Pure & Natural Baby

Fire Trucks!

2010-09-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Need I say more? Check out Scire4's amazing handmade kids items, you'll find something you have to have.

What The Wild's Wear Great Designs

2010-09-18T00:20:00.001-07:00

This awesome onesie is made by What The Wild Things Wear. I really like their designs beacuse they are not your typical baby wear. Amazing toddler & adult tees as well. They are made in the US & organic! A must try!

Reusable Snack Bags Revisited

2010-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

So I previously tried a reusable snack bag that was made from organic cotton & loved it. But then I kept seeing reusable kids snack bags that claimed to be "eco-friendly" all over the place & so had to try some out. I tested out bags from Bag it Conscious (above), Ecousac, Moja Creations, & Circus Peanuts, Sedilu Green. All use a cotton fabric outside with a BPA-free inside nylon liner. The pros: they're great, very hand, affordable, save on using plastic baggies for everything, they are waterproof, less waste, non-BPA nylon linings are not toxic, you can rinse them out & use them again & again. The cons: you are still using a petroleum biproduct (but you will use these many times & not use one-use only pertoleum biproducts), any offgasing which I only smelled at first & then after washing was not a problem, I would also not put anything hot in them. Overall, I love them & am converted to using these reusable baggies now. I especially like Moja Creations baggie, very cute & has a nice handle. Bag it Conscious also has some great designs. Both are offering a 10% discount if you mention our site.

The Organic Woombie is Here

2010-05-16T15:57:00.001-07:00

Looks a bit strange at first, but then I thought, what a great idea. They do look very cozy. It's a womb-like zip up suit. The Woombie does not unravel, prevents face scratching & settles the startle reflex that can awaken baby, is claimed to prevent colic symptoms & overheating due to over-wrapping.
The design is peanut shaped & hugs the shoulders/arms, waist/abdomen, hips and feet. I love that they have a non-fire retardant treated organic line.

Mobi Digital Thermometer

2010-04-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

I'm was pretty satisfied with this digital thermometer made by Mobi. I normally don't go for all the hype & don't think we need the newest & latest gadget, but Mobi is worth the extra few bucks. I've gone through 3 different thermometers that have either broken because they were poorly made or just were not accurate. At $29.99, it's not extravagant, is well made, & has some very easy to use & great features. The only draw back is that I wouldn't use it when you need an absolutely accurate temperature, sometimes it was a whole half a degree off. But if you use it correctly, it seems pretty good.
What I like the best is that you can take your kids temperature from the ear or forehead, both easily accessible. It is intended for children over 6 months old (but I assume you can use the forehead feature on younger ones).
It takes only 2 seconds, no fussy kid to make a mad. It even takes the room temperature if you like. Other cool features include a very handy light so you can check the little one's temperature even when sleeping. It even talks & says the temperature, which my son finds very funny. So overall, well worth the money, I expect to have this thermometer for years & would recommend it.

Revised 7-23-10:

I have to retract the recommendation for the Mobi thermometer I previously gave. After using this product a few more times, I came to realize that it was not accurate after all. Within the span of a few minutes I got readings from 95 degrees to 98 degrees. Quite a difference and too variable for my taste. So no, I don't recommend this product.

Reusable Snack Bags from Bebeloosh Mini

2010-04-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite eco-friendly kids item of the month. They are reuseable snack bags made by Bebeloosh Mini. Not only are they adorable, but they are made from recycled hemp and organic cotton. They seal with velcro & are washable too. Who needs plastic ziplock bags anymore! A must try!

Gardin Organic Clothing

2010-02-21T22:01:00.001-08:00

Ummmm. yup, Gardin probably makes the most comfortable baby & toddler clothing out there. But this thermal is bamboo & who can beat that?! Soft, organic, stylish cut. They are coming out with an organic baby line soon...keep a look out. A must have!

Non-Toxic Baby Bottles

2010-01-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

I never even considered the idea that not all baby bottles weren't safe & non-toxic. But again, when my son was born, I was proven wrong. Many of us remember about 3 years ago when people began to realize that BPA & phytates were actually bad for us. These chemicals are everywhere & possibly responsible for many cancers & other illnesses that people suffer from after a lifetime of ingestion & exposure. So why give it to our babies?
There are still companies out there making bottles that contain these chemicals. Besides using glass bottles, which is great too but heavier, there are two main types of BPA free plastic baby bottles. One is Born Free & the other is a new brand called ThinkBaby.
I am really impressed whith ThinkBaby because they have covered all the bases. They even have a polypropelene bottle which is one of the most non-leaching plastics & can be recycled afterwards. But all of their bottles are free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead and nitrosamine. The bottles have an anti-leak travel cap & an anti-colic nipple that is designed to be easy to clean. Plastic nipples can be toxic as well, so always chose silicone (the clear nipples, not the brown) & Thinkbaby made them very soft & more nipple-like.
Lastly, ThinkBaby uses recycled packaging....thank you!! Highly recommended.

