Organic Baby Wearhouse

Now that Obama is on his way to the Oval Office, we can expect a few changes to the organic industry as a whole. Overall Obama is promising to do some great things that will make raising your baby organically and living healthy, easier on your pocket cook.

•  Obama supports the 2008 farm bill (which Bush vetoed)  which in my opinion, has more good provisions in it such as support for conservation and hunger programs, then bad.
• Obama is going to make disaster assistant programs permanent in nature so farmers will not have to wait for the red tape of Congress approval in the wake of a natural disaster. This will positively impact prices and overall production.
• The President elect also supports country of origin labels that would require meat and perishable farm products to indicate where they came from.  I believe consumers will make a conscious decision to choose organic and or local foods when they see how much of their food comes from China.
• Obama says he will increase funding programs for cost sharing on organic certification services. This will help farmers afford the cost of complying with national standards for organic food and help bring down the cost of organic food and clothing.
• Also, Obama will promote the use of new technologies that produce power from animal waste, and farming methods that help soil maintain health and reduce energy waste.  He has also pledged to grow federally funding energy efficiency programs and conservation project in support for industries that provide new value driven agricultural products.

If Obama comes true on a lot of his pledges, I believe we will see a positive impact with organic production and healthy living on the rise with lowered costs to the consumers.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is most parents’ worst nightmare, the worry that keeps moms and dads alike waking in the middle of the night, not because the baby is crying, but to make sure they are still sleeping. Findings denote the syndrome to be accounted by carbon dioxide the baby has breathed out being re-inhaled and becoming trapped in their airway. The baby has to breath though so how to increase the circulation and decrease the likelihood of the this not occurring seems to be the first steps to slowing down this terrifying syndrome and allowing parents a little rest. Different studies through out the last 20 years have provided different advise on prevention. The most recent findings list a few simple precautions that can be taken to help decrease the chances. First understanding there are babies more likely to suffer from SIDS. Boys, African American and American Indian children, premature birth weight and living with cigarette smokers are all factors that increase the chances for the baby. Only one of these can be controlled and that is cigarette smoking. The most common preventive steps include: Firm bedding with very little blanketing, soft bedding allows the baby to sink into the mattress and creates a higher likelihood of them re-inhaling the carbon dioxide they just exhaled. Lots of blankets and covers again increases their mouths being covered forcing them to breathe back in the dispelled air. Keeping a fan circulating in the room of the baby is a way to help to ensure the air moves and the carbon dioxide mixes with in the room. This decreases the amount of carbon dioxide that is concentrated around the baby and they can breathe in. There is 72% less chance of SIDS with babies with a fan in their room moving the air. IF a fan is not possible, an open window is an acceptable way to increase fresh air and release the stale air. Placing babies on their back to sleep helps to decrease the chances of them smothering themselves into the mattress and breathing their expelled air. SIDS is a terrifying worry for parents but it can be reduced if you are careful about environment and the set up of the babies sleeping quarters. 

As the weather turns chilly and the temperature raises and lowers a difference of 30 degrees a day, parents start to worry about their children and the vicious cold and flu strands that in the past few years have become more and more difficult to treat. Traditionally in the United States the common remedy can be found on all pharmacy and grocery store shelve, over the counter medications to treat said symptoms.

In 2007 the FDA announced that these over the counter multi-symptom medications were not safe for children under the age of 2. Now in 2008 there is debate over whether this should be extended to ages 6 and under. The FDA has documented the multiple medications mixed into these easy to administer remedies can cause easy over dose and complications.

After the initial announcement and change in directions on medications based on age, the number of calls to poison control for children dropped 40%. These medicines are not designed for the changing and growing body of young children because they are based on age not weight.

This year there are more and more parents seeking out manners to help deliver relief to children dealing with the cold and flu in more homeopathic and natural manners. The “old time” medicines such as sleep, a dehumidifier, and honey are stand-by long-term natural manners of dealing with illness. The many herbs when taken correctly are as effective and less traumatic to the growing systems of children.

The recent recall on baby formula distributed through out several provinces in China through the Sanlu Group, one of the larger producers of baby formula, has re-introduced the questions on the standards set by the Chinese government on product safety.

Three babies have passed due to the chemical melamine addition to the formula. The chemical is added to create a higher protein levels in milk that does not meet the standards for protein consistency. Melamine, which is found in plastics and fertilizers, has created over 1000 cases of severe kidney stones in infants.

