I've said a few times that I'm anti-fluoride and that I'd explain why later. Well, later has finally come.

Our pediodontist says that since Hawaii doesn't have fluoridated water, I need to give my kids fluoride supplements--either liquid drops or chewable tablets. When I say no thanks, he goes on to explain that fluoride acts as a fertilizer for the permanent teeth beneath the surface of my baby's gums--to assure that when those teeth do emerge, they will have strong enamel and be resistant to cavities.

It's a very convincing notion, but I refuse the prescription every time. Here are the reasons why (I've gathered this info from a bunch of different sources and sites):

1. Contrary to previous belief, fluoride has minimal benefit when swallowed.
When water fluoridation began in the 1940s and '50s, dentists believed that fluoride needed to be swallowed in order to be most effective. This belief, however, has now been discredited by an extensive body of modern research. Water fluoridation’s benefits to teeth have been exaggerated. No difference exists in tooth decay between fluoridated & unfluoridated countries. Cavities do not increase when fluoridation stops. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, any benefits that accrue from the use of fluoride, come from the direct application of fluoride to the outside of teeth and not from ingestion. There is no need, therefore, to expose all other tissues to fluoride by swallowing it.

So why do most states in the US still fluoridate their water? The bottom line is that fluoride is an industrial pollutant which became a serious problem several decades ago, and this problem was essentially solved by devising ways to feed the stuff to humans. Today it’s become a difficult issue that involves big business, large sums of money, the ADA, the FDA, and lastly, public health.

2. Ingesting fluoride has little benefit to your teeth, and many risks to your health. 
Babies ingesting fluoride are at high risk of dental fluorosis, which is when fluoride damages the cells that form the teeth, but more alarming is the damage fluoride does to other cells in the body. Other tissues in the body can be affected by early-life exposures to fluoride. Fluoride may damage the developing brain, causing learning deficits and other problems.
- Risk to the brain: Animal studies conducted in the 1990s by EPA scientists found dementia-like effects at the same concentration (1 ppm) used to fluoridate water. Human studies have found adverse effects on IQ, even at low levels!
- Risk to the thyroid: According to the National Research Center (NRC), fluoride is an “endocrine disrupter.” Even low doses may reduce the function of the thyroid among individuals with low-iodine intake. Lower thyroid activity = loss of mental acuity, depression and weight gain.
- Risk to bones: According to the NRC, fluoride can diminish bone strength and increase the risk for bone fracture. 
- Risk of bone cancer: Animal and human studies – including a recent study from a team of Harvard scientists – have found a connection between fluoride and a serious form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in males under the age of 20. 
- Risk to kidney patients: People with kidney disease have a heightened susceptibility to fluoride toxicity stemming from an impaired ability to excrete fluoride from the body. As a result, toxic levels of fluoride can accumulate in the bones, intensify the toxicity of aluminum build-up. 

3. According to the Journal of Public Health Dentistry: "Virtually all authors have noted that some children could ingest more fluoride from [toothpaste] alone than is recommended as a total daily fluoride ingestion."

Cole sometimes swallows inadvertently before I can get the cup to make him swish and spit, so he's probably within that group of "some children" who ingest more than is recommended. Because of that, I have my kids brush with fluoride-free toothpaste. Dave and I aren't fluoride-free because I know we're not swallowing the stuff, and plus I like the Crest whitening power. But here are two good ones:

Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Children's Natural Toothpaste Silly Strawberry -- 4.2 oz

Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste, Creme De Peppermint 6 oz (170 g)

If you'd like to do the research about fluoride for yourself, here's a link to get you started: 

http://www.fluoridealert.org/fluoride-dangers/health/index.aspx

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They told me to try it as a reward from the beginning. I didn’t listen. I don’t believe you should use food as a reward with kids. But the potty training wasn’t going so well. I held out, thinking it’s just a matter of time. The potty training only got worse. Finally I gave in and bought a vial of M&M Minis.

I gave Cole one mini M&M for shishi on the potty, and 2 for doodoo. I put one vial in our bathroom at home, and one in my purse for whenever we went out. In school, the teacher kept a chart of how many times he used the potty, with a happy face for each time. When I picked him up from school, we would take out the chart and I would put an M&M on each happy face so he would associate it easily. And wouldn’t you know it, it worked. After 2 vials, we were fully potty trained.