Organic Baby Blankets are Here!

2010-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

I've always loved The Cozy Bunny's baby blankets, but now they've gotten even better because they've begun making organic ones! These are particularly soft & can be machine washed. Made from O-Wool, a trusted organic & humane source of organic wool, I am very glad to say that my little boy is sleeping soundly under one right now. Wool baby blankets are great because they are temperature regulating meaning that baby will stay warm without getting too hot, they breathe. Wool is also antimicrobial and naturally fire retardant, so no chemicals are ever used on their blankets. Hey, they will even make toddler sized blankets. My new favorite & a must have!

Benoit Designs Organic Swaddle Blankets

2009-12-02T21:51:00.001-08:00

These are great quality large organic swaddling blankets. Benoit Designs makes these wonderful blankets that would be a great baby shower gift. Like I said, it's hard ot find organic baby swaddling blankets, so thanks Benoit! They are more substantial than the normal swaddle blanket & I would use one as a light weight baby blanket. As a company, Benoit Designs is very generous. They are donating 25% of each sale to Heifer International. Heifer International is a wonderful non-profit organization that helps entire communities in need by supplying animals, tree seedlings, education, and many more gifts that will grow to benefit many.

Swaddle Designs Organic Baby Swaddle Blanket

2009-11-28T22:08:00.001-08:00

Organic swaddle blankets, thank you!!! Swaddle Designs makes very stylish, soft, & great quality swaddle blankets & hooded towels. It shouldn't be this hard to find organic cotton swaddle blankets, but it is for some reason. I love their mod circles design & the feel of their fabrics. I'm not crazy that they use polyester for some of their products, but the organic line rocks. The hooded towels are big enough for toddlers too!

Handful Newborn Cuddle

2009-11-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

The newborn cuddle form Hand Full is a great baby gift. We love it because it's not only mom made, but organic cotton & hemp coziness. It can be a robe, a towel, a blankie, & is simply adorable! Your choice of colors. Very well priced for an OG baby cuddle. Their dresses are also the adorable & I'm a big fan of the organic training pants/ undies Hand Full makes. Check them out.

Beehive Baby Spoons

2009-11-05T17:49:00.001-08:00

Behive Kitchenwear makes the cutest baby spoons I've ever seen. They are made from lead free pewter & are easy for little fingers to grasp. My 2 year old loves his little chick spoon. A great idea for those picky eaters or as a baby shower gift. Highly recommended!

Thimbleberry Road Woolie Baby Hoods

2009-10-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

A new must have! Thimbleberry makes the cutest & warmest woolen hoodies for babies everywhere. Why do we love this hoodie? Well, first of all, it's mom made & the wool is incredibly soft, stretchy, & breathable. You're baby will be cozy & warm all winter! Highly recommended.

Belle Baby Carriers

2009-10-14T20:54:00.001-07:00

We're always happy when a company decides to use organic materials. Belle Baby Carriers has introduced an organic line. We like the design, simple, supportive, with great padded straps. The bottom belt could be a bit wider to provide alittle more support. Otherwise a great carrier.

Our Favorite Fall/WInter Kids Boots

2009-10-13T20:26:00.001-07:00

The winner is.....Livie & Luca. Yes, I love them. Soft, flexible, natural designs. The Woodland Boot is my new fave. Easy on-off & most of all, the little guys loves them. Well worth the money. This company has such cute designs, I'm adding them to my must have list!

Zoesephine Seattle Diaper Bag

2009-10-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah!! I cannot say how much I like the Zosephine diaper bag in words. It's hard to find a diaper bag that doesn't make a mockery of women's sense of style. I mean, do we really become these wholesome little cute things that like pink ruffles & teddy bears after we have kids? Zoesephine makes very hip, stylish, and still functional diaper bags. They're waterproof inside, have plenty of pockets, & even have a cell phone holder. One of the best features is the slim design, who wants to carry a big bulky bag around with a baby in their arms? Most people wouldn't even think it's a diaper bag! Highly recommended, a must have!

Smartwool is the Best!

2009-09-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

I love Smartwool. Why? Well try keeping any socks or bootie on a newborn. These actually stay on & best of all, they're wool. They are very soft, warm, & don't fall off. They're also very affordable for wool. My son used them all winter long. They also have some really cute & warm hats. The socks are a must have!

