentially endangering ourselves and other drivers! Traditional car seat straps alone just don’t cut it for all kids, especially our industrious daughter. But Monkey Tyz has out-smarted her, not only does it keep her safe, but it is also simple to use. Packaging was minimal and recyclable, with straightforward instructions for installation and use. I have and would recommend this product to other moms and will continue to use it so long as she is in her car seat and/or is attempting to get out on her own.”

 

Choosing The Size Monkey Tyz That Is Correct For Your Car Seat

It is important to note that Monkey Tyz has 3 sizes to choose from. You will need to know your car seat type to choose the correct size buckle cover for your little monkey.

1. Eddie Bauer, Cosco, Safety 1st, Britax have the most common size = Monkey Tyz
2. Evenflow has it’s own size = Monkey Tyz Jr.
3. Graco- is still in development. Target release date Spring 2012 = No Graco Seats!

Suggested Age: 12mo. to 36 mo. of age.

Retail Price: 29.95

Find your MACT Award winning Monkey Tyz here!

Find out more about MACT Awards here.

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful.  We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. LIKE us on Facebook too.

Related posts:

1. Keep Your Child Safe! Find Out Which Cars and Car Seats Contain Toxic Chemicals.
2. Ventilating Your Vehicle Is A Good Idea
3. Part 1: The Truth About GMO
4. Find Out Why the New Product Safety Law (CPSIA) Will NOT Protect Your Child
5. Organic Fruit In BPA-free Pouches

I found the most adorable kitten, about 2 weeks old, in a cardboard box at a grocery store. When I opened the box the cutest, blonde haired, blue eyed kitten looked up at me and I feel in love. Needless to say, I took her home and my family feel in love too. We bathed her little body, that fit into one hand, and dozens of fleas were removed (fleas are the way cats pass Cat Scratch Disease around).

One evening when I was massaging my 5 year old daughter I noticed some inflammation on her elbow but we didn’t know what it was or where it came from. Two days later that area was very swollen and warm to the touch. She had not fallen and there was no other symptoms but her inner elbow was very painful to the touch. We took her to the doctor about a week later (it seemed to be getting better, then not) and her doctor diagnosed her with Bartonella Henselae/Cat Scratch Disease.

My daughter’s pediatrician put her on 5 days of antibiotics, and at the time I was not aware of a homeopathic or more natural approach, and being frightened that this bacterial infection could turn into something much worse we went the 5 day route with that western approach. Wishing I would have had this expert advice from SAFbaby’s Expert Health Advisor, Dr. Murray Clarke, much sooner so as to bypass the antibiotic treatment.

She has however recovered beautifully and she has been on probiotics ever since to rebuild her intestinal flora after her antibiotic treatment. The following is from Dr. Murray Clarke:

Cat Scratch Disease, which is often known as Cat Scratch Fever is a bacterial infection that is due to the scratch or bite of a cat or kitten. The bacteria that causes this infection is Bartonella henselae and there are about 20,000 cases reported annually in America. The majority of these cases do occur in children which is thought to be associated with children being more likely to be playing with cats and kittens and being scratched. Kittens are more likely to carry the bacteria in their blood and may therefore be more likely to transmit the disease rather than adult cats.

Symptoms Of Cat Scratch Disease/Bartonella Henselae

The symptoms usually begin to occur within two weeks of the scratch and most commonly include the following:

• Bump or blister at the site of the scratch or bite (usually the first sign)
• Lymph node swelling near the site of the scratch or bite
• Fever
• Headache
• Overall discomfort, achiness and tiredness

Typically, the infection is not serious or prolonged and most of the time a child will recover well by giving the appropriate homeopathic, herbal and nutritional immune support.
In some cases an antibiotic may be prescribed if the child is not recovering in a timely manner by themselves or with the natural immune support remedies.

Treating Cat Scratch Disease/Bartonella Henselae

Holistically the treatment approach is to provide your child with remedies that can provide extra  immune support and particularly help the lymphatic system clear the bacteria from their system.

Homeopathic Remedy to consider: Gelsemium Semp. 30c,  one pellet 3x daily until all clear.

Herbal immune support with anti-bacterial properties: Olive Leaf extract, Colloidal Silver, Goldenseal and Echinacea

Nutritional immune support: Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Colostrum

By giving the above remedies and immune support you can help your child’s immune system respond appropriately and clear the infection. In this way your child’s immune system can learn and grow from the experience with the idea that every challenge that comes along can help make your child’s immune system stronger and wiser when treated in the right way.

If your child is prescribed an antibiotic then be sure to provide additional immune support ( Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Echinacea)  along with giving Probiotics and Colostrum during the course of the antibiotics and for at least 3 weeks following, to re-balance their intestinal ecology and strengthen their immune system afterwards.

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful.  We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. LIKE us on Facebook too.

About Safbaby’s Health Expert: Dr. Murray Clarke, ND., D.Hom., L.Ac.