So I’m not saying, yea, go ahead and reward with food, and I don’t usually tell parents to give their kids M&Ms. But you have to find what motivates your kid and use that to your advantage. Cole isn’t going to die because of 2 small vials of M&M minis...as long as he’s not still asking for his potty reward at age 30.

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I love Baby Aquaphor...it seems to have healing properties that work on any rash that crops up. It’s just all-around good stuff to have around for the delicate baby skin. It’s worked for us when the more expensive creams haven’t.

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, 3 oz (85 g)

Here’s an example of how it’s worked for us. This has happened to all my kids...seems like on trips to the mainland, their skin is totally unaccustomed to the dry, cold weather. So their cheeks and eventually their whole faces gets red, chapped, and raw. The last photo kinda shows what I’m talking about on Ari. As soon as we got back home and I put the Baby Aquaphor on, it all goes away. Now I just need to remember to bring the stuff with us.

I like CeraVe and Cetaphil for dry skin and eczema treatment as well. But be sure to get the moisturizing cream, and not the lotion or cleanser. The lotion is not as concentrated and I don’t think it provides enough of a seal to keep the moisture in. The cleanser is good for handwashing, but one time I put it all over Ari’s face thinking it was the cream...didn’t realize it until the end of the day when the rash seemed to have worsened!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (16 oz)

Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream, 16-Ounce Jars (Pack of 2)

Of course, if the eczema is real bad and doesn’t go away with any of these, I resort to a 0.5-1% hydrocortisone cream, which is probably bad, but it does the trick. With babies you only need the TINIEST amount. Like a half a pea per palm-sized area of skin. Rub it into your fingers until you can’t see it anymore, then apply to their skin, avoiding eyes, mouth, etc. Wash your hands right after. You don’t want to use it on a regular basis, or too much of it. Better yet, so that I don’t get myself in trouble, consult your pediatrician first! :)

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Listen to the ingredients: organic extra virgin olive oil, organic beeswax, oregon grape root, myrrh gum, organic yarrow herb, organic calendula flower. Now who wouldn’t want to put that on their butt? We’re talking about a highly sensitive area here, and when it’s red and raw from a wet diaper, wiping, yeast or a food reaction, you don’t want to mess around with harsh ingredients and fillers. And when you’re considering your baby’s bottom, even more so!

Seriously, I love this stuff. It really takes care of diaper rash—not with medication, but all natural ingredients that have innate healing properties to restore the skin. That’s why it’s even good for mom’s nursing nipples, too. I’ve used it on Ari’s face, ankles...really anywhere there’s rash or dry skin (as long as you scoop it out with something clean).  

Diaper Rash & Thrush Relief (Motherlove)

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This article I read last night on CNN.com was so disturbing, I was thinking about it all night. http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/03/kids-car-seat-tests-reveal-chemicals/ They are saying that more than half of the carseats manufactured in 2011 have one or more hazardous chemicals in them, including bromine, arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury. This is a 64% improvement over those manufactured in 2008. Grreeaat. The carseat Ari’s using right now was is a 2006 model. 

 But I’m glad they also make the point that we should keep using carseats regardless of these findings, though. Car seats save lives even if they have chemicals in the plastic/upholstery. 

I feel like the point for us as parents, shouldn’t be to throw out our car seats or stop using them. We need not get all panicked and anxious. The car seats are the same today as they were yesterday. It’s just some interesting research has been done and we’re finding out about it. It’s good to be conscientious consumers, but not frantic ones. There are great non-profit organizations like the Ecology Center who created healthystuff.org to protect, inform and advocate for consumers like us. They are trying to get congress to pass legislation that would phase out or regulate certain very toxic chemicals. Isn’t it great that we have leaders in our community looking out for us? We can be informed about the risks and rewards of this essential piece of baby gear. We can make our choices wisely and confidently knowing we are always doing  what we believe is best for our kids. 

