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. Visit safecosmetics.org to rate the products in your bathroom.
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.
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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 breastfeeding, 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 restricted diet requiring that I prepare everything that she consumes. It was becoming apparent that I would now also have to prepare everything that goes ON her. When she was a baby, 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' Lip Balm ™ in three flavors.
My daughter now has the purest, most gorgeous porcelain skin that garners endless compliments. Because of my background in design, the jars had to have well-designed labels as my friends were receiving them as gifts. I certainly had not planned to start a new business paralleling the birth of my second Cheeky Baby, but like my girls, it just 'happened'.
To bring things full circle, my business partner Deanna's baby was born in the same water birth tub as my daughter. This is where we met and became friends. We have four water-birthed babies between us and all four of them have food allergies and sensitive skin.
Every day is a new chance to make the best choices for our children, their future, and the world we live in.
xo Diana
Founder, BABYBEARSHOP ™
Member Co-op America, Safecosmetics, Organic Trade Association, Healthy Child Healthy World, PETA and Trees for the Future
Information provided by Babybearshop™ is intended for
educational purposes only and not to be considered complete or
guaranteed to be accurate. It is not our intent to make any medical
claims, and the information provided should not be used to replace
sound medical advice.
