Isn't it gross to have kids walk around with snot on their arms all day?

YES...it is gross. First and foremost, understand that Sniffle Buddies were created to tend "allergy drips" that are usually clear and watery in nature. These are the drips that most children and many adults then to mindlessly wipe on their hands or sleeves. If your child is sick, please comfort them with rest and a nice box of tissues. But, if they're well enough to be out playing and still have some sniffles, is it realistic to believe they'll stop playing to find one? Use Sniffle Buddies® during playtime and change them out often, as you would with any hygienic device. Always use Sniffle Buddies® in conjunction with training for proper tissue use ...but in the meantime, at least you'll know where they wiped!

Do Sniffle Buddies® reinforce a bad habit?

We certainly hope not. As it happened for Kelly's son, he got used to having his nose tended on something besides his bare arm and now calls out for Sniffle Buddies® or a tissue. At least it made him more aware of the fact that it doesn't belong on his hands or clothes. He's understanding germs aren't meant for sharing and he shouldn't let kids touch his wristband or ever touch anyone else's. Should we suppose diaper use reinforces a bad habit as well? If they weren't wearing one they'd always use the potty? Perhaps at some age that's true.

Why not tissues?

If your child is efficient with a tissue, regularly disposed of it properly, and then washes their hands ....definitely use a tissue! You've scored! However, many toddlers and preschoolers pull multiple tissues at once, don't use them effectively, and then drop them wherever they're standing. Washing of hands after each use is rare, so germs are still on their hands and in the tissue on the floor. With Sniffle Buddies® we're hoping to target where the germs land, so they're not "everywhere" and keep little germy hands away from direct contact with the direct portals to infection - the eyes, nose, & mouth.

How could Sniffle Buddies® help our environment?

If every household replaced just one box of 100 sheet virgin fiber facial tissues with 100% recycled ones, they would save 103,000 trees. (www.greenpeace.org ) Imagine the impact if everyone used Sniffle Buddies® while their children were learning, during exercise, or for tending their allergy drip!

Why do we need Sniffle Buddies®?

Well, if you are like most parents, you have found yourself chasing your toddler or preschooler with a handkerchief, tissue, washcloth etc., trying desperately to keep the germs off their sleeves, bare arms, hands or shirt. Our motto now is "Just let them play!"...then throw 'em in the wash.

Why aren't they cheaper?

We purchase high quality, eco-friendly, organic fabric and have our Sniffle Buddies® constructed entirely in the USA. The bamboo fabric is manufactured in China, but we purchase from an American source and have them sewn locally. The elastic and velcro elements are also made in the U.S.A.. We're committed to quality and committed to our environment. Neither commitment is inexpensive.

Why Bamboo?

Bamboo is a renewable resource, super soft, hypo-allergenic, and is said to posses naturally antibacterial & anti-fungal properties according to Japan Textile Inspection Association and China Textile Testing Centre.. Bamboo fabric is made from viscose from Organic Bamboo and the Federal Trade Commission does not sanction "antimicrobal" claims as of 2009.

How long does it retain its antibacterial properties?

A study by the CTITC (China Textile Industry Testing Centre) showed that after introducing bacteria to a sample of bamboo fabric a 99.8% reduction in bacteria occurred over a 24-hour period. Another study by The Japan Textile Inspection Association showed that 100% bamboo fabric could eliminate over 70% of introduced bacteria over a 24-hour period even after 50 industrial wash cycles. Again, not supported by the FTC.

Are you suggesting children should blow their noses in Sniffle Buddies®?

Oh my, NO! If your child needs to "blow" his/her nose, please redirect them to a handkerchief, tissue, or toilet paper. Sniffle Buddies® are intended to be a helper in catching those constant drips and sniffles that kids (and some adults) usually just wipe on their hands or sleeves. They help direct the germs away from hands and faces and save on wasted tissue use from constant wiping, but they're NEVER intended for "blowing" into.

What difference can Sniffle Buddies® make?

Consider that each American uses approximately 50 lbs. of paper products a year ...every sniffle can make an impact. When you combine that with the fact that each child averages 6-10 colds per year and that over 7 million children were diagnosed with hay fever in the last year alone...well you get the picture...it’s a lot of tissue! (www.greenpeace.org)

Are they just for kids?

No, we make them for big people too! Adults use them hiking, running, gardening, biking, yoga, scrap booking, as well as helping to manage allergy seasons. They are great tools for Special Needs individuals of all ages with physical or developmental challenges. For those with limited mobility, Sniffle Buddies offer a tool of independence when grasping tissues is not possible. They're absorbent and easily accessible for independently managing light to moderate drool. We're thrilled to help!

What steps have you taken to verify ethical labor practices among from suppliers?

The verification, is, no doubt, an ongoing challenge. The establishment that sews our Sniffle Buddies here in Los Angeles, CA is audited quarterly by independent companies and reports are filed with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement in California. As for the supplies used to make Sniffle Buddies, the fabric is milled in Canada under Canadian labor regulations standards, but the yarn to make the fabric is from China. We made contact with the Chinese yarn factory and asked them to answer some questions as supplied by the International Labor Rights Forum. They responded in a very timely manner with answers to all the proposed questions. They assure us that they do not use child labor, do not work their workers overtime, but also do not pay overtime. Their workers are allowed to work 26 days without a day off. No benefits are offered and no unions exist. We will continue to pursue domestic outlets for our supplies, but as of 2010 the market for the farmed bamboo and conversion to yarn is primarily housed in China. The bamboo farm from which the viscose from bamboo is harvested, proudly supplies an "organic" certificate, but their labor practices are also not verified by personal visitation or international agencies. We will keep you posted as we evolve, and will continue to explore alternative sources that have established an international certification for ethical labor practices. Please contact kelly@snifflebuddies.com if you are aware of verified sources for bamboo yarn or fabric. We will gladly investigate & convert!