This Christmas we are offering all three products in a great gift package for babies and toddlers – Sophie the Giraffe – The Bestselling Toys. It includes an original Sophie the Giraffe, a Chan Pie Gnon in yellow and a Sophie the Giraffe bath toy (colour may vary). This wonderful package is offered to our customers at the special price of £ 26.95. (RRP £29.95)

The world-famous Sophie the Giraffe comes in a special gift box this season, which includes a gift card inside. Sophie has been a favourite teething toy for babies for more than 40 years. Sophie the Giraffe is soft and flexible, making her easy for babies to grasp and squeeze. In fact she makes sweet funny noise when squeezed. Most importantly this toy is made of natural rubber materials and is completely non-toxic and safe for babies.

The Chan Pie Gnons are the latest adorable mushroom-shaped natural teething toys made by Vulli. Just like Sophie they are also made from pure natural rubber extracted from the Havea tree and are completely non-toxic and safe. They are slender, soft and flexible, making them easy for babies to grasp and squeeze. They also make a sweet squeak when squeezed. Babies love to chew on their bumpy heads which helps soothe sore teething gums.

Sophie the Giraffe Bath Toy is great for lots of bath time fun and splashing! This time Sophie the Giraffe is a floating, squirting toy for baby to play with in the bath. She squirts water when squeezed. The toy is made from phthalate-free vinyl.

For more great gift ideas visit our Christmas Gifts section.

Products like baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby oil, and soaps usually contain “fragrance” among the ingredients. But so do body care products for adults, and even lotions and creams for pregnant women carrying developing babies. Even though fragrance is listed, the potentially harmful cocktail of ingredients that make up fragrance does not have to be disclosed to consumers. These artificial fragrances most often include phthalates; chemicals that make fragrances stay on the skin longer. The problem is, phthalates have also been linked to a number of health issues in animal studies. There is no clear evidence that phthalates cause reproductive or developmental issues in humans, but as more studies are done, and more hidden ingredients are exposed, more concerns arise.

“Phthalates are often hidden on ingredient lists,” explains Earth Mama Angel Baby founder Melinda Olson. “Artificial fragrances, which often contain phthalates, are exactly the type of ingredient that we would never consider using. We publish on our web site and on every label a complete list of every ingredient. I believe that our mamas should be able to buy our products and feel safe using them on their biggest miracles – their angel babies.”

“Our first concern is, and always has been, that all of our products be pure and safe, with worry-free ingredients. That’s why you’ll never find any artificial ingredients in any Earth Mama Angel Baby products, ever. We’ve had concerns about phthalates for years – we also worry about sodium laurel sulphates and parabens, among other common personal care product ingredients, so we just don’t use them in our products. We seek out the best organic and natural ingredients, and find ways to keep everything simple, pure and effective. We don’t cut corners, so we don’t need to use cost-saving foaming agents, fillers, artificial preservatives, dyes or fragrances. We believe the mamas who trust Earth Mama Angel Baby want only the best for their families, and we are here to provide it.”

Please visit our blog for more information about phthalates, what they are, and how to protect yourself and your angel babies.

To buy Earth Mama Angel Baby products visit our shop.

Good luck to all participants!

The Prize: A pair of IsaBooties baby shoes (style and size subject to stock availability)

Closing Date: 30.09 2009

Winner Draw: 01.10.2009

To Enter: Visit our Competitions Page.

About IsaBooties: There are many businesses launched by entrepreneurial  mums who started by questioning the quality of baby products and creating their own solutions to the problems they face.  IsaBooties was founded on that exact principle, answering the question of what to put on your baby’s growing feet as they learn to walk.  The answer is a line of baby shoes that is not only eco-friendly and resilient, but also paediatrician recommended.

Pediatricians agree that soft soled shoes are best for baby as they mimic barefoot walking but add a greater element of safety for when going barefoot is not possible. 

Brooke Shields' daughter Grier in her IsaBooties Chocolate Fleurs

IsaBooties are the perfect soft soled shoes for mums who want the best for their babies’ growing feet but are tired of huge cartoon characters taking over our babies’ footwear.  Most of IsaBooties designs have understated patterns, which would compliment any baby outfit.  They are also  incredibly lightweight yet durable.  The uppers of the booties are made of suede-like “Ultrasuede” and the soles are  very thin “Toughtek”.

