Warning Alert: Polycarbonate Baby Bottles Containing BPA

Just received a breaking news e-mail from the authors of Baby Bargains regarding the use of polycarbonate bottles made from a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). Not good news considering we had used them for our child and I know others have used them as well.

If you don't want to read the whole e-mail content blurb below:

Link to an article that talks about the issue at hand can be found here.

Three examples of polycarbonate bottles containing BPA can be found here.

Examples of BPA-free bottles can be found here.

Stay away from bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label as they are most likely made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA). Damn, my Nalgene bottle has a friggen 7 on it! Although they say this. Sheesh, is anything safe in this world?


e-mail content blurb:

Baby Bargains book withdraws recommendation for certain plastic baby bottles

(BOULDER, CO) The authors of BABY BARGAINS, the country’s best-selling guide to baby products (700,000 copies in print), today called for parents to stop using baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic.

Polycarbonate bottles are made from a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). In an article in a peer-reviewed medical journal last week, a group of 38 scientists said BPA caused a significant health risk.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-plastic3aug03,0,1828523.story?coll=la-home-nation

Also last week, a federal panel convened by the National Institutes of Health said there is “some concern” the chemical could cause behavioral and neurological problems in young children.

Specifically, parents should stop using Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow (or any bottle made of polycarbonate plastic)---these products were previously recommended by BABY BARGAINS.

“All baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic should be avoided,” said author and consumer advocate Denise Fields. “If you are shopping for bottles, chose an alternative made from BPA-free plastic or glass. If you have polycarbonate bottles, throw them out.”

So, what is BPA? How is it harmful? See the FAQ below for answers.

Q. What the heck is BPA? Why is it dangerous?

Clear plastic baby bottles (as well as some food containers and water bottles) are made of polycarbonate, which contains a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). It is the BPA that makes the hard, clear plastic bottles . . . well, hard and clear.

Here’s the rub: BPA’s chemical bond with polycarbonate breaks down over time—especially with repeated washings or heating of the bottle. As a result, BPA leaches out of the plastic bottle or sippy cup . . . and into the liquid (that is, breast milk or formula).

While most data on BPA comes from animal research, studies show even low-levels of BPA MAY be linked to everything from early puberty to breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems.

We wrote a detailed article on BPA and plastic baby bottles in our Baby 411 book. Click here to read it online on our web site:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/baby411/bpa.html

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Q. Do we really know that these bottles are dangerous to humans?

No, we don’t. There have been no human studies on BPA—so far, researchers have only found problems in animal research.

There is a split opinion here among scientists. The same federal panel that said it had “some concern” about behavioral and developmental problems in babies also stated that links to other ailments like birth defects and adult ailments were “negligible.” Of course, the plastics industry says BPA is completely safe.

That contrasts to the group of 38 scientists who last week called the health threat from BPA as “significant.”

But the fact the federal panel said there were “some concerns” for the health of babies tipped the balance for us.

As parents, we realize it can be hard to decide what to do when the debate is so heated. As always, our mantra is “show us the science.” We believe enough science is now in to recommend a change in course.

===
Q. Isn’t it a bit alarmist to say stop using these bottles? When will we know for certain BPA is harmful to humans?

The truth is we won’t know for YEARS if there is a human health problem from BPA. And it could be YEARS more before the government decides to take some regulatory action.

We have consulted with pediatricians and other experts before making this decision. The consensus of these experts is: if concerns exist today (and that is backed up by reputable scientific research), then why not limit your baby’s exposure to this chemical?

Babies are especially at risk when it comes to exposure to harmful chemicals—that’s one thing we all can agree on.

The bottom line: we suggest stop using polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups NOW. Since there are quite a few BPA-free bottles on the market (see below), we believe this is an easy call for parents.

===
Q. The Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association said plastic baby bottles are safe.

In a recent statement, the JPMA said the federal panel’s report on BPA “reaffirms the safety of plastic baby bottles.”

With all due respect to the fine folks at the JPMA, we’re not sure they were reading the same report we did. If they did, they would note this sentence: “The Expert Panel expressed SOME CONCERN that exposure to BPA causes neural and behavioral effects (emphasis added).”

Click here to read it:

http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/draftBPA_MtgSumm080807.pdf

What part of “some concern” did the JPMA miss?

We realize you can argue that the panel didn’t call for the ban of products with BPA. But, that’s NOT what the panel was asked to do. It will now take years of debate among scientists, researchers and politicians as to the best course to take with BPA.

