Bento Boxes!

As an on the go mom of a 3 1/2 year old boy, I am so excited to introduce a BRAND NEW product for Ecological Babies. Keepin' Fresh Kids Stainless Bento Boxes! If you thought all we carried was cloth diapers, you are in for a treat! Preschool moms, rejoice! Your boring snapware/tupperware days are over.

Check out the super cute pink one with little fishies! I'm no kid, but heck - I'd carry that in my lunch box any day.

The prints on the sleeve are super cute, without being cute-sy. They are kind of like a cross between old-school Pyrex and Japanese anime cartoons. You can choose

from alligators or little fishies, and the silicone seals are either pink (fishes), green, or blue (both with alligators).

The boxes are from Innobaby, and feature a stainless steel inner dish with a BPA free plastic sleeve that goes over it. The sleeve keeps the outside of the container at a steady temperature, so it is comfortable for the child to hold, regardless of the temperature of the food inside. They hold 15 ounces, which is plenty of space for a portion of pasta and protein, or even a sandwich with some chips or fruit on the side.

My favorite feature is the secure lid with silicone ring seal, which snaps on tight to create an air and liquid tight seal, keeping the child's lunchbox (or your tote bag) nice and clean, and the food nice and fresh. But unlike most snapware, the seals on this can actually be opened by a child! Here's my big boy, demonstrating how easy it is to open the box.

"Hey Mom! I really like the one with the alligators!"

If you're one of those fancy, crafty mamas with all the nifty little Bento accessories like tiny containers and toothpicks with cartoon faces on them, there is plenty of room for creativity. If you are looking for a little inspiration, no need to head to EBay for Bento accessories - think of things you already have in your kitchen.

In my experience, kids love variety of color and texture (but not too much or it's overwhelming), but they like it SEPARATE! Rule #1 of meal presentation in my house is - thy foods shalt not touch, and thy textures shalt not blend. Easy solution? Divided trays for meals, and foil and medicine cups for snack boxes. Fold up a piece of foil to double thickness and make it an L-shape, and it can contain softer foods like the strawberries here. A medicine dispensing cup is a perfect portion size of peanut butter or other dips, like hummus.

The boxes are just $16, and would be a perfect addition to rev up your child's lunch box or your trusty tote bag. They would also make an adorable (and practical!) gift to put in your child's Easter basket. Happy packing!

Claire Williamson, representative for Ecological Babies

(850) 228-8322

You can read more about the Innobaby bento lunch boxes here: http://www.ecologicalbabies.com/bento.htm

All About Sunscreen!

Finally!  After trying out so many different brands of sunscreens, I think I can finally settle on this one. If you were to look in my bathroom closet, you'd think I was a collector of sunscreens.  We have ones for us adults that I've had for a long time (and now my husband is the only one who uses it).  They include the standard brands and some with insect repellent in it too.  Then a couple summer ago, I was hooked on those cooling mist ones that spray on.  I thought, hey's this is easy and it's SPF 70 too!  Plus, they didn't feel like they were clogging my pores. 

Then I started to learn that some sunscreens were arguably worse for your skin/body than if you never worn it at all.  Say WHAT???  If you're just starting to evolve in the land of sunscreen and want to learn more, here is an EXCELLENT website to bookmark: www.cosmeticdatabase.com.  It will cover makeup, lotion, shampoo, and MUCH more.  Be careful though, the more you learn, the uglier and more unsettling it gets!

So then we started trying one just for kids.  Bad news-most of those aren't trustworthy either!  BUT there are a few safe brands that are safe that I've tried and will review for you:

Badger-Smells good, goes on really thick, terrible for my face

California Baby-Pricey for little bottle, goes on white & very difficult to rub in, thick on face

Aveeno-has parabens, gentle, rubs in nice, strong sunscreen smell

Jason-Like the smell, not good for babies, rubs in nice

Burt's Bees-strongly dislike smell, texture after rubbing on is weird, easy to rub in, not thick

I know we haven't tried them all but I believe we've made a good dent!  So, here are some features about Dr Robins sunscreen and why I'm finally settling on this one:

1.  It's made in USA by a pediatric dermatologist

2.  The ingredients are very impressive and therefore I can trust it.  Here's the list. 

3.  The entire family can use this (including babies).

4.  I will put this on my face.

5.  It goes on white at first, so you can see where you put it on.

6.  It rubs in so easily, which is especially good for my squirmy kids.

7.  The smell is non-intrusive.  It's very mild.

8.  After I put it on, I don't feel the need to go wash my hands.  It's not oily & can be rubbed off hands easily.

9.  It's not tested on animals.

If you have some time, I'd recommend you checking out Dr. Robin's sunscreen Q & A.  It's a great jumping point for being safe in the sun, especially for your little ones. 

I'm curious what other brands are out there. Which ones have you tried?  Like/dislike?

If you'd like to give ours a try, then we now have it in stock.  Here's the link.

Peace,

Jen

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887