The Soft Landing Blog » Safer Materials

BPA-free Kinderville Ice Pop Molds are a Must for Summer

Alicia — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:28:27 +0000

We’ve found a new favorite for hot Summer days! The Little Bites Silicone Ice Pop Molds by Kinderville make creating healthy, homemade, toxin-free popsicles a cinch. The only thing that goes into your kiddo’s treat are the fresh ingredients you choose. And I have to admit, we’ve been going a little crazy around here with the new recipes! Be sure to check out our Yogurt Fruit Pop recipe on our sister blog Real Baby Real Food.

The unique Kinderville design is like no other we’ve seen, with a tapered design that works like a push-pop. They even have a fluted rim to helps any channel melted popsicle run back into the mold and not over little hands! Their made from highly durable silicone, which is not only dishwasher safe, but also refrigerator, freezer-safe AND microwave safe too! They measure 2 1/8″ wide by 5″ tall, hold about 3.5 oz and don’t require sticks (another convenience factor!).

What are your favorite Summertime popsicle recipes? We’d love to hear all about them, so feel free to show us what you got

EIO Kids Cup Answers Demand for Safe Glass Sippy

Alicia — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:18:04 +0000

Yep, it’s really here – the first real glass sippy cup! We finally have a solution for folks who are striving to curb their plastic use. And I’m sure you can probably guess that the EIO Kids Cup was invented by a mom who realized that what she really wanted for her children didn’t exist.

The EIO Kids Cup is nearly plastic-free with just a bit in the sippy lid (BPA-free of course). It also comes with a silicone sleeve to help protect the glass cup from drops. Our favorite part of the whole equation, is that all parts are made to work with any 8oz canning jar! It’s also a great way to transition young children to real glass dinnerware, because the valve-free EIO cap and silicone sleeve promotes correct sipping.

We had the chance to try this amazing cup out several months ago and immediately fell in love with it. Our kids don’t like to drink from anything else now!

So, who’s ready to win one??

How to Enter

We’re giving away two EIO Kids Cups to two lucky readers! Leave a comment on this blog post by June 25, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Winner will also be announced here on this blog post as an update.

For extra entries:

Retweet this phrase: I just entered to win a glass sippy by @EIOkidscup from @thesoftlanding! Enter at http://bit.ly/9AWfia
Follow us Twitter and leave a separate comment with your Twitter handle
Join our Facebook page and leave a comment here saying you joined

Contest Rules

Prize value: $15 + free shipping.
Open to U.S and Canada. Please note, your country’s duties/fees will not be included in the prize shipping amount covered by The Soft Landing.
See our Privacy Policy here.

TGI Tuesday Giveaway: The Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Alicia — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:18:45 +0000

The Safe Sporter is a solid sidekick for busy teens and adults, made with the same attention to detail as The Safe Sippy. Its stainless steel body negates offers clean-tasting drink in an instant – no unscrewing the cap for 5 minutes each time you need a drink!

Our Favorite Features

16oz size and design is perfect for older kids and adults
Wide-mouth design for easy cleaning and ice cubes on hot summer days
Easy-pull spout means pops up without a struggle for quick swigs
Mud cap keeps the spout clean during sports and hiking outings
Lightweight with a coastered bottom to protect the bottle from dings
TPR sleeve for easy gripping and insulating hands from cold liquids
Fits most cup holders

Thank God It’s Tuesday Giveaway!

Two ways to win! We’ll be giving away two 16oz Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Bottles: one via ramdom drawing on Twitter at 9pm EST today and another via a 2nd chance blog drawing right here (ends tomorrow at midnight CST).

How to enter the giveaway via Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @thesoftlanding
Retweet the following phrase anytime throughout the day and you’ll be entered automatically: RT to WIN: @thesoftlanding is giving away a Safe Sporter Bottle to a random tweeter 2nite at 9pm EST! http://bit.ly/afUhR5 #giveaway
One lucky tweet will be chosen randomly at 9pm EST today. We’ll notify the winner by tweeting a congratulations message as soon as the contest ends.
The winner will also receive a direct message from @thesoftlanding with info on how to claim their prize.
If you’ve won in the last 30 days, you will not be eligible to win today.
You are welcome to enter both here and on Twitter, but if your name is drawn twice, you will only be awarded one prize.