The JPMA does a good job at representing the manufacturers of baby products and lobbying the government on their behalf. But we would hardly call them unbiased experts on this subject. In fact, Avent (the U.S. largest seller of polycarbonate baby bottles) sits on the JPMA’s board of directors.

For the record, Avent told us they believe their bottles are safe and pose no heath threat to babies.

===
Q. Which bottles should we NOT use? Which ones are BPA-free?

Polycarbonate baby bottles make up about 90% of the bottle market. The most common polycarbonate bottle are Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow. But other major baby product companies like Playtex and Gerber also make polycarbonate bottles.

Click here to see pictures of polycarbonate bottles:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAbottles.html

Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:

• Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn’t a perfect alternative.

• Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.

• Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.

• Use a drop-in system. For example the Playtex Drop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent’s Tempo liners are another example.

We have pictures of these on our web page here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/BPAFREEbottles.html

===
Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?

A. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy. Here’s a general guide:

BAD:
• Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).

GOOD:
• Bottles that have a #2, #4 , #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene—these do NOT have BPA.

We call on the government to require disclosure of which bottles have BPA, so consumers can make an informed choice.

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Q. What about sippy cups? Breast pump collection bottles?

A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate plastic. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine. Again, check the bottom of the cup for its recycling number (#7 should be avoided). For breast pump collection bottles, consider BPA-free bottles (such as those from Medela).

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Q. I just bought $50 worth of Avent bottles. Are you saying I should throw them out?

A. Yes. We know this in an inconvenience—but if you think about it, buying replacement bottles would run only $50 to $100. When it comes to safety, we think this is a worthwhile investment.

In the last printing of Baby Bargains, we realize that we recommended Avent and Dr. Brown’s polycarbonate bottles and said that polycarbonate bottles were safe. This was written before the release of the latest BPA study and federal panel report last week.

We have changed our recommendation on this subject based on new scientific evidence and the results of the federal panel discussed earlier. We will be revising our book in a new printing later this year to reflect this advice. We realize this is of little comfort to a reader who just bought $50 worth of Avent bottles and can’t return them—but we owe it to all readers to get the best and accurate advice out there as soon as it is available.

(Note: the advice in this update differs slightly from what we previous wrote in Baby 411 3rd edition. In that book, we said parents could still use polycarbonate bottles if they limited washings/heated drying, etc. Given the latest scientific evidence, we will revise that book to reflect the above advice to STOP using these bottles altogether.)

We will continue to blog about this subject. Check out our blogs here:

http://baby411.typepad.com/babybargains/
http://baby411.typepad.com/baby_411_blog/

Entitled Children

In this Family Tree blog post, she writes about how a colleague of hers bought his 18-year-old(!) daughter a new SUV, and reflected on her past car ownership experiences.

I'll reflect and say that I was a bit spoiled (and still kind of am) because my mom did help me to purchase two cars (one used and one new) that I owned in the past, but I really like what one of the commentators said to this particular post:

My parents didn't buy me a new car when I got my license, they didn't buy me a new car when I graduated from high school or college. I was always lucky enough to borrow their car. When I finally bought my first car, it was an accomplishment, something I earned and could look back upon as having achieved on my own.

Though I envy the new SUV your friend bought his daughter, he hasn't taught her anything. He has deprived her the right to achieve a goal and take pride in her accomplishment. Hopefully, she's a good kid that won't grow up feeling entitled, that everything needs to be fair. As parents, we should teach our kids resiliency and relying upon their strengths, while recognizing their weaknesses. This is the best gift a parent can give their child...it will contribute to their personal growth and hopefully success in life.

I don't mean to rant, but sometimes in wanting to make our children's lives better than our childhoods, we prolong their dependency as our children and don't allow them to fully grow as adults. My daughter knows I love her and we are a close knit family. At her young age, she's won some well earned recognition from school for fundraising (all on her own) and donated some of her recycling money to the Hawaiian Humane Society. She may not have a Wii, but she has a big heart and a willingness to work hard for things she wants.
08/13/07 @ 16:48

It's somewhat difficult because we do want to make our children's lives better than ours, but my goal is to raise a child that doesn't feel entitled to such things as a brand new SUV and a Wii. Yes, the 18-year-old daughter might have "worked" for it somehow, but it does seem to subdue that willingness to work hard, sense of accomplishment, and especially personal growth.

But what do I know, I'm just a rookie parent.

Disaster Preparedness

Per The Honolulu Advertiser, some tips on what to do follows. Are you prepared?

