Hello, friends! I’m sorry to have been entirely absent this last month. My full-time job went into overdrive, and unfortunately something had to give. It was really important to me that my family get what was left of my free time, so PureBebe had to take the back seat. My apologies to all of you.
Life is still a bit hectic, and as I’ve been thinking about how I can better use my time to keep up with PureBebe, I’ve decided to change it up with our weekly highlights post. Don’t worry, we will still keep you in the know – Just hop on over to our Facebook page and follow us there.
On our timeline, Heather and I will share the latest health and safety news, research, and recalls as well as other fantastic reads and pinterest-worthy finds too. And we encourage you to do the same. We want to know what you’re reading and what interests you. Ask us your questions and share with us your knowledge.
If you miss our recall notices on Facebook, you can also find them now in our right sidebar. We’ve added continuous feeds which will always be up to date with the latest recalls of children’s products and toys, car seats, and foods.
And now my time spent on weekly highlights will be dedicated to research and writing on other child health and safety topics as well as great family recipes. I’ve got some fantastic ones coming up!
Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. If you see anything you think we should feature, please send it to jasmine@purebebe.com. Thanks, and we hope your week is off to a great start! - Jasmine
In the News:
Ban on BPA? FDA Says No - In a truly disappointing but not surprising decision, the FDA will not place a ban on BPA in food packaging, citing a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support the ban.
Despite the FDA decision, the FDA has not changed its position that it holds “some concern” over the effects of BPA in children, and the government is currently funding $30 million to conduct additional studies.
FDA Responds to GMO Label Petition - In yet another truly disappointing and, again, not surprising decision, the FDA has decided it needs more time to consider labeling of genetically-modified foods.
While no one should be surprised by the decision, much controversy has arisen over the petition as the FDA has severely discounted the number of responses it received. While the Just Label It organizers say the petition garnered over a million signatures, more than any petition submitted to the FDA in history, the FDA says it has officially received a measly 394.
Some say the FDA has deleted signatures, however I suspect that is not the case. The FDA’s official rules require signatures to be submitted individually via their regulations.gov website in order to be counted. Because the website is difficult to navigate, Just Label It organizers collected and accumulated signatures on their website before submitting them to the FDA.
While each submission may have contained over thousands of signatures, each submission counts as just 1. Ultimately, it is just semantics. The FDA has to understand that there is overwhelming support for labeling GMOs. The question is just if and when they will act.
While I admit I was a bit puzzled when I saw the video myself, I was more intrigued when I discovered that the idea of premastication is actually used in some cultures to promote infant health as it gives baby access to nutrients from foods they cannot chew and promotes immunity through antibodies received in the mother’s saliva.
While some experts express concern over the possibility of spreading disease such as HIV and tooth decay, it depends in large part on the health of the mother and child. And other experts have expressed more concern that the practice is dwindling in some poorer societies where it may be critical to the child’s health.
Hmm, you learn something new every day.
New Research:
CDC: New High in Autism Rates
The CDC’s latest analysis reports that about 1 in 88 children in the U.S. experience autism or a related disorder, nearly double the rate 10 years ago with cases in boys outnumbering girls 5 to 1.
The report analyzed data from 2008 in 14 states, and found rates much higher in some states like Utah; however, increased awareness and access to services are cited as likely factors in those states.
In fact, increased awareness and better diagnoses are cited as major factors in general for the rise, but recent research also points to environmental factors as a possible contributor.
Pinpointing the environmental culprit, however, seems next to impossible when we’re exposed to a veritable soup of chemicals daily. Two large studies funded by the National Institutes of Health are hoping to do just that, though, by examining everything from what mother eats during pregnancy to toxins in the home.
Ultimately, earlier diagnosis is needed. The earlier a child is diagnosed and gets help, the better their chances are for reaching their full potential.
Babies Take Longer to Come Out Than They Did in Grandma’s Day
A comparison of nearly 140,000 births found that first-time mothers today labor longer than they did fifty years ago, about 2 1/2 hours on average. The reason for longer labor is not entirely clear, but today’s mothers are older, delivering larger babies, and more likely to use epidural anesthesia. Epidurals can prolong labor anywhere from 40 to 90 minutes.