The Sanlu Group partners with a New Zealand company, Fonterra, alerted New Zealand government officials early last week of the repetitive complaints and findings of the chemical addition. The New Zealand contacted the Chinese officials who then called for a full recall. This includes over 10,000 tons of formula, as well as a question of what other dairy products could be tainted with the chemical, Fonterra is currently testing all items with Chinese ingredients.

There have been six arrests made and twenty-two people are currently being questioned. The perpetrators include the chairwoman/General manager of the Sanlu Group and officials connected to the Hebei province where the company is based.

The first reports of problems were filed as early as March, but in early August several infants were admitted with the problem. Unfortunately there was not a public statement and recall until the second week of September. This leads people to wonder when the Chinese government was going to make this public, if it was not prompted by the New Zealand Government.

The general public is disgusted by the consequences and actions of these companies it also resurrects the argument that breast milk is the wisest solution for infant feeding. The female body produces a high protein, rich in antibody food for infants and there are not worries about strange chemical additions to increase the vitality of the milk.

China currently is recalling a baby formula milk substitute due to the toxin melamine positively testing in the powder. As early as March cases of kidney stones in infants were reported. When more than a dozen cases were reported recently action had to be taken by the government. The Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group who is the manufacturing company of this product has issued 8,000 tons of powder be recalled. Last year, this brand was the 7th top selling formula by revenue for China. It is currently illegal to sell in the United States, although there is concern by US officials that ethnic grocery stores in larger cities with Chinese populations carrying it with out governmental approval. The toxin is commonly used combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a durable plastic. Melamine is used in the make up of fertilizers and cleaning products. Between the late 1950s and mid-70s there was testing done on the affects of ingesting the chemical and the results were it caused reproductive changes, bladder and kidney stones. Again, this was the primary symptom that alerted health officials of the common problem with the infants, kidney stones. In recent years, the use of melamine has been connected to artificially increasing protein levels in pet foods, but after several reports of animal fatality all pet food with the chemical was recalled. This is not the first, just the most recent, example of the standards set by the Chinese government on product requirements and testing procedures prior to release for commercial use. This also serves as a reminder why the healthiest solution for baby’s nutrition is good, ole fashion mothers’ milk. Breast milk is the ideal source for baby’s, it contains the vitamins, anti-bodies and nutrients to nurture and foster healthy growth.

The whole point of the “green movement” is to save the world for future generations. Expectant parents can start with organic baby products.

Organic baby products make a lot of sense. They are composed of materials made without toxins, fertilizers or pesticides, making them healthier for the entire household. If a baby or a family member is at risk from allergies, organic products can greatly reduce that risk.

Many people find that organic baby products are much softer than competing products. Who wouldn’t want to give their baby the softest baby clothing and bedding? Organic baby fabrics are hand-sewn, so baby won’t be scratched by rough edges.

Babies are often hard on their clothes, so it’s a relief to learn that clothing made from organic cotton can be much more durable. If there are multiple children in the family, organic clothes can help save the family budget by ensuring that hand-me-downs are attractive and have plenty of wear left.

Did you know that the world’s cotton crop accounts for a full 25 percent of the world’s pesticide use? Of course, much of that cotton crop is used in baby products. By choosing organic baby items, parents really are doing a great deal to save the earth for future generations.

Some critics say that it is too expensive to use organic baby items. However, it is well worth a slightly greater expense to buy an organic cotton T-shirt; it did not cost the environment to create it either.

Buying organic baby items is a great way to set an example for babies and the rest of the world. By getting baby started on organic problems, they may choose to go green for life.

With Vanity Fair releasing “green” issues in May to celebrate green clothing fashion, the age of sustainable clothing is definitely here.  But a lot of people out there still don’t know exactly what constitutes sustainable clothing.

I’ve found most people think of green clothing as recycled materials, high performance wools, or fabrics made of lyocell and Tencel. But do any of these qualify as organic? Whats safe for your baby? And how does organic baby clothing fit in with sustainable baby clothes?

These questions are not actually that easy to answer as there is no American or even global standard for sustainable or organic clothing. Most people think the USDA certifies organic clothing however they only certify food and personal care products.  There is, however, the USDA certification for cotton plants and cotton fibers that are produced for cotton oils and seeds used in important food products.

