Saturday, April 17, 2010

Baby Your Body

I am always surprised when I hear friends mention that they do something really healthy for their children but then they don't do it for themselves.  Get with the game, people. We need to be healthy FOR our children...not only to help raise them but also so they can see what it means to be a healthy adult.  Role models.  Yes. the moment you became a parent, this also became a title.


I have always been a huge body product fan.  At a given moment, I had a gajillion lotions, sprays and body washes under my sink.  When I became pregnant with my youngest, BPA was making headlines.  BPA(Bisphenol A) is an ugly additive that companies put into plastics and when warmed, they can leech into your body.  Although the US has not banned the use of BPA in our products, many other countries have because there are so many links to reproductive problems.  It is ESPECIALLY concerning for children and fetuses (when you are pregnant, what you put on your body leeches into your blood stream). 


Other ugly hidden chemicals in body products? Parabens, Pthlates and Fragrance (not essential oils, but synthetic fragrance).   All of these have been linked to various froms of cancer and reproductive problems.
So what does this all mean???


It means that we need to read labels.  We needs to find body products that have as few ingredients as possible and when we do, we check them on this awesome website:  http://www.cosmeticdatabase.org/
It rates your body products from 0-10, 10 being the highest risk possible. 

I know that all of us know somebody young with reproductive problems, cancers, etc and we all ask "How come this is starting so young?"  Chemicals like these are not helping.


Some of my favorite body products:


Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap (I can get a big bottle of this at Trader Joe's for $8.99).  You can use this for a million different things:  body wash, shampoo (although I don't recommend it!), hand soap, dish soap, counter cleaner (dilluted).  We love it.  The peppermint is definitely invigorating, so I usually use the almond for the kids.



California Baby is an AWESOME compnay with natural baby products.  I love the Flu and Colds bubble bath, sunscreen and calming baby wash.


Avalon Organics shampoo and conditioner,  I also use their lotion.


Clean Well hand soap.  this is an antibacterial soap without triclosan, a chemical used in fertilizers.  Yes, we use this on our kids hands!


The All Natural Face Makeup.  Crystal makes these cosmetics and they are not only vegan, they are missing all of the yucky lead and mercury that are currently lurking in your cosmetics.  Plus they are super cheap and she sends you samples. 


Yes, these products are more pricey than what you are paying now.  I can assure you that a little does go a long way.  But really, think about your budget...what can you cut out?  Two Starbucks trips can buy your children some California Baby.


Aren't we all worth it???

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the tips. I also reccomend Dr Bronners. They make a great product. I wish everyone would start using it. A little bit goes a long way. And smells great!!
Thanks Amanda!!

Amber said...

cutting out starbucks?!?! I was onboard until I heard that! You've went to far........