ReUsies vs. Lunchskins: The Review {in a bag}

Batting 1000? Maybe not. Eating 1000? Probably!

Did you know the average person uses 1000 disposable plastic bags a year?! And that's just talking landfill waste...not the water, land, and air pollution caused from their manufacturing or taking into consideration the many chemical compounds present in plastic that could be contaminating your food during transport/storage. YIKES!!!

In a disposable world filled with plastic, increasing awareness of the simplicity of reusable options in everything from baby diapers to snack bags is helping people to decrease their landfill footprint...fast! Whether you are buying reusable bags for your child or yourself, there are several important factors in helping you choose the best matched baggie for your buck. In this review, we're going to address the differences in these two very popular brands of reusable food bags in hopes it will help you to find your perfect match on the first try {don't you wish the dating world were this easy}!

One of the most often overlooked yet very important aspects to check out in your potential product choice is size. If you happen to prefer hoagie roll sandwiches, ciabattas, or larger sized loaf bread slices - your lunch won't fit into every brand of reusable bag. Unlike plastic bags, which have fairly standardized sizes by content volume, reusable bags are typically measured in dimensions. Since most of us don't measure the dimensions of our food,this is one case where slightly bigger is actually better.


ReUsies
Sizes: Snack: 6" x 5 / Sandwich: 7.5" x 6"
Made in WA, USA
Materials: 100% cotton + 100% nylon lining
Closure: foldover flap with Velcro
Washability: Machine wash/dry; Dishwasher wash; wipe down interior with soapy water
Price: $7 snack size; $9 sandwich size
Patterns: 25+ to choose from, more traditional prints
Water-resistant



Lunchskins
Sizes: Snack: 6.5" x 3" / Sandwich: 6.5" x 6.5" / Sub: 8" x 7"
Made in USA (Fabric made in Europe)
Materials: Polyurethane coated cotton
Closure: foldover flap with Velcro
Washability: Dishwasher-safe
Price: $7.85 snack size; $8.95 sandwich size; $10.95 sub size
Patterns: Up to 10 different prints, more trendy prints
Waterproof


Lunchskins goes a step further to ensure their company is acting in an environmentally responsible manner, here it is in their own words: "we are primarily paper-free with the majority of bills and business conducted online, we use minimal packaging made from recycled materials in our shipments, we print all promotional materials on recycled materials at a local printing company, we use compact fluorescent bulbs and low flow faucets, and we bike to our office or work from home."

So what did we think of these bags? We really like the ReUsies fabrics - they feel like actual cloth - whereas the Lunchskins have a thick vinyl feeling to them at first (they soften with time). However, when packing a food that needs to retain moisture (especially fruits), the Lunchskins' waterproof ability was unmatched. We preferred to machine wash the ReUsies versus dishwasher clean the Lunchskins, but that is simply a matter of personal preference that will vary with each person. In the end, both sets of bags were superior to any disposable bag which means that regardless of which one you choose, you'll be a much happier camper, er eater, than you already are!

Are you ready to trade your 1000 for 10? Check out the ReUsies and Lunchskins websites and make a difference starting TODAY!

The Perfect Holiday: Hanna Andersson Long John Pajamas

Give the gift of giving this holiday season when you buy Hanna Andersson 'Tis The Season Sleepwear! A portion of all profits from this collection will be given to organizations that support kids in need.

All long johns sleepwear are made from 100% organically grown cotton. Extraordinary care is taken in the creation of each garment, ensuring that you won’t feel anything but the softness of this beautiful combed cotton knit fabric. Not only do these pajamas feel great on, but they are also built to be extremely durable. Certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means that these are independently tested to be the safest products on the planet (in our words, not theirs)!

These pajamas hold up through multiple washes and only get softer with time. The fit is snug and stretchy, but fits true to size (no vanity sizing). The infant sleepers feature a full zip front with crossover snap tab to protect baby from the zipper at the top. Because they are footless, your child can wear these for longer during all those growth spurts of childhood! 

From our testing, we determined that their colors do not fade as much as compared to other brands and their stitches are stronger than any other pajama we've seen. And the best part? You can buy these in matching patterns for the entire family  - from newborn to toddler to child to adult - perfect for that cozy holiday photo by the fireplace! 

SHOP THE 'TIS THE SEASON FAMILY COLLECTION

Babo Botanicals: Babo Love Giftset, $9

For use while detangling, refreshing bed head, or simply restyling mid-day, the Babo Botanicals Detangler Spray is an instant cure-all for your hair! And just between you and me, this is mommy's favorite to spritz on mid-day to refresh my locks as well!

Does your child wake up with bed head? "We've found that our little ones have major bed head post-naptime when the hair on the back of their heads gets tangled and frizzy. It seems to be a constant battle trying to get the hair to look normal again after naptime without water, which is virtually all the time with any newborn. And so at my weakest points, I resort to simply putting a hat on his head and heading out the door."

This is when Babo Botanicals' wonderful natural products come into play...no longer are you forced to choose between fighting the bed head or pushing it under the hat!