The more striking implication is that OB’s today may be rushing to C-sections based on an out-of-date expectation as to how long a “normal” labor should take. OB’s today still rely on a definition of normal labor that was defined back in the 50′s.
Good Reads:
Weekend Detox For Your Home from Houzz - Some easy steps you can take to green your home and improve your health. Now that spring is in the air, I love the idea of completely unplugging on a Friday night after a long week at work and getting outside, and then waking up Saturday to open the windows and freshen the air.
Pinterest-Worthy Finds:
I came across this image this week as I am working to rearrange and redecorate my family’s home office/playroom. I love this arrangement that creates a fantastic workspace for the entire family. These stools are a little high for young ones, but the concept still applies. As our family grows, I want us to have a place where we can all be together as we do homework, pay bills, blog, etc.
I’m sure something like this could be a reasonable DIY project - cube bookshelves could be used to form the bases. I’d probably choose to use planks of wood for the surface and sand them down as opposed to plywood or other large particle board which often uses formaldehyde-based adhesives to bind.
If you’d like to follow us on Pinterest, find us here.
LMFAO’s “I’m Sexy and I Know It” has proven to be prime material for parodies, and this parody is dedicated to all the pregnant mamas out there. Preggo mama Angela Proffitt struts her stuff and shakes her booty belly at 36 weeks, all the while making light of all the discomforts that come with pregnancy from leg cramps to bladder control issues.
The lyrics are pretty clever - apparently written by her musician husband yet inspired by Angela walking down the hall one day singing “waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle” in lieu of the tune’s original lyrics “wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle”. Husband Tommy got busy writing and promptly convinced his shy wife to go on camera. Their video has been up for just over a week and has now been viewed almost a million times on YouTube and continues to trend.
Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. If you see anything you think we should feature, please send it to jasmine@purebebe.com. Thanks, and we hope your week is off to a great start! - Jasmine
In the News:
Help for Postpartum Depression – The nation’s first inpatient unit for moms who suffer from postpartum depression at UNC Chapel Hill allows hospitalized moms to be with their babies, offers weekly therapy for mom and baby, as well as partner-assisted therapy for dad to learn how to be most helpful. The center has been open since August and sounds as if it has been a resounding success. If only more women could have access to this kind of therapy and support.
FDA to Decide on BPA by Week’s End - By the end of this week, the FDA is set to take a position on BPA in food packaging in response to a court order after ignoring a petition by the National Resources Defense Council. We’ve seen more research emerging as of late showing effects at even low doses. I’m with the NRDC – we need to get BPA out of our food, but we also need to ensure a safe replacement.
Sugar Takes Corn Syrup to Court - Sugar producers are taking on corn refiners as they accuse the corn industry of false advertising in its latest campaign that argues corn syrup is “nutritionally the same as table sugar.” In fact, corn industry reps are hoping to change the name from “high fructose corn syrup” to “corn sugar” in an attempt to improve its image. Call it what you want, but ultimately our society needs to reduce its overall consumption of sugars and sweeteners if we’re going to have much impact on the obesity epidemic.
Maryland Senate Proposes Ban on Smoking in Cars with Young Children - After a lively debate on the Senate floor, the Maryland Senate voted to send a bill to the House that would ban smoking in cars with children under the age of 8. While many opponents argue the intrusion of privacy, the dangers of smoking are well-established and in this case, I think the pendulum swings in favor of protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
New Research:
Early Exposure to Germs Does a Body Good – Some scientists think they’ve figured out the key to the “hygiene hypothesis”, the hypothesis that exposure to germs at an early age helps build immunity whereas a super clean environment increases susceptibility to allergic and autoimmune diseases.