Overall Findings

• Consumer products throughout our economy, including children's car seats contain harmful chemicals that are linked to reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, hormone imbalances and cancer.
• Over 150, 2011-model car seats were sampled from retail locations based in Michigan. This is a follow-up study to car seats sampled in 2008 (131) and 2009 (58).
• Brands tested include: Alpha Sport, Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Compass, Dorel Juvenile Group (Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Maxi-Cosi, Safety First), Evenflo, Fisher Price, Graco, Harmony Juvenile, Orbit Baby, Peg Perego, Recaro, Sunshine Kids, Teutonia, The First Years.
• Brominated flame retardant chemicals that are either deemed toxic or that lack adequate health safety data were detected in 44% percent of the 2011 car seats tested.
• Over half (60%) of car seats contained one or more hazardous chemicals tested for (including PVC, BFRs and heavy metals).
• Overall, car seats are improving. Between 2008 and 2011:
• average seat ranking improved by 64% (1.5 - 2009 to 0.9 - 2011);
• number of car seats with BFRs declined by 18% (63% 2009 to 44% in 2011)
• However, some companies continue to use more potentially hazardous BFRs in their products than others in the industry. These include Baby Trend (100%), Recaro (100%), and Britax (84%).
  

Best and Worst Car Seats
Worst 2011 Car Seats:

• Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey
• Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum
• Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Misty
  

Best 2011 Car Seats:

• Infant Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay & Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche        
• Convertible Carseat: Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, Safety 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater, and Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe
• Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders

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I did not know this was possible until the other day, when I was about to throw my sling in the donate pile, I decided to try carrying Ari in it. I hadn’t used it since she was probably 3 months old. She’s 8 months now and a chunker. In the past I’ve only used this sling style carrier (Peanut Shell, Hotslings) for that newborn stage when they can actually lie down almost horizontally in the carrier with their body all snugly tucked in there, nestled against you. Once my boys started getting chubby and could no longer squeeze their legs and shoulders all the way in, I gave up on the sling.

But lo and behold, the instruction manual is right. You CAN use the sling for an older baby! It’s called the “Hip Carry,” for 6-12 months. All you do is,

1. Slide the Peanut Shell over your body, placing one side on your dominant shoulder and the other side tucked under your other arm.
2. Hold your baby on the hip opposite your dominant shoulder as if you were going to carry her without help from the sling. Lift the sling over her head and slide it along her body until you get to her bottom.
3. Place her bottom in the pocket of the sling by positioning it under her bottom, and then pull the fabric to stretch under the crooks of her knees. Pull the upper lip of fabric along her back until it's stretched enough to provide stability.
4. Leave her arms & shoulders in if you’re bending over and moving around a lot, or let her arms be out if she prefers.
5. Make sure your shoulder is right in the middle of the fabric so that it’s not loose enough for her to fall out. I always have my left hand sort of cradling her just in case. But at least your hands can be free to do stuff and you’re not supporting her whole weight with your biceps.
   

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You can’t carry them like this forever (it’ll tire out your shoulder for sure) and you need to alternate sides. But I like using the sling for short stints now because it’s so easy to put on (no buckles) and it’s so compact (you can roll it up and stick it in your purse). Doesn’t beat out the comfort and versatility of the Ergo or Beco, but it is what it is and I’m just glad it doesn’t have to retire to the donate pile just yet.

By the way, slings got a really bad rap after the product recall came out on the Infantino slingrider ( http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10177.html) in 2010. I was so sad because I thought they were saying all slings are dangerous. But then when I looked into the issue more closely, I learned that Peanut Shell and Hotslings carriers are qualitatively different from that Infantino sling. The Infantino one is a bag sling, which is worn around the parents' neck and body like a messenger bag. Babies placed into the deep pockets of these slings are at risk for suffocation because their bodies are in a C shape where their neck often touches the chest and restricts airways. The excess fabric, low carrying height of the baby and bad positioning of the baby’s face/neck/chest all make for a very dangerous situation. 

In contrast, the Peanut Shell and Hotslings are made in different sizes (like dress sizes) so it’s suited to your body, there is no excess fabric bunched up around the baby, the baby is held high up on your chest, and the baby’s face is clear of fabric and tilted up away from the chest.

The Peanut Shell Adjustable Sling, Whisper

Hotslings Everyday Sling in La Vie en Rose

Just to complete the instruction manual, here are the other two ways to use the sling-style carrier:

Cradle Carry (0-3 Months)

1. Slide the sling over one shoulder with the seam at the bottom. Place the sling on your dominant shoulder and tuck the bottom corner of your sling under your other arm. This will create a pocket for your baby across you chest.
2. Support your baby's bottom with one hand as you open the pocket with your other. It may help you to place your baby on your dominant shoulder for stability. Open the pocket and slide your baby's legs and bottom into the sling.
3. Slide baby's shoulders and head into the pocket. Ensure that your baby's airways are left clear of fabric and that her neck and chin are not touching. 