The Berry Primrose detangling spray is delightful, the all natural scent is very fruity and kids like it just as much as mommies do! It detangles even the finest of hair and helps perk of those baby curls we all love so much. This wonderful set is the perfect gift to encourage your little one's independence (the detangler helps them comb/style their own hair and the soap is perfectly sized to fit into a toddler's palm, allowing them to wash themselves in the shower or bath).

EWG RATING: SAFE/GREEN (1) Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf*, Purified Water (Agua), Polyquaternium 80 (Sugar), Organic Calendula Officinalis Extract*, Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Wild Crafted Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract*, Organic Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu) Root Extract*, Glycerine (Vegetable), Glucono Delta Lactone (Sugar), Polyquaternium 10 (Vegetable Fiber), Organic Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis) Oil, Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative), Natural Berry Essential Oil Blend

Check out this wonderful set as well as the many other great products available at:

BABO BOTANICALS

Zomsters: Apparel with Earthy Personality

Zomsters is a US-based, mommy-owned company that specializes in unique clothing and art for children! Each item is created utilizing earth-friendly materials and processes including organic cottons, azo-free dyes, and recycled/reusable materials.

"Each Zomsters design has a unique touch of individuality, just like the little Zomsters wearing them! Not only do [the] designs make you smile, Zomsters is also designed to help create awareness...by making small changes in our lives we can make big differences in helping our planet." We certainly admire their mission of creating awareness through responsible consumer products! You can read more about their eco-friendly efforts as a company by clicking here.

Before we dive into the actual product review, we want to share a reminder on our strict testing standards! Since so many times, reviews are not down over time proper testing in real life conditions (i.e. toddlers with food, playing in the mud, and washing their favorite tee for the 10th time today), many reviews on the web lead to severely disappointed consumers. Why? Because the products don't hold up as well on the 80th wash as they did on the first 2! Here at ecoSAFE, we strive to give you the more accurate review of eco-friendly products so that you will have reasonable expectations as to a product's performance in your home. Although doing it this way is incredibly time-intensive (and companies aren't also so keen on waiting months to have their review published), we feel this is the only way to honestly and wholeheartedly stamp our seal of approval on it. Now, on with the show!

The Zomsters tee is a very cute thing indeed! It is sure to make your lil' monster the cutest on your street! With bright, vivid colors and unique imagery, each tee is lovingly crafted with charm in mind. After many, many washes (to the tune of 2 months worth), the tee is slightly faded but still retains it's appeal. The print screened design did not peel or otherwise deteriorate, even with ample dryer time. We did notice that the shirts do tend to run small in comparison with other brands and would recommend, especially since they are cotton, that you buy up one size for immediate wear!


Case in point, these little shirts have lots of personality in a small punch with oodles of eco-friendliness dripping out the seams!!! Check them out!!!

 SHOP ZOMSTERS

Green Sprouts Portable Lunchware

Whether you're looking to pack a lunch for your child or yourself, Green Sprouts offers safe products at reasonable prices on lunch bags, snack bags, and lunchware! Available in a variety of sizes, their preppy argyle print collection is hip and versatile.

Better yet, they are currently holding a back-to-school sale on these fantastic favorites: Lunch bags are currently on sale for $13.99, snack bags are $11.99, and their fabulous stainless steel jar is only $15.99!

Why do we love Green Sprouts? They produce BPA-free, PVC-free, easy-to-clean products that lessen the chemical load on both your body and the planet as well as reduce waste. What's not to love?!

What sets them apart from all the others? Besides their dedication to healthier products, Green Sprouts offers convenience that others don't. For example, each bag (regardless of size) offers a tab buckle handle - this allows you to quickly and easily attach it to anything (stroller handles to save basket space, your purse, a backpack, bicycle, etc) - the possibilities for this convenience are endless. Another great feature of their bags are optional compartments - the lunch bag has a flexible yet firm and repositionable divider that allows you to custom fit the bag to your lunch and secure your items. The various sizes acknowledge that not everyone fits into the "one size fits all" category...which is just as realistic as these products are practical!

And if you are looking for a great way to have a warm lunch in the middle of the day, look not further than the reusable stainless steel jar - perfect for soup, oatmeal, and all other sorts of real meals on the go! Dishwasher-safe and double walled for excellent insulation. It holds 10 ounces of deliciousness!

You can check out all Green Sprouts wonderful products (and great sale items) by visiting their website:

Shop Green Sprouts

Baby: Calendula Stater Kit from Weleda

As a new mom, it seems like everyday brings a new and interesting crisis to solve. Add in the hormones and it's no wonder why we're all stressed out, baby-toting basketcases!

One of the ways I've found that truly helps ease the potential meltdowns of the day is good preparation. That means, before you leave the house, make sure you have planned for the worst and then added a few levels to that. For example, imagine what you'd need if your precious sweetpea decides to blow out a diaper while simultaneously pulling an exorcism a la split pea soup moment AND just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, they're stricken with a faucet for a nose -- oh, and all of this happens on an airplane, camping, or some other place where you are completely limited to stock on hand for cleanup and treatment. What to do?

No worries! Why? Because you are SUPER MOM to the rescue, you're prepared, and you've got this in the bag. You whip out your handy dandy calendula baby starter kit from your diaper bag (or purse - it's small enough) and go to work. Within minutes, you have the baby all cleaned up and you're back in business. Now, let's just go back and I'll point out that this is not a hypothetical situation -- that's right, folks, and that little kit up there was my saving grace.

