Parents in Prospect Lefferts Gardens have been thrilled with the addition of newcomer Play Kids to their area. Since it opened, it’s not only locals that come: parents from Ditmas Park, Prospect Heights, Park Slope and even as far away as Carroll Gardens are making the trip. What’s the draw? Their stellar lineup of unique classes and range of toys, baby items and clothing that meet the needs of Brooklyn families.

The specialty toy and baby shop, which opened on Nov. 1, 2011, is owned by Carl Blake and Shelley Kramer.  The owners, who reside across the street from Prospect Park with two kids of their own, saw a need for a neighborhood kids’ store that would carry products that are BPA, PVC, Phthalate Free and non-toxic but also those that are designed by local Brooklynites. As parents in the neighborhood, they believe in community and that “if we can buy and shop local, we will.” Local Brooklyn products include: Baby DeeDee Sleep Nests (loveliest sleep sacks!), Brooklyn Rocks tee’s, Herbal Postpartum Products made by Divine Daughters, Rooware (plates, bowls, utensils designed by a PLG mom) and felt flower barrettes made by local mom, Allyson Sen.

They have stocked their store only with items that don’t require batteries. Their belief in child engineered toys means they not only carry the classics toys but stock brands like Erector, Chugginton and Thomas, Trains, Playmobil, EeBoo, Djeco, Melissa & Doug, Faber-Castell, Automoblox, Seedling, Kid-O and more.  The store is filled with some of the most sought-after brands and there is ample space for testing them. Want to try a balance bike? Or an Ergo? Feel free to lay your things down and give them a spin.  The family-friendly store is buzzing with kids and parents coming to and from classes, meeting and checking out the shelves.

In true community spirit, Play Kids have opted to keep their classes affordable and so they offer as many “drop in” classes as possible. There isn’t any fee up front and each time that the class is offered, you can come as often as you are able. With a nod to the homeschooling group, they have classes for older kids too.

They are offering some special workshops this month too:

Saturday, Feb. 4 at 5pm they are offering an “Introducing Your Child to Solid Foods” Workshop. Maya Feller MS RD will lead the workshop which will include information on how to make your own baby food, readiness of the child to eat solid food, baby food making demonstrations, and a Question and Answer segment. The workshop will run about 90min and cost $20/person or $35/adult.

For Valentine’s Day, stop in for a photo shoot and craft-making at “Make Your Own Valentines” event.  The photo session is $20/print (five additional prints will be email to you to print or send at your leisure). Make your own Valentine’s will be free.

Classes:
Kids Can Cook!, Knitting (Ages 9+), Music Together, Rock-ucation, Art Classes from Manor Arts, Mom & Baby Yoga.
Tue 10 am Drumalong with Ivan ($5/family) All Ages
Wed. 10am  Story Time with Mary Jo ($5/family) All Ages
Thur. 9:45am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm Baby Clay with Melisa ($10/child) Ages 6mo-2yrs
Thurs: 11 am Baby Clay for Big Kids ($10/child) Ages 2 years and up
Fri. 10am  Sing-a-Long with Lloyd ($5/family) All Ages
(once a month) Sun 1:30pm Improv with Ashley ($8/child*) Ages 6+
2:30pm Creative Writing with Chris ($8/child*) Ages 6+
* $4 discount if your child participates in both Improv and Creative Writing*

Details:
Play Kids
676 Flatbush Ave (between Hawthrone and Winthrop St.)
Prospect Lefferts Gardens

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Post tags: baby clay, baby store in brooklyn, baby stores in brooklyn, classes in brookly, clay class in brooklyn, clay for kids, dance classes in brooklyn, drumalong, flatbush avenue, kids can cook, kids classes in brooklyn, kids store, lefferts gardens, lloyd miller, manor arts, mom and baby yoga, music classes in brooklyn, play kids, prospect lefferts gardens, rock-ucation, singalong in brooklyn, where to buy baby carrier in brooklyn, where to buy ergo in brooklyn

Chalkboard paint has gotten a color facelift! Though we love to draw on a chalkboard as much as anyone, having a wall of dark grey in a room can be a bit….drab.  Hudson Paint, a small paint manufacturer in the Hudson River Valley, has become the Pantone deck of chalkboard paint.  Now, any chalkboard can take on your color scheme. From pink to turquoise or an additional 28 saturated colors- you have a whole palette to choose from.