Kangaroo Carry (3-6 Months)

1. Slide the sling over your dominant shoulder, placing it around yourself as if you were going to carry your baby in the cradle carry position.
2. Hold baby with his body facing outward from yours and his back against your chest. Cross his legs "Indian" style and lift his bottom with one hand, supporting his body with your chest. Open the pocket of the sling with your free hand.
3. Place your baby, bottom first, into the sling with her belly facing outward. Pull the excess fabric up around her chest. Grasp the top lip of fabric from your dominant shoulder and pull it down over the bottom lip for added strength and stability.

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It’s a mushroom brush...it’s a vegetable cleaner...it’s....BEAN-B-CLEAN! Bean-B-Clean is one-of-a-kind, the only product like it on the market (as far as I know), and the BEST thing to help with cradle cap. If you don’t know what cradle cap is, some newborns get it (at about 5 weeks). The medical term for it is seborrhea—crusty, waxy substance that appears on your baby’s formerly smooth scalp, ears, even their eyebrows. It’s such a disturbing thing to have your perfect little newborn go from a flawless complexion, buttery skin and peach fuzz top, to having a bumpy, flaky mess. All three of my kids had it, and each time I was beside myself looking for ways to remedy the situation.

I walked into Makana Mother & Baby (which is closed now, SO SAD!) looking for something to help with Ari’s eczema and cradle cap. None of my old methods were workin- not dandruff shampoo, baby oil overnight, not even the Original Sprout shampoo. The owner, Kathy, actually gave me this Bean-B-Clean for free because she just knew how it was and she’s just that nice. It really worked. I mean it was like magic.

So this is what you do. Wet baby's head with warm water. Use a small amount (1 tsp) of your favorite oil (can use EVOO, I used grapeseed or coconut oil) and massage into baby's scalp. Apply gentle pressure using a circular motion as you massage baby's scalp with Bean-B-Clean brush; rinse baby's head. Wash brush with any soap and warm water and rinse it to free captured oil and loosened debris. Using your favorite tear-free baby shampoo, lather baby's head. Use scrub brush to gently massage away any remaining traces of oil. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Make sure to wash Bean-B-Clean brush with soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly between uses. Store bristles down in an open area to air dry.

It beats using your fingernails, however short you cut them, to scratch their head while you wash. That’s what I was doing before, not realizing how much bacteria I must’ve been introducing in the process. This way is much more gentle and clean...and effective.

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Bean-B-Clean Baby Scalp Massaging Brush for Cradle Cap

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Between Cole and Ari, a new product was invented. It’s called the Baby Moon Pillow.

I saw it on babysteals.com right about the time I was noticing Ari’s head was getting a flat on one side from being in her carseat. It worked like a charm—seemed to keep her in one place while she slept, too. But as soon as she started rolling over, I didn’t feel comfortable using it, and I never did try it out as a neck support pillow, though the site says it was designed for that as well. Who knows how much flatter Ari’s head would be now had it not been for the Baby Moon Pillow, especially with all the sleeping she does. Haha.

Basically, since pediatricians started recommending infants be put to sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS, SIDS has gone down 40%, but 80% of the infants now sleeping on their backs are developing flat-head syndrome. So the Baby Moon Pillow was designed by a mom to remedy her baby’s flathead syndrome. It’s supposed to be used as a head support from 0-6 months and a neck support from 6-12 months. We used it in the carseat and stroller as well as in the crib.

What’s great is that you can throw it in the washing machine, too. If only these were around when I was an infant, then maybe I wouldn’t have such a flathead. Thank God for hair.

Baby Moon Pillow - For Flat Head Syndrome / Plagiocephaly (Pistachio Stripe) - I love this color, because it's unisex and cool looking. But I have the minky pink. 

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My kids have been on antibiotics so many times it’s ridiculous—ear infections, bronchitis, sinus infection, everything gets treated with amoxicillin. At least now they have the dye-free version available (rather than the calamine lotion pink). But after or during a round of antibiotics, it’s always good to supplement with probiotics. Probiotics replace the good, friendly bacteria in your digestive tract that the antibiotics tend to kill along with the bad bacteria associated with the infection. So make sure to give the probiotics either after the round of antibiotics is done or, if administered during the round, give it between doses.