The Baby Starter Kit by Weleda ($13 US) contains travel sized samples of their calendula baby line of products: baby cream, lotion, body wash/shampoo, diaper care, & calendula oil. Calendula extract is known as one of the most healing plants for the skin and using these products helps your baby's skin (and yours) heal. My favorite in this kit is the calendula oil...just one drop on a cotton swab applied to the raw, chapped, and chafed skin on the upper lip from a runny nose has healed very sore skin within a day!

I must give honorable mention to their calendula diaper care cream which cleared up a nasty diaper rash within 2 days...that was pretty amazing too! Another awesome product that I keep on hand, though it is not included in this baby starter kit, is their children's tooth gel ($7 US). It has a yummy mint flavor that freshens breath and is really good at getting rid of "stinky milk mouth" - a condition that far too many mornings are ruined by. Just a pea-sized amount of this fluoride-free gel on their fingertip or toothbrush, cleans their teeth and breath anywhere/anytime.

I'd also like to mention something pretty neat I just came across, for all you other parents out there who are always googling for info to help your kids. Weleda recently created a website just for parents and caregivers, an entire community where you can find natural parenting tips and advice! To check it out, click here!

Great products, helpful online community, check this company out!

Visit Weleda

thinksport/LIVESTRONG Sunscreen SPF 30+

With so many sunscreens sporting more toxins than protection, it can be a real challenge to decide whether it is less risky to forgo it altogether. But then, in the back of your mind, the skin cancer questionwill always remain - nipping at you slowly but surely. And for those of us with aesthetic concerns, the idea of sun spots and wrinkles creeps in as an all too definite reality without sunscreen. What's a person to do?

LIVESTRONG and thinksport are making it a lot easier on us! How, you ask? They've developed a "formulation that is already top ranked for safe sunscreen by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and is free of biologically harmful chemicals." The active ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide (20%) and this sunscreen is ranked safe (1-2) by the EWG.

Since zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen (meaning it blocks sun rays by reflecting them), it can be quite unattractive as solid cream on the skin. To minimize the opaque nature of zinc oxide, it is typically scaled down to 30 to 200 nm. This allows for less noticeable application to the skin, but still keeps it large enough not to cross through the skin (such as happens with nano-particles). According to the LiveStrong website and SmartSkinCare, "zinc oxide has a slight edge over titanium dioxide. While titanium dioxide is effective at blocking ultraviolet-B and short-wave ultraviolet-A rays, it is less effective than zinc dioxide at blocking long ultraviolet-A rays. Zinc oxide's ability to block different types of rays makes it one of the most effective sun protection products on the market at fighting the sun's rays. Zinc oxide is often combined with additional ultraviolet-B blockers to provide the most complete broad-spectrum sunscreen." The thinksport website has plenty of useful information to absorb too, including the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens, the truth about SPF ratings, and what's up with nanoparticles and why you should be very careful about your product purchases. You can read all about it here (scroll down to the "what else you might want to know" section!
With sunny weather quickly becoming the norm, we have been applying the thinksport/LIVESTRONG suncreen for a few weeks now and have found it to be very effective! Not only is it water-resistant, it has a SPF of 30+. Of course, the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (sunburn). So this means that you can stay in the sun over 30 times longer than you would normally be able to without getting burned! At the modest price of $15.99, your wallet will be just as happy as your protected skin! And as if that wasn't awesome enough, the purchase of this product guarantees a minimum $1.5 million donation towards the fight against cancer!

Shop thinksport

Stokke Tripp Trapp® Dining Chair for Infants -> Adults

Think about how many things occur at your dining table. Games. Meals. Socializing. Artwork. Bonding.  This is the place where you share your meals and your lives. A place where you connect with your family and friends.

Now think of the typical high chair for children. Most have a tray that keeps the child several inches away from the table. Many are not adjustable to varying table heights. Others do not fit well into the space provided. All in all, during your child's most influential years, many traditional high chairs keep your child from participating in the wonderful events that occur at the family dinner table on a nightly basis. It leaves them...well, disconnected.

Giving your child comfortable and naturally ergonomic seating since 1972, the Tripp Trapp® chair brings families closer together...literally!

Features
The simple, contemporary design allows for easy yet thorough cleaning after every meal! With multiple adjustments to custom fit your child, this high chair goes beyond the baby years and proves to be just as useful throughout childhood into adulthood.

The Tripp Trapp® can be fully adjusted to "custom fit your child’s body through its unique depth and height adjustable seat and foot plate. This enables comfortable and correct ergonomic seating for children of any age." The stable footrest supports their feet and allows them to sit comfortably at just the right height! Their upper body is supported with a backrest positioned at the depth that best suits them, depending on how you adjust the seat for your child.

Each chair is sustainably produced using your choice of cultivated beech, American walnut, or European oak. Not only are these woods eco-friendly, but they are also strong and durable. In fact, Stokke products are specifically designed to last a lifetime and beyond!

For more information, please visit Stokke online by clicking here!

Fabric Napkins = Fabkins!

Want to save $250 and eliminate 67 pounds of waste every year? Switch to fabric napkins for your or your child's lunch {or both}!

