With everything we parents have to do to keep our kids safe and happy, it can become difficult to keep up with every single development out there. From lead in certain toys to Bisphenol A in some plastics, it’s enough to make any loving parent paranoid.

Luckily, the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently published their “Dirty Dozen” list of the twelve most contaminated fruits and veggies to help parents like us take shortcuts. After extensive testing of both domestic and imported produce, EWG determined which fruits and veggies are contaminated with the most pesticide. The helpful list indicates which fruits and vegetables are best to avoid, or best to purchase organic, in order to decrease exposure to certain pesticides. (more…)

Friday, May 15, 2009, is L.A. Bike or Walk to School Day, adopted by the Los Angeles Unified School District in support of May as Bike to Work Month! Whether you are in LAUSD or not, if you are able to find a safe bike path to your child’s school, why not participate? Tell your neighbors and friends, and plan a caravan. You’ll help decrease carbon emissions, encourage healthy behavior in kids and have fun while you are doing it! Forty years ago 90% of kids who lived within a mile of school biked or walked to school. Five years ago the number of kids walking or biking to school was a mere 48 percent!

L.A. Kid Stuff has a colorful, comprehensive 32-page guide to safe bicycling for kids and adults, “From A to Z by Bike” to share with our readers! This resource is great for both older and younger kids as well as adults. The book is sponsored by the CA State Office of Traffic Safety, School Safe Traffic Zone, Bike Lessons and Safety Training and Youth Educational Sports. If you are interested in receiving a free copy, just request one by sending an email to info@lakidstuff.com