The owner of Hudson Paint and all his swatches.

Hudson’s chalkboard paint is a 100% acrylic color chalkboard that can be painted over wallboard, wood, plaster, masonite, MDF (Medium density fiberboard), primed metal, and wood.

Want to test out a small section before doing an entire wall? Mini Jake in Williamsburg is now carrying quarts so you can try any of the 30 colors for just $24.99 . You can do even smaller tests with the 8oz. containers for $9.99. If you need more wall coverage Mini Jake is happy to order you a gallon for $74.99. Now all you have to do is pick the color!

Details:
Mini Jake
178 North 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-2005

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Archival Gold DVDs

In my other life or increasingly, my former life, I was a photographer. So, I get asked a lot about how to store digital photos.  Since so many of us are taking digital photos of our children, I thought this might prove of interest to you.

Here is what I do:

I make 2 backups of everything. EGADS! (I know, I know). But, I do. In fact, if I were really smart I would have 3 backups (which is what I am going to recommend to you).

1. I have a dedicated hard drive for my photos. Hard drives go bad though so you can’t depend upon this as your only storage. Case in point, I lost one of my photo hard drives a few months ago. Thankfully, Mac Concierge recovered all my data for a very fair price.
2. Secondly, I copy all the images to archival gold DVDs. The Archival Gold are supposed to be able to store your images for more than 100 years. Don’t forget a Safe Pen for writing on the DVDs. Regular pens or markers can destroy a DVD or CD due to their solvents and alcohols.
3. What I should do- but don’t….is have an online backup system like iPhoto, Migratr or any of the reasonably priced online storage systems.

Happy Shooting!

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Post tags: archival gold, archival gold dvd, dvd safe pen, photo storage, safe pen, storing photos

When I was a full-time employee at Barnes and Noble (for far too long at the age of 21 and 22 years), I invested my paycheck in books. I didn’t just buy art books or fiction books, but childrens’ books. I have a grand collection of childrens’ books from that time. After all, I did work in the children’s department when I got kicked out of the adult section for reorganizing the tattoo books into the art section and out of sociology. Sigh to the uncreative manager I had at Barnes and Noble. Because of my love for books, each year I invest in new holiday books for our bookshelves. Here are some newly published ones that I recommend.

Books  About Winter

Red Sled
Lita Judge
Ages 2-5 years
$16.99
This book has gotten starred reviews from virtually all the heavy book reviewers out there: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and the School Library Journal. This special book deserves it. The simple plot allows for some flat-out gleeful fun. A bear finds a red sled propped up on the side of a cabin and, intrigued, takes it for a spin- along with all his woodland pals. Each page shows a new creature holding on for the sled ride of its life. The text consists entirely of the animals sounds as they react to the wild and meandering sled ride. When my 5 year old saw the book he told me it was a “baby book.” After 2 pages of hearing it read aloud,  he clambered up on the bed and giggled at the sounds and illustrations. This book is one of my 3  year old new favorites. Delightful book.

Stars
Mary Lyn Ray
Illustrated by: Marla Frazee
Ages 2-6
$16.99
This book has garnered accolades from Book List, Publishers Weekly and others for not only the two-time Caldecott Honor winner Marla Frazee’s illustrations, but the breezy language of this new book.  We love this book in our family and it has become a frequently requested read at night. This book has in it the spirit of “Owl Moon”- that if we look, hear and feel- there is wonder in the world everywhere. There are stars in the moss that climbs the tree, stars in snowflakes and stars in the dried up leaves of dandelions. Stars can also transform: a star sticker can make a child a sheriff, a star wand can bestow wishes and you can even wish on a star. This lovely book creates wonderful opportunities for you to discuss abstract thoughts through visual symbols. I feel sure that this will become a classic book over time.

Books  About Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas
Laurel Long
Dial $16.99
All Ages
This new book has gorgeous and intricate drawings that illustrate the famous song with shades of symbolism. But, what’s truly unique about it is that each day’s new gift is repeated in each sequential drawing- and they are hidden throughout each page. Kids ages 5 years and up will love searching for the hidden doves or rings until the book culminates in one fantastical spread, incorporating each days’ gift.  The younger set might struggle with finding the items in the busy illustrations, but can enjoy the book nonetheless.

