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thinkbaby - why is it different?

Make your baby a Thinkbaby!

It's summer and your baby needs to be protected from the harmful rays. You can do your best, but how do you know what is best? Thinkbaby explains why their sunscreen is different and should perhaps be your choice sunscreen this summer.

How is the Thinkbaby and Thinksport different?

Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen is highly effective, falls into the highest category for water resistance and has a sensible SPF 50+ rating. A quick look on your local drugstore shelf will show an increasing number of chemical sunscreens boasting ultra-high SPFs of 70 and greater. An SPF higher than SPF 30 offers only minimal improvement in sun protection and does not provide insight into its ability to protect for both UVA and UVB. Instead, these ultra-high SPFs are inflated through the use of chemical UV absorbers.   The FDA has recently ruled that SPF numbers above 50 are not allowed. They have also ruled the terms "Sweatproof" and "Waterproof" as false claims. 

You should know that the effective difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100 is approximately 2.5% difference. Don’t be misled by ultra-high SPF numbers.

Additionally, Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreens utilize average zinc oxide particles greater than 110nm. Kevin Brodwick, founder of Thinkbaby and Thinksport explains why: “We always use the precautionary principle and as we expect the debate on the safety of nano particles to continue, we asked a simple question: Does the product have to contain nano particles to be an effective sunscreen? The answer is, quite simply, "NO"!

We also do not and won’t use aerosol dispensers, nor should you.  Scientists have shown that parents apply 25% of the correct amount when using aerosol.  As the SPF is actually a logarithmic function,  if you are applying a SPF 100, you’re actually only putting on SPF equivalent of 3.  More importantly, there is significant concern that children and parents are inhaling the particulates.  If you look at the ingredients in aerosol sunscreens, you’ll quickly determine why you don’t want to breathe it.

How do I use Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen?

Applying Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen

Children over the age of 6 months and anyone who will be exposed to sunlight should use sunscreen.

Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen is perfect for daily use and for anyone spending time in the sun, including pregnant women, children over 6 months, and anyone with sensitive skin.  Please note that use of sunscreen on children younger than 6 months of age requires a doctor's prescription. This is true for ALL brands. 

Thinkbaby and Thinksport  sunscreen is a physical sunscreen which means it works immediately upon application. It is not necessary to apply 30 minutes before you are exposed to sunlight as is the case with chemical sunscreens. Thinkbaby and Thinksport  sunscreen is classified as “water resistant - 80 minutes.” This is the FDA’s highest possible rating. It will maintain its SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion. The Environmental Working Group recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

Thinkbaby and Thinksport  sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin. We recommend testing on a small area of the body to ensure that you don't have any sensitivities.

Sunscreens that claim to be hypo-allergenic are nothing more than marketing hype in our opinion. As the population's exposure to chemicals has risen, there has been a direct correlation to things that people become allergic to. Simply google environmental exposure and allergies to view some of this research.

Tips for Application

Thinkbaby and Thinksport formula applies easily and absorbs quickly. Be sure to apply all areas that will be exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp. Reapply every two hours or more as needed. While the sunscreen applies very easily, we recommend not spreading it too thin. Otherwise you will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Keep in mind that physical sunscreens work by reflecting sunlight.

What else you might want to know....

The difference between physical and chemical sunscreens

Physical (or mineral) sunscreens work by protecting the skin with a physical barrier on top of the skin. Mineral sunscreens contain an active ingredient of either zinc or titanium oxide. Thinkbaby sunscreen has the active ingredient of zinc oxide. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and are absorbed into the blood stream. Active ingredients such as oxybenzone are found in chemical sunscreens and can act as endocrine disruptors in the body.

The truth about SPF ratings

Thinkbaby and Thinksport  sunscreen is rated SPF 50+. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends children over 6 months and adults use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. Some chemical sunscreens advertise SPF ratings as high as 100, however, the FDA revisited the system and set the upper limit to SPF 50 for 2012. The rating system as it stands causes more misperceptions than it solves. In short, sunscreens with very high SPF ratings do not provide better protection than a SPF 30 in relative terms. It’s important to note that the current SPF rating system does not rate UVA; it only rates UVB. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB exposure. UVB is what commonly is associated with causing sunburn and free radical generation. Where UVA has been linked to skin damage and even more serious potential for free radical generation.

