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Mom” resides in Florida, where the sun shines most of the time, and protecting her little ones from the effects of sun damage are a big concern! Just in time for Spring break, which means many hours spent at the park, on the beach, and splashing in the pool, DERMA E has launched a new natural mineral sunscreen! Just as important for “Mom” is protecting her children from harsh chemicals, and DERMA E is committed to ethical beauty, meaning they are cruelty-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, recyclable, sulfate-free, and paraben-free!

Extremely lightweight, DERMA E’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby provides gentle sun protection while leaving baby’s skin soft and fortified. Eco-friendly, Non-Nano Mineral Zinc Oxide protects your little one from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Formulated with calming Chamomile Extract and Vitamin E, the sunscreen helps to leave skin soft and soothed. The tube packs easily in a beach bag or diaper bag when “Mom” is on-the-go in the FL sunshine with her kiddos in tow!

A little goes a long way, and the new Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby isn’t just for babies – it can be used by the entire family, and is especially wonderful for those with sensitive skin, like “Mom’s” little girl!

You can learn more about DERMA E’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby on their website.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

It’s that time of the year again! We have put together our absolute favorites this year for the tiny eco-babies in your life!

Mati Mati Baby 1

MatiMati Baby Bandana Bibs

For stylish little droolers, MatiMati Bandana Bibs are “Mom’s” new favorite for her little guy! Made with 100% organic cotton, these super-soft and extra-absorbent bibs are as functional as they are practical…and your baby will look absolutely adorable, too! No velcro here – the bibs feature two nickel-free adjustable snaps so the bib can adjust as baby grows, and will not irritate delicate skin. Snaps stay put, too, making it more difficult for little fingers to pull off! Available in a variety of trendy patterns that go with baby’s outfits, rather than clash with them, MatiMati Bandana Bibs are sold in a set of four for $21.95. Visit www.matimatibaby.com.

MatiMati Baby Pacifier clips

MatiMati Baby Pacifier Clips

Does your little one use a paci? If so, grab a 4-pack of these stylin’ pacifier clips from MatiMati Baby, available in the same on-trend patterns and prints as their fashionable Bandana Bibs! No more worries for parents about losing pacifiers at home or on-the-go, the pacifier clips keep your child’s pacifier close by and off the ground! The clips can also be used for teething toys. With cute patterns to match all of your baby’s outfits, MatiMati Baby Pacifier Clips can be found at www.matimatibaby.com.

Marcus & Marcus Bath Toys

Marcus & Marcus’ NEW Mold Free Squirting Bath Toys

Safe + fun = a win-win for parents of little ones! Have you ever squeezed a bath toy only to be blasted with scary black chunks of mold? Most bath squeezers on the market are breeding grounds for molds that you don’t want your little one’s bathing in (or even worse drinking). YUCK! Break the mold cycle with Marcus & Marcus’ NEW Mold Free Squirting Bath Toys that allow parents to clean and air dry the toys after each use to prevent mold growth inside. The soft silicone material also makes it perfect for babies to hold and play with providing hours of bath time fun! Each Marcus & Marcus Toy is BPA Free, PVC Free & Phthalate Free 100% Smell Free and it’s made with nontoxic silicone, so it’s completely safe for kids. Available in 5 animal characters (Marcus the Lion (Red), Pokey the Pig (Pink), Lola the Giraffe (Yellow), Ollie the Elephant (Green and Willo the Whale (Purple), as well as a Submarine or Rocket Ship. $7.99 – $9.99. Available online at www.Sears.com.

Chewbeads 1

Chewbeads

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for a mom with a little one! Chewbeads offers teething jewelry for moms that are completely safe for infants! Not only is the jewelry fashionable, but the soft silicone that’s used in the jewelry won’t hurt emerging teeth or sensitive gums. Chewbeads do not contain lead, BPA, phthalates, cadmium, or other metals, so you can let your little one chew to his or her heart’s content. Breakaway clasps enhance the overall safety of the necklaces, as little fingers do like to tug & pull! Plus, the jewelry can safely be washed in the dishwasher. Visit www.chewbeads.com.

