Pregnancy-Safe Polishes

When you have a baby on the way, pampering is definitely your prerogative. But if getting a mani-pedi is one of your favorite ways to relax, better check those polish labels. Various studies have discovered that three chemicals typically found in nail polish may be linked to birth defects. Though more research is needed, it’s still a good idea to steer clear of polishes with ingredients referred to as the “toxic 3”: phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde. That doesn’t mean your toes have to go unpolished, though. Try one of these pregnancy-safe polishes for your next at-home manicure, or bring one along with you to the salon.

Piggy Paint
A concerned mom created this line when she saw her young daughter spill nail polish on a Styrofoam plate–then watched as the polish burned a hole straight through it! Piggy Paint has both a princess-friendly line for girls and a series of colors called “Refined” that are perfect for expectant moms.
$6.99-8.99; piggypaint.com

Knocked Up Nails
The inventor of this line wanted moms-to-be to know it was made just for them. That’s why she came up with hilarious names like Craving a Creamsicle, O-Blue-GYN and Prenatal Princess.
$10; knockedupnails.com

Scotch Naturals
Another mom-created line, this brand extended out from Hopscotch Kids, which makes popular child-safe polishes. Besides offering luxurious colors with names like Paisley Martini and Morning Glory Fizz, Scotch Naturals also created its own soy-based nail polish remover.
$11.99-14.99; scotchnaturals.com

Zoya
This toxin-free makeup company has over 300 colors to choose from. Check out the cheerful and beach-ready Surf Collection, ideal for summer.
$8; zoya.com

Karma Organic
Find a wide selection of non-toxic polishes in feminine shades from this New Jersey-based line. Some of the colors even have New York-themed names, like Central Park West, a shiny metallic, and Rowboats in the Park, a cheerful blue.
$9.99, karmaorganicspa.com

Nancy Ryerson is a freelance writer whose works have appeared in New York Family, Psychology Today, Prevention, and South Magazine in Savannah, GA. When she’s not blogging about health and family, she’s stir-frying vegetables, exploring New York, or playing the bassoon.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Camp Lee Mar

A private 7 week residential summer program offering a unique curriculum incorporating a strong Academic and Speech program with traditional camp activities. Our campers flourish at Lee Mar due to the structured environment we provide which allows our campers to feel comfortable and secure. Careful study is made of parent input, school (IEPs), camper interview, etc., so that the interests and needs of each child can best be determined for suitable grouping prior to the camper arriving. At Lee Mar the children find comfort and friendship with children of similar age and functioning level. From this foundation we encourage our campers to embrace and learn new skills and have new experiences which they can build upon on their return home. We also focus on building friendships which last throughout the year, as well as learning how to cope with the dynamics of group situations. Development of the whole child is our goal. We work hard at improving the daily living, social, and life skills of our campers, while giving them the happiest summer of their lives!