How to Enter the Blog Contest

You can also enter here on our blog for a 2nd chance drawing! Simply leave a comment right here on this blog post by midnight tomorrow May 12, 2010. One entry per person. Open to all blog readers worldwide!

See our Privacy Policy here

PVC-free Swimming Pool Solar Covers

Alicia — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:12:34 +0000

My parents have a pool and I’ve always been concerned about whether their solar pool cover was PVC-free. In doing some quick research online, it was impossible to tell the type of plastic used, as retailers don’t list it specifically. We did learn however, that they’re typically made of three types of plastic: UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl (PVC).

So we set out in search of PVC-free options and ended up running into Midwest Canvas repeatedly. They manufacture their solar covers using heavy duty polyethylene and they were the major supplier for all the retailers we contacted.

We realized while researching that there are a few ways to help decipher which solar covers are PVC-free:

Polyethylene covers are usually the lowest in price
Polyethylene covers are usually bubbled (similar to bubble packing material)
Polyethylene covers are transparent
Vinyl (PVC) covers consist of a heavier material and will claim a longer life expectancy than bubble covers
Vinyl covers are usually opaque
Insulated vinyl covers are also available and are made with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl

You can purchase Midwest Canvas polyethylene solar covers at In the Swim, a popular online retailer. We were told that they only carry Midwest Canvas brand of solar covers, so you should be good to go when shopping there!

P.S. Keep in mind that there are many types of pool covers. We’re not talking about Winter covers or protective covers in this article.

>> If you come across a pool cover that you’re unsure of, please be sure to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the materials used. Our information is meant to provide a guideline to get you started in the right direction.

Win BIG in a Thinkbaby Bottle Giveaway

Alicia — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:28:26 +0000

In response to the tough economic times, Thinkbaby is offering a HUGE giveaway to our loyal blog readers! We’re excited to share 24 twin packs of PES 9oz Thinkbaby bottles + 6 silicone nipples to each winner (2 slow, 2 medium, 2 fast).

Thinkbaby’s wide neck 9oz baby bottles are especially designed with an ergonomic grip and one-piece vented nipple. They’re made from highly durable PES plastic and the bottles are also convertible to a sippy cup with Thinkbaby’s handles and spout, so their value extends beyond the infancy stage.

The venting system is a great design, built into the nipple so there are no extra parts to wash or worry about losing. The vent consists of a small tube extending down from the nipple leading to a small opening in the outer ring of the nipple. It works great to allow air flow and decrease vacuum inside the bottle.

How to Enter

We’re giving away one twin pack of Thinkbaby 9oz PES baby bottles + 6 silicone nipples to 24 lucky reader! Leave a comment on this blog post by May 5, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Winner will also be announced here on this blog post as an update.

For extra entries:

RT the winning phrase: I just entered to win @Thinkbaby_sport baby bottles from @thesoftlanding! Ends 5/5 http://bit.ly/9I5nrJ
Follow us Twitter and leave a separate comment with your Twitter handle
Join our Facebook page and leave a comment here saying you joined
Follow Thinkbaby on Twitter and leave a separate comment with your Twitter handle
Join Thinkbaby’s Facebook page and leave a separate comment here saying you joined

Contest Rules

Prize value: $32 + free shipping.
Open to U.S and Canada. Please note, your country’s duties/fees will not be included in the prize shipping amount covered by The Soft Landing.
See our Privacy Policy here.

TGI Tuesday Giveaway: Kids Ceramic CaliBowl Set

Alicia — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:50:40 +0000

The CaliBowl Santa Barbara Bowl is perfectly shaped for your developing toddler learning to use their small motor skills. They have an angled lip designed to push food onto the utensil, avoiding spillage and overflows. Now you can serve those big kid meals like mac n cheese, hearty stew and yogurt without a mess! And we all know meals are more fun when your toddler feels more in control and isn’t frustrated by not being able to feed themselves!

