Parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors, and as a result more and more women look for alternative beauty products and brands that choose not to use the controversial chemical. But the use of chemical esters like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben is not only limited to women’s cosmetics: a lot of baby product brands use parabens as well.

The following products can be found in New York City stores and online:

Method offers baby products ranging from body wash and diaper cream to bubbly bath gels and body lotions. The price is right at $6 for 8oz bottles.

Burt’s Bees baby products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, petrochemical-free, and phthalate-free. Apart from soaps and shampoos, Burt’s Bees also carries balms, bath oils, moisturizers, and baby powder.

Little Twig baby products are featured on PETA’s Cruelty Free Shopping List and offer natural, mild and organic products like bath bubbles, body milks and baby oils.

California Baby has replaced the conventional sodium lauryl sulfate and DEA with biodegradable decyl polyglucose and it boasts a wide range of natural baby products like hair conditioner, repellent sprays, diaper cream, and aromatherapy spritzers.

Erba Organics offers a variety of products free of parabens, pesticides, sodium lauryl sulfates, and artificial colorings. Aside from natural and gentle lotions, shampoos, diaper creams, and body oils, Erba Organics also carries a convenient travel kit.

Whether it is called a lunch box, bento box, or a tiffin – each of these lunch systems is used around the world to transport food from one place to another for a meal on the go.  In India, tiffins are a part of daily life, with fresh hot meals delivered for lunch and dinner.  The major benefit being that the bento and tiffin are compartmentalized, so each food item stays in the original form and flavors won’t mix with each other.  In one box, you can separate your veggies from your sweets and maintain the integrity of the food, and no more mess!    Not only that, but using one of these systems reduces waste, bringing us one step closer towards leading a greener lifestyle.  It also allows Mama Sahelis to exercise portion control in an effort to battle childhood obesity.  

CitySaheli has  spotted a stunning new interpretation of the typical tiffin, made by Vivo Direct.  These colorful melamine tiffins come in multiple sizes, which can not only be used by your child, but by the rest of the family for their meals on-the-go.  CitySaheli LOVES the bright pink/orange/yellow/red tiffins – perfect for a stylish Saheli or mini-Saheli who likes to stand apart from the cafeteria crowd! 

Just in time to get your family organized for back-to-school, CitySaheli readers will receive a 10% discount off their orders at www.vivodirect.com by entering the coupon code vivodirect member at checkout.   Happy Munching!

The ghodiyu has been used for generations in India and has put many happy and healthy babies to sleep, while allowing their parents some R&R for their tired bodies.  It is essentially a hammock that envelops the child, simulating a womb-like experience, thereby quieting and calming the child.  With minimal strain on your body, the baby can then be rocked to sleep by pulling on the string attached to the hammock at whatever speed you like.  The best part is, it can be placed next to your bed so you don’t even have to get up in the middle of the night if the baby starts getting fussy!  All you new-mom Saheli’s know just how difficult and exhausting that can be!   

Additional benefits in using the ghodiyu are:

• Reflux Reduction  – due to the natural curve in the hammock the baby’s head is raised higher than the rest of his/her body
• Spine Support – the curvature of the spine is supported naturally once the baby is suspended in the hammock
• Prevents Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome – the baby’s weight is evenly distributed as the hammock conforms to the baby’s shape

Now Sahelis, you may be asking – where can find a ghodiyu in the USA?  Not only have we found a vendor that sells the original ghodiyu design in a lovely stainless steel, but we have also found a variation of this traditional Indian baby swing.  Ghodiyu.net offers the metal version, which we have tested and can honestly say is “heaven for kids”.  CitySaheli has watched a number of children fall asleep quickly and remain in slumberland for more time than when they are placed on an open mattress/playpen/crib. 

For a more modern interpretation, Hushamok.com offers a baby hammock, which offers similar, if not the same, benefits as the ghodiyu.  The makers of this baby hammock say this version was said to have originated in Latin America and it is truly different from others in that it is centrally suspended by a leaf-spring that causes the motion to be smooth and non-jerky.  