Dr. Murray Clarke is a doctor of naturopathic medicine with licenses and doctorates in homeopathic medicine and Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbology) and is a leading homeopathic physician for children in the Los Angeles area. He is also the founder of ChildLife® Essentials and author of Natural Baby – Healthy Child: Alternative Health Care Solutions from Pre-conception Through Childhood.

Natural Baby – Healthy Child utilizes diet, environmental detoxification, nutritional supplementation, and holistic modalities including homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture to help parents—from pre-conception to pregnancy, to the baby’s first year through childhood—make the right health decisions for themselves and their child, naturally. Natural Baby—Healthy Child is an essential medical road map that will help keep children firmly on the path to robust, long-term good health and the realization of the full potential of body, mind and soul. For more information, please visit NaturalBabyHealthyChild.com

Related posts:

1. Do You Have Fever Phobia? This Article Can Help.
2. An Alternative Vaccination Schedule From Dr. Donald Miller
3. Natural Ways to Keep Kids Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

Last July we posted an article by Jamey Lacy-July titled, “Is Silicone In Baby Products And Bakeware Really Safe?” It is a very informative article addressing the astonishing numbers of toxins that hide in silicone baby products and bakeware.

We also received lots of questions around the safety of stainless steel and aluminum cookware from this post.

Today we have an article for you by Susan Masimore, Founder of ESP (Essential Safe Products). Susan breaks down the options in cookware and offers the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types.

Cookware …Cook, Where?

The provoking question of what type of cookware to use in your home has been plaguing households for centuries. Purchasing cookware can be a decent size investment, so you want to make sure you choose the best type for your home because what you cook in may end up in your food!

So what kind of cookware is best? The answer: it depends!

But if avoiding toxins in you cookware is a priority then stainless steel cookware or cast iron cookware are great options.

To help you make safer decisions when shopping for new pots and pans, here are some advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of cookware available:

• Pottery

  A lot of imported pottery contains high levels of lead, which can leach into your food when heated. Yikes! ESP’s thoughts? Keep those for decorative purposes.

• Aluminum Cookware

  This gets a little iffy when deciding whether or not to purchase Aluminum cookware. While it is lightweight, inexpensive, and heats well, it does have several disadvantages. Its most prominent disadvantage is that during cooking, the aluminum may dissolve from pots and pans and make its way into the food you eat. The longer you use your aluminum cookware, the more likely your food will absorb the chemicals. Once it’s in your food, the next stop is your body.

• Anodized Aluminum Cookware

  This is very similar to regular aluminum cookware, but it has a hard, non-stock surface that is less likely to leach chemicals into your food. But while it’s more difficult to damage the surface of anodized aluminum cookware than regular aluminum cookware, it does not mean the surface cannot be damaged—ultimately leaching the aluminum into the food you are cooking. Although the amount of leaching is in small doses, over time this can add up.

• Cast Iron Cookware

  Iron is essential to producing red blood cells in our body. While large amounts can prove to be poisonous, iron cookware only provides less than 20% of total daily iron intake, which is within safe levels.  Many of us don’t get enough iron rather than too much, so cast iron cookware is a great choice!

• Copper Cookware

  While using copper cookware, be cautious of the copper or coatings used on the cookware as they can leach chemicals into your food. While small doses of copper are tolerable, large amounts can be poisonous.

• Ceramic Cookware

  Ceramic cookware has the benefits of being easy to clean and heated to fairly high temperatures. However, the health concern with ceramic cookware is that it is glazed.  This glaze may help resist wear and corrosion but can often contain traces of lead or cadmium.  Both lead and cadmium are harmful chemicals when absorbed in the body.

• Non-Stick Cookware

  Cookware with a non-stick/Teflon coating may make cooking a lot less sticky, but the chemical PFOA that leaches from the coating is believed to cause a sticky situation. Studies have indicated that PFOA may be linked to several hazardous health issues, especially when young children are exposed. 1

• Stainless Steel Cookware

  As the most popular type of cookware in North America, stainless steel cookware is lightweight, fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and considered one of the best and safest options for cookware! The chemicals found in stainless steel cookware include iron, nickel, and chromium.  These chemicals only leach in small amounts, which do not cause enough harm to create concern. To help avoid these chemicals from leaching into your foods, use a less abrasive method of cleaning to help avoid scratching the surface. The best kind to get is 18/8 or 18/10…these tend to be the safest and least likely to rust.

About Essential Safe Products (ESP)

Susan Masimore, mother of 6 children, started ESP because she wanted to spread the word about toxins and give families a place where they can confidently purchase non-toxic products for the kitchen and on-the-go.

Through ESP’s website, families can learn about the toxic chemicals, find tips and tricks on how to avoid exposure to toxins in food and drink, and purchase kitchen and on-the-go products that are non-toxic and food safe. ESP is dedicated to promoting healthy and non-toxic lifestyles for families as well as a healthy environment and is a proud SAFbaby.com Approved Vendor!