You’ll find the quality probiotics in the refrigerator. It should say Lactobacillus something. These ones by Nature’s Way I usually get from Kokua Market, but I just saw them on amazon for half the price and free super saver shipping. Score. I’m stocking up because I give Evan and Cole one each daily and they eat them like candy. Nothing artifical in them though. I’m sure there are tons of other kinds that are good, but these are cherry and chewable. Store in the fridge.

Nature's Way Primadophilus for Kids, Cherry, 30 Count (Pack of 2)

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The pediatricians we've been to love to prescribe vitamin+flouride drops. I choose not to give my kids these because 1) I’m against flouride (more about that later) 2) they have sugar, artificial flavoring and sometimes coloring, and 3) they don’t taste very good.

I’ve been giving them these Baby Plex drops for years. These liquid drops are sugar-free, free from artificial flavors, colors and the boys literally fight over who is first to get their dropper full.

Nature's Plus - Animal Parade Baby Plex Multi, 2 fl oz liquid

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I really love these baby spoons from Ikea. Too bad we don’t have Ikea in Hawaii. But next time you have a friend going there, ask them to pick up a couple of sets for you. A set of 2 is only $1.99!! I like them because they are narrow, they have a fine edge to scrape food off of messy mouths, and the material is smooth and soft to the touch, with no sharp edges. It’s great for digging into baby food jars and holds just the right amount of food on the spoon for beginning solid-food eaters.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40137572

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Ari quickly outgrew her pacifier stage, so I didn’t even have to wean her off of it at 6 months (the age pediatricians suggest taking away the pacifier—before they get too attached to it). But while she was soothing with her pac-pac, we loved 2 brands the best. Take that with a grain of salt because, like I said in a previous post, every baby, mouth-shape and nipple-shape is different, so there is no one universal pacifier that all babies will like. You just have to try a few and see which one they take to. Cole really liked the Gumdrop pacifier by Hawaii Medical. Ari did, too, but then a friend gave us a Natursutten that she started favoring, and then eventually she rejected her Gumdrop.

What I loved about the Natursutten was that it is made from pure, natural rubber from an actual rubber tree, an alternative to plastic and other materials that can be harmful to baby and the environment, it’s BPA, PVC, Phthalate-free, organic and no artificial colors or flavors. Its larger shield touches baby's nose, more closely simulating breast-feeding, and the one-piece design makes it safer and eliminates cracks where bacteria can hide. And it TOTALLY stayed in--we didn't have to hold it there the whole time. The way it's shaped with the tip bigger and molded to their mouths holds it in there even for uncoordinated newborns (like mine). 

Natursutten BPA-Free Natural Rubber Pacifier

The other necessary accessory is the pacifier clip. This handy strap prevents the paci from falling on the ground (dirty) and helps to find it quickly when needed in a hurry (i.e. In the carseat). I like Bella Tunno’s cute designs, but the downside is that the strap is too thick to easily fit through the GumDrop, but it easily fits through the Natursutten handle. Bogginhead straps are super cute, too.

Bella Tunno Fabric Binker, Pink Posh Posey/Spring Blooms

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When I got the Summer Infant Day and night color video monitor for Cole (son #2), I fell in love. Just to be able to see what he’s doing at all times gave me peace of mind—especially when he started pulling to stand and sometimes getting an arm or leg stuck between the crib rails. ( http://hotbabyfinds.com/video-baby-monitors ) But no more than a few months after I was already head over heels with this video monitor, the battery wouldn’t hold a charge and it lost it’s ability to go unplugged. I could no longer carry it around with me, hooked to my belt strap (like I ever did that anyway) or place it down wherever I was in the house without being near an outlet. I was a little disillusioned, but still hanging in there. Then the audio started to fail, with static noise getting louder and louder until it was so annoying we’d just turn it off and I set-up our audio-only monitor to use in conjunction with the video monitor. Needless to say it was a less-than-ideal situation.

When baby#3 was born, we tried to do the same thing but a few months into it I sprang for a new video monitor. This time I actually READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL and found out what I did wrong the first time. They suggest that once it’s fully charged, let it go unplugged until the battery dies. This is how you extend the life of your battery—so that it will be able to hold a charge longer. So I’ve been plugging it in at night, and unplugging it to take around the house during the day (for naps). It’s been about 8 months now and the battery life is just as long as it was the day I got it. Maybe it’s common sense and I should’ve done it the first time, but I think they should stress the importance of this more in the product info. If they did, Summer would probably not have to replace so many of these handhelds for free (I’ve heard of other parents who have had to call for a replacement because of the same problems).