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In the event of any hurricane or natural disaster, all residents should make sure they have a disaster plan. Here are some disaster preparedness tips:

* Stay informed about the weather and keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.

* Where will we meet? What if children are at school, parents at work and otherwise scattered through daily activities? Plan a backup meeting place, someplace familiar to everyone.

* Consider an off-island telephone contact - a sister in Arizona or an auntie in Las Vegas - so that people here can call there to check in. During the Iniki aftermath on Kaua`i, people could call the Mainland but not across the street. That out-of-danger person can keep track of everyone and offer help and assurance.

Your evacuation plan

* Arrange transportation. Fill up gas tank.

* Plan a safe room. A bathroom, pantry or hallway with no windows or only a small window, where your family could stay safely sheltered through a storm.

* Develop a family plan.

* Plan for special needs. Have what you need to care for babies, family members taking medication, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

* Know how to shut off utilities: gas, water, electricity.

* Plan what to do with pets.

* Assemble supplies and have a carrying case nearby if you need to evacuate. You can buy a cheap duffel bag at a secondhand store or use a cooler or backpack. Each person in the family should have a kit.

* Have important family documents and small valuables where you can grab them.

* Store family photos and things you can't carry in a windowless room above flood risk levels.

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One site's recommendation for the contents of the 72-hour kits.

Here is a link to building
your family's 72-hour kits.

Link to Ready America or Ready Kids.

Hawaii State Civil Defense Disaster Preparedness Kit

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Suggestions for pets in times of emergency:

* Pet carriers or cages.

* Collars that fit, with ID tags and leashes

* One to two weeks of dry pet food

* Spill-resistant food and water bowls

* Unbreakable containers with a three-day water supply

* Kitty litter, newspapers, plastic bags and cleanser to take care of pet waste.

* Pet's special medications, if needed

Fewer Words With Baby Einstein?

A new study is out about "Baby Einstein" and "Brainy Baby" video series, saying "[f]or every hour a day that babies 8 to 16 months old watched such popular video series as "Brainy Baby" or "Baby Einstein," they knew six to eight fewer words than other children."

Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle, and his colleagues surveyed 1,000 parents to determine their babies' vocabularies. They used a "standard set of 90 common baby words, including mommy, nose and choo-choo".

"The researchers found that 32% of the babies watched the videos, and 17% of those watched more than an hour a day, according to the study in the Journal of Pediatrics."

More than an hour a day?! Wow, that's a lot considering the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NO television for children under 2.

"Christakis said children whose parents read to them or told them stories had bigger vocabularies."

Well MSO and I hope we're contributing to our child's growing vocabulary 'cause it has been somewhat difficult for us to give up TV.

We're Poor

According to Paul Graham, "the poorer people are, the more stuff they seem to have." Or is it because our abode is so small it seems like we have so many things? Nah, we got too many stuff, including statements that date back to who knows when.

And unless you're extremely organized, a house full of stuff can be very depressing. A cluttered room saps one's spirits. One reason, obviously, is that there's less room for people in a room full of stuff. But there's more going on than that. I think humans constantly scan their environment to build a mental model of what's around them. And the harder a scene is to parse, the less energy you have left for conscious thoughts. A cluttered room is literally exhausting.

(This could explain why clutter doesn't seem to bother kids as much as adults. Kids are less perceptive. They build a coarser model of their surroundings, and this consumes less energy.)

Been trying to declutter 'cause it actually does cause me to feel like my spirits are sapped, depressed, and even exhausted. MSO can't understand why I get all frustrated when I see like five empty milk cartons around the sink that he's saving for his mother. Or why it's bothersome to see a desk chair in our child's room when all it's doing is holding his clothes. Yeah, I shouldn't sweat the small stuff but this explains it. =S

Recalled Toys

Great post about the latest big recall of toys. Did you succumb to the marketers?

Homestyle Breakfast

We wanted to go somewhere for either breakfast or brunch, and being that I had already spent some bucks on MSO's GPS, decided for a nice simple breakfast rather than an elaborate buffet.

Using the Honolulu Advertiser's 2006-2007 Hawai`i's Best Restaurant's guide and on the suggestion of my sister since she went there before, we decided on Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen.


Lots of people there already and it got even more crowded after we were done. But they've got a pretty good system going where you sign in first, decide what you want from the menu you take outside, and then place your order with one of the workers when she/he comes outside. Our wait for the food was minimal once we got seated. This is not a place where you're too comfortable just sitting and relaxing after eating though. More a get in, eat, and get out place due to the number of customers.