Pregnancy Body Pillow Contest!

2009-09-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, how wonderful it is to have a great body pillow when your pregnant! And we're happy to give one to one of our lucky readers courtesy of CSN Mattress. They have some great eco-friendly bedding that is fire retardant free, you just have to make sure that the product you're looking at has the eco-friendly label. So tell us about why you'd like a body pillow & maybe you'll be our lucky winner! Use comment space below to post your entry.

Glamourmom Nursing Tank Giveaway Contest

2009-08-25T02:10:00.000-07:00

Why should we cover up while nursing? I have to say, as uninhibited & into breastfeeding as I am, I even felt wierd at first. So I made a concious effort to nurse in public to make a point to myself & everyone around me...nursing is natural and beautiful.
I never tried nursing tops until I found Glamourmom. Very interesting! It's sort of a more modest way to nurse in public if you're feeling a bit bashful. But also very convenient. It's definatly easy to nurse in one of these tanks...just unclip the clasp at the strap & pop, there you go, instant access. I like the tank because it's designed to cover post pregnancy bellies as well as flat ones. The built in bra is wonderful, it gives support (even to the larger breasted) without an underwire that can be harmful when nursing. Glamourmom also sells nursing dresses, but they are a bit cumbersome.
These tanks would make a great baby shower gift! I really love the longer tank.
Share your feelings on nursing in public with us by writing a "comment" & you'll be entered to win your choice of Glamourmom gear.

Ricicli Baby & Toddler Eco-Conscious Clothing

2009-08-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ricicli makes wonderful one of a kind handmade baby & toddler clothing from recycled or sustainable materials. It's going to be getting cooler soon & this hoodie looks like the perfect thing to keep my little guy warm! One thing that I noticed is that their fabrics are so comfortable! It's what I would l want to wear if I was a baby & could speak. Ricicli's creator states, "My approach to them is from the mind of a child where the style is simple, colorful, silly and imaginative" Some of her preices have hand embroidery, antique lace & buttons...so lovely. And Ricicli also has great prices for such high quality! Check out her other line Guioco too!

Natural Dolls for Your Baby & Toddler

2009-08-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a sweet & happy girl enjoying her Swaddle Baby. A non toxic Waldorf inspired doll, no synthetics or fire retardants used. When our little man started showing an interest in baby dolls, I wasn't sure that I wanted to get him one. Not because he's a boy & boys shouldn't have dolls, I think that they would only benefit form having a doll. But in our quest to limit his exposure to plastic toys, I found Swaddle Babies. Oh my god! They are the most perfect little doll you could ever give a kid! So adorable, words can't do them justice. The best thing about Swaddle Babies is that each one is custom made with organic & cotton materials. Design your very own... red hair or brown? Or maybe dark skin with smiling eyes? You get your choice. The owner & creator of Swaddle Babies truly loves making each doll & puts a lot of pride into them. They are orgiional works of art that your little one will cherish. Highly recommended, a must have!

Art for Baby

2009-08-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ferntree Studios makes some great art for children. Their prints are very simple & cute. This piece is from The Knobby Knee series; adorable but not too cheesy like lots of art for kids rooms. Very high quality prints from an independent artist. A must see!

Roly Poly Cloth Diapers & Deals

2009-07-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

I love mom made baby gear. If anyone would be an expert, it's another mom. Rolypoly Crafts makes waterproof diapers that take cloth inserts. And I really like that they include the insert which is made from a blend of organic cotton & hemp. Personally, I wish that their diapers were breathable, but I know that most moms out there prefer a waterproof cover for convenience sake. The cut is a bit contoured which is nice for baby's legs. And right now they have great diaper package deals, very economical! Worth checking out.

Winner of Piou Piou Elimination Communication Pants!!

2009-07-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is what many of us EC-ers or diaper free practioners look like on a regular basis. So if you see one of us, it's okay to stare, we are very proud of our babies & I'm sure they are too! We do have a winner to our Piou Pou elimination communication pants giveaway! Swifty has won herself a complementary pair of Piou Piou EC pants. Just contact us with a comment or link to The Cozy Bunny & leave us a message there to claim your prize. And if anyone else has any more EC discussion or questions, please feel free to post them & I'll do my best to answer. Thanks for all the great comments!

Moya's Organic Baby Clothes Sale!