About nanoparticles

In sunscreen, nano particles refer to 0 micron to 1 microns or 1 to 100 nanometers. We acquire 100> nm size zno. There is concern within the scientific community that very small particle sizes may affect biological processes. Nanoparticles can easily pass through the epidermis and therefore could interact at the cellular level. To our knowledge there hasn’t been any direct statements that have concluded what sizes are safe and which are not. But in the general category of nanoparticles there is concern not just for babies but their general use. They could have the potential for greater disruption for infants, whose bodies are going through significant development. This is the same concern that scientists have in relation to what harmful chemicals pose on infants. The challenge surrounds on how to do testing. It certainly wouldn’t be advisable to conduct testing on babies or animal studies. So they will have to be done on cells to see their potential to interact and then we’ll have to extrapolate whether there would be similar concern within our biological systems. We can only theorize at this point that very small particles could disrupt cellular mechanisms that are very sensitive. There is not significant enough research to conclude that nano particles are safe. You will not find a legitimate researcher to agree that there is enough knowledge at this point and the testing is complex. We specifically utilize larger particle zinc oxide.

Packaging

Thinkbaby and Thinksport  sunscreen comes in 3oz tube made of environmentally friendly packaging that does not contain BPA, vinyl, or phthalates. The packaging and contents are environmentally safe.

Each tube is marked with an expiration date.

Note: The base formulations of our sunscreens are identical.  We set out to make the most effective safe sunscreen possible. It didn’t make sense to make one safe for babies, and a harmful version for adults.  While this seems obvious, you should check out what the major brands are doing….

Compare your sunscreen's "safe" ingredients to ours.  The best way is to check out The Environmental Working Group's database Skin Deep  http://www.EWG.org/SkinDeep

The ratings for each ingredient are listed separately below. Our sun care products have been "1" rated since 2010!

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano)

Inactive Ingredients: PURIFIED WATER (0), ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE (0), CAPRIC CAPRYLIC TRIGLYCERIDES(0), SORBITAN STEARATE (COCONUT BASED) (1), PINE WOOD RESIN (0), VEGETABLE GLYCERIN (0), CETYL DIMETHICONE (0), HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (0), MAGNESIUM SULFATE (EPSOM SALT) (0), SUNFLOWER OIL, JOJOBA OIL (0), ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) (0), TOCOPHEROLS (VITAMIN E) (1), OLIVE OIL (0), RASPBERRY SEED OIL (0), CRANBERRY SEED OIL (0), HYALURONIC ACID (MADE FROM VEGETABLE) (0), GLUCOSE & GLUCOSE OXIDASE AND LACTOPEROXIDASE (0), PAPAYA (0)

Animal testing

We do not test on animals. Ever. Period. And we will not work with any entity that does. Period.  We fired our website host GoDaddy.com due to the CEO going Elephant hunting. 

Thanks Thinkbaby for that excellent information. Shop locally at Tiny TreeHugger for your Thinkbaby sunscreen at 230-600 St Anne's Rd in Winnipeg or online here.

Personal Care Products - by Tamera

The Diva Cup

I was interested in this product because I liked the idea of a zero waste period. I did some research on the ingredients in pads and tampons and how they negatively effect the body and I was horrified. I realized a menstrual cup was the best option.  I picked the Diva Cup because this brand is the easiest to find, it is located in many natural health food stores. It took me about 3 cycles to figure out how to insert and take out properly, and it was worth it!  What I love about the cup is that if I am expecting my period, but I know I will be out and about all of that day, I can simply put it in and check it later. This is so much easier than packing tampons, putting a liner on and getting ready to rush off to the bathroom when it comes! Another great thing about it; it doesn’t dry you out… tampons are so painful when you pull them out when they are too dry, they can also leave behind pieces of cotton and scratch up your insides.  Another great thing about the cup, is that my cramps are a lot less intense, I think this is because silicone is bio-compatible with the body - unlike tampons where the most sensitive part of my body is being exposed to materials that it shouldn't be exposed to. 