 As a special offer to CitySaheli Baby readers Hushamok.com has offered a chance to win a free MySeat ($219 value) when you purchase a hammock with the okoa stand.  Be sure to enter CitySaheli in the  where did you hear about us box.  Here is a sample of what it looks like.

* To prevent any ‘bumps in the night’, babies should not be placed in the ghodiyu/baby hammock once they are able to roll over on their own (approximately 4 – 6 months old).   

Sama Baby head designer, Neha Gupta, picked out this summer’s essential Sama Baby pieces. Check’em out!

Bring out the rock star in your baby. 

 All glammed up!

The newest and greatest addition to the Sama Baby line, organic DENIM!!

Go green!

 Aside from the cute clothing, you might ask – why dress my child in organic clothing? 

There has been an emphasis on the food we ingest and the relevance of consuming organic fruits and vegetables, but often we overlook the many harmful pesticides and fertilizers that are used on cotton.  Since it isn’t a food crop, the use of chemicals on the plant is not regulated.  Believe it or not – 25% of the world’s pesticides are used when growing cotton!  Since an infant’s skin is very thin and porous, she is very susceptible to ingesting some of these chemicals. Studies have shown that organic cotton can benefit children who show symptoms of asthma, eczema and allergies.

Remember, taking small steps – such as buying organic – helps create a pure clean environment for your little ones and for future little ones to come.

Sama Baby is proud to offer CitySaheli readers a 10% discount!  Simply enter the code SAHELI during check out. 

Vitamin D is a steroid with hormone-like activity and is also one of the four main fat-soluble vitamins. It regulates the functions of over 200 genes and is essential for growth and development of the body. 

Vitamin D is especially important for pregnant women.  According to Science Daily, seven out of every ten pregnant women in the United States are not getting enough Vitamin D. Though supplementation poses as a solution, prenatal vitamins do not provide enough vitamin D, and at times higher doses are needed to raise levels.

Vitamin D deficiency amongst newborns and infants has especially been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, neurodevelopment disorders, and weaker bone structure. For adults, deficient levels have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and certain types of cancer.

CitySaheli asked Health Guru, Anita Mirchandani, how to ensure our Sahelis get enough Vitamin D.  Here is what she shared with CitySaheli: 

• Be cognizant about your annual physical and blood work
• As little as ten minutes daily of sun exposure could help achieve your recommended daily allowance (RDA)
• Dietary sources include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or sardines, eggs with yolk, mushrooms, vitamin D fortified milk, orange juice fortified with vitamin D, 6 oz yogurt fortified with vitamin D, 1 ounce Swiss cheese * always check labels for exact daily value amounts
• Try a multivitamin (includes vitamin D) especially if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, live in colder climates (up north especially), or work indoors most of the day
• Recommended amount of Vitamin D includes 5 micrograms (200 IU) for all individuals under the age of 50 including pregnant and lactating women

Satya and Beth decided to pursue their dream of designing their own line while on separate soul-searching journeys. “I was in Thailand immersed in Buddhist culture while Satya was in the Bahamas at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram engaged in a month long teacher training course,” explains Beth. Satya adds, “At the end of my training, I was given the spiritual name Satya, meaning “truth”. We were both excited to use the name for our collection and create jewelry with beauty, truth and meaning.” 

Each Satya jewelry piece is tagged with an explanation, so the owner knows the meaning behind the different components of the piece.  Satya designs have been worn by Courteney Cox, Susan Sarandon, Scarlett Johansen and Rachel Bilson.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Satya Jewelry has just launched a fabulous mother daughter line.  The collection  is in silver and carries lovely charm bracelets, and necklaces that can match mom. 

CitySaheli got a chance to speak to the founders of Satya jewelry to find out more about their their jewelry line.  Read below to find out what they had to say. 

CitySaheli: What are five words used to describe Satya Jewelry?
Satya & Beth: Delicate, unique, inspiring, meaningful, playful 

CitySaheli: What inspired you to start your own company?
Satya & Beth: Taking a thrilling leap with my best friend (business partner) to be truer to myself.  