Gunapod 1

Gunapod

‘Sleep in heavenly peace!’ Your little one will stay toasty and warm all night long in this safe, smart, and extremely soft wearable blanket! Like sleeping wrapped in a cloud, Gunapod features the WONDERZiP® system for easy changing in the night and temperature control to prevent overheating. The WONDERZiP® opens completely from underarm to underarm, with 4 separate pulls functioning in a multitude of ways as you choose. Generously sized for maximum comfort, Gunapod provides baby with plenty of space to fold legs or spread out, as well as move arms freely. In addition, you can unzip the Gunapod® along the bottom to accomodate a carseat or stroller safety strap, which allows your baby to kick freely. Gunapod® adheres to the strictest standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CPSIA. http://www.gunamuna.com/

Bears for Humanity

Bears For Humanity Premium Sherpa Bear

The bear that gives back! Bears for Humanity™ is a leading social commerce company committed to helping its community and the earth. From farm to fulfillment, the products are made using only certified organic materials and Fair Trade practices, while employing at-risk women from welfare-work programs right in the U.S. The “BUY One, give ONE” program provides a bear to a child in need for every bear purchased. Sourced from the world’s finest Himalayan organic cotton, the original 16” Sherpa Bear is as soft and huggable as ever. Choose from natural white, beige, dark brown, soft pink and blue. $49.99. www.bearsforhumanity.com

California Baby Aloe Cream

California Baby Aloe & Arnica Cream

Made with certified organically grown aloe vera, California Baby Aloe & Arnica Cream is recommended for dry, irritated, or parched skin. Botanically based, this light and fluffy non-greasy cream contains Aloe Vera and Arnica Montana infused with herbs and essential oils known for their soothing properties. It smells delightful, and living in FL, “Mom” uses this cream year-round on her children’s skin. It makes a fantastic stocking stuffer for babies (and adults!), as this ultra-hydrating cream can be used as a moisturizing lotion for all ages – newborn and up! www.californiababy.com

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this piece. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

*Photo by Serge Bertasius Photography.*

Mom” has been a fan of Weleda products for years, and their new Baby Derma White Mallow Collection is a must if you have babies or children with sensitive skin. “Mom’s” toddler has allergies and eczema, causing her skin to break out often, so this delicate skin care line is now one of the first lines of defense against dry, irritated skin!

This 100% certified natural collection is excepted by the National Eczema Association, harnesses the power of organic white mallow, pansy and precious plant oils to calm irritated skin and strengthen its natural protective barrier – perfect for mom, baby or little ones! We love that organic white mallow and coconut oil leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated, no matter what the weather!

Baby Derma White Mallow Collection includes:

HI-RES Baby Derma Body Lotion

White Mallow Body Lotion

This mild, delicate and unscented lotion is made from 95% organic ingredients, gently moisturizes and relieves itching from dryness for overall healthier-looking skin.

HI-RES Baby Derma Face Cream

White Mallow Face Cream

An extremely gentle face cream made from 97% organic ingredients that nourishes and calms delicate skin, creating a protective barrier from harsh environmental elements. Skin is left feeling pleasantly soft and supple!

Weleda White Mallow

White Mallow Diaper Rash Cream

Mom” is always on the lookout for a better diaper cream! This soothing cream works wonders – effectively protecting little ones from diaper rash by maintaining the skin’s moisture while alleviating itching and dryness.

The Baby Derma White Mallow Collection is available at Whole Foods Markets and usa.weleda.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

ID-100120230Top 5 Eco-Baby & Toddler Gifts for 2013

The holidays are here, and it is time for “Mom” to reveal her top eco-friendly gifts for babies and toddlers! The five items below will delight and surprise both parents and children this season!

KicKee Pants Blanket

KicKee Pants Ruffle Blanket
Wee ones will love to snuggle up with this super-soft Ruffle Blanket from KicKee Pants! Made from soft Viscose from Bamboo fabric, the blanket is the ideal combo of stretch and softness. Great for swaddling or for cuddling as your child grows – this will surely be a favorite for years to come! Available in a variety of solid colors and cozy prints. www.kickeepants.com

Dots on Tots

Dots on Tots Flap Hat
Celeb-loved line Dots on Tots has the perfect stocking stuffer for babies this season – the organic cotton Flap Hat! Made from 100% certified organic soft baby cotton, the Flap Hat is double layered for warmth, and seamless with a soft Velcro (hook and loop) closure on the flaps. The hat is a must-have for chilly weather! Made in the USA with low-impact dyes, the Flap Hat is available in white, blue or pink in either cotton or sherpa fabric. www.dotsontots.com