In a recent study, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital compared the immune systems of mice living in “germ-free” and normal environments and found that immune cells (invariant natural killer T cells) accumulated in the lungs and colon of the mice in germ-free environments and caused symptoms resembling asthma and colitis. When young mice were exposed to microbes during the first weeks of life (but not later as adults), on the other hand, they grew up with stronger immune systems protected from immune cell accumulation and disease.
The researchers caution that additional research in humans is needed, but the findings fall in line with years of research showing that exposure to microbes and parasites in childhood reduces the risk of autoimmune disease.
This week, we’re featuring pocket-size activities for your little ones – small enough to tuck away in your purse or diaper bag for a little entertainment on the go. The first feature comes from Made by Joel, an ingenious site that is full of DIY activities to do with your children. LOVE this site! I came across the second feature on Pinterest, and it comes to us from Etsy. I think I need to invest in some altoid tins. FYI – do a search for altoid tin crafts on google, and you’ll be amazed what else you might find.
I love watching pregnancy time lapse videos. Watching from the outside as a tiny little life grows inside in a matter of minutes is just beautiful and fascinating. I wish I’d been diligent enough to take regular pictures of my own growing belly, but alas I live vicariously through these fantastic videos.
This darling little number just went viral this week, introducing Amelie Amaya to the world. I love how it all starts and culminates with a kiss, and in between we watch her grow as her parents-to-be prepare for her arrival. Such a sweet video and a beautiful little girl!
And here’s another creative little number, introducing Althea Elicona.
We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. Enjoy!
- Jasmine
In the News:
Campbells Eliminating BPA in Soup Cans – Campbells has announced intentions to remove BPA from its soup cans, though no clear plan or timeline yet exists.
Arsenic Testing Proves Organic Baby Formula Safe - The test results are in on Nature’s One Baby Formulas independent testing, with results showing levels of arsenic below global standards for rice-based foods for infants. The company’s press release cites flawed methodologies in the Dartmouth study, but leaves more questions than answers about the reliability of testing for arsenic in food.
Rise in Preschool Cavities Prompts Anesthesia Use - Dentists nationwide are seeing more preschoolers at all income levels with 6 to 10 cavities or more, often resulting in the need for general anesthesia in order to undergo extensive procedures. Yikes!
Pink Slime for School Lunch: Govt Buying 7M Pounds Ammonia-Treated Meat - McDonalds and other fast food joints have halted use of ammonia-treated meat made from beef scraps and connective tissue, otherwise known as pink slime, yet the government continues to use it in school lunches as a cost-saving measure. While the ammonia treatment is supposed to curb e coli and salmonella contamination, it doesn’t appear to be all that effective. Why is this acceptable? Read more about pink slime here.
Study Highlights Dangers in Everyday Products – Even the “Green” Ones
A first-of-its-kind peer reviewed study published last week reveals that both conventional and green products from household cleaners to personal care products contained a number of chemicals of concern that were not disclosed on the label. Over 200 products in 50 categories were tested for 66 chemicals associated with either endocrine disruption or asthma, and 55 of the 66 were found – even in so-called “green” products. Sunscreens and fragrance products had the most target chemicals and some of the highest concentrations. The study has been criticized for its methodologies, and the researchers admit that this is just a start but hope that it will provide a stimulus for conversation around toxic chemical sources and exposure.
Mom’s Weight Before Pregnancy Can Affect Baby’s Brain
A new study published in the journal Pediatrics found that preemies whose mothers were obese (with a BMI over 30) before pregnancy had double the risk of developing cognitive issues. The study involved 921 infants born before 28 weeks – the mothers gave placental biopsies immediately after birth and the babies’ neurological development was evaluated around age 2. It’s not entirely clear how obesity impacts baby’s development, but the leading theory is that the mother’s excessive weight can result in a heightened inflammatory response during pregnancy that adversely affects the baby’s brain.
We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. We’ve added a new feature this week, thanks to a suggestion from one of our loyal readers (thanks, Andrea!): Pinterest-Worthy Finds will now highlight some of our favorite images from the web. Enjoy!
