GreenPea Baby

It's A Green Friday Sale at GreenPea Baby!

2010-11-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

Our little fans are spreading the news!

If you are looking for a Black Friday Baby Sale than look no further than GreenPea Baby! We are calling it our Green Friday Sale because it will save you lots of green. From fabulous deals to incredible giveaways, we promise a weekend of fun and savings.

So don't miss out! Check out the Green Friday Sale details today.

Baby Christmas Shopping

2010-10-16T14:53:00.004-04:00

At GreenPea Baby, we are all about making shopping easier for parents. We recently added our Baby Holiday Shop to the website where with one click you will be taken to all things holiday! Find baby Christmas clothes, Christmas ornaments, and the best selling baby toys. We have lots of wonderful Baby's First Christmas items too! Find the top baby toys for Christmas without waiting in long lines. Need it wrapped? Just let us know and we will gladly wrap your gift in our adorable green and white polka dot wrap and tie it with a red bow!

Pregnancy Week by Week the First Trimester

2010-10-16T13:01:00.003-04:00

Explore the first trimester of your pregnancy as we take you through your pregnancy week by week through the symptoms, body changes and funny things that can happen. An informative but humorous look at this exciting time in your life.

GreenPea Baby Welcomes SoftBums All in Two Cloth Diapers

2010-10-07T22:49:00.005-04:00

An All in Two cloth diaper provides an easy, affordable option for cloth diapering. An All in Two diaper consists of a waterproof cover and an insert. Rather than stuffing the insert inside a pocket like you would do with a pocket diaper, the insert is simply laid inside the cover. When the baby is wet, the parent will remove the insert and replace it with a clean one. The same diaper cover can be used several times unless it gets soiled. So rather than having to wash the entire diaper every time, you are just washing the inserts. At GreenPea Baby store, we are known for being very picky about the products that we carry. They have to be proven products that are highly reviewed or recommended. When we were approached about SoftBums, we knew right away after looking at their innovative sizing system that we had found another great cloth diaper to offer our customers. Find out more about this amazing cloth diaper!

If Your Breastmilk Supply Was Low, Would You Give Your Baby Another's Breastmilk?

2010-09-25T18:52:00.004-04:00

When your breastmilk supply is low, doctors typically will tell you to supplement with formula. But there is another option that you may not know of--using someone else's breastmilk. Cindi Freeman, a certified lactation consultant addresses this very topic in a wonderful article that she wrote for our GreenPea Baby Blog.

Swaddle newborns to reduce startle reflex, promote better sleep

2010-09-11T12:12:00.000-04:00

After some gentle rocking and pacing across the floor, your newborn baby seems to be sleeping soundly in your arms, FINALLY. But as you make the move to put her in down in the crib or bassinet, her arms flail out to the side like she’s just been dropped and she startles herself awake.

You’ve just witnessed your baby demonstrating the Moro (or startle) reflex. Excessive information applied to any of the baby’s senses will set off the reflex, such as a bright light, loud noise, sudden touch, or unexpected stimulation of the balance mechanism such as tilting backwards. The reflex wears off by a few months of age, but what can you do to help your baby sleep more soundly in the meantime?

Swaddle her.

Proper swaddling helps babies calm down and go to sleep, and to sleep better, deeper and longer.

To swaddle properly, wrap your baby with her arms comfortably tucked inside to recreate the familiar womb-like sensation. Swaddle with lightweight, breathable fabrics to eliminate concerns of overheating. (Use blankets designed for the job, not any old thing within arms reach!) The swaddle blanket should not touch the baby’s face or chin. Doing so prompts the rooting response, baby’s natural inclination to search for a nipple, which can cause her to wake and cry in frustration.

A swaddled baby should only be laid down in a face-up (supine) position. Clinical research has shown that babies who were on their backs swaddled had a 30% lower risk of SIDS than babies on their backs not swaddled.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swaddling for newborns to 14 weeks of age as a general rule of thumb. After 14 weeks babies will begin learning to roll over on their own from a supine to a prone (face-down) position. SIDS risk increases greatly with prone swaddling, which is why tight swaddling techniques should be discontinued at 14 weeks of age. However, this is the age babies begin gaining the muscle control needed to bring their hands to their mouths to self-sooth, adding to a natural transition away from the need for swaddling.

Babies should only be swaddled during sleep times. It’s tempting to use it more frequently for fussy babies, but your baby needs her hands free to learn about the world during her wakeful times. Instead of swaddling for an awake, unsettled baby, try other calming techniques such as baby-wearing (slings, wraps, etc). More on that another time…

By Pam Diamond, owner of First Daze & Nightzzz (http://firstdaze.com)

Mama Roo: A Mom's Best Friend

2010-08-14T16:59:00.010-04:00

Have you ever felt like you could use an extra pair of hands to help out with your baby? There are nannies, babysitters and even family members who could help but sometimes, you just need a little bit more. Mama Roo by 4moms serves as an extra pair of “hands” whenever you need it. Ordinary baby swings or baby bouncy seats are limited in motion options and take up more space. Mama Roo is a unique baby swing bouncer that will move just like you do so your baby will not know whether it is you holding her or the swing!

Mama Roo moves in FIVE different unique motions and at five different speeds. This way, you can make your baby feel the most comfortable that he or she has ever been. Also, to keep your baby entertained and happy, Mama Roo has three different plush toy balls attached to it at hands reach that are safe to chew on and machine washable. Besides keeping your baby entertained, Mama Roo is also the perfect atmosphere for your baby to be lulled to sleep. There are different white noise nature sounds and if that’s not enough, you can attach any MP3 player and play your baby’s favorite lullaby songs. It can be rocked and reclined to any position on its axis.

You’ve heard it in words but now to see the Mama Roo in action, check out this video and you can see for yourself how wonderful this product truly is:

http://greenpeababystore.com/cart/mamaroo-green.html

What better way to believe all of this than hearing it from an actual parent? Well, Cindy Reichel from Sauk Rapids, MN said, “It is definitely the best soothing technique I have found! If you are looking for a product to make your and your baby’s life a little easier for a very reasonable price, please try the Mama Roo!! This is a must have product for all new…and repeat parents!”

With Mama Roo, it is play time, sleep time, anytime.

Medela Breast Pumps

2010-08-04T22:02:00.001-04:00

This week, August 1-8th is World Breastfeeding Week. The perfect week to announce that we are now an authorized dealer of Medela Breast Pumps. After months and months of research, we have finally made a decision to bring in Medela Breast Pumps. We never make a quick decision about a product line. As a store, we have several criteria that a product must meet before we consider bringing it in. There is no doubt that Medela has a long, positive reputation but we wanted to make sure that we evaluated all the other breastfeeding products before we made a decision. As we met with representatives of the other competing breastfeeding lines, it became very clear that choosing a product line was not going to be that easy. There are so many options and choices. You have single-phase and 2-phase technology, there are double pumps, single pumps, hand held pumps, hospital-grade and more. For a new mom, the choices on the market are completely overwhelming and making the wrong decision can really impact breastfeeding success and your pocketbook. It is our goal and mission to provide you with the best products in each category. It is for this reason that we have decided to choose Medela and here are the reasons why:

2-Phase Expression Technology - Medela is the only breastpump manufacturer that utilizes this technology

"Through research, Medela learned that there are two distinct phases of how babies breastfeed. The Stimulation Phase is fast and light sucking to start milk flowing followed by the Expression Phase, slow and stronger sucking to deliver more milk faster. The Freestyle breastpump includes exclusive 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics a baby's natural nursing pattern."

