Tagless, Flat Seamed Soft Clothing for Kids

We've all experienced the annoying tag on an item of clothing that drives us crazy! If you pull it off, you risk tearing a hole where it is attached. If you cut it, you risk leaving a little bit of the tag that will continue to bug you.

For many children, especially those with Autism and other sensory issues, clothing sensitivities are common. Soft Clothing has a solution. Take for example the t-shirts they sent us for review:

Reinvention of the classic T shirt with suspenders printed on the front AND back. Now with special adaptations for extra comfort and style--made with 100% Soft cotton, constructed with flat seaming, a flat, wide fit bound collar, printed label and care info (tagless), and a classic t-shirt silhouette. Printed with digital printing techniques and water-based ink for a smooth handfeel, and enzyme washed for an extra soft finish.

Soft Clothing's line is made in India from 100% cotton. The clothing is packaged in a great reusable draw string bag too! My only suggestion is that they switch to organically grown cotton fabric.

Healthy Snacks: Stretch Island All-Natural Fruit Strips and FruitaBu Rolls

My kids love Stretch Island fruit snacks! It's a popular lunch item and car ride treat that I feel good about giving my children. There are two varieties that come in many flavors: fruit strips (leather) and fruit rolls.

• All-natural, 100%-fruit


• No sugar added; gluten-free; dairy-free; certified kosher


• One bar equal to one fruit-exchange in diabetic diet


• Made on Stretch Island, WA

My kids prefer the fruit strips over the rolls, probably because they are easier and neater to eat.  It is important to pay attention when buying Stretch Island products, as they do make organic and conventionally-grown versions of their popular snacks.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Freaky Plush Toys Based on Endangered Species

Aurora has created a line of plush toys called Yoo Hoo & Friends. Each character is based upon an endangered species, and a virtual world accompanies the toys at yoohoofriends.com. From lemurs to capuchin monkeys, each toy can be squeezed to make a noise and have certain characteristics online, like being "creative & smart".

Personally, I find these toys a bit freaky. Their color schemes are bizarre, and the sounds are not genuine to the animals they represent. I am not sure what the educational benefit is as far teaching children about endangered species, and these toys are made of synthetic materials. Unlike Aurora's Natural plush toys made from soy and kapok that more accurately resemble animals, I feel the Yoo Hoo line is all about marketing and trying to tap into the Webkinz frenzy.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

150 Great Ideas to Get Kids Outside and Into Nature

Get Out!: 150 Easy Ways for Kids & Grown-Ups to Get Into Nature and Build a Greener Future is a budget-friendly, easy to pick up book about ways to engage your child in nature and combat Nature Deficit Disorder.

Today's children spend an average of 6.5 hours per say staring at computer and TV screens, and very little time out-of-doors. This book aims to change that with 150 ideas for enjoying nature and being eco-friendly. Ranging from window gardens to birdhouses, from family bike rides to hikes, these suggestions are sure to spark the interest of all! For kids, families, schoolgroups.

One of my favorite ideas is to have a daily "green hour", no matter the weather.

As e.e. Cummings wrote, the world is "mud-luscious" and "puddle-wonderful".

Other ideas go beyond the outdoors to how your family can become green consumers and get involved.

Disclosure: I was sent a sample of this product to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

100% Natural, Gluten-Free Freeze Dried Fruit Snacks in New Flavors

We've tried Funky Monkey 100% natural freeze dried snacks before, and they were a big hit in my family. Now, we have tried three new flavors:

• Funky Monkey Snacks MangOJ, Mango with Orange Juice, Freeze-Dried Fruit


• Funky Monkey Snacks Applemon, Apple with Cinnamon, Freeze-Dried Fruit


• Funky Monkey Snacks Pink Pineapple, Pineapple with Guava, Freeze-Dried Fruit

My favorite new flavor is Applemon, but my daughter loves the Pink Pineapple. My kids love Funky Monkey, and when I told my daughter they were not organic, she said, "I don't care. They are good!" All of our samples disappeared quickly.  These snacks are gluten-free and vegan, and they contain nothing but fruit. They do stick to your molars, making the flavor last in your mouth for awhile. The product label claims these snacks are "raw", but my understanding of raw does not involve any processing, including freeze drying.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of this product to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative

BPA-Free Silicone "Skinned" Glass Makes Little Kids Feel Big

Glass is truly the safest material to drink from, but often parents are worried young children will break glass and be injured. Silikids has a solution with its food grade silicone-sleeved glass cup for young children. Silikids Siliskin Glass provides a non-slip surface for little hands to grasp and feel like big kids drinking out of a real glass.