The Magical Christmas Horse
Mary Higgins Clark
Illustrated by: Wendell Minor
Ages 4-8 years
$17.99
This adult fiction author is a master of suspense and she uses it to captivate younger readers with her new Christmas book. Young Johnny goes to visit his grandparents for Christmas on their tree farm. He remembers a special rocking horse in his grandparents’ attic which he wants to give to his little brother for a Christmas present. When it’s nowhere to be found, he goes searching.  This nostalgic book is a sweet reminder of how wonderful and magical it can feel to be at a grandparents’ home for the holiday. The traditional drawings illustrate the sweeping rural farm and cozy interiors of the farmhouse.

Books  About Hanukkah

The Hanukkah Hop
Erica Silverman
Illustrated by: Steven D’Amico
Ages 3-6
$12.99
This feels like the perfect Brooklyn Hanukkah story. Rachel and her parents prepare their apartment for a party- including a rocking klezmer band.  They sing, light candles and dance the Hanukkah Hop. The rythmic rhyming lyrics are fun to read aloud and have a distinctive beebop beat to them. The 1960′s style mod illustrations are in perfect timing with the beat of the words. It all makes for a lively, youthful take on celebrating Hanukkah.

Eight Winter Nights
Laura Krass Melmed
Illustrated by: Elisabeth Schlossberg
All ages
$11.55
I got this book not because I love the story- in fact, there is none- but because it explains the traditions of Hanukkah so clearly with carefully constructed (but not overly wordy) rhymes. There are a lot of Hanukkah books out there that set out to explain the traditions of the Festival of Lights with either language that is too didactic or twisted around to make a rhyme that doesn’t really work. Laura Krass Melmed does an excellent job of finding just the right rhymes to make the lyrics easily understandable to even 3 year olds.  It’s a perfect primer for a child that wants to understand the holiday. The illustrations are done in pastel and have a warm, fuzzy feel that contribute to the feeling of a cozy family gathering.

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Post tags: 2011 christmas books, 2011 hanukkah books, best christmas books for children, best hanukkah books for children, best holiday books, best kids holiday books, eight winter nights, holiday book reviews, kids holiday books, red sled by lita judge, stars by mary lyn ray, the hanukkah hop, the magical christmas horse, the red sled, twelve days of christmas

While I can’t deny that the Christmas trees that grace the pages of home design magazines are gorgeous with their artfully arranged ornaments, coordinating ribbons,and garlands, they aren’t for me.  I vowed that when I became a parent I would never have such a perfect looking tree.  A Martha Stewart approved Christmas tree would just never work with one of my beloved Barbie doll ornaments my mother has given me over the years, or my easy bake oven ornament that actually lights up and smells like cookies.  My husband’s Scooby Doo “mystery machine” ornament would definitely stick out like a sore thumb.

My love of quirky ornaments probably started when I was little, and my sister and I would actually argue over who got to hang my dad’s vintage spaceman ornament on our tree.  It was his favorite ornament from when he was a kid in the 1950’s, and it was always the star of our family tree.  I still get excited each year as I unwrap our ornaments and remember who gave it to me or where and when I bought it.  Like the undeniably cheesy Lenox bride and groom ornament I bought the year of my wedding.  Or the birthstone ornament I bought with my daughter’s name on it.

So when I passed by Authentiques Past and Present in Manhattan and saw a spaceman ornament much like my father’s in the window, I had to go inside.  Authentiques, which has been in business for over thirty years is a mini Christmas wonderland. Every inch of the store is covered in Christmas decorations. They have reasonably priced vintage ornaments, new ornaments in every shape from robots and Eiffel towers to fruits and vegetables, star toppers, and reindeers for your yard.  They also have fantastic vintage gifts a la Mad Men.  Ashtrays, cocktail glasses, and jewelry.  My daughter was so excited to be in the shop that she actually listened to me when I told her NOT to touch anything.  The two gentlemen who were working that day gave June her very own basket to put her ornaments in and carefully wrapped her selection up with double the bubble wrap so that she could carry it herself.  We’ll be back to pick out another ornament next year, and I’m glad that my daughter will now be part of our Christmas tradition – and I’m wondering which ornament she’ll be most excited to unwrap.  Will it be Barbie?  The easy bake oven?  Or her very own robot?