Visit Essential Safe Products Online Shop

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful. We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. Also don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

1 http://saferchemicals.org/resources/chemicals/pfc.html

Related posts:

1. US Rice Is Relatively Elevated In Arsenic. Due to NO Set Limits, So Are Infant Rice Cereals!
2. Lead Found in Organic and Non-Organic Juices and Baby Food
3. Lead Exposure Can Come From All Foods! Here’s What You Can Do
4. Is Silicone In Baby Products And Bakeware Really Safe?

In my native Switzerland Bach Flower Remedies are very popular and can be found in every pharmacy and health food store. They supposedly can help not only adults but also children deal with unpleasant and negative emotions and bring back positive feelings.

We asked Shelley McQuerter, owner and director of Learn Homeopathy Now (see her bio below) to tell us more about Bach Flower Remedies and how beneficial they are for children.

Please let us know if you tried Bach flower remedies and if it helped your child. We’d love to know!

Articly by Shelley McQuerter:

What Are Bach Flower Essences?

Are you looking for safe, natural remedies to help with a multitude of symptoms for childhood issues? Bach flower essences offer a gentle and effective tool to facilitate great healing and a happy household!

Bach Flower Essences are homeopathically prepared remedies from the blooms of plants, bushes and trees that were discovered by English physician and homeopath, Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s. There are 38 flower essences (plus one combination essence known as Rescue Remedy or Five Flower Formula) that correspond to specific mental and emotional states. Dr. Bach noticed in his medical practice, that many of his patients’ complaints and conditions seemed linked to their state of mind.  This led him to conclude that the original cause of most physical ailments lay in the person’s negative emotional or psychological states.

“There is no true healing unless there is a change in outlook, peace of mind, and inner happiness.” – Dr. Bach

Dr. Bach decided to dedicate his life to the discovery of a system of healing that would transcend physical symptoms and address the mental and emotional roots of disease. He thought if one’s emotional symptoms are balanced, the body’s own vitality would be strengthened and able to throw off illness. This led him to categorize his patients’ negative states or inner imbalances and search for the corresponding flower that would restore their balance and transform negative emotions into positive ones.

How do Bach Flower Essences work?

Bach Flower Essences contain no scent and are not to be confused with aromatherapy or essential oils.

Dr. Bach was inspired by dewdrops on flower petals. He speculated that through the heat of the sun, the healing essence of a flower is brought out to the dew and the flowers release their healing energy into the water. All Flower Essences are collected at the peak of their bloom, when Dr. Bach thought the healing properties were at their strongest.

By extracting essences and through self-experimentation, Dr. Bach isolated flowers which address a broad range of psychological symptoms. Essences are chosen by identifying the negative emotions, feelings, attitudes and behaviors that a person experiences when swinging out of balance. Taking the essence associated with that particular emotional imbalance raises the frequency of vital life force and seemingly dissolves the negativity to allow the positive potential of the Essence and the corresponding positive emotions to be experienced.

How do I administer to Infants and Children?

There are many ways to take the essences: orally, topically, in a spray, mixture bottle—even added to a beverage.

There is a small amount of brandy added to the essences to preserve and prevent contamination, so for use with children and infants you may want to dilute it in a drink  or administer the remedy topically – our skin is our largest organ, so it’s a great way to receive these liquid.

Also, adding a couple drops of an essence to a drink or bottle of water and sipping throughout the day is a great way to garner the healing properties of the essence. Bach Flower Essences can be combined with other forms of therapy and treatments and still be effective and safe. You can easily combine up to seven essences to fit your situation. The flower essences are so safe that even if you happen to give the “wrong” remedy, adverse reaction will not happen.

Helpful Essences for Infants and Children

Infants and children respond wonderfully to Bach flower essences. You will be amazed with the positive effects the essences have. Screaming children find calm, shy and fearful children find courage, impatient, restless and angry children find peace.

Below are just a few of the many essences we often use for children:

• Difficulty sleeping – White Chestnut & Rescue Remedy

• Fears & anxiety – Mimulus

• Separation anxiety – Honeysuckle, Red Chestnut & Mimulus

• Impatience, irritability and restlessness – Impatience & Rescue Remedy

• Temper tantrums – Cherry Plum and Rescue Remedy

Flower essences are also helpful for a host of other common issues including:

• Hyperactivity
• Anger
• Fears/Phobias
• Anxiety
• Obsessions
• Concentration & Focus
• Compulsions
• Learning Difficulties
• Emergencies & First Aid
• Depression
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Insomnia
• Transitions & Changes
• Attention Deficit Disorder

In fact a study conducted at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center found that Bach Flower Essences effectively managed the symptoms of ADHD.  Essences used for the trial included Rescue Remedy, Cherry Plum, Vervain, Crab Apple and Walnut.

Another study conducted by Primary Health Care Centers of California found that 87.4% of patients who were treated with Bach Flower Essences reported good or very good results with their mental and emotional health.