IsaBooties are eco-friendly, made with no animal products and sent in a recycled package with soy ink. No leather means that the shoe is machine washable and machine dryable.  Not only are these shoes a great option for those who prefer not to use animal products in their footwear, these little booties perform better when compared to other brands for durability and non slip ability.

Under the Nile, manufacturer of organic baby and children’s clothes, recently added new fruits and vegetables to their 100% organic stuffed toy collection, called ‘Veggin Out’. From plump, purple grapes and fun size bananas to adorable  strawberries and sweet tomatoes, every product is designed to help kids make a positive association with healthy foods.

Getting children to eat their fruit and vegetables rivals teething and potty-training on the list of ‘least fun’ parental experiences. But Under the Nile believes that children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they have an opportunity to learn and play with them throughout the day. The company encourages parents to use a process they call, ‘show, tell, and taste’. For example, keep a box full of the brightly-coloured Veggie and Fruit Toys on the kitchen counter so they are always accessible for an impromptu chat on colours and shapes or to let the kids use the smiley-faced characters for imaginative play. Once the children are enjoying the activity, capitalize on the fun times by serving carrot sticks, green beans, fruit portions or other kid-friendly ‘green’ snacks to reinforce the notion that eating fruit and vegetables doesn’t have to be a chore.

Parents can introduce fruits and vegetables into a baby’s diet as early as six months of age working up to three-to-five vegetable servings a day for a toddler-age child. Since getting toddlers to do anything against their will can be a daunting task, parents who help children establish a positive connection to vegetables early will likely fare better than those who wait until the power struggle begins. Under the Nile’s ‘Veggin Out’ collection is non-toxic and stuffed with 100% premium organic Egyptian cotton, so it is safe for infants to play with (and chew on!)

Under the Nile is very well known in the United States, and has recently become very popular with celebrities! See a picture of Halle Berry holding her daughter Nahla’s toy – an Organic Green Bean by Under the Nile.

Halle Berry with Gabriel and daughter Nahla

]]> http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?feed=rss2&p=45 0 http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=35 http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=35#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:05:00 +0000 Angels Avenue http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=35 When looking for a gift for a young baby there are many things to consider. For instance, if you are buying a gift in advance of the birth of the child, then you should probably consider buying gender neutrally. We all know that it’s possible to tell the sex of a child before it is born, but sometimes there are surprises and you really do not want to buy a baby boy something for a baby girl, or vice versa.

Whatever you’re buying, it’s worth considering if you can buy environmentally friendly items. Babies are massive consumers, so there’s never been an easier opportunity to contribute positively to the planet. Eco-friendly clothing, toys and gifts are all available from shops and online, so you can help reduce Junior’s carbon footprint, before they can even walk!

There are clearly some essential items that each baby needs, but these are probably best left to the parents. This allows you to focus on fun, enjoyable gifts for the child. However, I’m sure every parent would appreciate a baby gift that is useful and practical at the same time, so don’t rule it out altogether.

Buying baby gifts shouldn’t be about price, but it’s worth considering that quality items often cost a little extra, but they do last – meaning the child can continue to enjoy the gift for much longer. If you can’t afford to buy a big, expensive gift, don’t worry, a small one will always suffice. However, if you do want to get a more expensive gift than you can currently afford, why not chip in with other family members or friends to buy a larger gift all together?

If you need gift ideas, here are some starting points:

Remember the baby has very delicate and sensitive skin. There’s a wide selection of high quality lotions, balms and oils, that will help keep baby happy and healthy. It is advisable to choose an organic baby skin care range with top quality ingredients; they offer the best natural care without any harsh or unsafe additives.

Shoes make an excellent gift, and children are always growing out them, so buying baby shoes is a thoughtful gift indeed. These days, baby shoes come in a huge range and varieties, so there’s plenty of choice too.

A nice idea if you’re stuck for a gift, is a nice, soft baby blanket. People get very sentimental about baby blankets, their own or their child’s blanket. It’s a thoughtful practical gift that baby and mother will both thank you for.

Of course, if you can’t decide on one gift, why not create a gift hamper of smaller gifts, putting a few choice baby gifts together as one big gift, perfect for uncles and aunties, grandparents and godparents.