To be closing soon too.









Anyone a Broncos fan?







You'll love looking at all the memorabilia inside then.









Ah, finally. The good stuff that you come to this place for. Makes the wait all worth it. This is the Short Stack Macadamia Nut Pancakes.







And the real kind of hash. Mmm, mmm! Something about breakfast in Kailua...

AARP

My mom gets their magazine and we were wondering what AARP stands for. Do you know? The magazine didn't appear to give us a clue other than it has something to do with older people. Try going here and see how long it takes you to discover what it stands for.

Or, if you really want to just know, go here.

Some Parent Favorites

There was a post in the Hawaii Moms forum about Moms' Favorites, but we're all about equal opportunity to speak your mind here so let's also hear from the dads. List your favorites. Here are my/our current ones, with comments of course. They'll probably change in months, years

Favorite Baby Store: Baby Emporium (No big compaints yet)
Favorite Kids' Clothing Store: Carter's (Cute but pretty inexpensive)
Favorite Toy Store: Thinker Toys (Interesting toys; We also get toys from other stores)
Favorite Restaurant to Take the Kids: Big City Diner (They gave balloons)
Favorite Family Attraction: MSO (Just kidding!)
Favorite Free Activity: Playground (Obon season is underway; Almost anything free is a favorite right?)
Favorite Mall: Ala Moana Center (Although the damn layout is frustrating, don't they have the most stores?)
Favorite Beach: None (Still wary of the sewage spill and just haven't made the effort to go)
Favorite Park: Neighborhood park (Should be plural - parks - as they're all fun, except with smokers around)
Favorite Birthday Cake Bakery: Costco (But Liliha is sounding good) Shortgirl (& Co.) =)
Favorite Birthday Party Activity: Bouncer (Just don't constantly watch the children bounce 'cause it can actually make you feel nauseous)

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Goodie Bags Not So Good For You?

As a parent I often ponder what goes through the minds of other parents when they select items that they give away in the form of goodie bags to other students in their child's class or friends at day care. I've come across a lot of items in our child's goodie bags that aren't necessarily age appropriate or nutritional a lot of times. Of course being a parent it behooves you to monitor what you give your child and such but it does make you think.

Is it because it's cheap? Is it because it's easy? In my own experience as a boring and conservative parent, I rack my brains trying to figure out what would be age appropriate, useful, educational, and/or nutritional to put in goodie bags. I can just see it now, the child that opens such a bag, and then tosses it aside 'cause it's not filled with fun, bad treasures like noisemakers or candy.

So I ask you parents (and non-parents) out there, what have you seen in goodie bags (or not in goodie bags such as snacks, etc.) that you really thought were great things to give children in their toddler and older years?

Try To Raise A Money-Smart Child

The article suggests five ways to teach your children about money:

1. Don't say "We can't afford it"

- Show your child that you are not controlled by your cash flow (or lack thereof)
- Children should understand they have a choice about how to use money
- Teach your child about spending, saving, and making good money choices by giving your child spending money when he/she is as young as 3 (50 cents a week per year of your child's age ($2 a week for a 4-year-old, for instance))
- Help your child develop a simple plan for his allowance


2. Show them the money

- Most children under 7 won't make the connection between the credit card and your ability to pay the bill so use cash for some of the routine purchases when your child's along, and count out those dollahs
- At the same time you need to talk to your children about being smart with credit/debit cards and show them how the money goes poof


3. Talk about how much things cost

- Children should be familiarized with prices and how their mommy and daddy's paychecks are spent
- Don't talk about your child's costing money, as in "Paying for your school clothes made us go over our budget."


4. Buy something that isn't on your list

- Impulse purchases do not make you a bad parent (Whew! I make them all the time.)
- You should explain to your child that the impulse purchase was purchased with the money set aside to freely spend with
- Your child should see the flexibility and enjoyment when you spend what you've earned "because being smart about money doesn't just mean knowing how to budget and save -- it also means being able to spend wisely."


5. Be open with your spouse

- Hidden purchases from their partners? Spend too much? No!
- It's not good for children to see distrust and/or secrecy between parents
- Moms tend to make purchases of clothes and activities for the children and dads may not know how expensive they can be...Got that right.

Okay, now I'm a little perturbed that I spent too much dollahs on stuff this past weekend although it wasn't an impulse purchase. Gonna have to make me a budget. Sigh...

Bring Back Memories?