Learning how to use the cup when you are a virgin can be a little tricky.  The best way for me to get comfortable with inserting was to relax, breathe, and take my time.  If something started hurting, i would stop, take it out and try again the next day. Eventually this process became easier and quicker and now my body is used to the cup. The Diva Cup should never hurt, it is very comfortable to wear when it is in properly, and you do not have to be concerned about leaking. The Diva Cup has taken away so much stress that comes along with periods. It also takes up very little space compared to all the tampons I normally stocked up on. I highly recommend doing some research on disposables products vs reusable products, and consider making the switch! It is so much better for your body, the earth and your wallet.

Bummis Reusable Menstrual Pads:

I bought the smallest size of The Bummis pads - the pantyliners. If you are passionate about the environment then this is a great step to take to reduce your waste! They are a little thicker than many pantyliners as there is a snap at the bottom which goes around the crotch of your underwear so they stay in place. The small size of The Bummis does not feel too thick,  the cotton makes it very comfortable. It simply feels like a small extra layer of underwear, as long as there is not too much moisture in the liner. I like pairing the panty liners with my Diva Cup on heavier days, and for some other days during the month. Generally, I will only wear one pantyliner in a day so I do no have to worry about changing in a public restroom and dealing with a wet bag. I think they would be a great thing to stock up on and I am hoping to fully make a switch from disposables to reusables.  If you do not want to fully commit to only using reusables they are a great product to try on days when you will only need one a day.

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Thanks, Tamera! To see our other Personal Care products - including our TreeHugger Cloth Pads as seen on The Dragon's Den - click here!

Do YOU have a product from Tiny TreeHugger that you'd like to review? Send us an email at pamj@tinytreehuggerdiapers.com. We'd love to feature you on our blog!

 

RESTOCKED and COMING SOON

Earlier this week, I introduced you to some of the NEW items we are stocking at Tiny TreeHugger. Next I would like to fill you in on some of your favorite products that have been recently RESTOCKED...and even some items that are COMING SOON!

Where to begin? Let's start with these gorgeous Infintymom 3 in 1 scarves. Your favorite colors are back in stock - grey, mustard and plum chevron. The feather print was in stock too - but it disappeared pretty quickly! This is one of our items that's great for any woman - you don't need to be nursing - or even a Mom - to enjoy the fashion of an infinity scarf!

And guess what? Back in stock are TreeHugger Cloth Pads [as seen on Dragon's Den in January!]. These are available in Bamboo or Stain-resistant Minky and you can choose from pantyliners, light flow day pads, heavy flow day pads and overnight/post-pardum pads. Psst...you can save when you buy multiples too!

And I don't know about you...but I drool over Tulas all the time! And your babe probably does too! So what better way to drool-proof yours than with our Tula Droolas. These are still somewhat new to our shop, but we have also restocked them with more patterns.

And while we're on the subject of Tulas...we are constantly ordering more of the newest designs to bring you as many options as possible! On the way SOON [or maybe they even have arrived by the time this post gets published!] is the much sought-after Anchors pattern. Just a hint when it comes to Tulas - if you see one that you want, don't wait too long to snatch it up! We never know when certain patterns will become unavailable/discontinued. We don't want you to be disappointed, so when you see one that calls out to you - GET IT!

And also COMING SOON to online ordering [available only IN STORE right now] - a new line of skin care! Anointment is the new kid on our block. I don't know about you, but I'm curious to see what this stuff is like & try it!

Which product is YOUR favorite from the ones listed?

NEW items to TTH

Well, peeps - Pam is doing it again. Adding even more wonderful NEW products to our TTH shop. I wanted to give a quick re-cap on the newest items so you're sure to not miss anything!

For a few weeks now, we've been stocking Acorn and Leaf bandana bibs - and let me tell you, these are moving quickly! We have a wide variety of patterns to choose from, and they are available in singles or ready-made packages of 3. These make a great gift - or a simple and fashionable addition to your own child's outfit! More arriving this week!

