Recent Updates, Shower Curtains and School Supplies

I've fallen a bit behind in my postings lately but thought I'd take a moment to update you on my stroller mission, recent questions I've received and other info that has recently been brought to public attention.

Okay so first off, the infamous stroller switch.  This didn't quite work out as I had hoped. It seems that my 17 month old has opinions of his own.  I can't explain to him the dangers of brominated fire retardants.  He wants what he wants.  After a 20 minute trek complete with screaming in his new wheels, we had to return it and go back to his old stroller.  He went from screams to smiles in a matter of minutes.  If you've been reading then you know the subject of fire retardants comes up quite frequently.  There are federal laws regarding home furnishings and baby products.  Maclaren states that they do not use any.  And some other stroller companies who are complying with CA TB 116 and 117 are now using retardants that are non-brominated.  In the end, it is best to contact the company and find out what exactly they are using and what exactly you may or may not be exposing your child to.  To get involved in Safer Chemicals, Healthy families, click here.

The Bumbleride Flite PVC-free rain cover fits pretty well on our old stroller, it covers the canopy, which is a bonus and best of all, there is NO smell!

Recently a friend of mine asked me about shower curtain liners and here was my response.  For a shower curtain liner, you want to look for something made of PEVA or EVA.  According to their websites, Crate and Barrel, CB2 and Target all carry them.  The dangers of PVC are finally being recognized.  Which brings me to my next topic.

I believe you all heard about Johnson & Johnson announcing the removal of harmful chemicals from their products.  And in the same vein, it was recently brought to the public's attention that tested school supplies ranked high in toxic chemicals.  I've been fielding a lot of questions from friends lately and though I don't consider myself a true expert, I am extremely happy to help where I can and guide people to helping create a non-toxic world for their little ones.  Check out the Center for Health, Environment and Justice's guide (follow above link) on purchasing safe school supplies (and more). This guide is really extensive and it is exciting to see that H&M does not use PVC at all (who knew?) and also that there are footwear companies with equally strict guidelines.  I'm also happy to know that both my iphone and kindle are PVC-free and I can equally recommend many items on this list, such as the Crocodile Creek playground balls, which are safe and adorable! 

Toxic Stroller Part III... Non-Toxic Stroller

I'm happy to say that of all the companies that I have contacted, I have confirmation that Maclaren does not use flame retardants on its strollers.  So we have purchased one and are expecting it tomorrow.  I've been kicking myself wishing I had bought one in the first place.  There are many factors to consider when buying a stroller.  Weight, height, usefulness of storage basket, canopy size, maneuverability, fold-ability, affordability, recline, comfort etc. The reasons why I didn't purchase a Maclaren at first are as follows:

1. Massive recalls in the past few years (problem now resolved)
2. Everybody has one, I mean everyone!  They are all over this city.  And sue me, I wanted to be different.
3. No stand upright position when folded - seriously - I am so over that.
4. I had NO idea about toxins in baby products when I purchased our first stroller.
5. I wanted something NOT made in China and went for a European brand that I had very high expectations for and had many outstanding reviews.  The one we chose fit our needs at the time and still does to an extent - it is just not holding up well and well, I'm tired of these damn flame retardants. 
6. I had heard that they didn't have great customer service, but I disagree, considering that they got back to me via email in less than 24 hours... that is really good customer service IMHO.

Many stroller reviews I have read, and believe me, I have read a lot of them state "Just go with the Maclaren."  And I have to say, that I am finally on board with that.  Now let's hope it lives up to its expectations.  

The Maclaren comes with a rain cover, which could be another plus, but they do use PVC.  So in addition to our new wheels, I also purchased a PVC free rain cover from Bumbleride.  It's a little on the expensive side but so was the first one we bought for our old stroller that was not only PVC, it also ripped. Hopefully this one will fit! 

For more info on Maclaren and their CSR, please click here!

Disclaimer:  I don't work for Maclaren, nor have any affiliation with them whatsoever.  I'm just pleased with the information I have received about the company and about their products so far.  Especially considering what I have learned about other baby products that are available in the United States. 

