Green Treehouse

My little guy would rather drink anything but water, unless of course it’s bedtime (that’s the only time he wants to drink it…”more, mmmore, mmmorre water, please”). Getting kids to drink plenty of water goes beyond saving money at the grocery store. Drinking water is about health.

Actually, water is essential for good health. The body is made up of mostly water–our blood and organs contain water. Water helps regulate the body, remove waste, maximize efficiency, rejuvenate and protect, among other functions. Drinking too little water can lead to dehydration. Exercise and activity (think sweat, urination) can also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can interfere with overall healthy functioning, performance, and possibly result in illness.

Since, you’ve probably already lost your kids on these points, and you’ve probably already tried explaining the importance of drinking water a zillion times, here’s an approach to getting your kid to drink H2O.

1. Remind them that even if they don’t feel thirsty, they may need to drink water.

2. Tell them to look for clues (like a detective!). Urine color is a good indicator of hydration status (a yellow color and strong odor may indicate your kid needs to drink more water). Keep in mind headaches might also be associated with dehydration.

3. Give them a totally cool water bottle to keep with them throughout the day. Suggest that your kid play a game with the bottle. Whenever they “see” the bottle they have to take a sip from it. My kids love SIGG Kids Bottles and actually beg me for water refills!

4. Be that good influence. If you child sees you drink water, they will probably be more inclined to want to drink it.

As always, be sure to talk with your pediatrician or family doctor if you have any concerns about your child’s health or water consumption.

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If you thought glass baby bottles were old school, think again. Glass baby bottles are making a comeback. Babylife is just one company to reintroduce glass baby bottles, only with a modern safety sleeve that helps prevents breakage. BornFree and Dr. Brown’s make glass bottles, too.

Why the glass craze? In light of recent concerns about exposure to chemicals in plastic bottles (leaching), manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for plastic alternatives by offering glass bottles that are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free. Now, parents have more choices than ever when it comes to baby bottles. Even fashionable and totally funky glass bottles!

If you’re looking for a baby shower gift that has eco-chic mama written all over it, glass bottles are it!

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Several days back, I purged my cabinets of old grungy sippy cups, opting to replace the stash with BornFree Drinking Cups. BornFree products are free of Bisphenol-A, the chemical that is found in cups made from polycarbonate plastic. Studies have linked Bisphenol-A to reproductive health issues, among other health problems.

BornFree is not the only company to make Bisphenol-A free cups and bottles. thinkbaby offers a complete line of bottles and trainer cups.

For parents worried about toxic chemicals leaching from plastic baby products and their baby’s health, thinkbaby’s products are the answer to those worries. thinkbaby’s products are Free of Bisphenol-A, phthalates and lead. thinkbaby is also an environmentally conscious company–it uses eco-friendly packaging and even donates a portion of purchases to support the non-profit, Healthy Child Healthy World.

BabyEarth carries a great selection of BornFree and thinkbaby products.

To learn more about growing international concerns over plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, check out this YouTube video.

Yesterday, I decided to reclaim the “sippy cup” cupboard in my kitchen.  You see, over the years I’ve amassed sippy cups of nearly every brand, including Avent, Munchkin, Nuby, and Gerber.  Every time I open ”the” cupboard, sippy cups, tops, and spill proof valves fall out on top of me.  To make matters worse, whenever I go to use a particular cup, I waste multiple minutes rummaging around for the matching top and valve. 

As sentimental as those spouts with baby teeth chew marks may be, a full purge was in order. I decided the ultimate solution is to start anew.  This time with BornFree Drinking Cups.  BornFree bottles and cups have made headline news in recent months.  Why?  Because BornFree products are said to be the ultimate in safe feeding.  BornFree products are made free from the chemical Bisphenol-A., a chemical found in bottles and cups made from polycarbonate plastic.  Studies suggest that Bisphenol-A can leach into bottles and cups, which may have potential health consequences.  BornFree products may cost a little bit more, but the potential for added safety and a clean sippy cup cupboard are well worth the price.

If your child uses BornFree products, what influenced your decision to buy the products?