What’s next, lead in baby receiving blankets?
Can you believe this? A pair of pajamas has just been recalled due to a violation of lead standards in the screen print on the shirt!!! It's appalling!
This is the offending pair of pj's, made by Children's Place:
Honestly, sometimes I just don't know what I can do to protect my kids. I can't buy all organic cotton clothing, and would have never thought in a million years that a simple logo on a pajama shirt would contain lead. Call me naive, I guess (or maybe call me sane and call the manufacturers of children's clothing irresponsible, incompetent and negligent).
If you, like me, would like to be alerted as soon as items are recalled so that you can at least immediately remove the items from your home and make more educated choices about what you are purchasing, you may want to visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and sign up to receive their email alerts whenever new items are recalled.
I've been getting these for about 4-5 months now (I receive all alerts for Child and Household), and though they usually don't apply to anything that I have bought, I am grateful to be kept up-to-date and be made more aware of the types of items that may be of concern.
Maybe I shouldn't be so shocked, but this just pushes on all of my parental protection buttons in a major way. I am thankful that ultimately they are in God's hands, and not my own, because I so often feel helpless in my efforts to shield them from harm.
Ooo, I’m with you on this one, Stephanie! I cannot believe this at all. I have been learning so much from your blog that I have really appreciated in regards to safety in my home. When my daughter was born last year, I began questioning the safety of so many more things and wondering if how I have been doing things/using things is really the best that I can do for my daughter, my future children, and my family in general. I get so upset that the people we count on to help us make our kids safe don’t live up to that expectation.
This is very frustrating! I remember last year when bibs were recalled – I think it was for lead too. It is craziness.
We just need to do our best and ask God to help us be wise!
Stacy
I know this might sound a bit bizarre, but in a way, I think all of these scares are a good thing. It’s forcing me to realize that it’s time to get back to basics, and start doing things for ourselves, as that’s the only way we’ll really feel safe. I’m tired of depending on others to keep my family safe, and then being disappointed when they find all of these horrible things. With this latest tomato scare, I’m grateful that this year we have planted our own organic tomatoes. I already sew some of my children’s clothes, but I’ve been considering buying organic fabric, which although pricey, is likely still cheaper than buying organic ready-made. I’ve been eyeing up Near Sea Naturals (http://www.nearseanaturals.com/), they have not only organic fabric, but thread, etc., as well. They also have a clearance section where they sell seconds, ends, etc., at a discounted price.
I just think maybe this is a wake-up call, and it’s time for us to sharpen our do-it-yourself skills, stop depending on others to keep us safe, and start being self-sufficient.
I understand your frustration! I feel like I can’t go anywhere or do anything without exposing my babies to poison! It’s just everywhere! I pray so often that God will protect them, and guide me to make the healthiest choices possible for them…and that the lessons I’m teaching them about being good stewards of their bodies and the earth will stay with them as they grow up!
It’s sad that these irresponsible companies are out to get our children. I’m so thankful that the Lord led me to your blog, which is so informative and helpful is the fight to keep a healthy, Christian home. Thank you for all that you do!
Hi Ladies,
I just felt that a good reminder of what God says is apt in moments like these. Jeremiah says that the Lord’s plans for us are to prosper us and not to harm us and Solomon reminds us the trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. Now dont read me wrong, I am not saying dont be careful and protect your kids as much as possible. I am saying to remember that God is sovereign and He is looking out for our families! It is easy, at least for me, to want to be Super-Mommy, righter of all wrongs, protector from all harm. I think things like this are a good reminder that I cant do it all and that I HAVE to rely on God to protect my family in ways that I cant.
Just a little perspective…
Elvis Costello has a song that says “Everything gives you cancer.” and it rings true with me. We can only do our best with the information we have and not be afraid of the rest.
Alissa, I think that’s a great perspective. I would say that becomming more aware of these kinds of things has pushed me more towards making things myself. My garden is certainly an effort towards producing more of my own food, so that I know where it is coming from. I think that for me, this encourages me not to just trust in whatever is out there, but to be an informed consumer, to take responsibility for myself and my family, and not just expect someone else to do it for me.
Muthering Heights, I’m glad my blog has been helpful for you! I’m not sure whether I think that the companies are out to get our children, but rather I think that they are just selfish and sinful, just like all of us. They are (generally speaking) out to make money, however they can do it. We shouldn’t be shocked by it (I’m speaking to myself here, too), but recognize that it’s human nature.
Jess, yup, good perspective. That’s how I was feeling later on, after I wrote this. The truth is that none of us have control or the ability to absolutely protect our children. Our role is to do the best with can with what we’ve been given, and trust that God is sovereign over all of it, regardless of the outcomes. It sure is easy to want to do it all ourselves, though, isn’t it? 🙂
Pieces, how funny about that song- I’ve never heard it before! And yes, to not be afraid… sometimes I struggle with anxiety when I try to take these things on myself, but when I leave them in His hands, I have no need to fear.
The thing about all of this talk of trusting God with our family, and not fearing what may happen is that in reality, some of the things that we fear just might happen. I didn’t expect my husband to get cancer, and some might think it unfair or that God let us down somehow. I don’t think the Bible is telling us that everything on earth will be rosy, and that we will be protected from all of the environmental harms around us.
Instead, I think that we can safely put our hope and trust in the fact that we know the end of the story. Jesus has met our greatest need through the cross, and no matter what happens here on earth, God is not surprised by any of it, and He has already planned for an eternity with Him, without sickness, without tears, without death. When I feel afraid, I need to remember to look forward to the hope that He has called me to!