Lastly, if you’re really struggling for an idea, why not ask the parents. They’re the people most likely to be able to tell you what the baby needs. It also helps you to avoid buying the child something that someone else has already bought them.

Here are our Top 5 baby gift ideas:

1. My First Little Luxuries Baby Gift Box
2. Sophie the Giraffe in a Gift Box
3. IsaBooties Eco-friendly Baby Shoes
4. Angel Baby Kit – Organic Skin Care Gift Set
5. Organic Cotton Baby Sleeping Gown

]]> http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?feed=rss2&p=35 1 http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=24 http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=24#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:15:51 +0000 Angels Avenue http://blog.angelsavenue.co.uk/?p=24 Two mums, Libby and Laura, had some innovative ideas of how to improve soft-soled shoes to better meet the needs of their babies. And so that is exactly what they did. The result is a fabulous creation – IsaBooties soft-soled eco-friendly baby shoes.

‘Tired of looking at the same shoe designs and confident that there was much room for improvement, we decided it was time to take action! We started researching fabric, design and style options. Our list of requirements grew. The shoes had to be healthy for our babies and healthy for the Earth. They had to be soft and comfy on our little ones’ feet. They had to be easy for us to put on, but hard for our kids to pull off. We wanted them machine-washable and machine-dryable. They had to be breathable, durable, skid-proof, and fade-resistant. Oh, and last but certainly not least…they had to be hip and stylish! We found the perfect, 100% animal-free fabrics and started making shoes for our own kids. We mixed bright, funky colours with unique ribbon accents. Soon, our friends wanted them. Then, their friends asked for them, and so on. Before we knew it, IsaBooties were born!’

IsaBooties are made from soft, yet durable Ultrasuede® and Toughtek®. The Ultrasuede® is highly breathable and the Toughtek® soles are perfect for gripping.
They are incredibly slip-resistant and give great stability – just what little feet need when they are learning how to walk. (Toughtek® is actually the same fabric used in the booties worn by search and rescue dogs!) But even though the soles are extremely sturdy, they are also super soft and flexible. In IsaBooties your little ones will be as close to barefoot as possible. All the shoe designs are funky and fabulous. IsaBooties offer fun styles for both baby boys and baby girls.

If you are looking for shoes for your baby – or for a perfect baby gift – definitely check out IsaBooties. We highly recommend them. Any new mum would love to receive IsaBooties for her baby’s sweet little toes.

1 Begin at Home – Encouraging your child to grow up living an eco-friendly lifestyle, begins at home, with the entire family.  Set the standard and lead by example.   Make sure that you recycle your plastics, washing and crushing any bottles and piling up any paper or cardboard that can be taken away to be recycled.  When you have a household recycling point in your home, you can educate the whole family about what, when and how to recycle

Tip: Why not turn it into a game or competition and make it fun at the same time?

2 Clothing – You can avoid mass-manufactured clothing created by 11 year-olds in sweatshops in Asia, by seeking out companies that sell eco-friendly and ethically produced children’s clothing.

Choosing clothing for your baby or child that encourages sustainability and is manufactured with a low impact on the environment is a great way for your child to be eco-friendly on a daily basis. Look out for eco-friendly clothing that is free of chemicals and uses 100% natural fibers.

Tip: Think about choosing sustainable fibers such as organic cotton or bamboo.

3 Skin Care – Young babies and children need a lot of love and care.  Creams, lotions, shampoos and soaps all help keep them healthy, clean and happy.  But many of the traditional skin care products for children come in plastic, non-recyclable containers and are manufactured using inorganic ingredients.

It’s been shown that over 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed by the body.   A young child’s immune system shouldn’t have to contend with all the nasty chemicals that come in standard skin care products.

When you choose eco-friendly skin care products for your baby, you should look for products that use 100% natural ingredients and that come in containers and packaging that are 100% recyclable.

Tip: Always read the labels of baby products and look out for ingredients you want to avoid.

4 Eco-Toys – Eco friendly toys are made from natural, safe materials that do not impact negatively upon either the environment, nor introduce harmful chemicals into your home.  If you’re looking for a toy that you feel confident for your little ones to chew and teeth on, look for a guarantee that no pesticides or chemicals are used in the production process.