Fabkins are FABULOUS! Created from 100% certified organic cotton, these nifty napkins are geared towards kids but are stylish enough to work for anyone. Each set is embroidered with a themed picture, or you can purchase them with custom monogramming! Measuring 13 inches square, they are the perfect size for on-the-go meals or lunchboxes.

Some other fantastic earth-friendly facts about Fabkins:
*meets Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)
*sustainably produced
*fair-trade/socially responsible practices
*low-impact dyes (AZO & heavy metal-free)
*exceeds CPSIA standards for safe children's products
*lead-free
*phthalate-free

And perhaps the best part is how absolutely simple they are to keep clean! Just pop them in the washing machine after use and wash them up with the next load. We've actually taught our kids to take their plates to the kitchen and then go drop their fabkins immediately in the washer post-meals. Our kids are absolutely loving the designs and it makes them more likely to use their napkins rather than clothing to wipe their mouths. The only drawback we noticed is that if you want them wrinkle-free, you need to fold them immediately out of the dryer or resort to ironing. If you're a busy mom like I am, the fabkins will get used so often that wrinkles won't matter much!

Highly recommended!

Visit FABKINS

Garden: Dunecraft Eco Plant Pals

"Robert is as upstanding as he is tall in stature. He is a very funny fellow and sharp as a tack. He has lots of stories and is part of a truly honorable species."


"Laura loves art of all sorts and always enjoys seeing it. She is very thoughtful, nice, and fun. Laura Lobelia can usually be found in elegant places, with elegant companions."


"Aloe is very handy and could be considered the universal fixer. In addition to treating sunburns, cuts, and bites, Alin renovates buildings, sets up networks, and can generally fix almost everything."


Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking...the first two could be dating ads published in the local newspaper, but that last one....well, you're not so certain about. There is a great reason for your skepticism...because these really are not people, they're plants!


From the wonderful world of Dunecraft arrives Eco Plant Pals, each with their own name and style. These small kits are perfect for a windowsill garden and include everything you need to start your own little plant friends growing on a road to success. 


In our testing, we were able to cultivate 75% of the samples we tested. One helpful tip is to keep the lid on until the sprouts are over an inch in height and always make sure there is plenty of moisture inside. The containers are made from corn resin, leaving an eco-friendly footprint for your plant pals. 

Check out all the Eco Plant Pals here!

Baby: Beco Organic Drooling Pads

One of the most precious bonding activities is the ability to have your sweet little one snuggled up to your chest wherever you go. Through our many years of juggling baby carriers, we settled upon our favorite - a brand called Beco. Beco baby carriers are soft sided, they are like wrapping up your baby in wholesome organic love, plus they're quick and easy to use! You can wear the baby on your front (facing in or out) or on your back - and the carrier is built to last well beyond the toddler years so it's a great idea if you plan to go hiking with your 3 year old, too! There are several models available from this wonderful company and really, they're all absolutely wonderful and there's something for every body type. Regardless of which model you end up falling head over heels for, there is one handy dandy accessory you need to know about -- drooling pads!

Beco's drooling pads are 100% organic cotton terry cloth, making them super soft and absorbent! You simply fasten them around your shoulder straps in the front via the velcro-like closure (a.k.a. touch tape) and there they stay for your baby to suck and nibble on, sparing your shoulders and tee from the unavoidable baby drool!  A pack of two drooling pads is only $20 and they fit your Beco shoulder straps perfectly to a T. Perhaps the second best thing beyond saving you from an accidental wet t-shirt contest from baby is that these pads are machine washable - so you can simply toss them in the washer at the end of the day and they're good to go again for another slobbery adventure the next morning! Definitely an accessory to make your life a little bit easier and a lot less messy...

Shop BECO

In the Kitchen: Peter Rabbit Organics

I'm not sure how I made it to my third child without having experienced the absolutely simplest way to feed them -- but now that I know about these great baby food pouches, there is no turning back!

Whether you are traveling or just tired of washing baby spoons, this is the perfect solution! The twist off cap reveals a spout that the baby (over 6 months of age) can actually suck on and quickly get their entire meal - literally within a minute! It's like a smoothie on the go...and for us mommies, it is AMAZING!

The cap is recyclable, the entire pouch is bpa-free and takes less resources to make than traditional glass jars. Since they are flat, they take up less space in landfills and are smaller to transport. But the truly wholesome goodness lies within the variety of fruit and veggie flavors, all organic (USDA certified), that make these must-have meals and snacks.

We allowed our little one to choose from their wide variety of combinations (shown in photo) and he selected the Mango, Banana, and Orange pouch. I was a little hesitant coming from the school of thought that oranges can be harsh on a baby's organs, causing a huge glucose spike, but I was really reassured after looking into this and seeing that only a small amount of orange is used - negating any negatives and simply boosting nutrients! Our baby happily gulped down EVERY flavor, despite being a picky eater. I can confidently say that this is the best way to go if you can't make your own baby food from scratch!

Shop Peter Rabbit Organics

Pengoloo by Blue Orange Games

Penguins are the new Easter bunnies of 2011!