Baby Mantra

Baby Mantra Skincare Line
Safeguard your baby’s sacred bedtime bath with Baby Mantra, a new baby skincare line made of top quality, all-natural and organic ingredients. Lush formulations pamper mom and baby alike, without the harmful chemicals and carcinogens often found in mainstream products. For the perfect gift set for a newborn baby this season, Baby Mantra offers four toxin-free products to protect, pamper and soothe, including the Newborn Shampoo & Body Wash, 3-in-1 Baby Bubble Bath, Shampoo & Body Wash, Calming Massage Oil, and Calming Lotion. The line can be found at Walgreens, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Diapers.com. www.babymantra.com

Lullabag

Cloud b Lullabag
Little ones will be snug as a bug all winter long in the Cloud b Lullabag! This gorgeous, extremely comfy sleep bag helps keep your baby’s body temperature just right throughout the night, making for better, longer sleep. Used in place of loose blankets and bedding, it is a safe alternative that helps to reduce the risk factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. The Lullabag is available in fleece, bamboo/cotton and pointelle in a variety of prints in sizes S-L. www.cloudb.com

Green Toys Rocket

Green Toys Rocket
Your future astronaut will love pretending to blast off into outer space while being socially responsible this holiday season with the new Green Toys Rocket, which is made from recycled materials and is free of toxins. The fully equipped, 2-in-1 set includes a detachable top capsule and two astronauts that sport molded spacesuits, helmets, and dual-tank backpacks. Powered by a main booster and three auxiliary fin boosters, the Rocket has a large door that flips down to double as a set of steps up into the main cavity, while the detachable nose cone capsule has its own door that opens to reveal buttons, dials, and more. $24.99. www.GreenToys.com

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this piece. Top image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.*

Just in time for summer fun, ZOOCCHINI has debuted 7 fun new characters in their hooded towel line! Whether for a day at the beach, an afternoon spent poolside with the kids, or to make bathtime more fun – these generously sized, pure cotton terry hooded towels are ready to make a splash.

Little ones can choose from a Duck, Dog, Frog, Flower, Owl, Polar Bear and Shark, and each adorable new design features hand grabs for tiny fingers to wrap themselves up in after swimming or bathing. If you have more than one sibling – ZOOCCHINI’s hooded towels are the perfect way to assign each child a designated towel to avoid squabbles!

To see all of the hooded towel designs from ZOOCCHINI, or to order online, please visit Zoocchini.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

Keep little ones cozy and warm after their bath with soft, absorbent terry soft hooded towels from Gerber Childrenswear! Their Terry Hooded Towel Sets are available in green, blue or pink, and each 2 piece set includes two solid towels with woven label and applique/embroidery details on the hoods. Designed to absorb the wetness without the bulk of a large, adult-size towel, the towels feature an adorable hood to keep tiny heads covered and snuggly warm when bath time is over!

Machine washable, the 26″ x 30″ size of the towels is perfect for baby, and they pack well for overnight trips or stays at Grandma’s house! In addition to the towels, matching absorbent washcloths are available.

Mom” loves how affordable these hooded towel sets are for the quality – with Jersey binding along the edges of the towels to prevent fraying, they will stand up to wash after wash.

To learn more about the Terry Hooded Towel Sets, or to browse all of the selections available from Gerber Childrenswear, visit GerberChildrenswear.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

You hear the staggering statistics on how many disposable diapers are thrown away per baby, per year, but rarely do the many wipes it takes to clean baby’s bottom get a mention, and yet, they get thrown away, as well! Addressing this issue head-on is Elements Naturals, who has developed the country’s first compostable, plant based baby wipes! Whether you choose to toss them in with your trash or compost the “wet” ones, you are making an environmentally-conscious decision to care for Mother Earth each and every time you use a wipe to clean your baby’s tushie or toddler’s hands and face! “Mom” found the Elements Naturals wipes to be extremely plush and soft, unlike some of the other wipes brands on the market, and loved the fact that they are formulated with Natural Products Association and ECOCERT certified ingredients.

Features of the 100% natural and compostable baby wipes:

• Natural and Naturally Derived Ingredients
• Compostable
• Chemical Free
• Fragrance Free
• Chlorine Free
• Resealable Pack
• 80 Unscented Wipes
• Larger Wipes (7.1” x 7.9”)
• Softer and Thicker Wipe Material

In addition to their eco-fabulous biodegradable wipes, Elements Naturals is adding the US’s first 100% natural and compostable disposable diaper to its product line! An essential green diapering tool for modern parents, the new Elements Naturals diapers are naturally hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, super-absorbent, free of harsh synthetic chemicals, chlorine and fragrances and are made from compostable plant-based fibers from renewable resources — making it gentle enough for both babies and the planet.

