For families with an allergic child like ours, reading ingredients on labels is a way of life. For others, labels are often ignored. However, there is growing research of the harm caused by parabens and phthalates that are present in many baby products-even those labeled as 'natural'. The media has highlighted a recent publication in a scientific journal linking parabens, a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives, with breast cancer ["Concentration of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours" [Darbre, PD. et al. J. Appl. Toxicol. 24, 5-13 (2004)]. Some common names include benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, n-propylparaben, ethylparaben, and methylparaben.

Many of these chemicals have gotten into our bodies, our breastmilk and our children. Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems that are on the rise in the human population. Some chemicals found in a variety of cosmetics - including phthalates, acrylamide, formaldehyde and ethylene oxide - are listed by EPA and the state of California as carcinogens or reproductive toxins (safecosmetics.org for further info).

Many of these additives are already banned in Europe. It is becoming vital that you as a consumer, as a mother, gather as much knowledge as you can about the ingredients that you are putting into and onto your babies. You don't always get the chance to instantaneously SEE what happens, like I could during an allergic reaction, but when you put these toxins on their skin they ARE getting into their systems. Babies are given a chance at a pure beginning and though we unfortunately can't offer them the purest environment, we can make informed decisions for their well-being. BABYBEARSHOP™ products contain 100% plant-derived ingredients, are 100% natural and made with 99% organic ingredients. The lip balm is USDA certified organic and the other products have certifications pending.

In America, one out of five pregnancies end in miscarriage and one quarter of a million infants are born with a birth defect each year. A multitude of degenerative diseases and learning disabilities and personality disorders were extremely rare only a generation or two ago. One person in three dies of cancer, and one child in three has allergies. A conscious look at our convenience-driven food supply and our environment and this is no surprise.

My awareness of these issues began while working with an aromatherapist of natural products in London. My personal awareness began with the birth of my first child: my perfect baby emerged gracefully in the water with a smile on her face in the light of a shower of fireworks outside in the night. She is a beautiful child that brings indescribable joy. Several weeks after her lovely birth, however, began a frenzy of doctors before I could relax and once again enjoy her for just being her.

As Americans living abroad, for several months we were under the care of the leading Professor of Pediatric Dermatology in the UK, after many months of first consulting with dozens of Chinese Herbalists, Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Kinesiologists, Acupuncturists and trying hundreds of topical creams and emollients, digestive enzymes, probiotics, green food supplements and essential fatty acid oil blends. While still nursing, I drank gallons of boiled Chinese roots that were covered in dirt that would cause me to vomit and yet nothing, not surrendering to topical steroids, not any of the natural remedies I had always trusted in were healing my daughter's itchy, allergic skin.

For the next couple of years, I researched and scoured products in three countries and was exhausted to find that almost without exception, all contained chemical fragrance and carcinogenic preservatives that exacerbated her condition. I was frantically trying to find a completely pure solution. Of course, the skin is a reflection of within and we soon learned our baby who had never yet ingested food, whose parents were void of allergies and on healthy organic diets, had multiple food allergies.

My child is on a highly restricted diet requiring that I meticulously prepare everything that she consumes. It was becoming apparent that I would now also have to prepare everything that goes ON her. I began to make her Cheeky Baby Butter ™ to moisturize her skin and to give her soothing massages. The Roman Chamomile is exceptionally soothing to itchy skin and French Lavender, especially conducive to restful sleep. I use Fair Trade ingredients to help indigenous peoples in third world countries whenever possible, though the rest of the ingredients and process are Made In The USA.

My friends began finding their own uses for Cheeky Baby Butter ™ and became addicted to it. In NYC, they began using it as a wind and cold barrier on their babies cheeks. In Brazil, I couldn't believe they were using it inside their dry noses for the sensitive skin caused by heat and environmental allergens. In FL, the grandmas were using it as a nighttime cold-cream. In London, my friends were using it on their rough heels and worn feet from wearing heels all day. Dads even sneak it on their lips and the wrinkles that they worry are springing up. I, too, use it on my lips- which is why I developed the USDA Certified Organic 'All The Better To Kiss You With' Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm ™.