Authentiques Past and Present
255 West 18th Street (between 7th and 8th Aves)
New York, NY 10011
212-675-2179
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Wed-Sat from 12-6 pm and Sunday from 1-6 pm

Paula Balzer

*********
Paula Balzer is a Brooklyn based literary agent and co-founder of the blog www.adhocmom.com, the blog for freelance and part-time working moms.

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Post tags: authentiques, authentiques past and present, christmas ornament, christmas shop, glass ornament, manhattan, new york city, ornaments, store in chelsea, vintage ornament, west 18th street

Last year I wrote about my triumph in finding the perfect multivitamin for my children. Yes, some go on a quest to find themselves, but my 3 year quest was to find the ideal kid’s vitamin! SmartyPants gummy is an all-in-one vitamin that has BOTH the Omega-3s and 100% of recommended daily vitamins. Forget that sticky fish oil with that pungent after-taste. Ditch that Disneyfied vitamin dripping in high fructose corn syrup. SmartyPants gummies are delicious gumdrops that are good tasting and good for your kids (and I promise you, they will ask for more!)

After I wrote about SmartyPants, so many of you tried the vitamins (and kept buying!), that SmartyPants knows you are some of their most loyal customers. So, great news for us: they contacted me yesterday to give us all a 50% off discount on the Children’s Multivitamins. Woo hoo! Order your 3 month supply now- or, if you are new to the brand, this is a perfect opportunity to try them out.

The code is ACGB50 for 50% off. There is a limit in the amount for the discount (as with all good things): limit 3 single bottles or 1 three pack per customer.

For more info on SmartyPants Vitamins or to buy some, you can go here.

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Now that we are in September, those of us less inclined to the cold chill, have started our heat. That means steaming hot radiators and floor-to-ceiling scalding hot pipes. How do you child proof them and do you really need to? The short answers are: many ways, and definitely yes, yes!

First: Is your landlord required to provide radiator covers?

Here is the answer: The uncovered radiator does not, however, constitute the type of hazardous condition of which actual or constructive notice would expose a landlord to common-law liability…Thus, notwithstanding the tenant’s complaints in this case, it was not the landlord’s duty to provide a cover for the radiator. (Legal jargon aside- “no”.)

Second: Can you teach a child not to touch a radiator? From my research, I would say that a child under 5 years can be at risk of touching, falling into or playing near a radiator and it is best to guard your radiator in some way for children of those ages. The support for this conclusion is below, but just a note of forewarning: this part is really unpleasant and I don’t want anyone to get terribly upset, so if you are squeamish, SKIP the rest of this paragraph. This information is from the CDC. From September 1991 through April 1994, a total of 10 children were treated in one pediatric clinic in Chicago for burns resulting from contact with home radiators. The children ranged in age from 7 months to 5 years; six were aged less than 2 years, and six were boys. One was a 16-month-old child who touched an exposed steam radiator pipe, resulting in severe burns to the palm of her hand that required a skin graft. The other was a 7-month-old infant who fell out of bed and became wedged between the bed and the radiator, resulting in multiple burns to her left hand, left arm, left ear, and left side of the head that required treatment in a burn unit. Two other children (aged 10 months and 31 months) also were burned when they became trapped between a bed and a steam radiator.

Okay, the hard part is over.

Here are some ways to childproof your radiators. (Don’t hold me liable for any of this- some of them sound like major fire hazards to me- but go ahead and try them if they suit you).