About Learn Homeopathy Now

Learn Homeopathy Now teaches about medicines derived from nature that stimulate your natural defenses without side effects and heal the underlying cause of disease by bringing balance to body, mind and spirit.

Shelley McQuerter, owner and director of Learn Homeopathy Now, has inspired countless healing professionals with her passion for Homeopathy. Simple to use, her self-paced, time-tested method allows parents and young adults, chiropractors, psychologists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, medical doctors and nurses to progress from basic home care skills to mastering an additional healing modality.

Shelley is joined by Willow MacPherson, Homeopathy Consultant and Educator, who is sought out nationwide for Homeopathic consultations from her full-time, private practice in southern California.

Visit Learn Homeopathy Now Online

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful. We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. Also don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Related posts:

1. A Safe Shot Strategy for Parents Who Choose to Vaccinate
2. Toxic Flea and Tick Collars Are Dangerous To Kids So Try These Natural Flea Remedies
3. Exciting News! Introducing SAFbaby’s Expert Advisor, Dr. Murray Clarke
4. How to get rid of Pinworms: Conventional and Natural Treatments for Children and Adults
5. Safe Alternatives To Swine Flu Vaccinations For Our Children

We’re excited to share this excellent post with you by Janet Lansbury. Paying attention doesn’t come naturally, so these 7 tips to foster a long attention span are a great daily reminder for every parent.  Janet Lansbury is a parenting adviser, writer and teacher. She has served on the board of directors of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) for over a decade, written childcare articles and been a presenter at early childhood conferences.

You’re off and writing. You’ve cracked the blank page and the keyboard’s clicking. Time melts away, as does the chirping bird, the sound of distant traffic, the tick of the clock, and the discomfort of the broken wicker desk chair you’ve been meaning to replace for months. Suddenly the doorbell jars you. It’s a neighbor friend. She snaps you out of ‘flow’, and back into reality. You love her dearly, but your concentration is broken nonetheless… Babies experience these interruptions all the time.

We don’t think twice about interrupting infants and toddlers, mostly because we don’t think to value what they are doing.  At the same time, we want our children to be learners and achievers. We want them to be able to listen patiently in the classroom and have the tenacity to solve difficult problems and pursue their dreams.

We want ‘paying attention’ to come naturally, learning skills to come joyfully and easily. The first years of life are formative for developing focus and concentration.

Here are 7 ways to foster a long attention span:

1. Minimal entertainment and stimulation.

   Babies are creatures of habit and can become accustomed to expect entertainment rather than doing what comes naturally — occupying themselves with their surroundings. Constant stimulation leads to an exhausted parent and an easily bored, over-stimulated child. Infant expert Magda Gerber taught that babies do not naturally become bored.  Parents do. Babies are entranced by the way their bodies can move, and the sights, sounds, smells, nooks and crannies of life that we adults take for granted. They need uninterrupted time to experience those things and assimilate them.

2. No TV or videos.

   TV and videos are the most drastic way to undermine your child’s developing attention span because they engage and overwhelm a child’s attention rather than encouraging the child to actively flex his focus muscle. Imagine the powerful pull of the TV screen in a restaurant. You can be sitting with the most fascinating people in the world, and still you find your eyes drawn to the damn TV.  (For an in-depth study on the TV issue, I highly recommend Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think - And What We Can Do About It, by Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.)

3. A safe, cozy “YES” place.

   In order to remain occupied for extended periods of time, a baby must have a safe place. This can begin with a bassinet or crib, and grow with the baby to be a playpen, and finally a cordoned-off or gated play area. A too large area where there are unsafe objects available to a child is not the relaxed environment the baby needs for extensive concentration. Babies cannot play for long periods of time when they are distracted by the tension of parents worried about safety and the interruption of “NOs”.

4. Simple, open-ended toys and objects.

   Unless distracted, babies are inclined to examine every inch of a simple object, like the pattern on a cloth napkin, and then experiment, i.e. wave it, mouth it, place it over their faces, and scrunch it into a ball. They are apt to tire of, or become over-stimulated by objects that they either cannot comprehend (like rattles and other mysterious noisemakers) or toys that they passively watch, listen to, and have a single function: like musical mobiles or wind-up toys. Those toys grab the child’s attention rather than strengthening his ability to actively focus and investigate, similar to the way TV and videos do.

5. Observe. And don’t interrupt.

   Observing the way our babies choose to spend their time makes us realize that they are not just lying there, but actually doing something. That something might be gazing towards a window, at the ceiling fan, or grasping at dust particles in the sunlight. Every time we interrupt our baby’s musings we discourage his concentration. When we observe we can see when there is a break in the action, i.e. the baby averts his gaze from the wiffle ball he was prodding with his fingers and turns to look at us. We can then ask to pick him up for a diaper change without diverting his attention and interfering with his train of thought.