2009-07-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Actuallly, it's Moya's Organic Baby Couture and if you're looking for an organic gift for the little baby in your life or know of someone about to need some baby couture...look no further. Moya has some lovely designs, very unique and adorable. Many of their designs have separate tanks or fancy embroidered bibs over shirts so that you can take the top piece off if baby gets it messy. What a great idea, stylish and still functional!
As far as environmentally friendly goes, Moya's is as good as you can get. All clothes (even the tags) are made from organic cotton, inks used are non-toxic, paper used is FSC certified, & lastly the packaging is made from recycled paper! I love companies like this. Moya uses premium material & so prices are not cheap, but you are really paying for a 2-3 piece set because of all the layering, so it really is quite a steal. And right now they're having a 30% off sale...so go crazy!

Organic Stuffed Animals

2009-07-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just discovered Lil' Sprout Knits, a small business with sustainable values that I wish all companies had. All of their cotton for their animals is FSC organically grown cotton from US sources. But the best part about Lil' Sprout Knits is their organic stuffed animals, this is Lucky Eli the Elephant. He is very soft & no child can resist! You can tell when a toy is made with love & this one was. Eli has no plastics, fire retardants, or other chemicals that you wouldn't want your little one sleeping with. Check out Lily the Dinosaur & The Perfect Tooth for Lost Teeth, they're just adorable!

Cloth DIapers, Which Ones are the Best?

2009-07-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

We've been through them all. We've tried way too many different kinds of cloth diapers in our attempt to find the perfect one. Although we are an "elimination communication" family, we do have use for the wonderful cloth diaper. There are a few things to consider when selecting a cloth diaper & cover.
1. Is it going to be bulky between your babies legs? Make sure they are "contoured". Why do I obsess about a diaper being contoured? Well, baby's legs & hip joints are forming & the last thing you want to do is stuff a big bulky cloth diaper between them. It can lead to future hip joint problems, not to mention be uncomfortable.
2. Does it breathe? Is the diaper cover you chose going to allow for air to move in & out of the diaper. If it's a plastic one, no, it doesn't breathe. Breathable is important for a diaper cover because otherwise your poor baby's booty will be a sweaty mess & encourages bacterial growth, I usually combat this problem by using Baby Booty Spray with every diaper change, works great! Imaging how hot it can get in there covered by plastic! But many still opt for plastic covers because they are waterproof. Wool can be waterproof too, but needs to be treated with special wool wash every 2-3 weeks. Not too hard, but sometimes leaks happen anyway. It's just baby pee.
3. Is it adjustable? Many diapers have either snaps or velcro to help adjust to a growing baby. Some diapers have more adjustment than others & therefore you can make the diaper cover last longer.
4. Plain covers, insert, or all in one diapers? Plain covers take a classic prefold diaper. These are easier to wash because you can just take out the dirty diaper, dry off the cover, & add a new diaper. But these are often bulky between baby's legs. Diapers with inserts work great & are my favorite because it's easy & often contoured, but takes a little more laundry. Diaper covers with built in inserts are convenient, but take alittle longer to dry.
So here are a few of our faves.
DryBees has great diapers. They have a few different types to chose from: all in ones, lacies, night times, & a great bamboo line. I do wish they were more contoured & that the insides were cozier on the all in ones. I love the bamboo the most, very ecologically friendly! They are very adjustable to different sizes & come is some really cute designs as well. The baby standing in the picture above looks so happy for a reason!
The new Fuzzi Bunz are much softer than their old version & softer than just about any other diaper out there. A pocket diaper. They work great & are so cozy, you would wanna wear them... but be glad you don't have to. Love the snaps so that you can adjust the size very easily. I do wish they were a bit more contoured but they are not overly bulky. Well worth the extra money & highly recommended.
Swaddlebees are a pocket diaper much like Fuzzi Bunz, not quite as plush, but more contoured & that's why i like them so much. They also come in very cute designs.
BumGenius is another type of cloth diaper with insert. Great for late nights because they are so absorbant. But for a newborn are way too bulky. They are very heavy duty & come is really nice colors.
Covered Caboose is my favorite wool diaper cover because they make the softest woolen diapers ever. They are also very well made & will last you forever. Wool diaper covers tend to be more pricey than regular ones but it is a more natural version & breathable. And wool can be used in the hot months too because it's temperature regulating. Wool is also antimicrobial...a big plus if you're a diaper cover.

Peaceful Baby Room Spray Contest Giveaway!

2009-07-03T16:32:00.001-07:00

Natural Woman Herbals is giving away a free Peaceful Baby Room Spray to a lucky mom or dad! I love them because they use all natural ingredients & it seems to calm my little guy before he goes to sleep. Like everything I've tried from Natural Woman Herbals, it's very affordable & smells wonderful! This would also be a great babyshower gift. Highly recommended & a must try! Tell us the reason you'd like to have one & we'll chose a lucky baby out there.