CitySaheli: Now that the company has grown so rapidly, has your role changed in the company?
Satya & Beth: I am not packing the boxes anymore but the essence of being hands on is the same.    

CitySaheli: Much of the jewelry carries symbolic meaning, how have you seen your customers react to this feature of the jewelry?
Satya & Beth:  Very often customers write or tell me how the jewelry has become a part of their life (they imbue it with an intention or use it as a reminder of an event, person, desire), I feel very humble and honored.  The jewelry can be a vehicle for people to embrace themselves and potential.

CitySaheli: What is the most glamorous part of owning your own company?
Satya & Beth: Getting to travel to yoga conferences and exotic places for work!

CitySaheli: What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Satya & Beth: To touch more people and raise more money for great causes.

CitySaheli: We know that you have travelled to India and the Far East quite a bit, what were your favorite spots? 
Satya & Beth: The most memorable moments of our trips are always the time we spend with people: seeing a rural culture with the hill tribes in northern Thailand, hearing Thich Nhat Hanhs speak at his root monastery in Vietnam during his first trip back since his 40 year exile and visiting the schools we sponsor.  Most relaxing were secluded beaches on Thai islands Ko Chang or Ko Samui. 

CitySaheli: Can you tell us what your must have pieces are for the Summer?
Satya & Beth: Layered turquoise necklaces with layered stretch bracelets from our new “stone of health” collection.   

Here are some of CitySaheli’s picks…

Events & Promotions

Satya stores are popping up everywhere, with the newest opening in Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. Foundrs Satya and Beth will be at the Satya Shop in NJ on Thursday April 29^th between 6 and 8 pm.  Wine, Cheese, and author Dani Shapiro will be reading from her new memoir, Devotion!

Also if you purchase more than $150 in store or online, receive a complimentary Bliss gift bag!! While supplies last!
 

For more info or to shop online visit: http://satyajewelry.com

City Saheli has had a chance to sit down with some of our own mothers to find out exactly why we are told to eat and drink certain concoctions during this exciting and overwhelming time in our lives.  We have chosen to list a few that were most commonly referenced by our ‘expert’ sources:

Raab – This liquid mixture, made of a combination of cloves, ajwain (carom seed) powder, ginger powder, jaggery, ghee and water, is an internal cleanser that helps reduce your stomach.  It also is supposed to increase your energy and strengthen your back, which is much needed after all the pushing and heavy lifting you have done for the past 9 months!  It should be taken first thing in the morning for approximately 2 weeks post partum for the desired effects to be achieved. 

Gundar Pak – A form of mithai (Indian sweet) made of gur (jaggery), gundar (gum), almonds, coconut, white poppy seeds, and ginger powder.  Similar to Raab, this mithai is meant to be taken post partum and functions as an internal cleanser and increases your energy level to help with all those sleepless days/nights ahead!  It should be eaten daily in the early morning for approximately a month after delivery.

Methi (fenugreek) – Used in many cultures, methi is taken by pregnant woman to help induce labor by stimulating contractions, and post partum to increase milk production in breast-feeding moms.  Although it can be consumed in an array of different forms (it comes as a seed, leafy green, or in pill form), our sources all say it is best taken mixed into a laddu (Indian sweet in a shape of a ball) and eaten daily. 

Kesar (saffron) – In a culture where the fairness and brightness of ones skin is emphasized, it is logical that there is a concoction given to pregnant women to improve their complexion in the hope it will impact their baby’s complexion as well.  A mixture of kesar, ground almonds, ground pistachios, cardamom powder, and sugar are mixed into a cup of hot milk and should be drunken daily after the 7th month in hopes of a “brighter outcome” on “d-day”. 

Ghee (clarified butter) – Ghee is one of the most common ingredients found in an Indian household, and lucky for all you pregnant moms out there – it supposedly helps you to have an “easy/slippery” delivery!  A spoonful should be melted and mixed with enough milk and sugar to ensure you can take it down, and it should be taken towards last month of pregnancy. 

City Saheli was lucky enough to have some of these home recipes passed along to us so that we could share them with Y-O-U!!!   Of course, every household may have variations on how these home remedies are made so feel free to change them as per your family’s traditions. 