Medela products are consistently ranked 4 & 5 stars on customer reviews and recommended through other non-biased review sites.
Lactation consultant recommended.
Mom panel recommended.

At GreenPea Baby, we are happy to help match your breastfeeding needs with the right product. Call us today at 1-800-273-6489 or 919-387-9880.

BumGenius 4.0

2010-07-01T20:45:00.004-04:00

We were so excited to hear about the release of the new BumGenius 4.0 yesterday. Overall we have been very pleased with our customer feedback on the 3.0 but were excited to see that BumGenius has addressed any issues that we did have in the new BumGenius 4.0. The most exciting change is that now you can choose between the hook and loop or snaps. Love variety! About half of our customers love velcro and the other snaps. Now they can have it either way. Even better, for those of you that are set on velcro, the new hook and loop is made from 100% polyester versus nylon. It is flexible, softer and stickier after washing and holds up better. Another feature of the new BumGenius 4.0 is easy elastic access. All elastic tack points are visible from the inside making replacing elastic a breeze. There are three new colors to choose from: bubble, noodle and sweet. These are soft colors, perfect for those new little babies and less visible through clothing. Finally, the new BumGenius 4.0 will accommodate even larger babies. It is available in eight colors: twilight, grasshopper, butternut, blossom, white, noodle, sweet and bubble. Our first shipment will be on its way to the store on July 14th. Don't miss out. We expect to sell out very quickly. Place your preorder now by calling 1-800-273-6489 or 919-387-9880. Visit us online at www.greenpeababy.com

GreenPea Baby's Baby Registry Checklist

2010-05-27T23:12:00.004-04:00

GreenPea Baby's Baby Registry Checklist

Equipping the Nursery

Crib
Mattress
Bedding
2-3 Fitted Crib Sheets
Changing table or dresser
Changing Pad and 2-3 Covers
Nightlight
Lighting
Air Purifier
Artwork
Rug
Mobile
Diaper Pail
Wipe Warmer
2-3 Swaddle Blankets
Glider
Baby Monitor
Sound Machine
Toy Basket

Mom and Dad’s Room

Bassinet, Cradle or Mini Crib
1-2 extra sheets
Nightlight
Changing Pad
Diaper Caddy (stocked with diapering supplies and and an extra outfit)
Basket stocked with burp cloths, nasal aspirator, breastfeeding necessities
Nursing Pillow

Layette

Take Me Home Outfit
5-8 Pajamas
2-3 Gowns or Blanket Sleepers
5-8 Bodysuits
2-3 pairs of mittens (to protect from scratching)
1-3 hats
2-3 Rompers
1-2 Dressy Outfits
1 Christening Gown if applicable
5-8 Pairs of socks or booties
5-8 Pairs of Pants
1-2 Jackets or Sweaters
1 Snowsuit or Bunting for winter babies
1-2 Swimsuits for summer babies and swim diapers

Breastfeeding

Nursing Pillow
Nipple Butter
Nursing Pads
Gel Pads for engorgement
Milkmaid Tea for increased production
Nursing Cover
Travel Nursing Pillow
Burp Cloths
Breast Milk Storage Cups or Bags
Breast Pump
2-3 Nursing Bras
4-5 Bibs (small -preferably two layers of cloth with waterproof layer between)

Bottle Feeding

12-16 Bottles with newborn nipples (both 4oz and 8oz)
Bottle Drying Rack
Bottle and Nipple Brush
Dishwasher Basket for nipples and other small parts
Burp Cloths
Bottle Warmer
4-5 Bibs (small-preferably two layers of cloth with waterproof layer between)
Formula
Bottle Sterilizer

Diapering - Disposable

2-3 Large boxes of newborn size diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper cream
Diaper Pail and liners
Wipe warmer
Diaper Caddy (for changing diapers in other areas of the house)
Changing Table and Pad
2-3 Changing pad covers

Diapering - Cloth Diapers

24-30 Cloth Diapers (all in ones or pockets) or 6-7 covers and 24-30 prefolds or inserts
2 Med. Size Wet Bags or Wet/Dry Bags
1-2 Hanging Wet Bags (1 for bathroom, 1 for nursery unless using a diaper pail)
Diaper Pail (must be one that you can use your own bags)
Cloth Diaper Rated Diaper Cream
Snappis for prefolds if applicable
Cloth Wipes
Spray bottle for water or wipe solution if making your own
Diaper Sprayer
Cloth Diaper Detergent
Biodegradable Liners
Doublers

Bathing Baby

Bath tub with newborn sling
Shampoo/Body wash
Lotion
5-6 Washcloths
2-3 Towels or Hooded Towels
Bath Kneeler (for your knees!)
Hairbrush
Bath Toys and Toy Storage
Bath Thermometer

The Medicine Cabinet

Nail Clippers
Nasal Aspirator
Baby Thermometer
Saline Nasal Drops
Medicine Dropper
Cotton Balls
Alcohol swabs and bandages
Baby Gas Drops
Boo Boo Bunny (for little bumps and scrapes)

Essential Gear

Diaper Bag
Baby Carrier or Sling
Stroller - preferably one that takes an infant car seat
Infant or Convertible Car Seat with extra base for second car
Pack n Play
Bouncy Seat or Swing
Activity Mat
High Chair - preferably one that reclines and adjusts for height
Changing Pad

Feeding Baby

High Chair
Baby Food Processor or Food Mill (if making your own baby food)
4-5 Baby Food Storage Cube Trays
3-4 Bibs - medium to large, waterproof
Plates, Bowls, Spoons
Sippy Cups

Teething Solutions

2-3 Teethers (choose a variety of textures from a hard ring to soft and textured to find the best solution for your baby)

Comforting Baby

Lovie Blankie (once your baby takes to one, buy 2 more of the same blankie and change them out frequently)
Pacifiers
Wubanub (for those babies with Soothie Pacifiers)
Music and Sound Machines
Bouncer or Swing
Glider for rocking baby
Mobile

Play Time

Activity Gym
Rattles, Squeakers, Balls
Soft Blocks
Bouncer

Baby Proofing

Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8” apart (use a soda can to measure)
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Baby Monitor
Window Guards
Baby gates
Outlet Covers
Toilet Latches
Doorknob guards
Stove knob covers and stove-top shield
Padding for sharp corners
Fireplace guards
Drapery and Blind Cord Wind-Ups -keep cords out of reach (do not put a crib or changer within reach)
Remove potentially dangerous household plants
Cabinet Locks
TV/DVD/VCR guards
Set water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less
Furniture safety straps or anchors

Baby Wearing

Sling, carrier or backpack. Make sure that your carrier meets JPMA certification and that it is not a pocket type carrier where the baby is placed in a C position which could cut off air flow. Read more about the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recommendations.