Our Favorite Features:

Set includes two 1.5 cup scoop-shaped bowls
The revolutionary lip gives the additional control needed to achieve independent feeding
Perfect size for serving toddler portions, 1 cup dips, and desserts
Ceramic is both dishwasher and microwave safe
Great for mom, dad and teens too because they were originally designed as the ultimate salsa dipping bowl

Thank God It’s Tuesday Giveaway!

Two ways to win! We’ll be giving two prizes away: one away via ramdom drawing on Twitter at 9pm EST today and another via a 2nd chance blog drawing right here (ends tomorrow at midnight CST).

How to enter the giveaway via Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @thesoftlanding
Retweet the following phrase anytime throughout the day and you’ll be entered automatically: RT to WIN: @thesoftlanding is giving away ceramic CaliBowls to a random tweeter 2nite at 9pm EST! http://bit.ly/aTeRUY #giveaway
One lucky tweet will be chosen via random drawing at 9pm EST today. We’ll notify the winner by tweeting a congratulations message as soon as the contest ends.
The winner will also receive a direct message from @thesoftlanding with info on how to claim their prize.
If you’ve won in the last 30 days, you will not be eligible to win today.
You are welcome to enter both here and on Twitter, but if your name is drawn twice, you will only be awarded one prize.

How to Enter the Blog Contest

You can also enter here on our blog for a 2nd chance drawing! Simply leave a comment right here on this blog post by midnight tomorrow April 28, 2010. One entry per person. Open to all blog readers worldwide!

See our Privacy Policy here

TGI Tuesday Giveaway: Kinetic Go Green Glasslock Shaker/Mixer Cup

Alicia — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:48:24 +0000

We’re excited to finally add the most amazing glass food storage container line to The Soft Landing! Kinetic Go Green GlassLock containers are durable enough to go from freezer to microwave to dishwasher, and they also sport lock-down leak-proof lids.

For TGI Tuesday we’ll be giving away two Kinetic GlassLock Mixer/Shakers. It’s perfect for mixing powdered baby formula, your favorite shake or your own favorite salad dressing. It comes with a removable mixer piece that helps blend the ingredients and an easy pour spout.

Our Favorite Features:

Microwave and freezer safe
Tempered Glass
Top rack dishwasher safe
Leakproof and air-tight

Thank God It’s Tuesday Giveaway!

We’ll be giving two prizes away: one away via ramdom drawing on Twitter at 9pm EST today and another via 2nd chance blog drawing right here (ends tomorrow at midnight CST).

How to enter the giveaway via Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @thesoftlanding
Retweet the following phrase anytime throughout the day and you’ll be entered automatically: RT to WIN: @thesoftlanding is giving away a GlassLock Mixer Cup to a random tweeter 2nite at 9pm EST! http://bit.ly/bckr0x #giveaway
One lucky tweet will be chosen via random drawing at 9pm EST today. We’ll notify the winner by tweeting a congratulations message as soon as the contest ends.
The winner will also receive a direct message from @thesoftlanding with info on how to claim their prize.
If you’ve won in the last 30 days, you will not be eligible to win today.
You are welcome to enter both here and on Twitter, but if your name is drawn twice, you will only be awarded one prize.

How to Enter the Blog Contest

You can also enter here on our blog for a 2nd chance drawing! Simply leave a comment right here on this blog post by midnight tomorrow April 21, 2010. One entry per person. Open to all blog readers worldwide!

See our Privacy Policy here

Life Factory Glass Drink Bottles Are Good to Go

Alicia — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:43:15 +0000

The folks at Life Factory just introduced a unique glass water bottle created especially for adults on the go.

But let’s be honest, I’m kind of a stainless steel girl. So when they first arrived in our warehouse I gave them a perfunctory look, but I really thought this would be a product for someone else to champion. I just wasn’t convinced that a glass bottle, even with a protective sleeve, could hold a candle to my faithful stainless bottles.

So I sent one to Green and Clean Mom. She’ll try anything

Turns out she really likes it! Sommer says that the company’s claims to fame are right on. Her favorite features are:

I don’t get a metal taste when I drink from this water bottle.
I don’t have to worry about BPA or other chemicals leaching into my beverage.
I can use this glass water bottle with my Soda Stream and have soda or carbonated water on the go and filled in the fridge with no worries about the chemicals leaching into my beverage of choice.
The silicone sleeve is easy to remove and prevents slipping.
The glass water bottle is not as heavy as I expected and it washes well in the dishwasher (a must in my house).
I have dropped it and it did not break!