1. Build a mesh “cage” over them
2. Wrap towels over them
3. Bang together 3 pieces of plywood that are taller than the radiator as a guard to encase the radiator
4. Put a child’s safety gate around the radiator- look specifically at hearth gates
5. Go to your local hardware store: a lot of them supply inexpensive radiator covers. Pintchik in Prospect Heights is one. (Brownstoner readers commented on some local makers here too)
6. Lastly, you can try fabric radiator covers. Unfortunately, the only ones that seem to be available are from the UK and Italy. As our dollar is super weak, this isn’t so great for us, however, it might be worth it in the end.  Rad Pads are the best known in the UK and you can get them here: http://www.razbaby.co.uk/acatalog/Radpad.html.  A reader found this other fantastic option :http://www.safetots.co.uk/Fire-Guard-Safety/627-67.htm. Thanks for letting us all know! Lastly, this website makes fabric radiator covers with any picture, fabric color or even company logo! Sounds fun: http://www.colorecalore.it/inglese/colori.html This company is Italy- again you are challenged by the weak dollar.  (Psst…..last year Rad Pads wrote me and said if A Child Grows readers ordered a Rad Pad that they would provide free shipping,  you might ask them if they will do that deal again this year for you. Worth a try!) One reader wrote in last year to tell us this: “i came across a company that makes the fabric covers. unfortunatley only in red or blue but at least they make them: http://www.safetots.co.uk/Fire-Guard-Safety/627-67.htm”

If anyone else has come up with a solution that has worked for them, please list it in the comments section at the end of this post.

NEXT WEEK: how to deal with childproofing heating pipes- you know, those ones that reach from floor to ceiling….

If you are looking for a more permanent solution for your radiators- there are plenty of places to look, some of them are local and some of them online. I am not recommending any of these- just listing them.

The Shutter Shack:
They have custom molded steel designs.  I have heard a few people say they have been happy with the Shutter Shack.
TomKat Fine Woodworking
These are custom made radiator covers in a variety of styles- including Mission style with various moldings. I found them through This Old House.
The Wooden Radiator Company
This Chicago company builds custom radiator cabinets in wood or metal. I found them through This Old House.
Stanley Radiator Enclosures
These are metal radiator covers that come in stock sizes or custom sizes. In Jackson Heights.
Wolf Radiator Enclosures
www.eradiatorcovers.biz/ – they have a ton of designs in wood
David Vincent Woodwork
www.coveritwithwood.com/products.htm These look exceptionally nice.
Cabinet Shop
309 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Park Slope)
(718) 832-9884

Fichman
http://www.fichman.com/. I love these designs- and they start at $185..really?

I love this cover- and couch! From Fichman (listed above)

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Post tags: babyproofing radiator, do you need to babyproof, fabric, homemade, homemade radiator cover, nice radiator cover, radiator cover, wood

My husband decided TODAY to throw away our teflon pan and roasting rack, both of which had flecks of teflon missing. Duh, why hadn’t we done this before?  It’s amazing to me that I can be neurotic about buying organic apples and then let a deteriorating Teflon pan go by… month after month. Courtney from Baby Bodyguards has found an alternative to Teflon, and loves it!

The Green-Pan, A Solution to Safer Cooking and a Healthy Planet  by Baby Bodyguards

I received a full set of Teflon pots and pans when I got married a few years ago. We cook everyday and I started noticing pieces of the Teflon coating coming off. I immediately threw my pots and pans to the wind, because it doesn’t take a scientist to infer that eating Teflon is probably a bad idea.

Lauren Sucher, of the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D. C., organization that compiles data on toxicology, recommends that people phase out the use of Teflon cookware in their home. Chemicals used in Teflon have been shown to be lethal to birds, and cause flu-like symptoms in humans. In 2005, the EPA said a chemical (PFOA) used to make Teflon is “likely a carcinogen” and in January 2006, DuPont, the only company that manufactures the chemical in the US, agreed to eliminate releases of the chemical from its manufacturing plants by 2015.

So, what are the alternatives?

Stainless steel is a great alternative, but I don’t have the time or elbow grease needed to be scrubbing those bad boys. Cast Iron is also a winner, but it requires some maintenance, (aka seasoning to last), and it is not dishwasher safe.  After a lot of research, I came across the Green-Pan and I had to try it.

Green-Pan is the first Teflon free non-stick pan. Using something called Thermolon technology, they’ve made a non-stick mineral coating that is food-safe, and won’t be damaged or emit nasty fumes, even at super high temperatures. It can resist heat up to 850 degrees, and you never need to use butter or oil to coat the pan, which is great for the waistline. I have used it several times and nothing sticks to it! It also doesn’t hurt that their cookware is attractive and affordable.