- Jasmine
In the News:
Berenstain Bears Creator Dead at 88 - Jan Berenstain, creator of the beloved Berenstain Bears, passed away Friday. Her books were a significant part of my child, and some of those same books are now in my children’s library. Thank you, Jan, for a wonderful legacy.
First 4-in-1 Flu Vaccine Approved by the FDA - The FDA has now approved the first flu vaccine to protect against 4 strains of the flu, resulting in the addition of another Influenza B strain to the mix. The new spray vaccine is approved for ages 2 to 49 and is expected to improve the likelihood of protection from vaccine, particularly in young children who are affected by Influenza B more than any other population according to the FDA.
Nestle UK Removes Artificial Ingredients From Entire Confectionary Range - Nestle has officially removed all artificial preservatives, flavors and food dyes from its entire candy line in the UK. According to another article I read, they are planning to do the same in Canada and other parts of Europe, but no plans to do so in the U.S. yet.
Pediatricians Say Breastfeeding is about Public Health, Not Just Lifestyle - Last week, the AAP updated its guidelines on infant nutrition and in it recognizes breastfeeding as a public health issue based on a wealth of new data on the benefits of breastfeeding. Previously, the AAP was divided on the recommendation to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, but now there is consensus from the entire academy. The new policy calls for exclusive breastfeeding for “about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.”
New Research:
Flu Shots for Expectant Mothers Adds to Babies’ Birth Weight
According to a recent study out of Bangladesh, pregnant women who received flu shots during their last trimester gave birth to babies almost 7 ounces heavier on average than those born to women who did not receive flu shots.
The study followed 340 women in Bangladesh, half of which were given the flu vaccine and the other half were given the pneumococcal vaccine as a control. During non-flu season, there was little difference in birth weights, but during flu season, women who received the vaccine came down with the flu less than half as often as the other women and their babies were born at healthier weights. Four other studies have shown similar results, and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation has granted the researchers additional funding to perform a larger, similar study in Nepal.
Exercise in Pregnancy Safe for Baby
A recent study finds that moderate exercise during pregnancy is safe for baby, even for women who were not regular exercisers before pregnancy. The study also found that even high intensity exercise is safe for women who were previously active before pregnancy.
In the study, 45 women between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant walked or jogged on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity. Those who were regularly active before pregnancy were assigned an additional 30 minutes of high intensity exercise on the treadmill. The fetuses were monitored before and after each session. While the fetal heart rate rose after the exercise, the babies’ heart rate, blood flow, and biophysical profile remained within normal range.
Good Reads:
The Peaceful Parenting Approach to Kid’s Conflicts - I’ve been enjoying reading tips lately on positive parenting and teaching children conflict resolution as my kids are getting older and more interactive. I thought this was a great read with practical tips for teaching yourself and your children empathy and problem-solving. To read on, go here:
(you may need to copy and paste the URL in your browser because the apostrophe seems to be causing a problem with the hyperlink)
Pinterest-Worthy Finds:
How fun is this?!? Last year, a neighbor of ours arranged an Easter Egg Hunt at dusk and the kids searched by flashlight, but what a great twist – Give it to PlayatHomeMom for another fantastic idea: glow-in-the dark easter eggs courtesy of mini party lights. If you’re going to pin this, be sure to hop on over to her site and give her the credit. Or if you’d like to follow me on pinterest, find my newly created Purebebe profile here.
Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you and your families have a wonderful day filled with lots of love.
Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. Enjoy! - Jasmine & Heather
In the News:
Are the French Really Better Parents? A Different View from Paris - Perhaps you saw the original article in the WSJ or have seen commentaries since, but the latest buzz about parenting styles since The Tiger Mom is now focused on french parenting’s superiority to American a la Pamela Druckerman and her new book, Bringing Up BéBé. I found this opinion piece to be an excellent commentary which brings Pamela’s thoughts into perspective.
Woman Fired Over Lactation, Judge Says Not Sex Discrimination- A woman was fired for asking for to pump at work, and a recent court ruling says that lactation is not pregnancy-related and thus not protected under sex discrimination law. Although Obama’s health care law requires employers to give women breaks to pump, it apparently doesn’t specifically protect them from being fired if they ask to do so - pretty much rendering the requirement ineffective.