The new Life Factory bottles are made with a wide mouth opening and a lid that only takes a quick turn to screw on and off. They’re easy on the eyes and truly eco-friendly – a perfect choice for health conscious adults on the go!

>> Watch Green and Clean Mom’s video review here.

>> Get your own here.

TGI Tuesday Giveaway: To Go Ware RePeat Bamboo Utensils

Alicia — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:58:30 +0000

How about a little something for teens and parents this week for TGI Tuesday? We have the perfect non-toxic and eco-friendly To Go Ware RePeat Bambo Utensil toolkit!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that keeping a set in my bag, glove compartment, lunch box or desk is the only way I don’t end up using those blasted disposables. It reminds me of the grocery shopping trips where I load my whole basket and head for the check out, only to remember too late that my reusable bags are at home. Aarrgghh!

Our Favorite Features

Includes a knife, fork, spoon and chopsticks (which double nicely as coffee stirrers)
Carabiner allows you to clip and go
Carrying case made of RPET, a sturdy, washable material made of recycled plastic bottles
Heat and stain-resistant, won’t impart or absorb flavors
Lightweight surprisingly durable
Finished with a top grade, food safe wood oil
Dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is better for longevity

Thank God It’s Tuesday Giveaway!

For TGI Tuesday we’re giving away two To Go Ware RePeat Bambo Utensils. We’ll be giving one away via live giveaway on Twitter at 3pm EST today and another set via Blog Drawing right here (ends tomorrow at midnight CST).

How to enter our live giveaway via Twitter (#TuesGiveaway)

Follow us on Twitter @thesoftlanding
We’ll send out a contest announcement on Twitter at 3pm EST, and you’ll be entered automatically when you copy/paste that announcement and re-tweet it. Our tweet will look something like this: “RT to WIN: @thesoftlanding is giving away XYZ to the 50th person to tweet this!” (the tweet will be sent out right at 3pm EST and will not look exactly like this one – so be watching on Twitter)
The lucky tweet(s) will win! We’ll notify everyone by tweeting the winner(s) Twitter ID when the contest ends. Please check our profile page at http://www.twitter.com/thesoftlanding.com for updates
The winner(s) will contact us at info@thesoftlanding.com with their full name and shipping address to claim their prize
If you’ve won in the last 30 days, you will not be eligible to win today

How to Enter the Blog Contest

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to our TGI Tuesday Giveaway today, because you can enter here on our blog too for a chance to win! Simply leave a comment right here on this blog post by midnight tomorrow March 17, 2010. One entry per person. Open to all blog readers worldwide!

See our Privacy Policy here

PVC-free Ball Pits Balls for Safe Playtime

Alicia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:30:46 +0000

We finally tracked down a couple of PVC-free ball manufacturers after running into way too many toxic brands. So many companies responded to our inquiries in the same way, “All of our play pit balls are made with non-toxic, phthalate-free PVC.” Ummmm, right . . .

Not only are many of the balls made from PVC, but all inflatable ball pit toys we researched are made from PVC too. Our kids are seriously surrounded by it!

Today at the last minute before publishing our guide, we found a gold mine! We confirmed that Tinker Tots.com carries only PVC-free ball pit balls! And to top it off, they take care of the secondary worry by offering many non-inflatable ball pits too. Now that’s our kind of store

PVC-free Ball Pits and Balls

TinkerTots.com has several tent-like ball pits like this one, which is the Playhut Magic Ball Zone. The tent is made from polyester with nylon bindings, mesh, polyethylene floor and comes with 100 3″ polyethylene balls. They also sell Crush Proof Commercial Color Balls and Commercial Clear Balls separately.

We spoke the makers of the Giga Tent Ball Pit Playhouse and confirmed that the tent itself is made with durable polyester walls and a polyethylene floor and it comes with 36 polyethylene balls. You can purchase it from MyChildPlayhouses.com.

BallPoolBalls.com sells 3″ balls made from polyethylene in many different colors and quantities.

As always, we’ll continue to add more safe alternatives as we locate them.