On a not so blue sky day, there was a man who was driving home from work in his parents' car. The scandalous reason for driving this car was because the car owned by the man is out of service while he unfortunately attempts to repair it himself.



Little did he know that as he drove near the Fort Shafter exit, the hood of the car would whoosh up, hit and crack the windshield, scaring him out of his wits.




The man had to squeeze his ass while he waited for his angry significant other to pick him up because he was squeezed on the left side of the east-bound lanes where there is no shoulder lane. With cars whizzing by the man was hopeful that no one would hit him from behind on an almost blind turn. To the rescue first comes a police officer to guide him to the right side where there is a shoulder lane. It was a good thing there was no traffic.

Finally, the man's angry significant other arrives and he trudges to her luxurious (but dirty) vehicle carrying his belongings with a very melancholy face. He expresses his fears of these all too unforgettable moments while she foolishly (so he thinks) captures some of these moments on digital media. Her retort is that she's there for him and the end result is that he's physically okay.

And the man was okay as he begins to recount how one day in his past fun outings with Mr. Two Heart (RDC), the hood of a car had also flew open. Ah, the good ole days, huh?

Multipurpose Painter's Tape

In an everlasting attempt to get MSO to multitask, we've enlisted the temporary (I hope!) help of some painter's tape to hold up what we hope will help. Say that fast three times! This is our new 60-day dry-erase planner to keep track of all the appointments, deadlines, classes, etc. that will just increase as time goes on.

And what great coincidence it is that Gee Why directed me to this Lifehacker post about how to resourcefully use some painter's tape to babyproof a hotel room. Painter's tape is awesome! So awesome that it still remains on a light fixture as part of the decor in the bedroom.

Super Mom Lessons

In a previous post I had mentioned an article titled "Stop Trying to Be Super Mommy" which was in the January 2007 issue of Parents. I finally read it and I suppose I should be thankful for the forewarning by the mother of two who suffered and recovered from a near-fatal cardiac arrest. Just as she did, I feel like as a mom I do have to do mostly everything and my family comes first.

She writes about her experience and the lifestyle leading to it, and provides five lessons learned that she says applies to every mom cause

No matter how expert you are at the motherhood juggling act, it's impossible to follow through on every responsibility when you're sick or convalescing. We have to let things fall apart just enough so that we can put ourselves back together. And when we let that happen, we discover something truly amazing: Everything is just fine. We learn that we're not indispensable, and while this may bruise our ego, it's a great boon to our health.

For me it's not so much a bruising of the ego but more a situation of getting things done 'cause if I don't do them they probably won't get done even if I ask. =S

Here are the five lessons:

LESSON #1: Adjust Your Standards - Asking for help from your spouse or your friends can be effective, but lowering your standards can be more beneficial.

I'm truly guilty of not allowing TV (only sports occasionally) or the dishes to pile up in the sink. What can I say? There are supposed to be other activities besides TV, and the dishes are needed tomorrow and there won't be time to wash them in the morning.

MSO won't wash the one cup in the sink 'cause he feels like he should wait till there are four so that he can wash them all one time. I feel like it's faster to wash the one and have four clean cups available rather than to wait and wash the four in a rush 'cause there are no clean cups available.


LESSON #2: Figure Out What Really Matters, and Forget the Rest - Does worrying about what your kids are wearing to school, what they have in their lunch box, and what foods are in the cupboards really that important? Are Post-it instruction notes really necessary for your spouse?

It was almost as if I was reading about myself. I try to put the clothes for the next day on the dresser, and pack the bags. This is to help save MSO time in the morning 'cause he probably never leaves at the same time each day (read: he's always late!).

I also put Post-it notes for MSO when I don't have time to do something or to remind him about something.


LESSON #3: Make a New To-Do List - Review your to-do list and decipher what is optional vs. obligatory.

For me there's always a list of things to do. In my mind much of it is required and all I can do is whittle away at it. Naps? Hah! Sometimes. Tired and cranky? Most of the time.


LESSON #4: Don't Freak About Fast Food - Your kids won't be condemned to a life of sloth and girth if they eat from fast-food restaurants.

Never heard that saying about moms keeping the fast-food industry afloat. I thought that MSO was doing that during his lunch time. I'm no Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart, but I'm really trying to discover quick, healthy meals to prepare during our hectic week. As much as I can I won't turn to the Colonel, the pizza guy, and Ronald. Just this past weekend I was the mean mommy who turned down a St. Patrick's Day cookie that was offered.


LESSON #5: Feel the Joy of Being a Mom - When the difference between options and obligations are understood, the tasks that you take on that really do matter can bring great joy.