The Siliskin Glass is a clean alternative to plastic drink-ware. For toddlers who want to drink from a "big kid" cup. Silikids makes this easy to do with a small BPA free silicone covered glass. This Siliskin glass helps prevent slipping and adds extra protection to the glass inside. Glass is the cleanest option for drinking and it lasts because it's reusable, and recyclable. The Siliskin is hypo- allergenic, has no open pores to harbor bacteria and is dishwasher safe. Two simple ideas have come together to make the perfect drink ware better for your family and the environment.

Even though there are a lot of BPA-free plastic cup products on the market, I still feel safest with real glass, and I don't have to worry about placing them in the dishwasher.

Silikids also makes Silibibs. These bibs are easy to put on and easy to clean. They are even safe for the dishwasher. I personally prefer cloth bibs, but many parents prefer silicone for the ease of cleaning.

If you visit www.silikids.com, you can use the discount code OHBABY to receive a 15% off any order through 12/31/2009

Disclosure: I was sent a free sample of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative

Ikea Holiday Soft Toy Gifts Support UNICEF and Save the Children

Not only are Ikea soft toys a super deal, the purchase of these toys contributes to global educational programs. Of course, there is nothing natural about these toys made from polyester and synthetic rubber, but the money goes for good causes and they are super soft and uniquely designed.  My children also enjoy playing with them.

Last year the program raised over $7 million with these plush animals that donate 1 euro ($1.47) to UNICEF and Save the Children with every toy purchased November 1 through December 24...Ranging in price from $1.49 to $19.99, these lovable creatures make a great stocking stuffer or featured present for kids of all ages.

Designed for children of all ages, I would not want my baby chewing on the synthetic rubber, and there are many other natural soft toys on the market. Although Ikea is known for environmentally responsible practices, I think I would prefer to just give money to a charitable organization and purchase a more eco-friendly gift. Ikea does make some nice wooden toys though.

Disclosure: I received a Barnslig and a Korall Krabba in order to write this review. No assurances were given as to whether the review would positive or negative in exchange for the product.

Organic, Gluten Free Kids Cereals by Nature's Path Not Just for Kids!

Celiac's disease runs in my family, so we try to limit our gluten intake, even though no one has yet to show gluten sensitivity. Many of Nature's Paths Envirokidz line of organic cereals has always been gluten-free. Some of our favorites include:

• EnviroKidz Amazon Frosted Flakes Cereal: This cereal reminds me of my old childhood favorite, only in a healthier, organic variety. You can make a delicious gluten-free Cran-Apple Gorilla Munch Crisp with this cereal!


• EnviroKidz Organic Gorilla Munch Cereal: This was one of my favorite cereals before I ever had children. The little balls stay crunchy in milk, and it has the right amount of sweetness.


• Envirokidz Organic Leapin' Lemurs Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cereal: This would by my least favorite Envirokidz cereal, as I believe peanut butter and chocolate do not belong in breakfast, but my kids love it, and who said cereal was just for breakfast anyway?

All of these products are gluten-free, organic, vegetarian, low in sodium, and contain no preservatives or additives.

Disclosure: I was sent the above described products to try out in order to write an authentic review. Assurances were not given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.

Natural Art Supplies that are Genuinely Non-Toxic and Sustainably Manufactured

I truly believe that one of the best gifts you can give a child are art supplies; however, even though many kid art supplies carry the "non-toxic" label, they may not be truly sustainable or natural. Clementine Art's motto is "Non-toxic is just the beginning," and the company was born out of a children's art studio in Boulder, CO.

Clementine Art produces professional-quality and earth-friendly art supplies with pure, simple ingredients. Clementine's products are colored with plant and mineral pigments instead of artificial dyes, providing an innovative solution to chemical laden, artificially colored art supplies. Clementine Art's products do not contain any synthetic preservatives, animal byproducts, or petroleum bases, and Clementine is the first art product company to list all ingredients on its packages.

Considering how messy young children are when they create often getting supplies in their hair, skin, and even mouth, choosing quality natural products is key.  The Clementine Art Holiday Eco-Art Gift Set contains:

• Natural Soy Crayon Rocks


• Natural Soy Crayons


• Natural Glue


• Natural Modeling Dough

The vivid colors of these art supplies are wonderful, and the crayon and rock shapes are perfect for little hands. The soy crayons and rock work better than traditional crayons, and I am in love with all of the products we tried. Furthermore, Clementine Art's packaging is made from recyclable and recycled content in a wind-powered facility.

Disclosure: We were sent a Clementine Art Holiday Eco-Art Gift Set to review without prior assurances of positive or negative opinions.

Chinese Candy Contains Excessive Lead

Chinese candy made by Jigong Chayote has been recalled due to excessive lead content (note: The above picture may or may not feature Jigong Chayote candy). The San Jose Mercury News reports:

The California Department of Public Health has warned consumers not to eat an imported Chinese candy called Jigong Chayote after it was found to have unsafe levels of lead.
Recent tests found 0.68 parts per million of lead, and candies with more than 0.10 ppm are considered contaminated, the CDPH said...The CDPH said pregnant women and children who might have eaten the candy should see a doctor to determine if they need lead testing.