Just For Mom

Belly Bandit
Postpartum Recovery Kit
Booby Tubes or gel packs for engorgement
Teas to help increase or reduce milk production
Bottom Balm
Nipple Butter
Pregnancy Journal
Baby Keepsake Book
Document File for Baby’s Paperwork
Ultrasound Frame
Diaper Bag

Just For Dad

Diaper Bag
Camera and/or Camcorder
Notebook for names of who to call
File for important documentation such as the birth plan, doctor numbers, etc.
Baby Carrier or backpack
Extra Car Seat Base
Watch with second hand to time contractions

Great Solutions To Make Life With Baby Easier

Nap Nanny(Colic, GURD, Nasal congestion, Extra sleep surface)
Nosefrida(Nasal Congestion)
Ah Goo Pad(Extra changing pad for mom and dad’s room)
Padalily(Carry your car seat comfortably)
Cloud B Sleep Sheep(for comforting white noise)
Wubanub (allows baby to grasp pacifier easier)
Sophie(wonderful teether and stimulates five senses)
Dropper Stopper(keeps bottles and toys from dropping to the ground)
BeBe Bottle Sling(bottle feeding solution for moms with multiples)
Boo Boo Bunny(for soothing those little bumps and cuts)
Beaba Babycook(easy way to prepare your own baby food)

Start your Baby Registry!

Baby Product Overwhelm

2010-04-19T20:16:00.010-04:00

Are you suffering from baby product overwhelm?

As a soon to be parent, you jump excitedly into the baby market, confident to find the hippest coolest products around that are completely safe for your baby. What you soon realize is that there are so many options and deciding which is best for your baby can be overwhelming. The baby market is one of excess. There are hundreds of options in every category. Online and local retailers have grown into massive baby stores offering every product under the sun. Their approach is that more is better. Have every product a parent could possibly want and you are sure to get the sale - right? Baby product reviews can be biased by either the review company receiving free product or by receiving a portion of the sale. Many of the parent reviews that you find can be very outdated. We found some that go back as much as 9 years. Most baby products, especially baby gear, change every year. Reading a review that is more than a year old or that doesn't address the current model of a product is basically useless.

So what is a parent to do?

Our solution - "Shopping For Baby Simplified"
As a retailer of baby products, we feel like it is our responsibility to thoroughly research the market for the best baby products available. Whenever we are deciding on a new product, we spend weeks researching the history, analyzing product reviews and meeting with manufacturer representatives. We don't just bring in a product because it is a fad or the new product on the block. There are many factors that go into our decision making process. Here are some of the criteria that we look at:

Is the product JPMA certified?
Does it meet all of our "must-have" features?
Is it rated highly by non-biased product review companies?
Are there recent and unbiased parent reviews on the product?
Has it passed our Mom Product Panel review? (if applicable)

After we have narrowed our selections to the top 2 or 3 products in each category, we match the product to the customer's needs. For example, when we are working with customers that are looking to buy a stroller, we ask them many lifestyle questions that will help us match the best stroller to their needs. Just because your best friend loves a certain all terrain stroller doesn't mean that it will be the best stroller for you. Perhaps there is a big difference in height between the husband and wife. What if you need a stroller that will fit in a sedan and not take up your entire trunk? Is it important that you can use a car seat with the stroller or do you plan on buying a convertible car seat that will stay in the car? Matching your lifestyle with the best baby product for you is our specialty.

Shopping at GreenPea Baby is easy! You will find select top reviewed baby products in all your major categories and the fun and innovative products that are only found in specialty stores. It is the best of both worlds!

Shop with us and find top products in baby furniture, crib bedding, baby gear and more!

EasyWalker Stroller Sale!

2010-04-18T21:00:00.011-04:00

EasyWalker Stroller is now on sale for just $399.00!

This amazing stroller is for the parent who wants a stroller that will maneuver easily for shopping but will also be great when exercising, when walking on the beach and taking trips to the park. Why buy more than one stroller when you can have it all in one! When customers come in the store to test drive the Easywalker, they are amazed at how easy it turns and handles.

The Easywalker QTRO has an adjustable footrest for the child’s ultimate comfort, height adjustable handle bar for parent’s comfort, full 4-wheel suspension and includes added safety features such as UV protection. The seating is easy to adjust to four settings, including horizontal. The QTRO’s light weight aluminum frame can be folded into a handy, compact package. With the multi-brand car seat adapter for your infant car seat, this stroller can be used from birth up to age 4. If you prefer the European look, try the optional carrycot.

Receive Free Shipping and Rewards (a $10 gift certificate for every $250 you spend with us)!

Our most popular color choices are the brown, black and silver!

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association New Website

2010-02-09T11:06:00.005-05:00

As a retailer, I am often surprised that so many parents do not know what the JPMA certification means. As a result, GreenPea Baby has made it a priority to keep parents informed by educating them on what this certification means and by providing the Safe and Sound brochure at our register. The Safe and Sound for Baby brochure is a guide provided by the JPMA on baby product safety, use and selection. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, or JPMA, is a national trade organization dedicated to enhancing children's product safety. Their comprehensive program guides parents toward purchasing products that are built with safety in mind. To make it even easier on parents, they have launched a new website that includes a section called The Parenthood. Here parents can find the Innovative Product winners, sign up for their newsletter, and learn more about the facts and requirements of the JPMA certification. If you are in the baby market, you should check out this fabulous resource dedicated to helping you make safer product choices for your family. At GreenPea Baby we are dedicated to bringing you safe choices too. A couple of our top products that are JPMA certified are the Micralite Stroller and the Svan High Chair.

Wake Up America!

2010-02-02T09:32:00.007-05:00

Fabulous video by Healthy Child Healthy World! I love this organization and what they are trying to do.

http://awakeupstory.healthychild.org/

Owning a store and trying to convey to parents our passion for safer products has been a challenge. For four years now, after being diagnosed with cancer, I have read and learned more about our environment and the number of chemicals that we expose ourselves to than I ever wanted to know. It is very hard trying to balance what I know and the passion to tell others without scaring new parents. Many parents have not even given it a thought. Many others know way more than I do. I know in my heart that every parent wants the best for their children, they are just too busy or don't have that adamant friend that keeps filling their minds with words like BPA, Triclosan, Phthalates and on and on.

It has been a real struggle for me moving our family to better products just like anyone else. I have a teenage daughter that wants the cool cosmetics, a son that would have his entire diet consist of junk food and a six year old that is in love with every new plastic toy on the market. It is hard and I have had to learn to balance what I can do all the while teaching them about why we should avoid certain things. Meanwhile behind the scenes I am quietly making changes in how I clean, the skin products that I purchase and buy organic food products where I can. Just like everyone else, I have to find this balance between choosing better products and my budget.

Both in my home and in the store, there are some lines that I feel so passionate about that I won't cross. That is why you will not find a conventional mattress sold here or skin care that contains harmful chemicals. We make sure that all of our feeding products are BPA, Phthalate and Lead Free. We focus on wooden toys made from wonderful companies such as Plan Toys. We will not carry any type of antibacterial lotion or cleanser. Parents have been convinced by advertisers and media that this is the right way to protect your children. I don't believe that everything that you have to wear has to be organic although wrapping a newborn baby in pure fabrics sounds like a good idea to me.