As much as I worry about so many things as a mother, I do feel that joy when I see the changes as well as the cute and quirky actions. Makes you wanna do it all over again...Hah!

MSO's Weakness For Shopping

Whenever we go shopping MSO will most likely utter some words that include tired or exhausted. And that's (usually) not because he didn't get a good night's sleep or because he showed off all his mad skills at basketball. It's because he's mentally tired and/or exhausted from shopping. And this kind of shopping does not take place at manly-man stores such as Lowe's, City Mill, Napa, Sears...You know what I mean.

So it seemed almost fitting that we'd stumble upon the "How to Survive Shopping with Your Wife" by Steve Wilson in the March/April 2007 Ala Moana Shopping Magazine. (I'm one of those that actually takes this magazine and looks at all the pictures of things that I could never buy, and other whatnot in there.) And MSO totally agreed with the pre-shopping prep with the bottled water and energy bars. =S

Husbands, here are your survival tips:

PRE-SHOPPING PREP

* Make like you'll be running a marathon and pack bottled water, energy bars and trail mix. Have you stretched your quads?

* Wear comfy clothes, but don't slob it up too much. Dressing down may inspire her to give you a sneak-attack makeover.

* Arm yourself with distractions: cell phone with games, a book or even office paperwork.

* Before the trip, tell her about at least three items you "desperately need" that she'll have no interest in helping you find. This way, you'll have an airtight excuse to slip away when it's time for her to visit the hosiery section.

SHOPPING SURVIVAL

* Stay on the lookout for any chair, bench or fountain that looks like it could hold your tush when you just can't stand up any longer. Be on constant watch for stores that sell DVDs and gadgets. She'll understand if you'd prefer to cut out for a few minutes rather than join in the quest for "the perfect black top."

* Learn the lingo. "Yes, that's cute," and "No, it doesn't make you look fat," just don't cut it anymore. Watch a couple of makeover shows to bone up on fashion terms. For example, "You have vivid coloring, so you should stick to navy, deep brown, blue, purple and charcoal gray."

* Live it up at the Makai Market Food Court; you've earned that extra helping of ice cream.

SNEAKY METHODS

* Calls to her friends for moral support before making a purchase can drag out the day indefinitely. To save yourself hours of thumb twiddling, hide her phone, or at least drain the batteries.

* "Forget" to empty the trunk (Lawn equipment? Dog crate?) so there's less room for shopping bags. But always remember to carry her bags for her - after all, it's the gentlemanly thing to do.

Excerpt From Parents Article About Biting

MSO and I were fortunate and grateful to be gifted with a subscription of Parents. We need all the help we can! While reading this article about one mother's experience with her little girl, I felt very emotional, more than normal anyway. There are some excerpts which got me reflecting that the mother's experience could be my experience or your experience and that it could be something other than biting as well.

This was my first real-life illustration of some advice I had once heard: Raising kids is like planting seeds from a packet with no picture on it. You have to throw out any ideas about what is going to grow and just tend to the garden the best you can.

The biting problem also taught me that your child's behavior is not necessarily a reflection on you. Whether you're a stay-at-home or working mom, it's all too easy to view your son's or daughter's accomplishments as your own proud achievement -- and their less-than-stellar antics as something that can be blamed on you.

...I still work hard every day to bring out the best in my children and to curb the worst, but I also try to remember that there are limits to what a parent can do.

Can't wait to read "Stop Trying to Be Super Mommy".

Baby Goodies

I always thought about making a list like this but never did. Didn't think anyone would benefit from it as most readers are way more experienced parents or in the know more than MSO and I are. Just wanted to provide additional commentary here and maybe add a few more.

The question "Bringing home a new baby?" made me think of a show I used to watch while out on maternity leave. Should've been walking instead of sitting on my fat arse watching TV...

SLEEPSACK

At home: Unlike a blanket, the SleepSack stays on, no matter how much your infant turns in his sleep (that means sounder and longer sleep for baby and you). Part sack, part shirt, it zips from the top down. Baby can wear it over pajamas or by itself.

We actually used this with baby and it was great! Got our's from Toys R Us but I've seen it at other places.


DIAPER RASH OINTMENT

Anytime: A chaffed bottom makes for an uncomfortable (read: crying) baby.

Although diaper rash was not too much of a problem with baby, we did use Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment. 94.65% natural and it has a nice smell.


ONESIES

Anytime: New dad DeMattos loves 'em: "They're great! Unsnap, roll up, change the diaper, good to go. It was like a sleeping bag, or a pocketknife — it's all self-contained and perfect."