While other disposable brands use absorbent polymers that can leave behind a messy crystal residue, Elements Naturals diapers are constructed with thermally neutral natural fibers, keeping baby’s bum cool, dry and crystal free. Its super absorbent core is totally chlorine free and is made with PEFC certified pulp from sustainably managed forests—helping prevent those unwanted leaks. Plus, Elements Naturals diapers provide maximum breathability due to the waterproof protective outer layer made of Non-GMO cornstarch. Unlike other eco disposable diapers on the market, Elements Naturals are made with re-positionable paper tabs with elastic support, providing freedom of movement and allowing the diaper to completely break down after 90 days.

Mom” loved how thick, absorbent, and sturdy the diapers are – they can hold large messes with ease, and do not leak. The fact that these diapers can be composted and are biodegradable is just wonderful!

Elements Naturals will first offer the diapers in two sizes, MIDI (for larger newborns and infants up to 6 months old) and MAXI (for infants and toddlers from 6 months to 2 years old).

For more information on Elements Naturals, please visit elementsnaturals.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

The stars have aligned to bring us a new, all-natural bath and body care line designed just for your own celestial infant or toddler! Combining the astronomic health benefits of natural and organic skincare with astrological aromatherapy, Zodiac Baby has debuted a two-in-one shampoo and wash as well as a moisturizing lotion – in all 12 signs of the zodiac!

Made in the USA, all Zodiac Baby products are bottled in recyclable, harm-free containers, and are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Each zodiac symbol features the aromatic preferences of that particular zodiac sign, creating a truly distinct line for babies and toddlers!

For your little one’s bath, Zodiac Baby’s two-in-one shampoo and wash features natural coconut derived cleansers, soothing organic aloe and ultra hydrating vitamin B for healthy, happy skin.

After the bath, apply Zodiac Baby’s intensely moisturizing lotion, which boasts organic shea butter, jojoba oil, hydrating vitamin B5 and E, and soothing organic aloe to keep your child’s skin soft and smelling heavenly!

Mom” received the Aries Shampoo and Wash as well as the Aries Lotion to try, and both products smelled delightfully of grapefruit and ginger – which are excellent for this adventurous and energetic sign!

Zodiac Baby products are available at retail locations nationwide as well as online at ZodiacBaby.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

Here’s a clever (and adorable!) way to get your little ones to wash their bodies and their hair during bathtime! Just install the new BPA-free Soapster Foaming Soap Dispenser from Skip Hop in a convenient location on the tub wall within reach of tiny hands, add your favorite organic body wash & shampoo, and let them take charge. With each pump of the penguin’s belly, a perfect amount of soap appears, making it easy to lather up! Not sure when the soap is getting low? Skip Hop has thought of that too – the penguin’s belly has a window that shows Mom and Dad just how much soap is left before refills are needed.

We love how this fosters independence and has your child learning how to wash their own body and hair with ease with no accidental dumping of the entire shampoo bottle into the bath! For parents of babies, this also makes a convenient bathtime aid until your child is able to wash his or her own body, as it allows one-handed use while holding the baby. The dispenser can be installed by either a screw plate attachment or suction cups.

To learn more about the new Soapster Foaming Soap Dispenser from Skip Hop, or to locate a retailer near you, visit SkipHop.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

For hours of creative writing, drawing, and just plain fun – the new two-sided Take it Easel from B. Toys is a budding artist’s dream! No need to waste paper – this reusable easel features an erasable whiteboard on one side and a chalkboard on the other, becoming a tabletop easel or chalkboard in an instant. Just pull the handle up and click it in place when ready to draw and create!

With an extremely handy handle for carrying the easel to the desired location, the Take it Easel is portable, which makes it a great item to pack along for trips to Grandma’s when on-the-go! It holds art supplies right inside when closed, and comes with 10 non-toxic washable markers, an eraser and chalk to get your child started! “Mom’s” little one is having a blast carryng the Take it Easel all around the house to play and draw, and “Mom” loves how easy it is to clean up!

To learn more, visit B. Toys, or purchase one at Target.com or OneStepAhead.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*