Just why would there be any amount of lead in candy to begin with considering the adverse effects it has on our health, especially children?

Green Toys 100% Recycled Plastic Tea Set

One of my son's favorite toys is the made in the USA Green Toys Recycling Truck, and now we have another great Green Toys product in our home. The Green Toys Tea Set is made in the USA from 100% curbside collected, recycled plastic milk jugs. Knowing this product is made from curbside collected plastic gives me peace of mind, considering I know it was part of closing the loop, as well as I am assured these toys are not made from industrial waste plastic. Besides being made of recycled materials, this tea set is sure to enchant your child (no matter the gender), as we have experienced in our home. Who doesn't love a tea party? The set includes a tea pot, creamer, sugar bowl, four cups, four saucers and four spoons. Of course, the Green Toys Tea Set is bpa-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free!

Disclosure: I received this product for free in order write this review. There was no guarantee of a positive or negative review in exchange for the product. This is an authentic review.

No Batteries: Haba Terra Kids LED Lantern Makes Real or Play Camping Fun

At gift giving time, I become challenged to find presents for my children that fit my ecological standards and encourage our green family values. Haba's Terra Kids Camping Lantern fits the bill, as it requires no batteries and encourages children to include camping in their dramatic play, as well want to get outside during night time hours (of course, under adult supervision). This lantern has a compass on the top, a lightweight carabiner for clipping onto backpacks, and is powered by a hand crank. Just three minutes of cranking produces one hour of light, which also makes this toy useful in case of power outages. My son loves his Terra Kids Camping Lantern

Disclosure: This item was personally purchased for my son's birthday.

Really Natural Books: The Up Down Day

When I first read The Up Down Day by Brian D. McClure, I wondered why this book had been sent to Really Natural. It is a children's book about the world being turned upside down (literally), and a boy realizing you can't assume the world exists as you believe. The rhyming text is cute, but the examples of things going topsy turvy do drag on a wee bit, but overall this is a great children's book. The book ends on a very positive note emphasizing the universal nature of being, which is how I see the book tying into natural living.

Why do people live naturally? Many make changes for health reasons, but others recognize their relationship with nature is not dominion but interdependence. The Up Down Day emphasizes this oneness with everything. Author Brian D. McClure believes in this message so much that he donates 100% of profits from his children's books to "The Forgotten Children", and organization providing relief to children in Africa. Brian has even created a "universal flag" mean to unite rather than divide people of the Earth. McClure's organization is a recognized 501c3 Non-profit Organization.

Ethical, Performance Sunscreen by KINeSYS

KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is touted as the world's first "ethical sunscreen" by its founding partners for supporting sustainable practices. As part of its commitment to the earth, KINeSYS uses "100% recyclable High Density Polyethylene (Bisphenol-A free)" and "non-aerosol pharmaceutical-grade sprayers disperse an ultrafine mist but result in no direct detrimental environmental effects". In addition, the company purchases "clean, emissions-free electricity generated by wind power to offset that used in our manufacturing process as well as our office" and is a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is free of parabens, alcohol, PABA, oil, and preservatives. It has received a safety rating of 3 out of 10 on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) cosmetic database.

When reviewed on other blogs, such as Eco Child's Play, readers have questioned the safety of KINeSYS. In an open, honest dialogue, founder Jeff Kletter wrote to us:

I fully agree in this chemical laden world that we should find alternatives if possible. The problem is that "natural" doesn't always mean better. The reality is there is no such thing as "natural" sunscreen. The products that advertise and promote "natural or organic", are using physical blocks. As you may know, Sunscreen ingredients are regulated and are broken down into two groups: organic ingredients that tend to absorb UV light; and inorganic ingredients, which reflect UV light.

Inorganic ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect radiation (which are often marketed as "natural, organic or chemical free" use an aggressive chemical process to make the minerals small enough and a mechanical process- still using energy), they provide protection from components of UV light. However, one of the issues with these ingredients is their opaqueness - they leave an unattractive white colored film on the skin. New technology has been developed that can eliminate this disadvantage. The processing of the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide into nanoparticles allows formulation of a product that is transparent, yet reflects all components of UV radiation. But, the jury is still out on the safety of nanoparticles. I have read numerous articles and I really don't know what to believe, as we did make a sunscreen with Micronized Titanium Dioxide. At this stage the EWG is re-evaluating nanotechnology...KINeSYS technically is "organic", but doesn't market it as "organic or natural" (we will never market our products as "organic or natural"). We are proud signers of The Compact for Safe Cosmetics, the products are not tested on animals, cruelty free and vegan.

There are other sunscreens with lower ratings by EWG, but at least I feel comforted by KINeSYS's commitment to the environmentally ethical practices.