Easter is right around the corner and if you're looking to truly go green for your child's basket this year, the options aren't as plentiful as parents would hope. Long gone are the days of plastic, single-use toys that are broken long before Easter dinner is even on the table. This year's goal is to focus on quality, not quantity...and our #1 recommendation for children is the Pengoloo game! (If you're shopping for children under age 3, we highly recommend this fair-trade carrot rattle instead for choking safety.)

Pengoloo is a game that is as much enjoyed by a 3 year old as it is by an adult! Each player takes a turn rolling colored dice and lifting up penguins to try to find which one is hiding a specific egg color. Playing helps to develop memory and teamwork skills, as well as learning colors and numbers. During testing, the kids (ages 3 and 5) were learning to add and subtract to see how many more penguins they needed to win the game and then work out probabilities by counting the remaining penguins on the game board. Needless to say, the educational value is high for this game on all accounts!

What makes Pengoloo even better is that it's wooden, built to last a long time. And the cherry on top of this is, every tree used in the manufacture of Blue Orange Games such as this, TWO trees are planted! Here is a statement off of their website:

"To that effect, we are the first game company, and the only one at that stage, that developed directly a plan to replant the trees we use to make our products. This dedication to quality, safety and the environment have earned us more than 50 industry awards in the past five years as well as the first ever given presitigious "Green Toy Company Award."

So this year, go ahead and trade in the bunny for the bird...because eco-friendlier penguins are the way to go! Currently, the best price for this game is available on Amazon at $18.29 with free prime shipping. Don't have a free prime membership? Sign up here for 3 months for free!

Visit Blue Orange Games Website

Lifefactory Glass Beverage Bottles

Glass is a trusted material that has been used for years throughout houses and the world! It is 100% recyclable and negates worries of toxic chemicals leached by many plastics. The glass and polypropylene cap can be recycled curbside in most cities, while the silicone sleeve may be shipped back to Lifefactory for recycling.

Glass is also taste-friendly, and does not hold odors or stains like plastics or metals can do. And if you're someone who weighs the social impacts along with environmental impacts in your purchases, you'll be happy to know that these bottles are made in France, Poland, and the USA. 

The sleeve is removable, but the entire bottle is dishwasher-safe or easily rinsed in the sink. After many washes, it still looks like new and we have not experienced any problems such as cracking of the silicone or fading. The bottle we tested is lovingly known as the "grape bottle" in our house, due to it's royal purple sleeve with circle cut-outs - and we absolutely adore it's design!

But....if you're like me, you're a bit hesitant to hand your child anything made of glass for fear of it shattering and cutting little fingers. It took me a few days of using this water bottle on my own to overcome this fear. First of all, the silicone sleeve does a great job of providing grip and lessening the chance of dropping. Secondly, the sleeve wraps around the entire bottle including the base edges, meaning that if and when you accidentally drop it, it is unlikely to break easily. 

I found myself becoming more careless with its handling as the days went on, treating it more like one of our metal bottles, but it did not break. I'm confident in recommending this to our readers because it really performed exceptionally well and has so many benefits that you cannot find outside of glass. You may love it as we do, or you may not, but one thing is sure -- you need to give it the chance to impress you!

Available in a wide variety of colors (15+) and sizes (4-22oz).

Price: $12.49 - 21.99 US

VISIT LIFEFACTORY.COM

Sigg: Reusable Bottles, Dishwasher-safe Design

Reusable water bottles are not only the environmentally friendly choice, but the healthier choice! Whereas plastic bottles deteriorate over time, breaking down to release toxins into your drinks, reusable aluminum and stainless steel bottles such as those made by Sigg, are long-lasting and non-toxic.

We've all seen oodles of brands lining the store shelves and websites when looking for a reusable water bottle to purchase. How do you know which one you should choose? We have tested a substantial amount of reusable drink containers over the years and one thing is for certain, if you want high quality, Sigg is definitely one to consider!

We have tested a children's Sigg bottle identical to the one pictured above, solidly for over one month. This is the first painted bottle that has not chipped, cracked, or in some other way cosmetically flawed with regular dishwasher cycles. And whether by simple luck or design, it has not sustained the usual dents that metal canister bottles are known for either.

The .3L Busy Bee Sigg kids bottle is lightweight and sized perfectly for little hands. The flip top cap covers the spout which opens easily with a twisting motion. Due to the twisting motion required, it cannot be opened by very small children, thus preventing spills. Also due to this spout design, it's likely to last much longer than it's up-down pull-push spout counterpart which is gnawed on to open/close.

To check out all available sizes, designs, and accessories, visit their website!

Sigg Website

EIO Glass Silicone Sleeve Cup

"You shouldn't have to be a rocket scientist to choose safe products for your family! And now you don't. Life just got easier with 50+ brands of eating gear, toys and skincare - each confirmed free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and melamine. Also cadmium and lead-safe." -TheSoftLanding.com

TheSoftLanding.com provided us with an EIO Kids Cup ($15 US) for review of both the product and their customer service as an eco-friendly, non-toxic retailer! As far as their customer service goes, the product arrived quickly and packaged well, not excessively, within days after placing the order. All replies have been prompt and courteous. And the idea of having a single store that you can trust has already done all the legwork of finding and carrying only the safest products, is super convenient!