6. Baby gets to choose.

   Simple fact: children are more interested in the things they choose than the things we choose for them. Therefore, allowing a baby to choose what to do in his play environment rather than directing him to our choice of activity (a learning game, puzzle or flash card) will better engage his interest, focus and heightened concentration.  Children who are given plenty of opportunities to focus for extended periods of time on activities they choose are better able to pay attention in situations later (like school) where activities are adult-prescribed.

7. Don’t encourage distraction.

   It is common practice to distract a baby with a toy on the changing table to “get the job done.” But this trains babies to NOT pay attention. Diaper changes, baths, and feedings are not dull, unpleasant chores for babies.   Babies are interested in all aspects of their lives. They want to be included in each step of a task that involves them and be invited to participate as much as they are able. When we teach a baby that he should not pay attention to activities he’s an integral part of, how do we then expect him to develop a healthy attention span?

The ability to spend extended periods of time delving deeply, seeking greater understanding of an object or situation, can be developed and strengthened like a muscle. I don’t pretend to be a PhD, but common sense tells me that a home environment conducive to focus and attention can have a positive impact on – and maybe even prevent — some attention deficit disorders.

Focus is power. A long attention span is essential for creative, athletic and academic achievement. Attentive listeners make the best friends, spouses and parents.

So next time you check on your baby, tiptoe in and peek before saying, “Hello.” Babies relish their “flow” time, too.

The video below demonstrates the positive effect that uninterrupted infant play can have on a child’s focus and attention span at age 2.

About Janet Lansbury

Janet Lansbury is a parenting adviser, writer and teacher. She has served on the board of directors of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) for over a decade, written childcare articles and been a presenter at early childhood conferences. A former actress/model (Janet Julian), Janet found her true calling when she gave birth to her first child (of 3) and sought guidance from renowned infant expert Magda Gerber. Inspired and mentored by Gerber in the early 1990′s, Janet became a RIE Parent/Infant Guidance Class instructor and has since had the privilege of providing support and guidance to thousands of parents and caregivers throughout Los Angeles. Most recently, she has become a prolific and influential Parenting blogger with a worldwide following. Please visit her website at http://www.janetlansbury.com/

Related posts:

1. The ADA Warms Against Using Fluoridated Water In Infant Formula
2. Which DHA Is Safe and Most Beneficial For Brain Development? A FAQ with Safbaby’s Health Expert Dr. Murray Clarke
3. One Simple Tip That Will Have Your Toddler Cooperating With You And Feeling Proud
4. Children and Fluoride FAQ – A Must Read For Every Parent!
5. Can Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil Really Alter a Baby Boy’s Hormones?

With 365 posts in our database, SAFbaby is a powerful source of information.  We have something that every parent in the world can benefit from reading! Our topics cover everything from apple juice to vaccines and because we are mothers ourselves, we are always looking for the SAFEST ALTERNATIVES and the most natural and effective means in caring for our children. What we learn we share with YOU, so you and your children may benefit too.

Below is a list of SAFbaby’s top 10 read articles in 2011. Grab yourself an herbal tea or hot coffee and take a little time to read each of these posts as an offering of love and service to those you cherish the most.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and joyful 2012!!!

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR POSTS OF 2011

# 10: Children and Fluoride FAQ – A Must Read For Every Parent!

# 9: Why Babies and Children are Most Vulnerable to GMO

# 8: Formaldehyde-Free Baby and Children’s Clothing Companies

# 7: How Dangerous Is PVC in Toys? We’ve Got The Answers From THE Expert.

# 6: What Do All The Marks and Symbols On Toy Packages Mean?

# 5: Lead-Free, PVC-Free and Fire Retardant-Free Toy Manufacturers

# 4: Can Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil Really Alter a Baby Boy’s Hormones?

# 3: An Alternative Vaccination Schedule From Dr. Donald Miller

# 2: Boosting Baby’s and Toddler’s Immune System, NATURALLY!

# 1: Our 4 Post on Toxic Foam Puzzle Mats

• Update November 29, 2011:
  The Latest on EVA Foam Puzzle Mats and Why They’re Still Not Safe For Your Baby
• Update May 12, 2011:
  The Latest Updates On Toxic Formamide In Foam Puzzle Play Mats Plus Chart of Manufacturers
• Update December 30, 2010:
  More News On Foam Puzzle Mats And Reproductive Carcinogens
• First Post December 14, 2010:
  Foam Puzzle Mat Immedate Removal In France Due to Toxic Formamide

If you have received insight about creating a healthier environment for your child or loved one, we are happy. Please show us your support, buy us a tea as a gift of gratitude for our service and/or show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful. We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. Also don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Thank you and may 2012 be a marvelous year for your family!

The Safbaby mamas
Samantha & Sandra

Related posts:

1. 12 Things Your Child Should Avoid
2. Children and Fluoride FAQ – A Must Read For Every Parent!
3. A Natural Way To Soothe A Fussy, Cranky, or Sleepy Baby
4. Why Our Children Need Supplements & Natural Immune Boosting Support
5. Safe Alternatives To Swine Flu Vaccinations For Our Children

Do you know what labels to look for when you purchase a toy for Christmas?  This article will help you!

