MN first state to ban toxins in baby bottles and sippy cups

The June issue of the Minnesota Women's Press contains a news brief about a very progressive piece of legislation, the Toxic Free Kids Act, that was recently signed into law. From the article:

"After Jan. 1, 2011, parents will know that regardless of what store you are in, the baby bottles and 'sippy' cups will be BPA (bisphenol A)-Free," said Rep. Karen Clark (DFL Minneapolis), chief author of the House Bill. Sen. Sandy Rummel (DFL-White Bear Lake) was the chief author of the Senate version. More than 200 studies of BPA have found that low-dose exposure is linked to heart disease, caner, neurological impairments and reproductive problems.

To read a detailed news release about the legislation, visit Healthy Legacy, a MN-based public health coalition. You can also follow them on twitter.

Photo: Randy Son Of Robert on flickr

all-nighters: part trois

In all honesty, I have really enjoyed certain aspects of cosleeping with our baby. It is wonderful to see your child sleeping softly right next to you, particularly first thing in the morning. Moreover, it is also very convenient for nursing and other matters of comfort. However, as a tall/large individual, the thought of rolling over my child is certainly top of mind. And, since the baby is laying between you and your spouse, it eliminates and possibility of cuddling, etc.

To ease our worries, we decided to order an Arm's Reach Co-sleeper. It's essentially a mini-bassinet that attaches to your bed and allows for all the advantages of co-sleeping without the worry (even if there isn't a risk, depending on what you believe).

We've been using this product for several days now, and I must say, it's given us convenience and piece of mind. We ordered one online for about $120.00 and I think it's well worth the price, which seems quite competitive for a high-quality new bassinet.

all-nighters part deux

With some apprehension, we let the baby sleep between us from 2:30 am to 8:30 am. It was a vacation. The thought of doing it again tonight is very tempting, but I need to spend some more time reading about cosleeping before I rest easy (figuratively), as it seems to be very common despite what you may hear. Even our pediatrician, who cannot officially endorse the practice, alluded to the fact that it is safe if done correctly. Stay tuned for an update...

The whole situation leaves me very hungry, and for the single income family, the lack of sleep poses a nutritional challenge: to eat well on minimal sleep for minimal dollars. Our present budget provides the three of us with $60.00 per week, so ordering takeout is definitely out of the question. We typically cook most of our meals from scratch (or near-scratch), which requires a considerable amount of time and motivation but is ultimately the most cost effective option. Thankfully, our parents and friends have stuffed our refrigerator and freezer with all sorts of good, wholesome meals, and an ample supply of leftover pizza from a Mother's Day family gathering. These rations will likely keep us alive until Friday, when we must officially begin our more modest menu.

I like to cook, so I'm looking forward to the challenge. Rest assured. The best recipes will end up here.

p.s. In case you didn't see it, the "Miserly Meals" book featured on the link to the right is an excellent resource for cooking healthy meals on a budget, including many meals you can make for less than 75 cents per serving. So far, we've only made the hummus recipe, but it tasted great...

all-nighters

Side note - This is a co-blog, so moving forward, any content posted by me will have a "Working Dad" tag and anything posted by my wife will have a "Stay-At-Home Mom" tag.

OK, the main point? I'm presently laying in bed realizing how frustrating it is to be forced to stay up all night. Trying to calm, swaddle and feed your baby until 4 is not the same deal as sipping pints at the 'ol watering hole. It's a raw deal.

I'm guessing that most parents (at least in the US), regardless of lifestyle, face a dilemna about whether to cosleep with their infant. Personally, I'm too tired to decide right now, but an article I just read in Mothering Magazine has nearly convinced me that cosleeping safely is perhaps the best thing for my daughter, who has just fallen asleep on our bed.

I'll let you know how it turns out in the morning...

numero uno

Let's start from the beginning. A short while ago we decided it was time to start a family. We were both working and recently move into our first home. After a quick assessment we laid the groundwork in early 2006. Upon becoming pregnant, several questions became clear: Will we have enough money? Who will take care of our child? Why is everything so expensive?

Following our newfound parental instincts, we decided it would be best - for us - to live off one income. The benefits were clear: more time with child, more time with spouse, less work-related stress. The drawbacks were daunting, but not inhospitable: less money (much less), massive lifestyle overhaul (as a result of drawback number 1).

One year has passed since that time, and our daughter only recently arrived. We're not living off one income yet, but the July 1 deadline is fast approaching. Therein lies the purpose of this blog. To document the experience and hopefully, share one approach to living in this way.

Are you raising a family with only one breadwinner?

Are you thinking about starting a family on one income?

Have you raised a family on one income?

Let us know what you're thinking, or if you have any advice. We need it.