The EIO Kids Cup consists of an 8 oz. glass canning jar, polypropylene screw on lid, and silicone sleeve. This is not a spill proof cap, it is more of the style of a travel coffee lid with a single indented slit on one side. This design helps to teach kids proper sipping technique the same way as they would with a regular glass but without the ability to accidentally pour all of the drink into their face if tilted too quickly or far. The lid and sleeve fit most 8 oz canning jars so you don't need to buy many of these to have a full supply of kid-friendly cups! The silicone sleeve helps with grip and also protects the glass if dropped. We would like to see an improvement in the design that allows the silicone sleeve to wrap onto the bottom of the cup, as it is right now, it easily slides across surfaces which could cause more accidents than a silicone grip bottom. Another nice feature of glass is that it can be sanitized without breaking down or discoloring, and you can even use it for warm teas and cocoa without problem. We recommend this product for 3+ years of age.

Our 3 year old tester for this product commented that is makes the drink "bubbly" - apparently the way he is sipping from it. Either way, he really enjoyed using this cup.

Visit TheSoftLanding.com

Cleaning: Better Life Starter Kit

Okay, so we all know that there are a lot of cleaners out there that claim to be "green" and then you read the label, gasping in shock and dismay. But this company, Better Life, is different!

They aim to do just what their name implies...provide YOU with a better life through more effective, non-toxic cleaning products that make your life simpler, healthier, and ultimately, happier! What you won't find in their products will impress you...Impress me, you say? How's this for starters (and yes, they have the proof to back this all up - we checked on it):

• 
  Proven to remove more bacteria on surfaces than leading natural AND conventional brands! (what-EVER! spray)
• 
  Better at removing soap scum and hard water stains! (what-EVER! spray)
• 
  Proven to biodegrade 2-3x faster!
• 
  NO petrochemicals (...nothing good is ever to come of dead dinosaurs after a million years ;-)
• 
  NO VOCs (easily vaporize into the air you breathe, causing respiratory problems)
• 
  NO ethyloxylates (endocrine disruptor; linked to cancer and sterility)
• 
  NO parabens (endocrine disruptor; linked to cancer and biocumulative)
• 
  NO sls or sles (solvents; toxic to marine life when rinsed down the drain and linked to various skin and lung conditions in humans)
• 
  NO synthetic dyes or fragrances (linked to disorders of the nervous system, cancer, respiratory problems, skin and easily degrades into more dangerous chemical compounds)

• All bottles are 100% recyclable, post-consumer content in all packaging, water-based inks and recyclable film for labeling, and NO dyes or color pigments used in any products, bottles, sprayers, or caps!
• 
  
  NON-GMO ingredients(not genetically modified)
  
  
• NO nanoparticles!

...are you convinced yet? These products are pretty awesome on paper...now for the testing phase. Do they work? We jumped at the opportunity to try their entire product line and test it out on a house full of little boys...could their products handle our all-consuming vortex of daily crud? Here's what our experience was with each product.

What-EVER! All Purpose Cleaner ($6.99) cleans, well you guessed it, whatever hard surfaces you've got on your to-do list for today! Countertops, toilet seats, tables, chairs, sinks, showers, and even the walls...if it's a hard surface and you can wash it, you can spray it with this cleaner. It is available in scent-
free or clary sage/citrus.

This cleaner worked well on everything we triedit on, and we tried it on just about everything! It left our toilets sparkling, my countertops have never felt so smooth and clean (it leaves absolutely no residue or stickiness behind), and handled clean-ups quickly and without effort. The essential oils used to scent the clary sage/citrus really help to perk up your day; a known aromatherapeutic effect of clary sage. So I'm not really sure if it was the single swipe cleaning on every surface or the pleasant aromatherapy treatment I received while mopping up our everyday messes - but using this cleaner made a big difference in my daily routine!

Ingredients: purified water, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant (corn), natural amino acid surfactant, clary sage essential oil, lemon essential oil, preservative (.08%)

Even The Kitchen Sink Gentle Scrubber ($6.99 US) is an odorless, scratch-free polishing cleaner that works well on stainless steel, tile, bathtubs, glass, porcelain, and stone. I decided to test it out on our stovetop, the one that has had oodles of noodles overflow on it, caking starch to the surface repeatedly, and simply put - I've been trying to clean it off for actually 3 months now with bottle cleaners - nothing has worked (and I've been refusing to yank out the elbow grease and spend an afternoon on it with a homemade paste - just not enough hours in the day lately).

Alas, this gentle scrubber was put to work, hard work, cleaning my sticky stovetop. I was so excited about how this would turn out that I took photos of the process...yes, I know, I'm goofy - but you can thank me later when you discover the magic of these effective products for yourself! ;-) The end result was amazing...the caked-on mess that every other cleaner had failed to clear for months was wiped off with very little scrubbing effort within seconds! It was pretty darn amazing.

Ingredients: purified water, calcium carbonate, corn-based surfactant, coconut oil surfactant, coconut oil, vegetable wax, xanthan gum, preservative (.01%)

Simply Floored Floor Cleaner ($7.29 US) is a ready-to-use, no rinsing required formula that leaves your floors super shiny and squeaky clean! It works on any hard flooring you have (given that it's washable obviously)....vinyl, tile, marble, bamboo, hardwood, laminate. Despite having a crawling infant, as long as the ingredients are safe and it removes the gunk, I'm good with it...alas, I've given this one the green light! The slight spearmint scent that lingers around the house after cleaning with this also makes it rather soothing!