So I LOVE this new monitor, even though there is a split millisecond image and sound delay. You cannot beat the image clarity, color, compact size and sleek factor. I’m also partial to it’s availability in pink. I got this off eBay, because Summer discontinued this particular model. But you they have the new DELUXE slim & secure handheld one on amazon: Summer Infant 28270 Deluxe Slim Secure Handheld Color Video Monitor

It’s a lot more than just an audio monitor, but for all the times I’ve been wondering whether or not her arm/leg is stuck or she’s about to climb out of the crib, it’s worth every penny.

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I lied. That last post was not my last. It must have been about 6 months after that was written that we found we were pregnant with number three. Hence the subtitle of this blog has changed. I wanted it to be the end of this lifestage characterized by mommy-brain from talking in goo-gas all day, but God had other plans. And of course I wouldn’t have it any other way because I finally got my girl!

SHE is a delightful, mellow and tough (thanks to her 2 big brothers) little 8-month old baby girl. Dressing her and doing her hair is everything I thought it would be and more. So I’m sharing these semi-embarrassing photos I’ve taken of the different get-ups I’ve put her in, just to say this stage of raising a daughter is utter joy. I grew up doting on my dolls—dressing them, playing with them...brushing their hair and changing their outfits, making them sit and pose just right.... Now I have this live baby to do it with, and though she isn’t always as cooperative and she comes with spit-up (a lot of spit-up) and often full diapers, it is kinda like a dream come true. That sounds so silly, especially when you see the photos (“Is my baby only cute to me because she’s mine?”) but at least it conveys the essence of my finally-got-my-girl experience.

I started taking these because my friend who moved away said she wishes she could be here and I have to take photos every time I get her dressed to go out. That’s why they look like mugshots.

In the beginning I would think about every little thing before leaving the house, a real contrast from the boys’ one thing (a onesie, well two things if you count the diaper underneath):

1. dress
2. diaper cover (“panties”)
3. hair accessory
4. shoes/socks

That lasted a couple months. Now that she’s 8 months, she goes out barefoot and with her hair down, no diaper cover, unless we’re going to a party (see last photo). But it’s still a heck of a lotta fun.

See the full gallery on Posterous

By the way, the Mary Jane socks she's wearing in some of these pics....you have to be careful which ones you get. Someone gave me a handmedown pair that had the initials "B&M" on them. They fit GREAT: stayed on her feet all day, no sliding down or falling off. So I tried to get more at Babies R Us. Those ones sucked. They are shown in some of these. They're cheap, something like $6.99 for a variety pack of 6 or something like that, but they couldn't stay on her feet if their lives depended on it. I looked online and found out what "B&M" stands for. It's Bibi & Mimi brand. These cute lil' feet coverups are great for the newborn stage when their feet are too little and floppy to keep shoes on. But they look like shoes (and that's what counts, right?) - to complete their daily wardrobe! 

Bibi and Mimi Infants' Moods Baby Sock Casual Socks (I like the "Baby Jane Pastels" the best - easy to match with clothes, look like the actual black Mary Jane shoes)

The other brand that I LOVE that someone gave us for son #2 is Trumpette. They have awesome boy and girl styles. These also stay on baby feet really well. It must be the nylon spandex blend that gives it stay-on power. 

6 Pairs of Jonny's Hightop Tennis Shoe Socks by Trumpette

Trumpette Mary Jane Box Set - Brights 0-12 Months

24 Hour Fitness Kid's Club used to require socks (our club doesn't anymore) and I used to put my boys in the Trumpettes, and without fail someone would remark how cute they were or ask where I got them. Well, now you know. 

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That’s right, it’s the end of the road for hotbabyfinds.com. I’m sorry it comes abruptly but let me explain why. 