(This is Karen here: we have stainless steel and cast iron. First, to clean stainless steel, I use my pot scraper. I LOVE this thing- it makes cleaning everything a cinch. There is a new “green” bamboo pot scraper out there that you can buy. As far as cast iron, I swear food tastes better in it. Some people don’t like them as they are soooo heavy and you aren’t supposed to use soap to clean them and that grosses people out. I admit to using soap once in a while, but don’t tell Papa Tree. He depends on the seasoning of the cast iron to make his lamb taste good).

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• Baby Proofers in Brooklyn
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• How Toxic Is Your Paint?
• Update On Lead Paint From A Parent
• Lead Paint- How Do You Know If You Have It?
• Organic Mattresses- More Research

Most of you have heard about Baby Bodyguards by now. First, they came and did an excellent “spec” on babyproofing our place, then they wrote a popular post on our blog about window guards for NYC, now they have been raved about on Park Slope Parents. They are getting lots of mainstream press as well. They have done a few “unofficial” posts for us already, but now they have their own Expert Advice page. (As do all of our Experts). Baby Bodyguards was born out of our love and concern for children everywhere. The Baby Bodyguard family consists of hand picked Pediatricians, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Firemen, Contractors and Craftsmen, all of whom share the same passion for child safety

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Post tags: Food and Drink, Going Green

Community Playthings small crib with storage

We live in NYC so you know how challenging it can be to carve space out for all the things you would like to have for a baby: a changing table, bookcase and a crib! If you are looking for a solution for making that nursery/junior bedroom work for your baby, we have founds some mini cribs for you.

Communityplaythings.com is a brand I love. You see their tables and chairs in a lot of private school classrooms as they really understand spacial needs for caregivers.   They also apparently have a fabulous mini crib. A few people on our listserve in Fort Greene Brooklyn have bought them and been very happy with them.   You can buy it with/out the telescoping side that will save your back. They’re not dropsides, so they’re not banned.The childproof latch operates with only one hand, so you can adjust it while holding a baby. There are optional storage drawers for under the crib.  (Prices start at $320.00.) (See photos above and below for both images of the crib).

The DaVinci Annabelle is another option and people love the small crib, but don’t like the flimsy mattress. (Around $189).

The DaVinci Annabelle

We loved our Arms Reach CoSleeper. It is especially great for newborns and if you want to have your baby near your own bed. It has a lot of storage both below the bassinet and also in pockets on both sides.  Arms Reach recommends to stop using the CoSleeper when your child can pull herself up on her knees. We used ours far longer for both kids (until they were each 10 months). It was cozy, small and well-made. (Around $140).  ArmsReach also sells a Sleigh Bed which is a nice-looking small crib that will hold up to 500 lbs. (Around $290).

Arms Reach Cosleeper

My friend swears by her Stokke Sleepi Mini crib and how it works wonderfully in her small apartment. She also likes its portability with the caster wheels. When a guest comes to stay, she wheels it from one room to another.  Though it was a big splurge she loves it. I always love Stokke’s designs and think this is a pretty cool one. (Around $800)

I did see a prototype at Stokke of a new bassinett, changing table they are going to start offering. It’s pretty fantastic. When that one becomes available, I’ll add it here.

Anyone else have a small or mini crib they love?

A Child Grows, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: apartment sized crib, community playthings, crib for small spaces, davinci annabelle, mini crib, oval crib, sleepi, small crib, stokke

Provide some relief to a teething baby with an organic teether.

Teething is not only painful for babies- it’s painful for us parents. The screaming, crying and anxiety of hearing your child hurt can be awful. How do you soothe your child? I have tried everything from frozen peas to cold rings, necklaces, blanket or other chewable teethers – some work and others don’t. The problem with most conventional teethers is that they may contain toxic plastics and harsh chemicals like BPA and formaldehyde that goes directly into your baby’s mouth.  The best bet is to use an organic teether or teething bib that will provide relief while containing no toxins.

In general, organic teethers should be free of BPA, silicone, PVC and pthalates. They should also be free of chemicals, dyes and synthetic fabrics. This also means that teethers are made with eco-friendly materials like 100% organic cotton, maple or wood. Check out our list of organic teethers that are environmentally friendly and will also provide soothe tender gums and provide your baby with comfort and relief.