At GreenPea Baby we help prioritize those tough choices one parent at a time. It is our goal to go through the thousands of baby products on the market and to weed out the products that we feel would have the biggest impact on the health of our children. We want to make shopping for baby easier on parents. It is part of our Baby Simplified™ approach. Simplifying your choices, simplifying your life.

Organic Miracle Blanket

2010-01-28T14:28:00.007-05:00

At GreenPea Baby we love to get new products and we love it when we are one of the first to bring it to you. The new Organic Miracle Blanket arrived today. This blanket is the world's most pediatrician-recommended swaddler and it comes with a 100% guarantee. Yes that is right--it comes with a guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with how well this swaddler works, you can return it with no questions asked. Try to find another swaddle blanket that does that! Some of the great features of the new Organic Miracle Blanket are:

Helps Fussy Babies Sleep Great
Eases Fussiness for Any Baby
Stops Facial Scratches and Twitches that Wake Baby
Helps Babies Sleep Better on Their Backs
No Velcro to Scratch or Wake Baby
No Knots or Confusing Adjustments
One Size Fits All

The new Organic Miracle Blanket is beige with white trim. It is very soft and lightweight which is also nice so that your baby does not overheat. What makes the Miracle Blanket unique is their patented design that combines two of the most effective solutions to calm a fussy baby: classic swaddling and the lateral belly wrap.

When the Organic Miracle Blanket is wrapped around your baby, it will provide gentle pressure on the abdomen to help reduce fussiness.

Makes a wonderful baby gift and a mom must-have. This is our best selling swaddling blanket and we are so excited that it now comes in an organic version! Call us today to give it a try at 1-800-273-6489 or email us at greenpeababy@att.net for more information.

Free Seminar Jan 14 at GreenPea Baby

2010-01-06T12:44:00.009-05:00

We're delighted to announce that Barry Cik, President of Naturepedic, will be coming to speak at GreenPea Baby next week (Thursday, Jan 14, 6-7pm). Check out the details about his free seminar that we're calling "I won't EAT my mattress, so why should I buy an organic? (And other questions on baby product safety)" . He'll be speaking specifically about:

What drives consumers to organic
How can consumer products harm babies
What is the government doing to protect consumers
What certifications are available
How to choose a healthier mattress for your baby.

If you have had questions about baby products, safety, consumer safety regulations and similar topics, you owe it to yourself and your children not to miss this!

Why Naturepedic?

2010-01-06T10:53:00.010-05:00

Customers have often asked us why organic mattresses are so important, and particularly why Naturepedic is our preferred mattress manufacturer.

First, and most importantly, after countless hours of research into the latest health information, we rank a toxin-free mattress as the top priority for parents beginning to plan their nursery budgets. The research has been piling up against vinyl, PVC, and polyurethane products for many years, and we were delighted about the regulations controlling use of the substances associated with these materials in children's products -- but some of the replacement materials, and fire-resistors, even in some organic mattresses, are still not safe enough given the number of hours that babies and children spend in their beds.

Naturepedic is not the only manufacturer of organic mattresses, of course, so why have we chosen to feature them? Babies and children spend many hours on their mattresses, so we chose Naturepedic because we know parents will rest easier knowing that the mattress their baby is sleeping on:

...uses 100% organic cotton fibers grown in the U.S., Greenguard certified as toxin-free at every stage of the growing and manufacturing process, as well as innerspring coil support.
...is hypoallergenic, free of common allergens that even many organic mattresses contain, such as natural latex, rubber, coir and wool.
...is wrapped in waterproof food-grade polyethylene material (eliminating risk of mold and mildew growth in the mattress) and this material is independently certified as non-toxic.

We also like that they are strong consumer safety advocates, and are working to help educate all of us on what to look for, and what to avoid, to keep our children healthier. If you'd like to read more, visit www.naturepedic.com, and www.greenpeababy.com.

Fabulous Wall Art for the Nursery!

2009-12-27T22:22:00.009-05:00

Dish and Spoon Productions

We are so excited to introduce Dish and Spoon Productions Wall Art! This fabulous collection is now available at GreenPea Nursery. We have just started to load the products to the website but you can get a glimpse of what is coming by clicking here. Dish and Spoon Productions, LLC is a dedicated team of talented artists offering an extensive collection of sophisticated and whimsical wall art designed to bring magic and style to your child's nursery, bedroom or play room. They have over 800 works of art, including name plaques, wall hangings, clocks, banners, growth charts, portrait decor and more. Their artwork has been featured in Sunset Magazine's popular decorator books, Ideas For Great Baby Rooms and Ideas For Great Kids Rooms, ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition, People Magazine, Access Hollywood, and Designer Showcase Homes. So come on by our baby store in Apex, just outside of Raleigh, NC or go online now to check it out!

Jamie Rae Hats For Your Christmas Pictures

2009-12-04T15:56:00.003-05:00

What a cute Christmas picture! Check out Piper sporting the Jamie Rae Hat in Black Velvet.

Jamie Rae Hats Never Looked So Cute

2009-12-03T17:19:00.006-05:00

Our Jamie Rae Hats fly off the shelves here at GreenPea Nursery and just look at this adorable picture of one of our customers Piper Kate and you will see why!

What a cutie!

Many styles and colors available. You can view some of them online but we have many more including cute hats for boys like our black rocker hat.

Green Nursery

2009-12-03T17:09:00.005-05:00

One of our fabulous customers just sent us pictures of their Green Nursery in the works. It is absolutely beautiful! They are using the Pacific Rim Arts and Craft Crib and Three Drawer Dresser. They put down bamboo flooring and they used Yolo paint. Here are links to the items:

Check out the Pacific Rim Furniture here!

The paint was Yolo brand paint (> http://www.yolocolorhouse.com/index.php) for the walls and EcoTimber flooring http://www.ecotimber.com/woven-bamboo-flooring-honey.php).

Super special on Bratt Decor crib

2009-11-17T16:52:00.021-05:00

In a hurry? Here's the scoop:

40% off the regular price for our display model Bratt Decor Heritage red crib with airplane finials and/or bookcase.
Double rewards points on any new Bratt Decor nursery furniture you order through December 15 (on a crib purchase, that would be like receiving a $60 or more gift certificate for other baby items!).
And awesome new Bratt Decor crib designs...

Why are we excited about Bratt Decor cribs and nursery furniture?
At first, we were very disappointed to hear that Bratt Decor was discontinuing several of its very stylish baby cribs... but since it means the finishes are going to be tested to confirm their safety, and 2 great new styles, we really couldn't complain -- and now that we've seen the new Manhattan series, we're pretty darned excited for our customers!

The Manhattan nursery furniture line includes 2 cribs -- see photos above-- the Soho Crib and the Park Avenue Crib, and all the storage pieces you would want: dressers, changing top, etc. The Park Avenue has a very graceful, classic look. The clean-lined Soho could fit either contemporary or classic tastes, and is also available in a very handsome four-poster/loft style. White or sable finishes give you two great foundation options from which to design the rest of your nursery decor. These are primarily wood, with some MDF Grade 0-1 (the lowest amount of formaldehyde measurable). There are three other beautiful lines available too, so take a look at the Bratt Decor section on our site, and feel free to call if you have any questions.