Ingredients: purified water, coconut and corn-based surfactant blend, vegetable glycerin, spearmint essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, preservative (.08%)

I Can See Clearly, WOW! Glass Cleaner ($6.99 US) is unscented and a little bit goes a long way! It wasn't as effective of a cleaner as what-EVER! all purpose cleaner in our testing, so if you have toothpaste bits on the kids' bathroom mirror, I would recommend a quick spritz of what-EVER! first and then following up with this glass cleaner to polish it up to a streak-free shine! Other than that, it will leave your windows and glass absolutely sparkling.

Did youknow that you can reduce your energy bills by angling your blinds for the sunlight to shine into your house on the floor during the day? But if even the tiniest dust particles or residue are on the windows, it will reflect the light back out and you lose that heating advantage and energy savings. Yet another awesome reason, beyond aesthetics, to clean your windows regularly with a streak-free cleaner like this one!

Ingredients: purified water, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant (palm and corn), preservative (.08%)

2am Miracle Nursery Cleaner ($6.99 US) is a multi-purpose, multi-surface cleaner that's specially designed to clean cribs, toys, changing tables, car seats, highchairs, diaper pails, and nursery walls/floors. It can also be used as a deodorizer and on clothing as a stain pre-treatment! Perhaps, most importantly, this cleaner has been proven to remove more germs and bacteria off surfaces than conventional disinfectants!

As a parent, I cannot stress enough the importance to have anursery cleaner on hand at all times in your house (or if you have room, take it with you in the diaper bag - changing stations in public restrooms are disgusting, having your cleaner on hand will allow you to change the baby without covering them in all sorts of nasty germs). Actually, I wish they made this nursery cleaner in a travel size for that very purpose (hmmm...time to email product development with my suggestion/request ;-)! And I'm not going to go into details on this one too much, I'll just reference their motto for this product, "3P's: Pee, Poop, Puke. Just spray, wipe, and go back to sleep," and agree -- yep! It does all of that and more!

Ingredients: purified water, natural amino acid surfactant, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant, botanical extract (undisclosed), lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, preservative (.01%)

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Want to win your own starter kit? Contest coming soon in February...watch our facebook page for details!

Clothing: See Kai Run Organic Socks

See Kai Run has just introduced organic cotton socks to their line-up of fabulous footwear for young children! Available in 6 coordinating sets, they perfectly match the new Spring/Summer line. Our favorite is the classic pure argyle pairs!

We tested the chevron deluxe patterned pair of socks. Not only are these socks super soft, but they perfectly match the new "Dan" shoes - you can check them out here! With two pairs of socks for just $10, organic is affordable and stylish.

For the review, our testers put these socks through the wringer - literally! They held up well through machine washing and drying, becoming softer with each wash. They are stretchy and not too thin, but not too thick - as Goldilocks would say, they're just right!

And guess what? See Kai Run is hosting a contest this month that will end with 10 lucky winners receive their very own pairs of organic socks for free! To enter to win, click here! Good luck!!!

Available sizes: 0-6m, 6-12m, 1-2y, 2-3y

Shop See Kai Run

Kitchen: Smiling Planet Dinnerware

Whimsy meets Practicality.

With useful design features such as walled edges on plates and 2" deep bowls, Smiling Planet dishes offer functional appeal amidst beautiful art with a message. Their message? Respect and enjoy the planet, now and always!

Lightweight construction, perfectly sized for snack or mealtime, and environmentally responsible, Smiling Planet uses 100% recycled polypropylene (#5) plastic. All items are lead-free, pvc-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, free of toxic inks, dishwasher safe, and fully recyclable! Made in the USA.

Our miniature testers absolutely loved the whimsical designs, they decided to devour their food faster simply to reveal the "hidden picture" below. The bowls are just the right size for little hands to hold. And although the dishes are not recommended for microwave use, surprising this did not cause a problem, as I've suddenly realized how few times we actually heat up a plate. The dishes and designs held up well through multiple washings in the dishwasher. We were very impressed with the high quality feel also, unlike some other products consisting of recycled materials, Smiling Planet offers truly high-quality that is long-lasting.

This company is proud partner of Healthy Child, Healthy World.

Visit Smiling Planet

Top 10 Best Baby Products

Whether you have a baby shower to attend soon, you're expecting your first (or another) child or grandchild, or you're planning to care for an infant in your home, this is a great list of truly wonderful products that will not only make your life easier, but make for a healthier child, healthier planet, and overall happier existence!

These are the best of the best for families that don't want to spend oodles looking for and trying every product out there - simply put, we've thoroughly tested these through the years so you don't have to! The only part left for you is to watch the sales and enjoy the benefits of these amazing baby products. (typical age range of use and average price are included for convenience, but may vary)

1. 0 - 36 mos of age: Beco Baby Carrier ($130) gives you a comfortable and convenient way to keep your baby close to your heart! This is by far the most comfortable carrier brand we've tried and also the easiest to adjust from mom to dad, front to back carrying positions, and is also fashionable (you won't dread wearing it). These carriers are more expensive than most, but well worth the many years of use and oodles of back and shoulder pain you'll save yourself from suffering from.