And you are probably all familiar with our selection of Colibri bags - either in snack & sandwich bags (including the wide snack bag!) or the different kinds of wet bags: regular, double duty or X-Large. But what you may not have known is that Colibri now has a pocket wet bag. Made in the same size as the snack bags, these little beauties are lined with PUL and are perfect for cloth pads, nursing pads or anything else wet & small! And as a side note: Check out this new Dahlia pattern. You can see some of the other new patterns (including elephants, frogs, trucks, cats and more!) in the snack & sandwich bags!

Next: Can I get a show of hands - who's currently pregnant? What about not only pregnant, but nearing the end of the pregnancy and still wanting to squeeze into your regular winter jacket? Well, we've got you covered because we now carry the Make my Belly Fit Jacket Extenders! Us Manitobans especially know how important a good quality winter jacket is where we live. So when you're pregnant and need a little extra room for just a few months - why go out and purchase an entirely new jacket when you can use your regular one? Great for winter baby wearing as well!

And okay - have I mentioned before how envious I am of all of you baby-wearing mamas out there? See, when I had my girls (9 and 11 years ago!!), babywearing wasn't really much of a thing, so I totally missed out on that experience. Now I just live vicariously through you (and by wearing the #tthfakebaby in the shop, of course!). But come on...can you say delicious? We now carry Wrapsody wraps - including the Wrapsody Hybrid Stretch Wrap, the Wrapsody Breeze Gauze Wrap, and the Wrapsody DuO Water Wrap!

That's just a little peek at what we have in store for you next time you come and visit. Stay tuned for another post to see what's been RESTOCKED and what's COMING SOON!!

Thirsties One Size Pocket Diaper Review

Thanks to Tina M for trying out the Thirsties One Size Pocket Diapers and writing up a review for us! Here is what Tina has to say about her experience!

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Likes:
- No leaks, not even with a newborn breast fed poo-splosion (I used some disposables during this period and it would always end in a blow out).
- The double leg gusset definitely helps with the no-leaking.
- My son is already a heavy wetter and I found this diaper to be very absorbent.
- Cute print(s) (I purchased Scottish Storm).
- Easy to wash, and doesn't take long to dry.


Dislikes:
- It can sometimes be tough to snap the diaper on a wriggly newborn. This is where I can see velcro would be a little easier, but when baby is older, they can undo the velcro a lot easier than the snaps.
- As most cloth diapers, they can be a little bulky for a newborn, even on the smallest snaps.
- I find the pocket really narrow to stuff the insert. I personally don't like the opening on both ends of the diaper for the insert (but you don't have to remove the insert before throwing it into the wash, it agitates out on its own).
- The gussets are white, and with the yellow newborn poo, it stains (hung outside in the sun, still has a light stain).

Wash Routine: My diapers are washed using an HE LG front loader. I rinse on delicate. I use regular powdered Tide detergent at line 3 of the scoop included in the box. I wash on a regular cycle, hot, with extra water (button on machine). I then rinse and extra rinse on delicate. I then either line dry (depending on the weather) or I use the dryer on low.

 
Additional notes:
I used the infant insert only, placed inside the pocket. My son was born August 18, 2014 at 8lb7.5oz, the diaper was used from about that weight until he was about 10lbs. I think it will fit better once he grows a little more. I would definitely recommend this diaper and want to purchase a few more for my collection.

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Thanks again Tina {and baby Ben} for your review! Are YOU interested in being a guest blogger for Tiny TreeHugger? Click here to read how!

inspired by true events

A couple of weeks ago when I [Andi] was working at the shop, two ladies came in one right after the other looking for a baby gift.

For a Mom who was not cloth diapering.

Well, let me tell you - they came to the right place! I don't know how many times I have said it already, but I'll say it again: We are not just about the cloth diapers. We are SO much more!

I was able to give both of those ladies about a dozen options to choose from that would be beneficial for a gift for a non-cloth-diapered baby.

Yup. A dozen!

So for those of you wanting to support a local business but thinking there's nothing for you here if you don't cloth diaper - think again! I'm going to give you a brief run-down on some products that just may interest you!

1. Glup Bebe St. Bernard Scarves. Need a drool bib for your sweet babe? The Glub Bebe St. Bernard scarf is a thicker terrycloth teething bib. Designed for the peak of an infant's teething stage when dribble is heaviest. It has a Velcro fastener and is made almost entirely of organic cotton. Or try our Bummis Best Ever Bibs as another option!