Note: You can make them from old T-shirts; buy the snaps at a craft store that sells fabrics.

Who's got time to make them from old T-shirts?! Carter's in Waikele is a favorite to get pretty cheap and very cute looking onesies as well as other outfits. Hand-me-downs are absolutely wonderful too! We're so grateful to the W family for all the hand-me-downs bestowed upon us.


BABY MONITOR WITH VIDEO

At home: Gives you reassurance — and a little more freedom. Since you can keep an eye on baby, you can close the nursery door and don't need to sneak peeks (less noise means baby might sleep longer).

Video does enable you to make sure bedding or clothing doesn't hinder baby's breathing - to just visually check on your precious one - but we didn't get one of those. A monitor of some form is a necessity though. We were able to do chores downstairs and take the dog out while baby slept.


DIAPER WIPES

Anytime: Beyond the titular use, handy for sticky toddler fingers and even to rub off Mom's makeup.

What kind: At home, Chan uses Curity, a plain, dry wipe that's a hospital staple, with water. On the go, it's Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes.

Note: She finds Curity at Dauterman Medical in 'Aiea.

Although I think we used Curity plain, dry wipes with water in the hospital, the Costco diaper wipes route is a way to go. Diapers and diaper wipes are a good shower and/or baby gift.


PLASTIC BAGS

On the go: To wrap up that leaky baby powder, or carry home that stinky diaper.

What kind: Any zipping-top bag; the more smell-blocking, the better.

We actually tie one of the dog's poop bag dispensers on our diaper bag and it's there if needed. Not zip-topped or smell-blocking (I don't think) but there. Most of the time there's a rubbish can around though.


BABY CARRIER

On the go: Allows you to carry the baby hands-free, safely and comfortably.

What kind: Chan and her friends swear by their BabyBjorn. Chan likes the Air carrier, made of a breathable material, for hot weather like Hawai'i's.

We were able to get a hand-me-down older BabyBjorn version. Didn't have the "breathable material," but still invaluable. Definite necessity!


NURSING PADS

Anytime: Keeps leaks at bay.

What kind: Chan and Nii recommend Lansinoh. Chan also has Medela's washable, reusable pads.

I tried different brands and would also recommend the Lansinoh disposable ones. Not too thick, but absorbent enough and good size. I did buy the Medela washable, reusable pads to use at home.


CLOTH DIAPERS

Anytime: Not just for what you think. "After cleaning baby's bottom with wipes, we use these cloth diapers to softly buff away (and fan away) the last traces of moisture before applying diaper ointment," says Nii. "Getting baby's skin really dry before applying ointment helps prevent diaper rash." Nii also used them as burp cloths, nursing aids, wipes for spills, and impromptu changing pads on the go.
What kind: Some like the padded middle, others like the four-ply.

Note: One dad raves about how useful they are for washing the car.

We used these A LOT thanks to my mom. Not as cloth diapers but primarily as burp cloths and wiping baby up. Don't know how good they are for washing a car though. I would think not good as I suspect they would capture too much dirt/dust/particles which would scratch your car. Certain brands of 100% Made in the USA white towels are supposed to be better for your car.


PORTABLE PLAYPEN

Anytime: Provides a place for baby to sleep/play. Some double as a bassinet/diaper change station.

What kind: Chan's a fan of her Graco Pack 'N Play. ("There are many versions, but the Pooh Days of Hunny at Wal-Mart was less than $80," she noted.)

Note: She liked it so much her parents bought one for when granddaughter visits. "The elevated diaper changer makes it easy on parents' backs without having to spend more money for an actual changing station."

Another much needed part of your arsenal. We were lucky to get two hand-me-down Pack 'N Play. One of them took up residence at my mom's house. The other we used at home in the living room and we even took it to New York to use at the hotel instead of utilizing their probably nasty cribs.


A STURDY DIAPER BAG

On the go: Hands-free storage.

What kind: Dads seem to like the messenger-style, according to the latest baby mags. Moms like over-the-shoulder or "big purse" styles.

Note: Unisex backpacks, such as the one below, were our columnists' choice.

I didn't look into getting a backpack type and ended up purchasing the Lands' End Little Tripper Diaper Bag. No insulated bottle pockets and not a very big bag, hence "Little," but reasonable price and it has served its purpose many times over. Backpacks are always useful though.