Internationally,  there are only two organizations that provide structure for global organic farming, the International Federaion of Organic  Agriculteral Movements (IFOAM),and Codex Alimentarius. The Codexs Alimentarius Commission by the United Nations to help develop a global standard for food, to protect the health of consumers, and to ensure fair trade practices by food indsutries. IFOAM was created to promote and help support organic farming and agricultre by creating international standards and polices for organic produce.

The internatilnal market is still rulled by private companies with varying standards however they all have genrally the same intent and purpose.  Their eforts are to provide real protection to the environment, our workes in the field and on the product line, and the health of our consumers.
So when shopping for sustainable baby clothes or for yourself, look for “certified organic” labels.  Its always up tot he consumer, who has the strongest vocie in the market.

To any organic minded parent, choosing safe body care products for your baby should be as essential as organic foods. Those sweet smelling bath care products for your babies may contain some very nasty chemicals, from skin irritants to more serious chemicals that have been link to hormone disruption, even cancer. These toxins are especially unhealthy for kids as their thinner skin (till age 20) leaves them more susceptible to these toxins.

Don’t Trust “Gentle” or “Natural” Labeling

The biggest part of the issue stems from the FDA, suprise suprise, not having any saftey requirements for body care ingredients. Cosmetic businesses are able to use any marketing claim (besides USDA Organic) without any need for proof. A study by the (EWG) Environmental Working Group released in 07 shows that, typically, children are exposed to over 60 chemicals a day from personal care products. Out of those, 27 have not been check by the government for health or safety. Another study by the EWG shows that over 35% of products labeled natural had a medley of artificial preservatives, and almost 80% contained ingredients linked to allergies and skin irritation.

What to do? Go Organic

Find  baby products that have the USDA organic seal and don’t contain the chemicals with the “eth” suffix (such as sodium laureth sulfate), a red flag for 1,4-dioxane (a chemical linked to cancer). And in general, look for organic baby products that are fragrance free as these are less likley to contain allergens.

I often hear from skeptics about our organic baby products that sustainable and organic farming is never going to feed the masses, or make a difference. Many believe we most continue with our current trend of using chemicals and genetic manipulations to feed the earth. However, an amazing new study on biodynamic & organic farming claims we can indeed succeed at saving the world through sustainable farming.

The documentary called “How to save the world” exposes globalization and its affects on humanity.  The documentary takes shows us the India’s marginal farmers that are going back to their roots and still succeeding. The documentary story teller, a New Zealaneder, is being called the new Gandhi by many.

Basically, the documentary is a blueprint for how to succeed at farming for the future. It takes you through the center of the worlds most important renaissance. This outcome for the battle of agricultural control in India might just dictate the future of the earth.

You can check the trailer here on youtube or visit the documantary site here.

Our nations and goverments need t wak eup and understand that humans and the environment are interconnected and when we ruin one we kill the other. Even in the Bible it say that we are stewards of this planet, an it is our duty to take care of it. I hope this video reaches as many souls as possible. Please share it with your friends!

Most of our site visitors know to the benefits of organic food, organic baby clothing, bedding, and skin care products. A lot of health savvy consumers even buy natural cleaning products for their home. Most of these cleaning products promise to only contain natural (instead of synthetic) agents, and not be a toxic threat to humans or the environment. But many of these so called green cleaners might not be so safe for your baby after all.

Even though lots of these natural cleaning products claim to list all their ingredients, the market is not regulated, at all. Which leads me to be wary of what else is in the bottle. They may contain natural ingredients we want to stay away from, such as petroleum distillates, which studies show some may cause cancer. Also, just because a plant based cleaning product is biodegradable, doesn’t mean it wont have potential adverse effects on health or the environment.

Some of these “eco-freindly” cleaners use limonen (a citrus based oil), coconut diethanolamide, and pine oil — of which all have been found to cause allergic dermatitis. Furthermore, a recent study of nontoxic and supposedly natural consumer products found the chemical 1,4-dioxanend (a suspected cancer causing substance) in roughly half of 100 tested products. These included several dish washing liquids using “eco-friendly” and “earth friendly” in their brand names.
Many health conscious consumer advocates, including the organic consumers organization, have pressured the government for stricter lableing rules to no avail. My suggestion, buy only USDA certified organic cleaning products whenever possible.