Monthly Archives

June 2020

  • Babies & Kids, Beauty, Clean Living, Healthy Home

    Best Non-Toxic Oral Hygiene Products for Your Family

    Disclaimer & Disclosure:  I am not a medical professional and the information on this website is for informational purposes only. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any medical treatment. This blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or methods mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment.
    This post may contain affiliate links – thank you for supporting my free time writing, researching and consulting.

    Taking care of your teeth is not just important to your oral health, but essential to your overall health. From toothbrushes to toothpaste, flossing products and everything in between, I’ve created this list with your family in mind! Enjoy!

    First Toothbrush

    This 100% food grade silicone banana toothbrush is a great first option for your little one. My daughter loved using it as both a toothbrush and teether. It comes in an array of colors too (we had the pink and yellow versions!) Made in the USA.

    Baby & Toddler Toothbrush

    Radius has the best toddler toothbrush for your little one. Easy to grip, soft, vegetable-derived bristles make it my number 1 pick for toddlers (my daughter like to use a different color each day). This toothbrush is also BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free and made in the USA. Clear and colored options available. 18 months +

    This pure clear option is the one we first used when my babe’s first couple of teeth popped up! 6+ months

    Kid Toothbrush

    Big Radius fan as you can tell! Radius also makes kids toothbrushes for those 6 years and up. Made with super soft, fine vegetable-derived bristles this brush provides even pressure that reduces chronic bleeding, receding gums and enamel erosion. Just as the toothbrush above, this toothbrush is also BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free and made in the USA.

    Toothbrush for Adults and Travel

    A 2-in-1 toothbrush and travel case is what you’ll find in this toothbrush! Created with a sleek design with a reusable handle and replaceable brush head means less plastic waste! The vegetable-based bristle replacement heads come in super soft, soft, and medium textures. Free from all BPA, petroleum, phthalates, lead and latex. The wood-based handle is #7 plastic, which I’m not sure crazy about, but overall this is a good choice.

    Electronic Toothbrushes

    Oral B and Sonicare are both fairly similar when it comes to good electronic tooth brushes and reviews have been split when it comes to which is more “non-toxic”. Electronic toothbrushes can help you maintain optimal oral health and give a much more thorough clean in comparison to manual brushes. We personally went with this Oral B option for our whole family and use these replacement brushes. Here is a good, affordable Sonicare option as well. You’ll want to steer clear of Bluetooth in toothbrushes (unnecessary and we don’t need yet another source of Bluetooth in our lives!) and generic brushes which may contain harmful chemicals or additives.
    Helpful Tip for Toddlers: Originally, we purchased this kids electronic toothbrush for my daughter, but honestly it is not worth it. It doesn’t work as well and the only real difference is the timer.

    Waterpik Electronic Flosser

    Waterpik is not only really fun to use, but its also removes up to 99.9 percent of plaque and is up to 50 percent more effective than flossing alone! Waterpik makes both a portable battery powered flosser (which I own & love!) and a corded countertop electronic flosser depending on your needs and counterspace availability. If your looking for a two-in-one system, Waterpik offers a Sonic-Fusion Professional Flossing Toothbrush. Waterpik is the only brand with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance!

    Natural Floss

    Dental floss often contains some nasty chemicals, including PFOA. We opt for this natural floss for our pearly whites! Super soft and coated in vegan candelilla plant wax, it is smooth, but is able to grip the nasties between your teeth. It is gluten-, phthalate-, paraben-, GMO-, preservative-, artificial sweetner-, and artificial color-free! Cruelty free. Made in the USA. Here is the Pure Silk Unscented Version which is also a great option!

    Brush Rinse / Mouthwash

    This organic mouthwash combines hydrogen peroxide, aloe and organic essential oils to freshen your breath. It is free of alcohol, fluoride, glycerin, sugars, SLS, and other harsh chemicals. Plus it is non-GMO, cruelty-free, gluten-free and uses BPA-free packing.

    Toothpaste: Fluoride or Fluoride-Free?

    Fluoride is the hot topic of debate when it comes to dental care. Some say it is a neurotoxin and doesn’t prevent cavities while other’s claim it is completely safe and prevents cavities. I’d say to do your own research and choose what you think is best for your family. With that being said, many people, including myself, choose to avoid fluoride until their child can spit the toothpaste out. My personal opinion is that a topical application far outweighs the oral benefits and is less harmful than ingesting it in our drinking water. Yet, I still limit fluoride use in my home. Luckily, you have both flouride and flouride-free options available for your family or you can simply brush with organic coconut oil!

    Safer Toothpastes with all of the ‘yuck’:

    What about other brands of natural toothpaste? You’ll have to carefully read each label as some contain questionable ingredients. Even brands like Burt’s Bees, Jasons, and Toms are not as clean as they may lead you to believe. And Earth Paste, a popular natural toothpaste, contains lead (!!). The toothpaste itself even has a Proposition 65 Warning for lead on it!

    MI Paste

    WHAT IS MI PASTE? MI Paste is a remineralizing toothpaste that is sold in two versions: Flouride or Flouride-Free. Whether you suffer from sensitivity, cavities, or certain types of decay, MI Paste can help you achieve a winning smile. We have this exact paste and use it regularly to help prevent cavities. You can even coat your floss with it before brushing.

    And last, but not least…
    Hydrogen Peroxide

    This is my go-to hydrogen peroxide for everything from cleaning toothbrushes to cleaning cuts, toys, counters and more! It is food grade, free of toxic stabilizers that are found in regular peroxide, non-GMO and won’t burn! Plus, its environmentally-friendly.