2. 0 - 100+ yrs of age:  Nature's Baby Organics offers the gentle, effective bath and body products that work great for the entire family! Vanilla tangerine is our favorite scent, however they also have a rather lovely lavender scent.

3.  0 - 12+ mos of age: Prefold Cloth Diapers ($10) are great multi-purpose items! We recommend having at least several on hand, even if you don't plan on cloth diapering your baby. Why? Because they make the best burp cloths, nursing pads (to cover the opposite breast while nursing), and can be repurposed as cleaning cloths once baby grows older. They get softer with each wash (as long as you get 100% cotton, we recommend undyed & organic to avoid pesticide residues and lessen environmental impact) and can be tossed in with any laundry to be cleaned. We prefer Chinese over Indian, despite what published differences there are, so it's recommended you order half and half of both!

4.  0 - 18 mos of age: Sleepsacks are a necessity if you want to have the best chance at sleeping through the night. By providing baby with a comfortable sleeping environment, at the right temperature, you increase the likelihood of longer rest periods. The most important thing to consider is the fabric used in the sleepsack, it is very important to choose 100% cotton (organic is best considering the amount of time an infant sleeps, how likely it is to end up in their mouths, and how close to their faces [inhalation concerns]). Grobag ($40) offers several warmth levels (fits up to 5 yrs of age), Halo ($33) offers a lightweight organic cotton (fits up to 9 mos of age), and Aden + Anais ($30) offers two levels of cotton comfort (fits up to 18 mos of age). You will be happiest if you have 2 sleepsacks so you can rotate during laundry (remember, babies sleep several times a day). Note: our age recommendations are based on experience, not manufacturer claims as to size.

5. 0 - 12 mos of age: Wubbanub ($12) pacifiers are identical to the soothie pacifiers the hospitals provide from birth and we've not found them to interfere with baby's ability to breastfeed properly. Available in a wide array of cute animals, beyond the cuteness factor they provide the ability for the baby to self-soothe easily and also help prevent the all-to-common bouncy pacifier drop problem!

6. 6 - 36 mos of age: Totseat ($30) is a truly portable high chair solution that is comfortable and fits just about any chair you can imagine! The best part is that it is easy to machine clean and it folds up in it's own little pouch that fits inside most purses and definitely all diaper bags. You'll never have to put your child in a dirty restaurant high chair again, and honestly, if you're frugal or have a less-than-spacious home, it can totally be used for daily feedings for any baby that is capable of sitting upright with support.

7. 0 - 48+ mos of age: Links ($3-15) are plastic toys (make sure they are phthalate-free) that connect together to make a chain, but also secure just about any toy you can think of to convenient places like the handle on the car ceiling above baby's carseat (creating an instant mobile). You can also use links to attach toys to carseat handles, stroller trays, highchair seatbelts, diaper bags, baby carrier, or even your spaghetti strap tank top (this actually works out quite well if you're going somewhere that you'll be holding baby for a long time). Edushape Fishies are phthalate-free and pvc-free links.

8. 6 - 15 mos of age: Magic Bullet Mini-Blender ($50) allows you to simply add a portion of the meal you are having and purees it so that baby can eat the same meal! Of course, you should be eating healthy meals and if you aren't, your child is likely to grow up with the same poor eating habits regardless of what you try to feed them as infants and toddlers. Now is the time to start eating healthier and it will definitely be easier if you that your baby is going to be eating the same meals as you! Remember to serve the baby's portion into one of the many bullet cups prior to adding any salt, butter, spices, condiments, etc. Also, make sure not to feed your baby under 12 months of age the following: honey [botulism concern], seafood [heavy metal concern], non-organic vegetables [nitrate concerns].

9. 0 - 5+ yrs of age: Sunshine Kids Radian Carseat ($230) is a superior carseat compared to any others on the market (and in experience). Although many new parents assume they will like the "convenience" of a latch-in carseat model that can be carried by a handle with baby inside, we find the actual protection in these models to be seriously lacking. We highly recommend this carseat from birth through the toddler years as it has one of the highest rear facing weight limits, easy installation, fits 3 across in most vehicles, travels easily (seat bottom folds up), and the materials used are much better than any other we've seen or tested.

10. 0 - 48 mos of age: Organic sheets ($5-20) are highly recommended since infants and toddlers spend so much time in their beds, it's important to consider the impacts of inhalation and skin irritation from pesticide residues, chemical dyes, chlorine bleach by-products such as dioxin, etc. that may be present on bed sheets. Our favorite organic sheets are cotton velour from American Baby Company (ABC), which has every size imaginable (bassinet, cradle, crib, portable crib, pack n' play, changing table).

As always, it's important to invest in the quality products you will actually need to use, rather than just overbuying (and overspending on things you'll never need). Despite popular media belief, and much to the dismay of some very popular companies out there, infants do not require any special laundry detergent for their clothing IF you are using a non-toxic formula to begin with. We highly recommend Mountain Green (if you like the "baby" scent, they make an essential oil only based fragrance that will make all your baby clothes smell "babyish") or Dropps Baby (we do not recommend their scented formula).