And, if you're in the Raleigh, NC area come see examples of their quality craftsmanship (and that adorable brick red 4-poster crib with the airplane or globe finials and matching bookcase is 40% off -- until someone snatches them up). Plus, place your order for any new Bratt Decor items before December 15 and we'll double your rewards points (equivalent to receiving a $60 or more gift certificate for other nursery decor and baby items when you buy a crib!)

Sneak peek at Be-utiful Be-hatted babies

2009-09-25T16:13:00.003-04:00

Last week we were thrilled to have Christa Hook of Creative Clicks Photography in our light-filled front room for 2 days of adorable babies participating in our Jingle Baby of the Year contest. Here's a sneak peek at some of these little ones -- and keep an eye on our blog and/or hers so you can participate in voting for your favorite choice...

The Jingle Baby contest winner gets a super-duper holiday photo session, great images of their be-uti-ful baby, AND they'll model our holiday duds in photos we'll have in-store and on our site. Best of luck to all the cuties who visited us last week! And many thanks to Christa for all her great work!

(Also, voting begins in October for our Funny Face of the Year contest... stay tuned!)

Interactive books for kids

2009-09-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

Quick note: here's a neat resource for adding a little reading to your little one's day; thanks Kidoons for tweeting about it: Free Interactive E-books for kids... Visit Mrs. Ryder Rabbit in READING MADE FUN!

Here's the main page for this series: http://www.madisonrabbit.com/story_enter

Let us know if you enjoy it, and if you have other favs. And have a happy, healthy day!

We love this new take on an old kid-safety idea

2009-09-23T12:52:00.011-04:00

I'm always a little anxious whenever we're at a crowded amusement park, festival or other people-packed event with Cailee. Even now that she's older and knows her phone number, I have read that when someone is upset or scared, even the most familiar facts can fly right out of their mind, and I imagine that getting lost in a crowd would be enough to cause trouble!

As the autumn event season kicks into gear, with HollyFest, the NC State Fair, Halloween and other outings approach, I recommend keeping one or two packs of Write On SafetyTats on hand for some added peace of mind. What is the Safety Tat? These clever innovations in kid safety are fun rub-on tattoos, pre-printed with "if LOST, please call: "... just rub it onto your child's arm, and write your mobile number in the space provided. A waterproof-ink pen is provided too. The tattoo is waterless, so you can apply it quickly and easily, even while you're out and about. It's waterproof, so even getting caught in the rain won't obscure it. AND it's super durable -- one will stay on up to 2 weeks if necessary-- yet peels off readily if needed. They've even got ones to alert people about your child's allergies!

I'll be keeping a pack in each of our cars from now on. Because we know that taking care of babies makes keeping track of older siblings a little more challenging, you can find SafetyTats at our store for babies and beyond: GreenPea Nursery, in Apex NC or online.

Healthier Car Seats

2009-09-18T12:36:00.003-04:00

Here's an important item from a report released this week by HealthyStuff.org, a nonprofit environmental research organization:

Children's Car Seats – Infant and child car seats contain chemical additives that can have adverse health effects on babies and young children. Over half (58%) of car seats contain one or more hazardous chemicals, including PVC, BFRs and heavy metals. Three examples of car seats that had none of the chemicals tested for are: Baby Trend Flex-Loc; the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat; and the Graco Turbo Booster. Despite the toxic chemicals, it is vital to use a car seat for your child because they do save lives.

That's just one of the categories they studied, in addition to pet products, back-to-school products, automobiles, and women's handbags. (You can read their whole press release at:
http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/stuff/press.releases.php)

While we don't sell car seats right now, when we hear of better choices, we want you to know about them -- and this is obviously an important product to all parents! As we often say, it's almost impossible to find chemical-free options in every category; 'til recently this has been one of them. Thanks for the news, Healthy Stuff.

Buy Local Buy USA

2009-08-13T07:38:00.004-04:00

It is a frightening statistic. According to the United States Census Bureau, the United States had a 27 billion, yes I said billion, trade deficit in June 2009. I decided to look into our trade with other countries after hearing story after story from manufacturers that it is just too expensive to manufacture here. Because of our principles, we actively seek to carry products that are Made in the USA wherever possible so we always question where a product is made and why. So many fabulous companies have told us that they just could not get retailers to buy their product at the price point that would be required if the product was made in the United States. Before owning a store myself I would have probably thought that this was a cop out and that they just wanted bigger profits. However, now that I am the middleman bringing products to consumers, I can see that it is not just about profit but about survival. After purchasing several clothing lines that were made here, we soon realized after they sat on the floor for months on end that the majority of people were not willing to pay the higher prices. I assume that part of that is due to the economy but I know that a lot of it is that we have became a country pursuing lower prices and more stuff. As the country emerges from this recession, I hope that we can all, including myself, put more thought into quality versus quantity. The more we demand products made here, the more companies will consider moving manufacturing back here. I live in North Carolina. It used to be a major manufacturer of furniture and textiles. Needless to say, the majority of furniture companies now make their products in Asia. This is not just losing jobs but the loss of a trade in furniture making. You can find an inexpensive crib on the internet for under $200 or you could buy an American hand-crafted crib made from solid wood for around $710. Pacific Rim has been making furniture in Eugene, Oregon since 1981.

Our goal is to bring you better choices and unique finds. We actively seek products that are healthier such as organic cotton or products free of harmful chemicals. It also means that we look for superior quality and durability. We also love to bring you unique finds that you can't find at big box stores.

Thank you for shopping with us!

2009-04-21T23:40:00.001-04:00

Earth Day Special at GreenPea Nursery. Shop 4/22 and receive 10% off your purchase including sale items. Enter EarthDay at checkout! Don't miss out!

2009-04-21T22:54:00.001-04:00

Join us tomorrow for Earth Day for our Hip and Healthy Baby Show that airs at 11:00am EST. We will be learning more about cloth diapering. Find out more at http://ping.fm/TTA2t

2009-04-15T11:55:00.001-04:00

The Beaba Babycook will be here at the end of April! The Beaba is a steamer, blender, warmer, and defroster for making homemade baby food. The product is BPA-Free. Look for more information coming soon!

2009-04-07T10:48:00.001-04:00

Testing our ping.