    Common chemicals you’ll want to avoid in toothpaste: carrageenan, potassium sorbate, SLS, SLES, triclosan, propylene glycol, parabens (like methylparaben and propylparaben), PEG chemicals, lead (found in clay), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and flavors. Avoid common drugstore brands like Orajel, Colgate and Crest which all contain several of the listed ingredients.

    Enjoy keeping those pearly whites clean! Thanks for reading!!

    Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes

    100 Fun (& Free) Things to Do With Your Kids This Summer

    Are you looking for a dose of inspirational fun this summer? Make the most of the season by cycling these creative activities into your routine!

    1. Plant your own vegetable garden and flowers!
    2. Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
    3. Fill a pool with water balloons or have a water balloon toss competition.
    4. Create a ‘mud kitchen’.
    5. Wash the car.
    6. Create your own ‘Twister’ game using chalk or paint.
    7. Build a garden tee-pee or willow fort.
    8. Camp in the backyard. We love this ‘flame retardant-free’ tent option!
    9. Build a sandcastle (with the best sand toys ever!)
    10. Host a tea party.
    11. Use paint to stamp your family’s hand prints on a canvas board!
    12. Draw with chalk. And write inspirational messages for all to see!
    13. Write your own storybook and create your own illustrations.
    14. Host a campfire & snack on s’mores.
    15. Play with Walking Cups and flip them over for more open-ended uses.
    16. Ride a scooter – my kiddo loves zipping around on this one.
    17. Create a giant sized memory matching game with paper plates.
    18. Decorate your bike & parade down the street.
    19. Bury a time capsule.
    20. Decorate rocks and hide them around your yard.
    21. Fly a kite! This is our favorite brand.
    22. Play mini golf in the yard.
    23. Play croquet.
    24. Complete a puzzle.
    25. Build with magnetic Tegu Blocks.
    26. Make your own fairy garden.
    27. Make a bird feeder. Don’t forget to paint it!
    28. Paddle a canoe or kayak.
    29. Curl up with a new book in your favorite hammock!
    30. Clean out your closets and see what cool things you’ll find!
    31. Try yoga or a DIY fitness class. Take turns being the ‘instructor’.
    32. Play badminton.
    33. Play with bubbles. Best bubbles for only $2 and they’re non-toxic!
    34. Make your own slime.
    35. Picnic at a local park or in your backyard.
    36. Light up the night and go on a flashlight adventure!
    37. Make homemade popsicles. These molds will last a lifetime and are a great non-toxic, eco-friendly version!
    38. Bake homemade cookies (on stainless steel trays, of course!)
    39. Make edible ‘Dirt Pudding’ or simply bake a cake and decorate it!
    40. Go bike riding or rollerblading.
    41. Host a luau! Think: Hawaiian food, dress, and music!
    42. Jump in puddles! We love these boots for rain or snow – they’re ACTUALLY natural rubber unlike many other brands.
    43. Enjoy an at-home spa day! Let your little one do a ‘makeover’ using non-toxic nail polish like this one!
    44. Play in the sprinkler.
    45. Swim in the pool. Add freshly picked flowers for some natural fun.
    46. See how many creative uses you can come up with using open-ended silks.
    47. Create an obstacle course – indoors or out.
    48. Make your own wind chime using items from your home.
    49. Reuse cardboard boxes – create a marble run, fort, or play furniture!
    50. Create homemade musical instruments.
    51. Sing karaoke.
    52. Adopt a pet.
    53. Dye a t-shirt.
    54. Play ‘I-Spy’!
    55. Catch fireflies.
    56. Try a new sport.
    57. Use a water table for sensory fun! Try adding pebbles, sand, dirt, oatmeal, rice, beans, coffee, or pasta!
    58. Paint outside – easy clean-up!
    59. Pick berries at a local orchard or grow your own!
    60. Visit the beach.
    61. Explore a park.
    62. Go on a treasure hunt.
    63. Go horseback riding.
    64. Shop the local Farmer’s Market.
    65. Explore a local forest or pond.
    66. Build a fort.
    67. Visit a zoo.
    68. Gaze at stars!
    69. Go fishing.
    70. Visit a farm.
    71. Volunteer.
    72. Watch a movie outdoors.
    73. Photography Day! Let your kiddo take ‘instant pictures’ of your fun-filled day with this camera. Create a memory box or collage.
    74. Make your own pizza. Yum.
    75. Squeeze your own lemonade and setup a lemonade stand.
    76. Go on a nature walk. Collect the most unique rocks, leaves, and flowers you can find.
    77. See how many creative uses you can find for a jump rope (Example: tent building, pulley, etc.)
    78. Make your own window art.
    79. Create DIY play dough.
    80. Make a DIY swing for the outdoors – customize it to your liking!
    81. Create your own scrapbook.
    82. Create a DIY dream catcher.
    83. Make your own friendship bracelets.
    84. Make a ribbon twirler wand.
    85. Press flowers and create a collage.
    86. Host your own puppet show.
    87. Conduct your own science experiments.
    88. Make your own rock candy.
    89. Create DIY edible finger paint.
    90. Create your own ‘Family Olympics’ Day.
    91. Host a bean bag toss competition.
    92. Make your own paper beads.
    93. Create personalized jewelry using noodles, string, and paint.
    94. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside to change up the scenery! Choose a different theme for each meal and dress the part!
    95. Play ‘ghost-in-the-grave-yard’.
    96. Visit your local library.
    97. Freeze toys in a bucket or Legos in ice cube trays.
    98. Host a dance party.
    99. Create a ‘naturescape’ in your backyard!
    100. Use your imagination and get creative!!!!

    Most of all enjoy time with those you love! Happy Summer!

    Looking for outdoor favorites? Check out our favorite non-toxic toys on our Amazon Storefront!

    This post contains some affiliate links. Full disclosure here.