You should look out for toys that are made from 100% natural fibers and you’ll be making your eco-friendly contribution to the planet.

Tip: Wooden and organic cotton toys are great fun and very eco-friendly.

5 Food – Of course, one of the simplest ways to have an eco-friendly child is through your choice and selection of the food that they eat.  Since babies are more prone to infections and more vulnerable to pesticides and their immune system is not fully operational, it makes sense to pick an organic product, packaged in chemical-free wrapping.  Choosing locally produced food is also a way to reduce your carbon footprint and help your child live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Tip: Save money as well by growing vegetables at home, and to encourage your children to eat them, educate with fruit/ vegetable shaped toys.

So there you have it, 5 simple ways to ensure that your child starts life in an eco-friendly way.

Bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA is an industrial chemical foundin some plastics and plastic additives. Products containing bisphenol A plastics have been in commerce for more than 50 years and nearly for that long they have caused concerns about their potential harm to human health and the environment.

BPA is used in the manufacturing of baby bottles and toys, water bottles, metal cans and food storage containers amongst other products. Studies have shown that the leach of the chemical into food or liquid is a common occurrence during normal, everyday use of plastic products. New research results prove that even drinking water out of a plastic bottle can increase the content of BPA found in the human body.

Research has linked BPA with adverse health effects such as disturbed brain development, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular disease, behavioural and hormonal changes. While the European Union has not recognized BPA as a toxic and harmful substance, USA and Canada are moving towards issuing legislation that would ban the use of BPA in certain products. Major retailers such as Walmart have already pulled BPA bottles and food containers from their stores and some manufacturers have voluntarily eliminated it from their products.

While government reports are not conclusive on the effects of BPA on humans and as always are suggesting that more research is needed, concerned parents should not wait for legislation to protect their children from toxins. There is enough evidence that toxic effects from BPA on humans and particularly children cannot be ruled out, which is a valid reason to try and avoid using BPA plastics as much as possible.

Polyvinyl chloride plastic, commonly referred to as PVC or vinyl, is another potentially hazardous material that can be found in baby and children’s products, such as toys and bibs.  It can be dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire production, product life cycle, and even in its waste disposal because it is thought to release poisonous chemicals, such as dioxins, and phthalates. PVC is another controversial material and opinions on its use range from advisory bodies and environmental organisations such as Greenpeace advocating its full phase-out to European industry representatives claiming that its production causes minimum harmless emissions. It needs to be mentioned that PVC plastic has been believed to cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems.

Manufacturers and retailers are slowly starting to recognize these potential risks and PVC use in products where healthier substitutes are available will gradually diminish. Parents have the option to choose PVC-free products for their babies and young children while more evidence of its safety becomes available. By avoiding PVC you also reduce your exposure to phthalates.

Phthalates are a class of chemicals often found in PVC. They are added to plastic products such as children’s toys to increase their flexibility and durability. Phthalates are easily released into the environment and when absorbed can disrupt natural hormones and cause potential health problems, especially in young children. Phthalates are being phased out of many products in the USA and EU over health concerns such as asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, metabolic  disorders, reproductive problems, liver and kidney damage . In contrast with the BPA legislation, the European Union is leading with the number of restricted and banned phthalates.

These are just a few facts to raise awareness of possible toxicity in baby and children’s products. Finding enough evidence to categorize them as official health threats is a long process of scientific studies and research that may take years.  In the mean time governments are happy with reports showing that minimum quantities of these chemicals are not harmful. What they don’t tell us about is that very little research has been done on what our cumulative exposure may be from all the chemicals in our homes, workplaces, nurseries and schools. The use of a singular product may not pose an immediate health threat but the continuous exposure to a large number of chemical substances from various sources can have a totally different effect.

When choosing children’s products and accessories there are many safe and natural alternatives  for  parents who want to follow precautionary principles in their child’s upbringing. Our recommendations is to always check the labelling and question what your child’s products contain.

Sophie the Giraffe and Chan, Pie, Gnon teething toys found in our shop  are made of natural rubber and free from BPA , PVC and phthalates.

Under the Nile premium organic cotton toys are both safe and a fun way to educate and entertain your kids.

Earth Mama Angel Baby skin care are made of organic ingredients and free from toxic substances.