New Study Finds Your Baby's Bath Products Could Be Toxic

2009-03-12T14:35:00.005-04:00

A recent study conducted by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in March 2009 found 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, two known carcinogens, in dozens of bath products for babies and kids. It just amazes me that in the United States of America we do so little to protect our children.
In Sweden and Japan formaldehyde is banned in cosmetics and toiletries. The European Union and Canada have placed limits on formaldehyde concentrations. According to the study, two samples of Baby Magic "Soft Baby Scent" lotion had high enough concentrations of formaldehyde that they would require a warning label in Europe. Unfortunately, in the U.S. there are no restrictions on the levels of formaldehyde allowed in any body care products.
In the European Union and in Canada, 1,4-dioxane is banned in cosmetics. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated that even in trace amounts, 1,4-dioxane is a cause for concern. The EPA has classifed 1,4 dioxane as a "probable human carcinogen". However, the FDA has not set a safe level for 1,4 dioxane in cosmetics. In the study conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 67% of the products tested contained 1-4 dioxane. When various chemicals are processed with ethylene oxide to make them more soluble or gentler, 1,4-dioxane can occur as a byproduct. It is relatively easy to remove through a process called vacuum stripping. However, based on the results of the study, it does not appear that manufacturers are doing this.
It is time that we wake up in this country and demand better labeling and removal of harmful chemicals from the products that we use on our bodies. Trying to decipher the ingredient label on a product is not easy and very time consuming. Most parents assume that someone else is looking out for their safety. I see it all the time when I speak to a customer about healthier options. Other than lead and BPA, most people do not realize that there are chemicals in products that could harm them or their children. Did you know that more than 80% of chemicals in cosmetics have never been assessed for safety by the FDA? This study is a wake up call to parents. The list of well-known products tested that contain one or both of these harmful chemicals will be shocking to many. As parents we need to take a stand for our children. To find out more read the complete study.

Need help choosing products for your baby? Check out the Environmental Working Group's Parents Buying Guide.

Source: No More Toxic Tub: Getting Contaminants Out Of Children's Bath and Personal Care Products by The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. www.safecosmetics.org.

Toxic Bad Guys

2009-03-07T15:49:00.005-05:00

I searched and searched for a skin care line that would be pure and natural, not make my child's hair greasy and one that she would like. After spending a small fortune and trying almost every natural line on the market, I came across TruKid. All of TruKid's ingredients are natural and free of toxins. Check out their Toxic Bad Guys list. This list shows many of the ingredients found in the majority of skin care products that have been reported to have detrimental effects on the planet and human health. Many have been linked to one or more of the following: cancer, neurological damage, and developmental/reproductive toxicity.

Toxic Bad Guys: 10 Most UNWANTED Ingredients:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Found in 90% of products that lather)
Petroleum (cold creams, lipsticks, baby creams, etc.)
Phthalates (listed under fragrance) - Can be found in plastics, nail polishes, creams, lotions (anything containing fragrance/parfum ingredient)
Avobenzene (aka: oxybenzone, benzophone, dioxybenzophone or benzophenome-3; and Parsol-1789) Can be found in chemical sunscreens as UVA absorber
Triethanolamine (EDTA) Found in shampoos, toothpastes, sunscreens, hair color and moisturizers
Parabens - Found in 75-90% of personal care products
Diethanolamine (DEA) - Found in creams, shampoos, lotions and other cosmetics
Propylene Glycol (PG) - Can be found in cake mixes, soft drinks, lotions, creams, baby wipes, shampoos, deodorants and other cosmetics
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - Can be found in most skin cleansers, toothpastes and oven cleaners.
Formaldehyde Derivatives - (DMDH Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea) - Can be found in shampoos and cosmetics to prevent molds, mildews and bacteria spoilage.

Source: TruKid

Remove Harmful Chemicals From My Children's Products

2009-03-02T17:16:00.006-05:00

Moms are instinctively protective of their children. When a new mom brings home a beautiful baby from the hospital, this protective instinct can go into overdrive. They don't want anyone around the baby, they are afraid to take them out in the cold, they have baby monitors to hear every breath, they buy thermometers to make sure the bath water is not to hot...the list could go on and on. We do all these things because we now hold this beautiful miraculous human being that we love more than anything in the world. We have seen many changes in safety recommendations over the years. My first baby slept on her stomach because it was safer if she got sick. By the time I had my second child, I was placing him on his side with pillows to keep him in place. By the time I had my third child, I put her on her back to sleep, removed any blankets or pillows and swaddled her in a blanket. We are moms and we listen and learn and adapt to create the safest environment for our children. Thanks to the efforts of numerous non-profit groups such as the Environmental Working Group and Healthy Child Healthy World, moms are learning that there are also hidden dangers that they need to be aware of. They are learning that there are chemicals in products that can be harmful to their children. Just look at the awareness of the dangers of Lead, Bisphenol A and Phthalates to name a few. Many parents are starting to ask questions and read ingredient lists. They want to know what is in a product. There has been huge growth in the demand for organic products as more and more parents seek purer more natural choices for their children. One of the best resources to find out if a skin care product is safe for your baby is to check the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Safety Database. They even have a great printable buying guide to take with you shopping with a list of ingredients to avoid. It is easy to pretend that something that we can't see could possibly do harm. However with the rise in asthma, autism, cancer and birth defects in children, I think we owe it to our children to take the time to research and listen to organizations that are dedicated to protecting our children. If you have 15 or 20 minutes, please take that time to listen to this video from the Environmental Working Group.

Are Your Fish Safe To Eat?

2009-02-18T11:50:00.005-05:00

Fish can be an excellent low fat source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients. It can also be a source of mercury and polycholorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Mercury can damage developing brains and nervous systems. Mercury is stored in our bodies so it is important that women who are even thinking about getting pregnant avoid high-mercury fish. For pregnant women, nursing mothers or young children, the FDA and EPA have advised eating no more than two or three meals, or 12 ounces total, of fish or shellfish a week. High-mercury fish to one serving per week and avoid Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel or Tilefish. Polycholorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are neurotoxic, hormone-disrupting chemicals that were banned in the United States in 1977. However, PCBs accumulate in animal fats and are still found in fish from polluted bodies of water. One of the best resources we have found is provided by Healthy Child Healthy World. They have a state by state advisory list and you can also find this information on the EPA website. For instance, on the North Carolina page, I learned that high mercury levels have been found in black crappie south and east of Interstate 95 and in blackfish, catfish, jack fish, warmouth and yellow perch south and east of Interstate 85.

Do you have a preschool or elementary age child? Check out this fun, interactive site to teach your children about what fish are safe?

Is Your Baby Mattress Safe?

2009-02-15T15:39:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, GreenPea Nursery refuses to carry any crib mattress that contains phthalates or flame retardants knows as PBDEs. As of February 10, 2009, the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requires the removal of certain types of phthalates from crib mattresses. Wow this is great! I can now sell more brands of mattresses. Not so fast. You see the CPSIA requires the removal of three varieties of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) for use in baby and children’s mattresses and other baby products. Crib mattress manufacturers are still allowed to use three other types of phthalates known as (DINP, DIDP, and DnOP). These phthalates are only illegal for teethers and other items that are expected to be placed into a child’s mouth. According to Naturepedic, another phthalate chemical known as (DnHP) which has been known to cause cancer has not yet been banned at all. So although three of the bad guys have been removed, other phthalates may be used in vinyl covered crib mattresses.
Naturepedic does not use PVC (vinyl) for the waterproofing of their mattresses. They use a food-grade polyethylene which is naturally soft and does not require a plasticizer additives.

Read more about phthalates and what the CPSIA means to crib mattresses in this article provided by Naturepedic.

Oh That New Car Smell!