Toy safety symbols are located on the packaging of our babies and children’s toys, and sometimes on the toy as well. Have you ever wondered what they mean?

We have! So we have done some research to define these symbols and believe that knowing a little bit about these standards will help you make wiser toy purchases.

The more safety symbols the toy has, the easier it is for a consumer to trust in the safety of it’s product! Especially if you see voluntary symbols like the Lion or SGS GS, TÜV, RoHS, FSC and more.

If you visit your local toy store such as Toys R Us, Babies R Us, or Target, you will need to dig for toys that have one or more certifications. We know, we have gone to these stores searching for them.

MARKS, SYMBOLS AND LABELS ON TOY PACKAGES AND TOYS

Some you may have seen often, others you may have never seen. If you are a wise toy shopper, you have seen them all! Here we will define those toy symbols for you:

ASTM F963
	ASTM testing used to be voluntary. Starting February 2009, thanks to the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, toys sold in the United States for children under the age of 12 MUST be tested to the ASTM International F963 toy safety standard.  The ASTM F963 standards incorporate relevant safety measures already required under federal law and includes additional guidelines and test methods to prevent injuries from choking, sharp edges and other potential hazards. In addition to requiring toy safety standards, the law sets strict limits on lead content in children’s product and all toys need to be phthalate free (not exceeding 0.1%).
CE EN71
	The CE mark is a mandatory conformity and has been in effect since 1990 in the European Union (EU). It ensures the free movement of the product within the EFTA & European Union (EU) market.  The EN71 toy safety standard test is similar to the ASTM F963. The toys comply with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation. All toys that carry this mark are phthalate free and a strict limit of lead content has to be met. The 0-3 symbol needs to be added to CE mark, if there are small parts or other characteristic that are unsuitable for children less than 3 years
LION
	The Lion in the Triangle is a symbol of safety and quality, backed by a Code of Practice and developed by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) in 1988.  Toys bearing the Lion Mark have been made to the highest standards currently in force in Britain and the European Community (BS 5665/BS EN 71). It is a symbol of toy safety and quality for the consumer.
TüV
	With over 100,000 inspections and tests carried out on toys every year, TÜV Rheinland is one of the world’s leading toy inspection agencies.  The tests carried out on toys include chemical, as well as physical inspections. And, the entire production and supply chain can also be tested with regard to sustainable use of resources, labor conditions and social standards.
SGS GS
	The SGS GS (Geprüfte Sicherheit) granted by SGS is a well-known and respected voluntary impartial certification mark indicating the GS safety standard and quality of an electrical toy or other product.  The SGS GS mark verifies to the consumer that the product is tested and certified according to the German Act GPSG (Geräte- und Produktisicherheitgesetz = Equipment and Product Safety Act).
RoHS COMPLIANT
	The RoHS symbol aims to restrict certain dangerous substances commonly used in electronic and electronic equipment.  This symbol bans the placing (in the European Union market) of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.
FSC
	Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.
Der Grüne Punkt
	Der Grüne Punkt is primarily a European (German) recycle symbol. It means that the manufacturer of the packaging has paid a financial amount, as contribution or license fee, to a national recycling effort geared towards full recovery of packaging material and promotion of easy-to-recycle components in packaging.
Crossed-Out Waste Bin
	The crossed-out Waste Bin symbol can be found on batteries and toys using batteries. From September 26, 2008 every battery or product using batteries must be marked with the crossed-out wheeled waste bin symbol.  In addition, a marking with the chemical symbol (Hg, Cd, Pb) is required for batteries containing more than 0,0005% mercury (Hg), more than 0,002% cadmium (Cd) and/or more than 0,004% lead (Pb).

We truly hope our research for this article helps to provide you with a little more information you need to shop safely for toys this season. For even more details, read our current post “Helping to Make Safe Toy Shopping Easier This Christmas.”

May this be your safest holiday yet!

Anyone wishing to republish or post any portion of this article must receive written permissions from SafBaby.com. Copyright 2008.

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful.  We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. LIKE us on Facebook too.

Related posts:

1. SafBaby’s Holiday Gift List for 2008: Healthy Toys Kids Love!
2. Helping To Make Safe Toy Shopping Easier This Christmas
3. Lead-Free, PVC-Free and Fire Retardant-Free Toy Manufacturers
4. Find Out Why the New Product Safety Law (CPSIA) Will NOT Protect Your Child
5. Safe and Non-toxic Christmas Stocking Stuffers

I recently read an article in a Swiss Newspaper where doctors are increasingly alarmed at how many vegan & vegetarian babies and children get seriously ill due to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Doctors in this article say that parents often replace cow’s milk with soy or almond milk and steak with tofu but forget the importance of Vitamin B12 lacking in plant food. Well, the article could have simply said, families on a plant based diet should use a B12 supplement, but of course you couldn’t expect that from the mainstream media…

What I wanted to know from  SAFbaby’s Health Expert Dr. Clarke, if a B12 supplement is as well-absorbed as B12 from animal products. Also what are the possible first side effects from a Vitamin B12 deficiency, what are the daily recommended levels and can you get a test done to detect a B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 Naturally Found In Animal Products

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in animal products including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods, however some nutritional yeast products may contain vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function (meaning brain and nervous system), and DNA synthesis. Very important functions.

Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency during infancy and childhood may include, failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental delays, and megaloblastic anemia.

In adults, Vitamin B12 deficiency  is characterized by fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur.

How much Vitamin B12 per Day?

Vegan Children Need a Vitamin B12 Supplement

Vegans and children placed on a vegan diet are definitely at the highest risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency and should always take a Vitamin B12 supplement. Being a water soluble vitamin any excess Vitamin B12 will simply be eliminated via the urine and there is no risk associated with taking too much Vitamin B12.

Lab Testing Vitamin B12 Levels

Testing for Vitamin B12 levels can be easily done with a simple blood test which typically costs around $50.

B12 Supplements vs B12 From Animal Products?

In dietary supplements, Vitamin B12 is usually present as cyanocobalamin, a form that the body readily converts to the active form of methylcobalamin. Dietary supplements can also contain Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin and this will be absorbed just as well as the Vitamin B12 found in food.

B12 For Proper Brain Function

Vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient along with the other 13 essential vitamins. They all work together and are all required in the correct amount, delivered to the body on a daily basis. With Vitamin B12 being involved in red blood cell formation and the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system it is extremely important that every child receives enough of this vitamin on a daily basis. Along with a healthy diet which provides a good balance of meats, fish, poultry and milk products, give your child a high quality Multi Vitamin/Mineral and you can be confident that they will receive all the Vitamin B12 that they need each day.

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful.  We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. LIKE us on Facebook too.

About Safbaby’s Health Expert: Dr. Murray Clarke, ND., D.Hom., L.Ac.

Dr. Murray Clarke is a doctor of naturopathic medicine with licenses and doctorates in homeopathic medicine and Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbology) and is a leading homeopathic physician for children in the Los Angeles area. He is also the founder of ChildLife® Essentials and author of Natural Baby – Healthy Child: Alternative Health Care Solutions from Pre-conception Through Childhood.

Natural Baby – Healthy Child utilizes diet, environmental detoxification, nutritional supplementation, and holistic modalities including homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture to help parents—from pre-conception to pregnancy, to the baby’s first year through childhood—make the right health decisions for themselves and their child, naturally. Natural Baby—Healthy Child is an essential medical road map that will help keep children firmly on the path to robust, long-term good health and the realization of the full potential of body, mind and soul. For more information, please visit NaturalBabyHealthyChild.com

Related posts:

1. Why Our Children Need Supplements & Natural Immune Boosting Support
2. Lead Exposure Can Come From All Foods! Here’s What You Can Do
3. Natural Ways to Keep Kids Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
4. Measles Questions NOT Addressed By Mainstream Media
5. Exciting News! Introducing SAFbaby’s Expert Advisor, Dr. Murray Clarke

Yep, what a topic, pinworms!  This one hits close to home because my precious little kindergartener recently just detoxed from pinworms.

You can imagine my internal horror when I saw a small little worm in her poop.  How did I see it you probably ask?  Well, we were out in nature and with no rest rooms around for miles and miles my daughter had to do her business in a hole I dug for her.  Thank goodness because I am not certain that we would have ever caught this if she didn’t have to go at that time under those circumstances.

So anyway, we saw a very small worm and of course I had questions I needed answered.  So, I inquired with SAFbaby Health Advisor, Dr. Clarke, and put my child on an herbal tincture parasite detox for 22 days.  We got her stool tested after her cleanse, and she tested negative for all parasites!  My husband and I are doing parasite cleanses too. Pinworms are pretty common, which baffled me, and when a child gets pinworm the entire family should get treated because it is so contagious. The following includes great info on pinworms and treatments.

Treating Pinworms, by SAFbaby Health Expert Dr. Clarke

The pinworm is the most common parasitic worm infection found in the United States, being present in around 10% of people and children of all ages at any one time.

Pinworms are spread through human-to-human transmission, by ingesting infectious pinworm eggs. The eggs are typically transmitted from their initial deposit near the anus to fingernails, hands, night-clothing and bed linen. From here, eggs are further transmitted to food, water, furniture, toys, bathroom fixtures and other objects. Household pets may carry the eggs in their fur, while not actually being actively infected. The eggs can remain infectious in a moist environment for up to three weeks.

