Noz-eez

It’s that time of year again. As vigilant as we try to be in reducing our exposure to viruses, inevitably there will be a few runny noses around the house.

When we hear that first sniffle, the routine starts: Ginger lemon tea, warm chicken broth, healing soup, herbs, homeopathic remedies, and more. We also avoid any inflammation causing foods such as sugar, refined grains and dairy.

Three years and four months in, we’ve managed to avoid any secondary bacterial infections  such as ear infection or acute bronchitis. Here’s what we do, which we really believe helps!

But no matter what, there is always one thing that has to be done. Wipe runny noses.  I prefer to use a moisturized wipe as a gentle alternative to tissue, and  we’ve been using a very popular brand of nose wipes with a catchy name. But I never felt great about using them because the ingredients listed many things I steer clear of such as Polysorbate 20,  Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (a preservative which is acutely toxic by inhalation and should not be used in products that can inhaled- not something I want in my child’s nose!) and Propylbutyl Isobutylparaben.

I used them anyway hoping the benefit outweighed the risk of exposure to these potential toxins. Well recently as I was perusing my local baby store, I discovered I no longer need to compromise.

We now only use Noz-Eez– a moisturizing wipe containing an herbal blend with antioxidants echinacea, elderberry, and Vitamin C. When applied topically, these nose friendly herbs go to work right away.

  • Can be used in a Wipe Warmer for Extra Relief
  • Pure 100% Cotton
  • Safe, Non-toxic Natural Ingredients
  • Phenoxyethanol and Polysorbate 20 free
  • Earth-Friendly
  • Biodegradable
  • Flushable
  • Compostable

Not to mention they are less expensive than the brand we were previously using- always a plus.

Indestructibles

My 6 month old loves books. But not for the pictures. He loves to crinkle the pages, bang them on the floor, and chew on the covers.

Don't let this innocent face fool you

It has been such a challenge trying to read to him because he instantly (and aggressively) grabs the book from me and tries to destroy it in seconds.

I’ve found a solution- and anyone with a baby must check these out. They’re called Indestructibles and they really are. They are chew proof, rip proof, tear proof, and are 100% non-toxic.

Indestructibles are made for baby to hold, grab, chew, pull, and bend, and when they get dirty, toss them in the washing machine or dishwasher! They are also designed for even more interaction between the baby and the reader because they are printed without words- so you can make up your own story, point out colorful pictures or just enjoy time with your baby.

I bought five of them, and now there is always one in my diaper bag and one on his play mat.

baby reading

I’m so glad I found these!

Another Tea Collection Sale!

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a great sale? Every year I look forward to the Tea Collection Semi-Annual Sale because I always find great, modern kids’ clothes at 50% off or more.

Tea Collection is offering an EXTRA 25% off already marked-down clothes with promo code 25OFFSALE. This extra savings is good now through January 8th at 11:59 pm PST while supplies last. Now’s the best time to shop Tea Collection and save on cool clothes for your kids. Happy New Year!

Salt Dough Ornaments

In my quest for fun activities to do with my 3 year old, a friend reminded me of the fun and simplicity of making salt dough ornaments for the Christmas tree.

Following the recipe she found on Momtastic, I measured out all (three!) of the ingredients and then I basically just supervised while my son did all the work.

Smelling the dough took me straight back to the 5 year old me. How perfectly I remember cutting out those ornaments, desperately wanting to take a bite to see if they tasted the way they looked…

I had no idea the dough was so easy to make.

Just take 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup of flour and mix it together! We just used a wooden spoon- no electric mixing required here.

Then we kneaded it for 5 minutes or so, and it was ready to roll out!

I rolled it into a thin layer on parchment paper so I wouldn’t have to try to move the delicate dough to a cookie tray.

My son cut out lots of fun shapes, and we also did imprints of trains and blocks.

My favorite are the hand prints.

We punched a hole in the top with a straw (easily his favorite part, as evidenced by the many hole-y ornaments he made).

Then we popped them all into a 200 degree oven for 4 hours.

When they were done, he painted some, stamped some, and some he left plain. He was very specific about which ornament would be given to which grandparent/aunt/friend/etc. and which ones we would keep.

Then we threaded some yarn through the holes and hung them on our Christmas tree!

Ask Holly: What Is the Best Baby Carrier?

Hi Holly,
My niece is having her first baby, mine is now 16 years old!!! so its been a while, but I am looking for a great baby wrap, carrier for her, do you have any recommendations?

Hi-
I’m glad you asked. I love baby wearing and have tried almost every kind of sling/wrap/carrier there is. (Except for the forward facing type, which is not recommended.)

If your niece will mostly be carrying the baby during the infant stage, I recommend the Moby Wrap. It is versatile and the baby feels secure and snuggled, while not restricting her airways or unnaturally forcing her legs into an uncomfortable position. I used the Moby from birth until 8 months with my son.

I also recommend the Ergo Baby Carrier. I carried my son in it until he was over 2 years old and more than 30 pounds. It is very user friendly and can be worn on the front or back.

Congratulations on your soon to be grand-niece!

Here is some more info on baby carriers.