ECCO: What made you decide to start Ba-bee-licious?

SH: While I was pregnant with my son I researched what foods I should feed him, diapers he should wear and found out astonishing facts about possible dangers in foods, cleaning products and conventional diapers that can affect our children. These conventional products not only affect our health and the health of our children but also the environment. There are different chemicals and toxins in the food we eat, the clothing we wear and the products we use to clean our homes. These facts surprised me.

That was when I made the decision; I wanted to take the healthiest approach in the care of my son which meant changing my choices of food, clothing and cleaning products which would all ultimately affect his health. I researched all natural products, clothing, food… everything!!!  It became a passion of mine! I wanted to raise my son the healthiest way possible and I wanted to share this information and these products with my friends, giving them healthier choices for their children.

ECCO: So you decided to turn your passion into a business. How has the response been from shoppers?

SH: The response is great. A lot of people come into the store asking questions about the difference between organic and conventional foods, why should they buy all natural cleaning products, things like that, why is organic better?  I tell them about the benefits to their health as well as the benefits for children.

I find that many people are interested in healthier alternatives in foods, clothing and especially baby care products, but they just don’t know where to start or where to get them. I try to help as much as I can, by passing on as much knowledge on them as possible. But there needs to be more education on healthier alternatives and where to find them, especially when it comes to our children. Ba-bee-licious offers a wide variety of alternatives to help you transition to a healthier lifestyle for you and your child. 

ECCO: How has this influenced your lifestyle?

SH: Oh gosh, my lifestyle has changed tremendously. I no longer allow bleach into my home. My mother at times tries to sneak it in, but it is not allowed and I think she’s gotten the picture (fingers crossed). I try to have my son eat at home as much as possible, and pack his lunch pan with home-made lunch, etc. I believe a home cooked meal is the best thing a mother can do for a child. This way you can control what goes into the food, healthy choices.

Being in Jamaica there are so many readily available fresh fruits and vegetables. When my son was a baby I would easily make natural fruit and vegetable purees. Now that he’s older I just “peel” and give him to eat instead of buying the jar or tin options in the supermarket.

I clean with all natural cleaning products as much as possible. They are difficult to find in Jamaica, but when possible I use them. I even used to make baby wipes for my son using all natural essential oils and other ingredients. This way I was able to control what ingredients were being used on his skin.

ECCO: What kinds of items can we expect to find at Ba-bee-licious?

SH: Items range from clothing to baby care, to cleaning products. We have EVERYTHING a baby and parent would need and more. We have clothing made from organic material and from recycled material, BPA Free bottles, teethers, biodegradable nipples, clothing for the mother to be, bedding, diapers, cribs and much more. We even offer decorative services, prenatal counseling and baby care classes, and shower planning services. At Ba-bee-licious we try to take the hassle out of finding healthy alternatives, we offer everything a parent would need to help raise their child. 

Ba-bee-licious is the ultimate baby experience. There are amazing items for healthier lifestyle choices for our children. Be sure to visit their store.

1.    Do not smoke
Studies found that tobacco smoke carries about 250 poisonous gases, chemicals and several harmful metals. Children who are exposed to these compounds through second-hand and even third-hand smoke are at risk for developing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, and even cognitive deficits and psychological problems such as ADHD. So if you are a smoker, and a parent, now’s the time to quit.

2.    Use “green” cleaning agents
Many conventional cleaning solutions are comprised of various toxic chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause damage to the heart, liver or kidneys; cancers; or damage to the central nervous system in children. Instead of these potentially harmful products, use environmentally-friendly cleaning agents in the home that do not contain such pollutants. In many cases, you can even make your own safe cleaning solutions using common household products such as vinegar and baking soda.

3.    Feed them organic foods
Children are at a greater risk for developmental defects from pesticide exposure and food preservatives due to their smaller size, fast growth rate and speedy metabolism. Reduce, or eliminate their intake of processed foods, and foods grown using pesticides and instead fill their diet with organically grown and prepared fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

4.    Be careful of the toys they play with
Lead, even at very low levels as that found in the paint used on some toys, is a serious threat to the central nervous system of children, especially in children under the age of six years old. Prevent your children from coming into contact with lead by ensuring that your child does not have access to surfaces painted with lead-based paint, including toys. Also test your home for the presence of lead dust and be sure to wash children’s hands before they eat. Wash their bottles, toys and pacifiers often too.