Gentle Toxin-Free Baby Products

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You already know how much I loved the Edible Bubba Range.

Sadly it has been discontinued for the moment. The kept the best selling Bottom Creme, through which you can now get under the Edible Beauty range here.
(Use Code Liv20 at checkout for 20% off)

I am really happy to have found other great, gentle and toxin-free products for Faye.
She loves playing in the mud these days and just water doesn't cut it anymore at bathtime.
Oh, you should see her little feet and toenails...
Generally, though, I am a firm believer in less is more and it's best to not use too many cosmetics on little ones. So: Always try water first and with young babies water & a natural oil like Coconut is enough in the bath. Read Faye's first bath and newborn bath setup here.

The Weleda Calendula Range is ace, especially the cream bath ist extra gentle and hydrating, so soap bubbles here, which means no drying, yay! This is our daily (or twice daily) bath go-to product. I also adore the smell. It's very aromatic but mild. Faye seems to really like it for her night time bath and the Calendula helps to heal all her little scratches from exploring.
It's hydrating enough, so I don't use a lotion afterwards.

Ever so often I give her head and feet a wash with the Shampoo & Wash, but she does not need this often. She is a toddler now though and walking and eating has allowed for a whole new level of messiness. Some days her breakfast ends up in her ears and hair and requires a bit of shampoo...but that's another story.

Faye does take 2 showers and 1 bath every day. There is no way around it.
They are rather short and we only use a small tub, so it's not a huge affair or use of water.
I am so grateful that it's warm here in Sydney and that she loves water, so I am not worried about keeping her warm afterwards. (Update: Now that it's Winter time and Faye has turned 1, she only takes daily night time baths. The occasional morning shower and only sponge baths/wipes in between. Her eating skills have advanced)

We also tested the Envirocare Bubble Bath Products. They are great fun, as they do make a few bubbles, but they are still don't have any harsh detergents. Perfect for bath time fun and also when Faye really needs a scrub down. We tried the regular and sensitive one. They are pretty much the same with the small difference of having essential Chamomile Oil in the regular one for a little calming aromatherapy benefit. Both don't have a strong smell and are perfect for the most sensitive noses. If you don't want your products to smell of anything, these are for you. The packaging is very practical and super cute with the kangaroos. The 500ml are also very generous and will last a long time. No drying, no sensitivities. A really great, clean and Australian brand!

 


 

PATCH: Organic Bandages For All Kinds Of Boo-Boos

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Have you seen PATCH? No?
It's a really great organic & toxin-free alternative to your good old band-aid.
I just got these cuties sent and had to share!
Faye just got to the age of bumps & boo-boos, trying to balance on her feet & crawling, scooting around. I remember quite clearly all the scraped knees of my own childhood and I know that these strips will come in handy for all the years to come.
But I am also happy that these are such a cool option for babies & kids, as they are suitable for those with the most sensitive skin. Made with a gentle pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), certified organic bamboo fibre and organic bamboo gauze. They are also
THIMEROSAL FREE  - MERTHIOLATE FREE   - LATEX FREE . Which makes them hypoallergenic and safe to use on little ones and adults alike.

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And they really did a great job on the outside, too! The brown recycled paper tubes with sleek typography are just SO beautiful to look at! Packaging absolutely nailed. I will even keep them around for Faye to play with.

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There is a kids version of the cutest Panda print, which to be honest, is totally what I would choose to wear myself. This one is enriched with Coconut Oil, which means no more red marks or nasty reactions from plasters. These are super soft and easy to remove, but they do stick very well at the same time. Created for the future eco warriors.
They further have a simple and plain version that is a nude colour and without any extra ingredients, perfect for the minimalist ;)
The black strip version with activated charcoal, which helps wound healing especially for bites, splinters & grazes and a Tan strip version, enriched with Aloe Vera, they speed up wound healing and are perfect for burns, blisters, grazes & scrapes. Cool, huh?

I am overall quite inspired how these guys took such a simple, yet boring product and really turned it around offering a safe, healthy, eco-friendly & very well designed product!


Thumbs up from this Mama and highly recommended!
Here is to all our adventures!
 

Postpartum Healing- My journey tips & tricks

I made a little video, trying to sum up the things that helped me postpartum...
I hope when you are watching this you might have some time on your hands, waiting for your bub to arrive. I failed to be brief... and even after this long video there were still things I forgot to mention, but I had to stop myself eventually!
I really hope this is helpful!


I have also copied the links of my pregnancy posts below:

3rd Trimester http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...
2nd Trimester: http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...
1st Trimester: http://www.livlifemag.com/livwell/201...

Why I Am Raising My Daughter Vegan & Health Expert Interview

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If you know me, have been reading this blog or are following me on Instagram you have probably noticed that I am vegan. I believe this is the kindest, healthiest and most respectful lifestyle and like all normal, loving parents, I will do what I think is best for my children.
It's better for the planet and other humans, as world hunger and thirst would easily be resolved with a vegan diet, it's better for your own health (if you are following a balanced plant-based diet), it's better for the animals! So it's a win-win-win situation :)
Some people have asked me lately if I will bring up my daughter to be vegan. Some with concerned looks on their faces, others with genuine interest on the topic. The answer is:
Yes, absolutely! Please read on if you are interested in the scientific evidence and also a great video interview with a professional!

Let's clear up the facts right from the start with the unbiased and official statement by the American Dietetic Association here. If you don't want to click over here it is summed up for you:

" It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes."

I realised that many people are very misinformed when it comes to nutritional advice.
Although I always do the very extended research myself, I wanted to share an expert interview with you on this topic. I am very thrilled to have been able to speak to the well-respected Naturopath & Health Science Expert Robyn Chuter, who is much more articulate than I am and also a professional in this field.
She will share with you the scientific evidence that supports plant-based eating.

I really hope you enjoy this special in-depth interview that will help you understand more about how and why vegan children are thriving.



(Okay, the odds were against us when I was recording this video. We had to do it twice and unfortunately the second recording the internet connection was getting weak and little Faye deconstructed my microphone...but hey, the facts and content are still good, so cut this new Mama some slack with the technical issues!)

Are you inspired to make a change? Here are some of the great resources to get started with a plant-based diet as mentioned in the Video:

 Watch the documentaries:

What The Health

Forks Over Knives

Eating You Alive

Check out the websites:  

The Plantrician Project ( Quick Start Guide) 
 Empower Total Health
Dr. McDougall