2009-02-08T20:56:00.004-05:00

How many times have you heard someone say that they love the way a new car smells? They even make a fragrance that you can select when you wash your car that gives you back that new car smell. Have you ever thought about what is creating that recognizable scent? It is a toxic soup of chemicals such as brominated flame retardants, chlorine (pvc and phthalates) and lead to name a few. One of our customers was concerned about the car seat that she had purchased and the new smell that continued to off gas from the product. She told me about a site called HealthyCar.org. This organization is the consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars. The next time you are going to buy a new vehicle or a new car seat, you have to check this site out. You can compare cars and car seats against each other and see how they rank. If you don't have a lot of time, go to their best/worst list and you can have your shopping list in a matter of minutes. You can even find out if the car seat you already purchased is safe.

Test my car seat now!

Watch these videos by HealthyCar.org to learn more.

CPSC Grants One Year Stay

2009-01-30T20:52:00.004-05:00

Breaking News Today!

Today the CPSC granted a one year stay of certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products. The CPSC implemented the stay in order to buy time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve some materials from the lead testing and to fine tune the testing guidelines.

There are four areas that the stay does not apply:

Lead in paint and other surface areas.
Standards for full-size cribs, non full-size cribs and pacifiers.
Ban on small parts.
Lead content of metal components of children's jewelry.

Click here for the full article.

There is no doubt in my mind that we need to look at the products on our shelves and ask questions about all the unnecessary chemicals that we are exposing ourselves and our children to on a daily basis. Manufacturers that are more concerned about providing cheap plastic toys with little regard to their safety should be the ones that are punished not the manufacturers who care. This new law is a step in the right direction but it was given very little thought as to what the impact would be on smaller businesses and the homemade goods industry. Parents are becoming more and more aware of what to look out for in products. Those companies that are dedicated to providing safer products already test. They are proud to tell you that there product does not contain phthalates, BPA or lead. As a parent and a store owner, I ask you to support those businesses that care.

Baby Rattles

2009-01-27T16:24:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about our new baby rattles. With all the plastic junk in the market it is so nice to be able to carry a line of wooden toys that is made in the U.S.A. Maple Landmark Woodcraft has been around since 1979. They are a family business dedicated to quality constructed toys and gifts. Companies like Maple Landmark have been doing it right all along. Their rattles are made from select hardwoods. They have non-toxic finishes and they offer a lifetime guarantee. When I think back about all the toys my kids have went through it makes me sad. What if I had bought a quality wooden rattle for my oldest daughter that I could have passed down to my younger two children? I would love to be able to tell my youngest daughter that she was playing with a toy that her older sister had when she was a baby. Although my kids are beyond the rattle stage, I am determined to really think about the purchases that I make. It is hard with a five year old that is bombarded with commercials. She wants everything that she sees on television. It is my job as a parent to teach my children the difference between quality and junk, wants and needs. It is also important that I teach them about the resources that are used to make a product. Our goal as a store is to bring healthier choices to parents. We also strive to find companies that are concerned about their impact on our environment. Maple Landmark is a great example of this mission. Where else do you find toys with a lifetime guarantee?

Evenflo High Chair Recall - Health Alert

2009-01-22T11:54:00.003-05:00

Evenflo has recalled 95,000 high chairs because screws can become loose and fall out causing the seat back to suddenly fall back or detach. The high chair that is recalled is the Evenflo Majestic made before January 23, 2007.

Check the white label on the seat back for the production date and seat model. The following models are recalled:
3001395A, 3001583, 3001633A, 3001669, 3001700A, 3001713, 3001713A, 3001730A, 3001732, 3001732A, 3001733, 3001742, 3001742A, and 3001756

The CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers stop using the chair immediately. Contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free repair kit. You can also visit www.majestichighchair.com for more information.

You can find the complete Consumer Report here.

Nymbler

2009-01-14T07:20:00.005-05:00

If you are pregnant and you are struggling with coming up with the perfect name for your new one on the way, you have to check out Nymbler. Basically you type in a name that you like and it comes back with names it thinks you will love. I typed in the name Lily. This was my grandmother's name and I really liked it although my husband was not to fond of it. Needless to say we chose another name for our daughter, Maddie. In reality, the name Lily would have been way to gentle of a name for our head-strong little girl. Anyway, back to Nymbler. From the name Lily it came back with names like Stella, Ava, Olivia, Grace, Sadie and so on. Many of the names I really liked and probably would not have thought of on my own. You can specify if you want girl or boy names or both. It is a great tool and I recommend it highly over baby name books because it is so much more fun!

Moms Meet

2009-01-13T19:23:00.002-05:00

Kiwi Magazine is one of my favorite resources for finding ways to live a greener and healthier lifestyle. The magazine is packed full of great articles and helpful tips. Recently, Kiwi has partnered with Earth's Best to create Mom's Meet. Mom's Meet provides the information, articles and ideas to help facilitate a mom gathering. Anyone can sign up to become a mom ambassador and start their own group. Each month, the ambassador is emailed a new topic of discussion. The ambassador takes this information and uses it to start discussions in their group. It is playgroup with a purpose. I think it is a great way for moms to share their green and healthy ideas and inspire others to try some new things. I am very excited about this opportunity and have personally signed up as an ambassador for this area. Look for more posts or entries on our calendar to find out about our first meeting!

Ask Questions Before You Buy!

2009-01-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

The CPSC recently recalled the Munire "Newport Rubbed Black Cribs" and matching furniture because it violated the lead paint standard. This product is made in New Jersey not China. A child actually ingested the paint and was diagnosed with lead poisoning. Children are even more susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning and it may lead to lower intelligence and other serious health problems. Apparently the red paint under the black rubbed finish was the culprit. If you think that you may own one of these cribs or furniture pieces you can find out more information at the CPSC website.

Lead is not only found in products. There are other places that our children can be exposed without us even realizing it. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, there are over 16,000 industrial facilities across the country, including power plants, smelters and cement kilns, that emit lead into the air. This emissions eventually settle into soil and dust. Over 300,000 children today suffer from lead poisoning. For some ways to help reduce the chance of lead exposure the Natural Resources Defense Council suggests some simple steps. You can even locate your state to find out if there is a lead polluter near you.

Consignment Stores Are In the Clear!

2009-01-08T21:42:00.001-05:00

I know that it may seem crazy that a new store would be excited that consignment stores will still be able to keep their doors open. After all, if people buy used clothing they are not buying new right? Just think of the impact if there was no where to take all your child's outgrown clothing and toys. Can you imagine the landfills? The fact of the matter is that we need both used and new stores to exist. I frequently buy used clothing for my children. My son goes through jeans at about a size a week. I would go broke trying to keep him in clothing. I am so excited that the CPSC has decided to exempt used products from the new lead requirements. It would have been silly for consignment stores to be forced to test used products to make sure they did not exceed the new limits. It would have put them out of business. Hopefully this is a good sign that the CPSC is moving towards making even more exemptions. For more information on this story click here.

New Blogger

2009-01-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

Well I finally decided to jump into the blogging world. I had dabbled with it before through our site greenpeanursery.com but it wasn't until I started blogging on other sites that I finally started to see the light. Basically, it is just another way for me to talk and if you have every met me---I love to talk! I love that moms all over this world are sharing their experiences and finding common ground with other like-minded moms. So here I am. I hope that you will find my blog to be a great place to learn about what is going on at our store and in our lives.