2. Delish Yum Bum Butter. Yum Bum Butter is a cloth diaper safe, diaper rash cream formulated with natural cocoa and shea butters, oils, and essential oils that heal diaper rash, and keep their bums baby soft. Many mamas use it for so much more than diaper rash. Eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, cracked skin all over the body, elbows and heels all benefit from this "miracle"! You may also be interested in our Body & Baby Lotion!

3. The Pookie Toquie. Proudly made in Canada, the Pookie Toquie is a multi-functioning and fully reversible sock hat sized to fit babies 0-3 years old. With cozy fleece on one side and a cute sock style on the other, this adorable toque will keep little ones warm during Canadian winters. The unique design can be worn in countless styles, including The Executive, the Donald Trump Comb-Over, and the Princess Leia. Perfect for these chilly fall days!

4. Reusable Swim Diapers. I know, I know...I said these were gifts for NON-cloth-diapering moms. Well, you don't have to cloth diaper to use a reusable swim diaper. No other supplies are needed to successfully use these swim diapers. Simply use it instead of a disposable one and wash and re-use. Pair it up with one of our Colibri Wet Bags if you'd like!

5. The Wubbanub. Need I say more? I don't, but I will! These are adorable soothers that are hard to lose and anchors well on baby's chest. Easy for baby to grab, simple to clean...and cute to boot!

6. Knotted Statement Necklaces. Here is a perfect way to simplify your life as a hot mama -- a gorgeous accessory for you and a perfectly safe and durable chew toy for your teething babe!

7. Amber. Okay, this one is a win-win for anybody at anytime. Baltic amber teething necklaces are made for wearing (not chewing) when a baby is teething. The warmth from the skin releases the active ingredient in the Baltic amber, succinic acid. Recent scientific research has proved that succinic acid has a very positive influence on the human body. It improves immunity and the balance of acids when absorbed into the bloodstream, it stimulates the thyroid glands to help reduce drooling and soothes red inflamed cheeks. Amber's anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties are recognized by allopathic medicine as a natural analgesic, which will help to relieve teething pain and calm a baby without resorting to drugs. The skin's warmth releases healing oils from the amber, a resin, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. As some sources may tell you raw vs polished or light vs dark may work better, but we believe that is a myth. They all have the same amount of succinic acid in them. Get them in adult sizes too! Or try Hazelwood as another option as well.

8. Soother Clips. If your baby needs a soother then the last thing you want to be doing is frantically searching for the plug. This soother clip is made using waxed cotton cord knotted around raw wood beads [made from the Ash Tree in sunny Crimea, Ukraine!]. The metal clip is sturdy, yet opens easily. Once closed around some fabric the grip is impressive. Kristin has intentionally given the larger beads a larger space between the knots to allow the beads to slide, making the soother clip a bit of a toy, too. It's all about dual-purpose! We love that it can also fit around the Wubbanub nicely.

9. jChews Chocolate Bar Teether. The guilt & dairy free Chocolate Bar. 100% BPA free silicone Chocolate Bar teethers that babies really want to sink their teeth into. Jellystone Designs has created a fun way to help your baby teethe with baby’s first Chocolate Bar! All of the fun of chocolate with none of the guilt! Chocolate Bar jChews are soft on gums and ideal for teething babies. Try them in the Skateboard or Smart Phone option too!

10. Sweater Babies. Made from felted wool sweaters and filled with clean carded local organic Nova Scotia wool, these dolls are the perfect size for little hands to hold and cuddle.

11. Baby Carrier. Going in on a bigger group gift? Why not give the gift of one of our many baby carrier options. From Ring Slings to Stretchy Wraps to Woven Wraps to Structured Carriers, there's something for every budget!

12. Mini Doll Carrier. How about a gift for the older sibling of a new baby? The Boba Mini or the Chimparoo Mini Wrap or the Over the Rainbow Doll Wrap are all great options for that new Big Brother or Big Sister.

So - there you have it! A dozen baby gift ideas for the non-cloth-diapering Mama.