1. Someone called me supermom the other day and I had to correct them saying I'm so far from it. But it let to an awakening for me. This whole blog was started just to share good things I found along the way or discoveries I made on my own blundering journey of parenthood. But I’m realizing now that people reading may not realize that often times the information I give and recommendations I make are just ideals and aspirations for me—I do NOT always abide by them or live up to them. I don’t always practice what I preach—i.e. I actually DO use the microwave, people! And I don’t always buy organic...I let my 10-month old watch TV and my 3 year old eat cupcake frosting just to make him happy! On the blog, I’m just sharing what I think is interesting or valuable. Most times it was an "Aha!" moment for me that I was eager to share. But I feel like it might give people a false impression of me—that I have all these ideals that they can't live up to. And that might eventually isolate me because I may appear unapproachable. I do not want that at all.
2. Every baby is DIFFERENT, every parent’s set of life circumstances and values are DIFFERENT, so what I say does not apply to everyone. Every parent develops his or her own best practices, discovers their own favorite products and decides on their own which books to follow. I’ve recommended many practices, products and books that have worked for me, but may or may not work for you. Everyone needs the room and grace to find their own way. So I hope as you read this blog you did it with many grains of salt because all of it was a matter of one person's very opinionated opinion.
3. I may talk like it, but I’m really not an authority on any issue. I’m just as CLUELESS, flawed and frantic as the next mom. I struggle, make mistakes, stumble and learn from it again and again and again. Everything is by trial and error—it’s all a learning process. There are things I've learned the second time around that I WISH someone had told me the first time around. And that was the original motivation behind hotbabyfinds.com...not to heap unsolicited advice on already info-overloaded moms. It was to put my lessons-learned out there so that you could sift through it and perhaps glean a gem or two for yourself. But I know I strayed from that a bit--posting everything from coupons to rants about chlorine and BPA (don't even get me started about flouride). 
4. I’m growing tired of baby stuff—products, clothes, stores, gear. I’m not as into it as I was when I was in the nesting phase, preparing for Cole’s arrival. I’ve been lacking motivation to read anything related to babies, much less write about it. So if I’m no longer passionate about it, why should I continue, right? It’s just taking time and energy away from other blogs I could start that I do feel passionately about. :)
5. Parenthood is SUCH a hard time and we’re ALL in such an emotionally, relationally, psychologically FRAGILE, often insecure, state. We don’t really need to read other people’s blogs and be tempted to compare...it only leads to jealousy and offense. My kids seriously humble me on a daily basis and sometimes when I read other people’s blogs it plays into my insecurities as a mom. I think they have it all together, they’re kids are so advanced, they are so privileged... And that’s where I stumble, get down on myself and I’m defeated. No more! I have to stop comparing, start receiving GRACE and giving that to others—the GRACE to be the mother they are today, wherever they're at in their journey. And the GRACE to become...that’s what I for one need desperately!
   

You’ll still be able to find me on kusumoto.blogspot.com, but this will be my final post on this blog. The purpose of that Kusumoto family blog has been and always will be for the purpose of:

1. Documenting the lives of my sons for myself—it’s just an online baby album so I can look back and remember (I have a REALLY BAD long term memory).
2. Keep in touch with family and friends who live away or who I don’t get to see as often as I’d like, so they can stay abreast of family developments through my blog.
3. As an online diary—for me to think and process, especially as we reach milestones in our kid’s lives and in our own.
   

As Cole is about to turn one, I think it’s a good time for me to turn my attention to other things. So look out for future blogs but for now this one is coming to a close. Thanks for reading!  

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Sunscreen is a daily necessity for protecting skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, but you want one that actually works and isn’t loaded with potentially dangerous chemicals. Look at those ingredient lists before you buy your next bottle for the summer!

Ingredients to avoid:

• PABA
• Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), Oxybenzone
• Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-)
• Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone)
• Phthalates (often hiding in “fragrance”)
  

Top Ten Sunscreens (from EWG)

1. Keys Soap Solar RX Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30 (UVA & UVB Broadspectrum)
2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
4. Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF 30+
5. Moisturizing Face Screen, SPF 30
6. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
7. Vanicream Sunscreen Sport, SPF 35
8. UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
9. Sun Science Sport Formula SPF 30
10. Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30+ 

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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I’m always forgetting the “rules” of breastmilk storage. So here’s a quick reference list of the important things to remember. These are the guidelines put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics about storing and preparing breastmilk:

• In the refrigerator: max 72 hours (3 days).
• Freeze milk within 24 hours.
• In the freezer: max 1 month
• Frozen milk must be used within 24 hours after thawed.
  

Other don’ts

• Do not re-freeze your milk.
• Do not save milk from a used bottle for use at another feeding.
• Do not add fresh milk to previously frozen milk.
  

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