Preemie Onesie Drive

2009-01-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

There are some things in life that we will just never understand. There are things that happen in people's lives that you know are just so unfair. What always interests me though is how a person comes out of a tragedy. Do they turn the negative into a positive. I was recently contacted by a lady by the name of Rachel Mays. This woman has suffered tremendously. Her daughter was born with a heart defect and lived in the NICU at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC for 4 months before passing away. In memory of her daughter she has started a Preemie Onesie Drive. She is hoping to get enough onesies to give to each family at this NICU. I think it is a wonderful thing that she is doing. When a baby comes early, families are not always prepared for their arrival. And with a baby in the hospital, they are often unable to leave to go shopping for those essentials. A nice blanket or outfit for their baby is a wonderful gift. We are happy to contribute to this cause.

For more information or see how you can donate, you can check out her website at www.preemieonesiedrive.blogspot.com.

You can also watch a news story on it at http://news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/602991/clothing-drive-to-benefit-premature-babies/Default.aspx?ap=1&Flash.

Storewide Clearance Sale

2009-01-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year--time to clear out the shelves to make room for the new Spring lines that will be arriving soon. Both in the store and online we will be expanding our clothing line to bring in more adorable organic products. We will be carrying clothing up to 4T this Spring. We have added a new page to the site that includes all of our sale items. You will find great deals on diaper bags, winter clothing, skin care products, leg warmers and much, much more. These specials are available both online and in our local store.

Safer Products? At What Cost?

2009-01-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard yet, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was signed into law this past year in August. The Act imposes stringent safety standards for consumer products. It specifically targets children's products and restricts the use of lead and phthalates in them. In addition, products that are subject to these new rules, will also have to be tested by an independent third-party. Exciting news--right? While it is great that our Federal Government is finally seeing the light and taking steps to remove harmful chemicals from children's products, there are some unfortunate unintended consequences for manufacturers and retailers.

What products will be included?

Any product intended for the use of children under the age of 12 and Child Care Articles, products intended for a child under the age of 3 for the purpose of sleeping, feeding, sucking or teething.
This is more than just toys. It could also include products such as educational materials, jewelry, books, clothing, game boards, etc.

What will be removed from products?

As of February 10, 2009, children's products cannot contain more than 600 parts per million of lead. For paint and surface coatings, as of August 14, 2009, the amount must be reduced from 600 parts per million to 90 parts per million.
As of February 10, 2009, three phthalates known as DEHP, DBP and BBP are prohibited in children's toys and childcare products in concentrations of more than 0.1%.

What other changes will the new law include?

Mandatory testing--as of November 12, 2008, the new general certification requirement goes into effect. This will require manufacturers to issue a "supplier's declaration of conformity". This basically says that the manufacturer has undergone a "reasonable testing program."
Third-party testing will be required in addition for all consumer products intended for use by children under the age of 12. Products will have to be tested by an independent third-party accredited testing lab. A certificate will be issued stating that the product meets all applicable Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. The third-party testing will be phased in as follows:
- December 22, 2008 - Lead Paint
- January 2009 - Cribs and Pacifiers
- February 2009 - Small parts
Tracking Labels will be required on all children's products as of August 14, 2009. The label will contain the source of the product, the date of manufacturer, etc.
Labeling Requirements for Advertising Toys and Games. If a cautionary statement regarding a choking hazard is required on a product due to small parts, balloons, marbles or small balls, the advertising of that product through the internet or catalog must also include the statement.

What does this mean for the consumer, the retailer, the manufacturer?

On the positive side for the consumer, this is a step in the right direction. After all, harmful chemicals are being reduced or removed. It will be easier to find out that a product is safe. However, due to the third-party testing requirements, some of their beloved products may disappear. Not because they are harmful but because the manufacturer is small and can't afford the hefty price of testing every product that they make. This includes even products made from natural materials.
For the retailer, it means spending an enormous amount of time and money verifying that their products comply. This includes items that they have in stock.
For the manufacturer, it means additional costs that may put them under - especially the smaller manufacturers. For others it may mean no longer selling in the US market.

My thoughts...

With one law we have seen the complexity of this issue. It is not just about safer products. It is also about our economy. I want to see safer products in our stores more than anyone. We should not have to worry about things like lead, phthalates and BPA in products that our children play with, wear, or is absorbed into their skin. However, is this law the answer or are more companies going to go under, including those who have been dedicated to providing healthier alternatives all along but can't afford the testing? Let's not punish those who have worked so hard to provide families with better choices. We have always been about bringing healthier options to our customers both online and in our store locally in Apex, NC. We search out products that do not contain harmful chemicals. It is the core belief that our store was built upon. Here are just a few of the items that you can find at GreenPea Nursery: stainless steel sippy cups, Green Toys, organic clothing, safe feeding products, Greenguard Certified cribs, Naturepedic organic mattresses, and green cleaning supplies.

What is a Mom to Do?

2009-01-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life can be so confusing. You hear one report say one thing and then the next week someone says something else. Where is a mom to turn? Are plastic bottles safe? Now they are saying that Bisphenol A can leak out of can linings and into your food? Should I just throw out everything plastic and all my can food. Do I donate my cans to a food drive knowing that they contain this controversial chemical? I just bought a new can opener--I guess I will not need that anymore. What do I say the next time I go to the dentist and they want to put sealants on my child's teeth? That's right--BPA is in dental sealants. Where do I turn?

According to an article in The Green Guide, "The Bisphenol-A Debate: A Suspect Chemical in Plastic Bottles and Cans" by Catherine Zandonella¹

Here it what we know:

BPA was found in 95% of Americans that were a part of a biomonitoring study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2004.

It can be found in can linings of food and soda, dental sealants and baby and other bottles (polycarbonate)

BPA mimics naturally occurring estrogen. These hormones control things like the brain and reproductive systems in a developing fetus.

Frederick vom Saal, Ph.D., a developmental biologist at the University of Missouri published a paper that showed the following results:

Industry Funded Studies - 11 in total - 100% found no harmful effects from BPA
Government-Funded Low-Dose Studies - 104 in total - 90% found harmful effects from BPA

All I can say is hmmm!

There is no doubt that we are exposed to this chemical. Yet it all comes down to the "safe levels." The FDA has stated that the chemical is not harmful.

According to the Washington Post, a very critical report was released today that stated that the FDA did not use adequate margins of safety in their assessment of BPA. They did not use enough infant formula samples and did not take into consideration a multitude of studies that linked BPA to health problems in animals such as prostrate cancer. For the full Washington Post article click here.

For the complete report click here.

Personally, while the FDA is trying to figure out what level of a known hormone disrupting chemical is safe enough for my children to be exposed to, I think I will take matters into my own hands and reduce our exposure as much as I can. Here are some of the things that we have done around our house.

GreenPea Solution:

1) Remove plastic storage containers from your home. If you can't remove them all at once, remove the ones that are showing wear (cloudiness, rough texture, stains, cracks).

2) Buy soup in cardboard cartons.

3) Never use a plastic container in the microwave. Use glass or ceramic.

4) Use waxed paper or a paper towel to cover food rather than plastic wrap.

5) Make sure that the bottles and sippy cups that you buy state that they are BPA free. We carry the Safe Sippy which is a stainless steel sippy cup as well as BPA free plates and utensils.