Once the life cycle begins with the eggs being ingested, the females survive for 5 to 13 weeks, and males about 7 weeks. The male and female pinworms mate in the small intestine, then the male pinworms usually die, and are passed out with stool. The egg-laying process begins approximately five weeks after initial exposure or ingestion of pinworm eggs.

Pinworm Diagnosis

Any one of the following may indicate that pinworms are present;

• the pinworms may be visually seen in the stool or around the rectal area
• red and tender skin around the anus
• anal itching which continues to persist for over 1 week.

Are Pinworms Dangerous?

Pinworms are generally considered to be more of a nuisance than a medical problem or health risk. Although  this is mostly true it is never a good idea to let anything upset the ecology within the small and large intestines. So much of child’s immune system is connected to the health and integrity of their digestive system, so we should always keep it as clean as possible and free of any uninvited and unnecessary visitors.

A Conventional and Over-the Counter Treatment For Pinworm

The standard medical treatment prescribed by pediatricians is either:

• Albendazole  (Albenza) Treatment is a single tablet, often followed by a repeated dose 2 weeks later.
• Mebendazole  (Vermox) It is also taken in a single dose and repeated two weeks later.
• Pyrantel  (Pin-X, and others) This is available over the counter without a prescription.

Because eggs can survive for a 2-3 weeks, a second dose is often given two weeks later to lessen the chance of re-infection.

Natural Treatment For Pinworm

Treating pinworms with herbal formulas and homeopathic remedies is not as well tested as the above prescriptive medication and will take more time and effort. However the herbal formulas will generally be less toxic than the prescriptive medicines and therefore may be easier on your child’s body.

Do All 3 of these steps together:

The herbal formula to consider is:

BioRay Artemisia & Clove formula
Start at the lowest suggested dose below, gradually increasing to higher intake over the course of the first 10 days.

1-40 lbs: 3 drops; up to 1 dropper (26 drops) given as 13 drops 2x daily. 
40-75 lbs: 6 drops; up to 2 droppers (52 drops) given as 26 drops 2x daily.

Typically, the formula should be given for 2-3 weeks.

The homeopathic remedy to give is:

Cina 30c, one pellet 2x daily for 10 days.

Supplements:
Probiotics and Colostrum should be given twice daily along with the herbal and homeopathic remedy. Continue with these supplements for at least one month.

Giving the herbal formula along with the supplements and homeopathic remedy as suggested above will provide the best results.

Treatment for Reducing Reinfection or Spreading Pinworms to Others

• Preventing Infection: Infection is caused by swallowing pinworm eggs. A child can get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep the kids and the house clean. The following hygiene measures, however, can help to reduce the chances of re-infection of your child and new infections in other people.
• Hand-washing: Have your child scrub the hands and fingernails thoroughly before each meal and after each use of the toilet. Keep the fingernails cut short, because eggs can collect here. Thumb-sucking and nail-biting should be discouraged.
• Shower: Each morning give your child a shower. Always rinse the anal area. Continue to do this while taking the pinworm medicine.
• Vacuum: Vacuum or wet-mop your child’s bedroom once a week, because any eggs scattered on the floor are infectious for 1 or 2 weeks.
• Wash Clothes: Machine-washing at hot temperature will kill any eggs present in clothing or bedding.

Supplements for Maintenance and Prevention

Probiotics; keeping the ecology of the digestive and intestinal system well balanced with the right amount of good bacteria will always help to reduce the risk of any other type of infestation from bad bacteria, yeast, candida or parasites.

Colostrum; colostrum contains more immune factors than any other food or supplement and can be  actively utilized to  maintain and keep the ecology of the digestive system in a healthy state.

Please show a little love and LIKE this post at the beginning or end of the article if you found it helpful.  We always appreciate your comments and read each and everyone. LIKE us on Facebook too.

About Safbaby’s Health Expert: Dr. Murray Clarke, ND., D.Hom., L.Ac.

Dr. Murray Clarke is a doctor of naturopathic medicine with licenses and doctorates in homeopathic medicine and Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbology) and is a leading homeopathic physician for children in the Los Angeles area. He is also the founder of ChildLife® Essentials and author of Natural Baby – Healthy Child: Alternative Health Care Solutions from Pre-conception Through Childhood.

Natural Baby – Healthy Child utilizes diet, environmental detoxification, nutritional supplementation, and holistic modalities including homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture to help parents—from pre-conception to pregnancy, to the baby’s first year through childhood—make the right health decisions for themselves and their child, naturally. Natural Baby—Healthy Child is an essential medical road map that will help keep children firmly on the path to robust, long-term good health and the realization of the full potential of body, mind and soul. For more information, please visit NaturalBabyHealthyChild.com

Related posts:

1. Measles Questions NOT Addressed By Mainstream Media
2. Exciting News! Introducing SAFbaby’s Expert Advisor, Dr. Murray Clarke
3. Natural Ways to Keep Kids Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
4. Why Our Children Need Supplements & Natural Immune Boosting Support
5. ChildLife Essentials Children’s Supplements Give Away