Toxic Stroller: Part II

I have been doing a lot of research online regarding this subject and though I've found quite a bit of information, I will not be linking to any of it here.  The reason is, much the way skincare products change their formulations, so do the companies that make gear.  So far I have reached out to three companies that I had researched through other parties to NOT contain any chemicals, and I have one more that I am looking into as well, and possibly more.  So far, two have gotten back to me and I have to say that I was really disappointed.  Companies can greenwash all they want, discussing their use of recycled this and eco-friendly that and yet, when it comes down to it, they always seem to have some nasty chemical in them, specifically in regards to the industry standard, CA TB 117!  AHHHH!  Last year, an attempt was made to pass Senate Bill 147 -  The Consumer Choice Fire Safety Act (which would offer consumers a safe and healthy alternative to the fire retardants now commonly used) was NOT voted into law.  http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml

So what is there to do... for one thing, I have to recommend doing your own research.  Things are always changing.  If you 'd like me to let you in the research I have done, let me know and I will message you.  Where one year ago these companies claimed that they were not using these chemicals, now they are stating that they are.  I still have a lot more research to do on the subject and I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a chemical free stroller in 2012.  (Or at least one that you can get in the US and that doesn't cost $1,000). 

Toxic Stroller

Yes, you read that right.  For awhile now, I have been looking to replace our stroller.  There are a multitude of reasons why, most of which I won't get into right now except for one and that is the fact that it contains toxic flame retardants in the fabric.  Now, if you've read my previous posts on the subject, you know I am really infuriated by the fact that flame retardants are found in so many baby items.

I didn't know about this stuff when I purchased the stroller and hadn't even thought about it after.  That is until I flipped up the tag to find the washing instructions and came across the fabric meeting not just one, but all three California Technical Bulletins regarding fire safety.  Clearly, this company does not want this thing going up in flames.

In my current search, I had narrowed down my options to two strollers.  But the fact that one had a stain resistant fabric peaked my curiosity.  What was in this exactly?  Are there any strollers out there that are chemical free?  And so I came across a slew of blogs from other non-toxic mamas out there and to them I am truly grateful. 

Non-Toxic Kids give a few options in the world of chemical free baby rides.
Non-Toxic Mama gives a big thumbs up to both Graco (phew) and Maclaren.  Though this was in 2009, I'm hoping that it still reigns true since the Maclaren Triumph is on my list.  After reading their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), I am definitely on board with giving them a try!

In regards to rain covers, I believe it was Orbit Baby who came up with the 1st PVC-free option. And now Baby Planet and Baby Jogger both offer the PVC-free option as well.  I'm happy to see the initiative from these companies in offering safer options for our little ones.  Let's hope the stroller companies follow suit... a baby buggy is not a good place for toxic chemicals.  The end!

*Correction:  The stroller we have actual meets the requirements of TWO Technical Bulletins, not three.   When I was researching the two, I mistakenly convinced myself it met TB 133 for furniture, but it actually does not. 

For more information on California Technical Bulletins, please visit http://www.bhfti.ca.gov/industry/bulletin.shtml.

California Technical Bulletin 117

Recently I started buying only the super "snug" pjs for my little one.  There is something kind of creepy about having your babies pjs soaked in flame retardant chemicals, no?  The reason why the "loose" pjs are coated in the stuff is because "loose fitting garments are more likely to catch fire."  Well, if that is the case, I'm fine with the snugly ones and they are super cute to boot. 

So what of mattresses?  I also recently became aware of California TB 117 in this article.  Now, I sort of understand why mattresses have this chemical in them - for the one in whatever chance that there is a fire - not that I'm okay with it.  But I was a little astonished to flip over my little one's "organic" changing pad, only to see this tag staring right back at me. 

This changing pad had already been the bane of my existence for some time and this was just the trigger I needed to replace it.  For one, it was squished down in the corners, so the pad covers didn't fit it and they were always coming off; for another, the pad was splitting and much to my dismay, this toxic foam was exposed to air. 

It went away.  And I purchased the very expensive Naturepedic one instead (see road test). 

This article, along with Dr. Oz who also discussed the subject of toxins in foam, make note of the importance of something as simple as dusting.  Dr. Oz has three solutions - toss it, cover it, keep your home clean.  The chemicals released into the air collect as dust, which collects about your home.  Sweeping, vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth (collects the dust rather than tossing it into the air and into your nose and mouth) frequently are recommended.