* As with all diets, please check with your physician before starting any new regime or if you have questions as to what can be safely consumed during pregnancy. 

HappyBaby offers mothers a plethora of information on why organic, why frozen baby food and much more detailed information. They have teamed up with pediatrician, Dr. Sears.  Happy Baby also packs South Asian influenced meals including Baby Dhal.

CitySaheli talked to the founder and CEO of HappyBaby, Shazi Visram, to find out more about this innovative business idea.

What inspired you to start your own business in organic baby food?

I was inspired when I saw the opportunity to create a business that could actually make a difference in people’s lives. In this case, it was with children In the U.S.; our children are suffering from a horrific health epidemic where one in three is obese, 16% of toddlers are overweight, one in three will develop adult onset diabetes before even becoming adults, and the rates for ADD are staggering. When a friend of mine with twins was complaining to me about how she had no good options when it came to feeding her babies healthy foods made from real fresh foods, I realized there was a great opportunity to create something so much better. It was then that I saw that in our country we start babies off on processed foods that can sit on a shelf for three years and realized why they are addicted to processed foods as they grow into children! Further, by creating a brand with truly great products that could affect change when it came to babies’ health, we could create abundance and use that abundance to give back. We found a great partner in the nonprofit, Project Peanut Butter in Africa. My father is from Tanzania so working to help children in Africa really hit home. So for every unit of anything we sell we work to feed a starving child with Project Peanut Butter for an entire day. In general, this model has been effective and rewarding, and I hope it is inspiring for other businesses as well. 

Did you find it difficult to start your own business as a woman?

Not really in our case. I think being a woman working with other women to start an organization that appeals to women is a distinct advantage when it comes to building a brand, creating a marketing message and developing products that women will be excited to purchase for their family’s health and happiness.

What are your goals and plans for the future?

We aim to create a platform for health and wellness for young families so that parents can feel good about what they feed their children.

What would your advice be to young professionals like yourself who want to start their own business?

Be persistent. Surround yourself with talented people and partners whose skills complement your own. Be flexible with you business plan. Channel creativity to transform obstacles into opportunities. Truly love what you do because it will be easy to give up on something that you are not passionate about.

Below is a Happy Baby recipe for Homemade Granola.  Try it at home!

Happy and Healthy Granola Bars

Here is a healthy breakfast bar or on-the-go snack for you & your children!

1½ cups of HappyBellies oatmeal or multi-grain cereal

½ cup organic oat bran

1/8 cup organic sesame seeds

1/8 cup organic flax seeds

¼ cup organic pumpkin or sunflower seeds

½ cup of your favorite organic nut – like almonds or walnuts

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

2 cubes of HappyBaby frozen apple or squash (or one each!), defrosted

½ cup of organic honey or 100% pure organic maple syrup

2 large organic eggs

¼ cup of flaxseed or canola oil (organic)

¼ cup unsweetened organic shredded coconut

1 cup organic raisins or unsweetened dried organic cranberries

Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8×8 dish with wax paper. Make sure wax paper sticks out just beyond sides of pan on 2 sides.

In a food processor, combine HappyBellies cereal, oat bran, seeds, nuts, and cinnamon until ground. Add in all other ingredients except raisins/cranberries and mix until well blended. Stir in raisin or cranberries. Should make a thick paste.

Spread into prepared dish and press down with spatula until evenly distributed. Bake for 20 minutes or until just done. Use ends of wax paper to remove giant bar to cutting block and cut into small bars while still warm. Store in airtight container for up to a week in the fridge or freeze in plastic bags.

Note: if you would like to add calcium, add ½ cup of nonfat dry milk or serve with yogurt or a glass of milk!  This recipe may be doubled and cooked in a 9×13 pan and add 5 minutes to cooking time.

*COOKIES!!! Instead of putting in a dish, plop down paste by spoonfuls and cook at 350 for 10 minutes. They will think you are the best mom to let them have cookies for breakfast! They will never be the wiser.

© Nurture, Inc. 2008