A REALLY STURDY STROLLER

On the go: Besides the obvious, can double as a grocery cart when you don't want to wake up baby for a trip down the produce aisle; carries luggage through a busy airport and transports nearly a roomful of toys for play dates.

What kind: Test-drive to see.

Note: Choose for distance, rather than appearance.

We went with a Combi model based on advice and it has been great. One gripe is that the basket on the bottom of the one we got doesn't hold very much and can be hard to access. Gee Why seems to know his strollers...Wanna provide some insights?


RECEIVING BLANKET

Anytime: To swaddle, provide shade or warmth, prop up baby's head, provide a clean place on the floor for them to nap, among others, said Chan.

What kind: Take your pick.

Note: These can go from cheap, soft cotton to cashmere, but "washable" should be your keyword.

Once again, Carter's has good stuff. Can you do the swaddle wrap? I remember Neth saying he was somewhat of a champion wrapper. =)

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Okay, now on to some additions of my own that I can think of at this time that helped us as new parents. These are just from experience...You can comment and provide your own.


DIAPER ORGANIZER

Anything to help keep things organized will get a look from most. And the Dresser Top Diaper Depot was one of them for me. The dresser top has space so why not. It does make diaper changing easier and more convenient by providing everything where they're supposed to be. That's if MSO fills the wipes and diapers when he's supposed to. =S We fill the two removable side bins with ointments, lotions, thermometer, etc.


DRYING STATION

The Complete Drying Station might not be a real necessity but it was very helpful in keeping bottles, nipples, etc. organized outside of our old regular full dish rack. Organization, organization!


DISPOSABLE BIBS

Pampers Pocket Bibsters are also not a real necessity but have made outings a little less messy. On our trip we didn't need to worry about cleaning/staining of regular bibs. Might want to stay away if you're really into using green products.


DISPOSABLE SPOONS

The First Years Take & Toss Spoons (Just the spoons, although the picture shows otherwise, as your baby won't be using forks till much later) are as the site says "affordable enough to treat as disposables, and durable enough to use over and over". We have been using these at home, but are also very useful on trips and outings. Probably not a green product either.


BOOSTER SEAT

As an alternative to a high chair at my mom's house, I purchased a Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat. It has a three-point harness, a feeding tray that's removable to wash, and portable enough that you can fold it and put it away.


ACTIVITY GYM

I had bought the Discover & Play Activity Gym to entertain and stimulate baby while avoiding the wet licks from the dog. (We asked the doctor about the licking and we were told it's okay.)



INFANT-TO-TODDLER ROCKER

Uncle e and Aunty m gifted baby with the Fisher-Price one. Baby loved this one and would smile and laugh when seated in it while avoiding the wet licks from the dog.

Be sure to add your own as this list can actually be a tool for future parents! =)

Girls' Day at Elements Hawaii

I finally made the arrangements to surprise my mom to be a queen for a day (well at least part of it) at Elements Spa & Salon Hawaii. The surprise was not to be though as she received a call confirming her appointment. That's okay. What entailed for the three of us was enough to make up for it.

Subsequent to being met by a very inviting staff and offers for water or tea, we picked out our colors to bedecked in. My mom started with Part I of her two-part spa nail day, the Deluxe Spa Pedicure.




I started (and unfortunately ended) with the regular Spa Pedicure. The whirlpool footbath, albeit not the most quiet, was great! But what my sis and I agreed on was even better was the exfoliation and massage by Joey. That was incredible! She said we have a high tolerance for pain. We already said we would be her repeat clients if the opportunity comes around again.


While my mom continued on with Part II, the Deluxe Spa Manicure, my sis started her Spa Pedicure - her first! She normally doesn't do the nail thing but I got her to just try and experience it. And what better way than this, right?




I was going to post a picture of my Blue My Mind-painted toes but the blog just wouldn't upload my ugly feet. Really.

Something has happened to my mom's nail polish though on both her hands and feet (how come?!), but it was a nice day followed by an early dinner, and we hope to experience Elements again.

Oxymoron for Supplements

The title reads "Antioxidant vitamins are bad for your health". That grabs your attention, no? Amazing sometimes what timing the news around the world can have with occasional discussion among family members. Just the other day there was some discussion about the amount and types of vitamins/pills that one family member is taking and the relationship that has with the way he's been feeling. While we hope taking all those pills is not the reason, we have to wonder. Are all the different supplements really good for you? The author of the article presents the findings of a study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association that reveals the use of antioxidant supplements increases mortality. Advice given - eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day (Tough for us!), and stay away from the pills. How many pills do you take a day?