Sophie the Giraffe ($17.31 on Amazon): This is an infamous teether in Brooklyn, and rightly so. Sophie the Giraffe has some magical pull for babies. We had 3 come and go and I almost bought a fourth one to replace the last lost one. It was that important to our daily life! Sophie is handmade from pure, natural rubber extracted from the Hevea tree,  free from BPA, PVC, parabens, phthlatates, and chemical softeners. The paint used on Sophie is from food-quality paints so no need to worry about anything harsh going into your baby’s mouth. Sophie is also soft, flexible, and slender – making her easy for babies to grasp and squeeze and place in their mouths when they need to soothe sore gums.

Sophie the Giraffe by Vulli

Organic Cotton Knit Teethers ($12.00): Created by miYim, this non-toxic organic teether features adorable characters like an elephant, a bunny, a bear and a monkey. All teethers are chemical free, use low-impact dyes and are made from 100% organic cotton. Although we have never used them personally, the company claims the organic knit material is durable and  massages your child’s gums as they chew.

Organic Cotton Knit Teethers by miYim

Green Sprouts makes a number of organic teethers, blankets and bits. Their Organic Teether Bib ($8.95) is a lightweight and absorbent terry bib that includes a removable PVC-free teething ring. The ring also contains sterilized water to help soothe sensitive and tender gums. The reviews on the Teether Bib are consistently high and people love it.

Green Sprouts Organic Teether Bib

The company also sells an Organic Terry Circus Animal Teether ($7.99) that is also BPA, PVC and phthalate free and made with an organic cotton terry cloth. These EVA teething rings can also be chilled in the refrigerator for a soothing effect and the plush toy is cute and soft for a little baby.

Organic Terry Circus Animal Teether by Green Sprouts

“Knotty Bambini” Organic Wood Teethers ($8.00): Created by IndieBambino, this 100% organic wood teether has no plastic or toxic dyes. The teethers are made with raw birch wood that can be finished with 100% certified organic flax seed oil, all natural beeswax and olive oil or 100% certified organic unrefined coconut oil (the choice is up to you). The teething rings also contain a piece of organic bamboo velour that has been knotted or doubled over so that your baby can chew on something non-toxic. The ends can be dipped in water and placed in the refrigerator to soothe baby’s gums.

"Knotty Bambini" Organic Wood Teether by IndieBambino

Organic Fruit and Veggie Teething Toys by Under the Nile ($7.00):  Created by Under the Nile, this organic fruit and veggie teether is handmade and stuffed with the 100% organic Egyptian cotton. There are also no pesticides, chemicals, or artficifal dyes in the teether. Additionally, the accessories such as buttons and zippers are made from organically friendly elements such as wood, shell or nickel-free metals. The company also states that all of their toys are tested according to the ASTM United States government standard as well as to the EN1 European standard and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). We had the banana and though it never appealed to our baby, she did end up playing with it as a plush toy when she got older.

Organic Fruit and Veggie Teething Toys by Under the Nile

Dandelion Organic Cozy Crinkle Book Teether ($11.00): This Dandelion Organic Cozy Crinkle Book functions as a teether and a discovery toy as they explore the books knots, tags and crinkly sounds. As your child grows they can also learn about various objects like apples, birds and cats, that are stitched on the books 3 pages. The product is also earth-friendly and made from organic cotton.

Dandelion Organic Cozy Crinkle Book Teether

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace ($18.95): A traditional European remedy for baby teething is to wear baltic amber close to the skin. A natural analgesic, amber is said to calm a baby without the use of any drugs. Made from fossilized tree resin, the company states that you should leave the teething necklace in the sun to warm it up and increase its natural soothing effect. Since this is worn around the neck, be sure to take it off at night and watch that the clasps aren’t too tight.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Nuby Natural Touch Softees Teether: ($3.90) One of our favorites teething rings was this Nuby Hand Teether. The hard yet pliable surface that feels rubbery is soothing on gums. The shape of the hand is easy to grasp and our baby liked trying all the different “fingers” in her mouth, one by one.  It is all natural and inexpensive at

A Child Grows, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: baby gums, natural teethers, organic teethers, organic teethers for baby, teethers for baby, teething, wood teethers