Mom Induced Early for Dying Husband - In a heartbreaking situation, Diane Aulger scratched her plans for a natural birth and was induced two weeks early so that her dying husband could meet his unborn child. Husband, Mark, passed away just 5 days later. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diane and her family.
New Research:
Chemo Possible for Pregnant Women with Cancer
About 1 in 1,000 women will face cancer during pregnancy and the unbearable dilemma of how to proceed. I personally have a family member who went through this, so this news comes very close to home. A series of papers published last week suggest that women with cancer can be treated the same as other patients with minimal risk to the fetus. One study of 70 children who were exposed to chemo in the womb found that they developed just as well as other children based on tests on their hearts, IQs, and general health. Another study suggests that chemotherapy after the first trimester is possible with extra ultrasounds to monitor baby’s development and radiation is best done in the first two trimesters when the baby is small enough to be covered by a lead blanket. The same study also found that ending the pregnancy did not improve the chances for the mother.
Skip The Strained Peas, Let Babies Feed Themselves
Does this mean the end of my beloved Beaba Babycook? New research suggests skipping baby food purees and letting children go straight to finger foods through “baby-led weaning”. In a study of 155 children ages 20 months to 6 1/2 years, parents filled out questionnaires on their children’s feeding and weaning practices, food preferences, and height and weight. The results of the questionnaire indicate that babies who learn to feed themselves early on may develop healthier eating habits and be less likely to become overweight as self-feeding helps them to be more mindful of their appetites. The study also found that the finger-fed children preferred carbs while the spoon-fed children preferred sweets. It seems to me that there may be more factors at play, but ultimately helping children become mindful of their appetites and serving them fresh, whole foods when they are ready is key.
Tests Find Mold, Fecal Bacteria in Children’s Lunch Boxes
Ewwww. A NC State University scientist and her grad students paired up with a local news station to investigate germs where we eat. They found no evidence of harmful bacteria on the trays tested from fast food restaurants and mall food courts; however, children’s lunch boxes were a different matter. Of the 100 lunch boxes tested at a local middle school, about half tested positive for low levels of staph and about 15% showed fecal contamination most likely due to children not washing their hands properly after using the restroom. What was also surprising to me - the list of other surfaces with highest germ concentration according to other studies - i.e. gas pump handle.
Fantastic Finds:
Stomach vs Food
This video follows a “smart pill” into the stomach of two subjects and shows how our bodies digest (or fail to digest) processed foods - Ramen and Gatorade - as compared to their homemade counterparts. Incredibly fascinating to watch.
Why Pinterest is 2012′s Hottest Website from CNN - I’m a HUGE fan. I joined Pinterest in its early stages and was hooked from the start. It’s essentially a visual online bookmarking system; however, the social aspect allows you to see and repin what others have pinned too. I can’t tell you how many fantastic ideas I’ve found using this site.
Recalls, February 7 – February 13:
CPSC Child Product Recalls
No child product recall announcements this week.
Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.
We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels.
Enjoy!
Jasmine & Heather
In the News:
Maker Recalls 2,200 Tubes of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion - Tubes are being recalled at the retail level in 9 southern states for a particular lot that tested above the required levels of a common staph bacteria. It’s unlikely that many consumers will have the product in their homes, but consumers who may have bought the product can still use it according to J&J. The bacteria is naturally occurring in the environment and on the skin, but if you are concerned, check for lot number 0161LK.
Mom Gives Birth in Car, Dad Films While Driving - Steering wheel in one hand, camera in the other, Dad films while his wife gives birth with a single push on the way to the hospital. The video doesn’t show the labor, but it sounds like it must have been one of the easiest births on the planet.
USDA Issues New Rules for School Lunches - Standards issued by the USDA Wednesday will require fruits and veggies every day, more whole grains, and reduced sodium and fat content. The new rules take effect July 1 and will be phased in over three years.