My clever daughter now has the purest, most gorgeous porcelain skin that garners endless compliments. The three of us were living happily ever after. And then, we were four. We left England with a stowaway passenger. For the belly housing this passenger, I was making Mama Belly Oil ™ to combat stretchmarks and to pamper myself and soothe my growing baby. It works wonders to lift your mood. And it smells divine! While excited to be back in the States with all of my friends around me sprouting their own 'bumps', I joyfully began distributing my oils amongst them. They, in turn, wanted more for their friends. I certainly had not planned to start a new business paralleling the birth of my second Cheeky Water Baby, but like my girls, it just 'happened'.

Every day is a new chance to make the best choices for our children, their future, and the world we live in.

Diana Lussenden Stewart
Founder, BABYBEARSHOP™
Member Safecosmetics. org and Organic Trade Association

 
ABOUT INGREDIENTS:
Sunflower Oil: Certified Organic. High in essential fatty acids. Rich in vitamins A, D + E. Light and easily absorbed by skin.

Shea Butter: Certified Organic or Wildcrafted. moisturizing with remarkable healing properties. Used in African pharmacology for centuries. Traditionally used for moisturizing the skin and restoring elasticity, especially beneficial to heels, elbows and sun-damaged skin, dry lips, eczema, diaper rash, insect bites, burns, stretchmarks, scars and abrasions. Allergy Information: The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network stated: "We are NOT aware of any documented reactions to shea butter. However, since it is derived from a tree nut, many allergists advise their nut-allergic patients to avoid products that contain shea butter as a precaution".

Calendula Oil: Certified Organic. Regenerative and anti-inflammatory. Exceptionally gentle for babies. Useful for rashes and skin irritations.

French Lavender Oil: Certified Organic essential oil. Clarifying, balancing, nourishing and uplifting. Combats the blues. Antiseptic and astringent. Encourages healing. Promotes more restful sleep.

Chamomile Roman: Essential oil. Anti-depressant, astringent, bactericide; refreshing yet calming. The story has it that Peter Rabbit's mother used Roman chamomile tea to calm him down after his adventures in Mr. MacGregor's garden. May also reduce inflammation associated with cuts or hemorrhoids, and may ease the discomfort associated with conditions such as eczema and itchy skin. Contains ingredients that may reduce swelling.

Mandarin Oil: Certified Organic essential oil. Citrusy and cheery. Anti-depressant properties.

Vitamin E: Non-GMO with natural preservative properties.

 
PRODUCT USAGE:
mama belly oil: essential oil for pregnancy. To soften the skin + sweeten the spirit. Protects blossoming skin against stretchmarks.

For Mama: After bath or shower, apply generously to entire body. Avoid nipple area while breastfeeding. Also may add a few capfuls to a warm bath and then lie back and enjoy your serenity. An 8 oz bottle should get you through your entire pregnancy.

For Baby: Excellent for baby massage or to relax and moisturize baby after 3 months of age. Although formulation is gentle and diluted, most studies recommend not using any products on newborn babies, ie: soaps, shampoo, lotions, baby wipes etc.

cheeky baby butter: shea butter baby creme.

For Baby: Excellent for baby massage and to moisturize baby. Can also be used for eczema and diaper rash. Apply to your baby while singing and you just let me know if they don't sleep better!

For Mama, Gramma, Dad: Moisturizes all your dry parts: hands, feet, elbows, lips, hair. Gardeners especially love it for their cracked hands.

To use: Scoop out a teensy bit (a little goes a very long way) rub in clean hands until product melts like butter and then apply. You may also prefer to use it at night or after bath to allow product to absorb. You'll awake with soft and supple skin. A 4 oz jar lasts a very, very long time.

 
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Because these are natural products, without preservatives, they will expire. The shelf life of mama belly oil and cheeky baby butter is approximately 18-24 months. Store your products out of sunlight and direct heat and be sure to keep them tightly closed to prevent oxidation and help them stay as fresh and deliciously fragrant as long as possible.

 
PACKAGING:
Travel sets are packaged in a coppery brown and white polka dot organza bag. It arrives ready to give as a gift.

Further Product Inquiries:
Please contact shop@babybearshop.com

Wholesale Inquiries:
Please contact shop@babybearshop.com

Media Inquiries:
Please contact press@babybearshop.com

BABYBEARSHOP
t 615 243 7099
f 650 327 1488
PO Box 128541
Nashville, TN 37212