Horrifying Discovery in Capri Sun - A 10 year old boy began to choke, then pulled a worm out of his mouth. Ewwww! Kraft Food’s statement says it was likely mold, because “Capri Sun products are made without preservatives — a fact many moms like”… How’s that for some spin?
New Research:
Nurses’ Miscarriages Linked to Chemicals at Work
A survey of approximately 7,500 nurses who were pregnant between 1993 and 2002 found that the rate of miscarriage increased from 1 in 10 to 2 in 10 in nurses who worked with chemotherapy drugs or sterilizing agents such as formaldehyde. The survey involved nurses who had experienced a pregnancy between 1993 and 2002. There is room for inaccuracy in the study given that nurses were asked to recall back as far as 8 years, but a more precise follow up study is in the works.
Alcohol in Pregnancy: It’s Never Safe, Especially Not in the First Trimester
New research from scientists at the University of California, San Diego indicates that babies are most vulnerable to the effects of alcohol at the end of the first trimester. The scientists tracked the alcohol and other substances used by almost 1,000 women every three months during pregnancy and found that every drink consumed between the 43rd and 84th days of pregnancy increased the baby’s odds of lower birthweight and birth defects. This reinforces guidelines for avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, especially for women contemplating pregnancy since many aren’t aware they are pregnant until that critical period.
A Measure of Titanium Dioxide
In the first analytical study of titanium dioxide content in consumer products, scientists at Arizona State University found concentrations in personal care products, such as toothpaste and sunscreen ranged from 1 to 10% while foods, such as white candies and doughnuts, contained up to 340 mg per serving. Up to 36% of the titanium found in the foods was in nanoparticle form. More research is needed on the possible health effects, but you can read an informative article on nanoparticles in a prior weekly highlights here.
Common Chemicals Could Make Kids’ Vaccines Less Effective
A recent study suggests, but does not prove, that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) used in the manufacture of non-stick coatings and stain-resistant fabrics among other household items, may affect the immune system making children more vulnerable to infectious disease. The study found that the antibody response to the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines was weaker in children whose blood contained relatively high levels of PFCs.
Fotoshop by Adobé - A perfect complement to the article above. Want in on a little secret? Fotoshop - how celebrities get their picture perfect bodies.
This past year, Christmas morning started with an incredible announcement in my family. Before the presents were opened, my brother and his wife passed out Christmas cards to all of our family. I think most of us had a feeling there was something more inside than just Christmas wishes this year, so we all opened ours at once to a fantastic announcement:
He and his wife were expecting their first child! And how sweet is that picture! Aren’t those the cutest little moccasins?!? I can’t wait for those little feet to enter this world.
And to add to the excitement, my brother’s announcement was followed by an announcement from my other brother and sister-in-law that they were expecting their second! AND…both babies are due within a single day of each other! Lots of hugs and congratulations ensued. It was so exciting to have all of our family together for that moment. It’s not often that all 7 of us children make it into one room with our families.
In fact, when my husband and I announced both of my pregnancies, we were 2000 miles away. By the time we were expecting our second child, nearly all of our family had discovered Facebook though so we thought we’d let our first child make the announcement there. My husband edited our privacy settings for a period of time allowing only close family to see our postings, and then we put up our announcement:
We called our parents first, because of course we wanted them to be the first to know, and directed them to our latest addition to Facebook. It was tradition for us to call whenever we uploaded a new set of pictures of our little one for them to see, and so their first reaction was “Oh, how cute she’s starting to read”. It took a moment for them to look a little closer and see our message, but then there was plenty of excitement. Once the word was out amongst family, we opened up our privacy settings to our friends and shared the big news.
How did you announce your pregnancy? We’d love to hear your story!
PureBebe focuses on everything safe, healthy and pure for babies and young children. We conduct extensive research on baby topics and products. This site is about sharing that knowledge as well as the crying, laughing, and wincing that accompany being a parent.
We look forward to hearing from you – please leave us a comment to let us know what you think of our site!
-Heather & Jasmine