Elimmination Communication/ Diaper Free Pants Giveaway Contest!

2009-06-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, you're probably wondering what EC is...If you're just interested in entering the contest, just scroll to the end of the article. Well, lets begin at the natural process of human elimination. In easier terms...peeing & pooping, a much loved term of any toddler you'll meet. No one, not even babies want to go to the bathroom on themselves. Why do you think babies cry when they are wet or have pooped in their diapers? Would you want to sit in that? NO! But disposable diapers today are made so well that babies don't feel very wet after they pee & learn to ignore their bodies natural impulse to not be wet or dirty. And the myth that it's too early & babies don't have controll of their bodily functions yet is not true. Maybe the diaper companies would like us to believe that so that we continue to keep our kids in diapers even at 4 years old! Of course they would like us to keep buying their diapers for as long as possible. You don't have to do no diapers at all, but some people chose to & their kids learn much faster. As for us, we did a combination of cloth diapers, EC, & sometimes when we felt brave, diaper free.
Yes, babies are much smarter than many people give them credit for. So learn to listen to your baby. It takes a lot of time, attention, & love, but it's well worth it. Your baby deserves to be heard. I've heard many moms say, "I just don't have the patience for that". Well, I doubt your baby has the patience to sit in a dirty diaper either.
It gets alittle messy, but my son at 3 months began to pee with me holding his legs up above the toilet squatting. He was very proud of himself & now at 1 & 1/2 is almost potty trained. He learned early to be in touch with his bodily functions & communicates to us to let us know he has to potty.When he is older, I think that EC-ing will help his body image as well. Still, he is young & has accidents. For this, we have begun to use EC pants by Piou Piou a mom owned business from New Zealand. I wish we had found them sooner. They have 2 styles, one has a flap in front, the other has simple snaps in the crotch. Both are extremely well made, affordable, adorable, & eco-friendly. I've seen a few EC style pants out there & these are my favorites. We use the snap pants all the time. My son tells me he has to pee, I unsnap his pants, & then he now pees standing up. Quick access is vital when EC-ing! And the pants are very comfortable & soft. His best friend who is alittle older wears the flap pants with ease. We couldn't be happier with our Poui Poui EC pants. For more information & to find a Diaper Free group near you, try The Diaper Free Baby Organization.
We are giving a Piou Piou EC pants to a lucky baby! Piou Piou wants to know what you love about EC-ing. Or if you are unfamiliar with EC-ing & you are a novice, just tell us why you'd like to begin trying EC-ing with your baby. Just comment below. Feel Free to ask questions & I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.

Get Out Your Short Sleeves, Summer is Here!

2009-06-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

We've seen some fun baby & toddler summerwear recently. We're really happy that so many independent small businesses are using water based inks that are more environmentally friendly. Funky Fresh has some fun cotton tees that I wish they made in mom sizes too. Their monkey tee rocks! Doti makes adorable organic personalized onsies that are works of art, adorable & would make a great babyshower gift. Elemental makes really cool & affordable organic toddler shirts like this train tee. It's hard to find organic children's clothes that are cute & also affordable, so check out their great designs.

A Diaper Rash Spray that Really Works!!

2009-06-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

We just tried Natural Woman Herbals Baby Booty Spray & it worked! My son has had a diaper rash that just wouldn't go away using anything natural. The only thing that worked was Nystatin cream, we had to use it everyday & it stained all of his cloth diapers. But this spray got rid of the rash in a day! And it smells good too. It's all natural & gentle. I even used it to clean his hands off. Why not it's antibacterial & I figured it couldn't hurt. It's been over two weeks now & I've been spraying the little man with every diaper change & no sign of the nasty rash. I love this stuff! They also have a Peaceful Room Spray that smells lovely as well...ohh....I'm feeling more relaxed already! A must have for a new mom.

Hotslings Giveaway Contest!

2009-06-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Babywearing should be a bigger part of our society. We rely on strollers as "mechanical babysitters" as Dr. Sears would put it way too much for convenience sake. Holding or "wearing" your baby should be the norm, what baby doesn't want to be held all the time, next to mom or dad & a familiar & soothing heartbeat. So let's wear our babies everywhere!
Of course there are lots of different babywearing options out there but for short term around the house use, I like the convenience of a sling. We'll talk about other types of babywearing contraptions later.
We love that Hotslings has begun to make organic cotton/hemp baby slings. Organic is not just better for the planet, but for your baby as well. Cotton is a really delicious plant & bugs love it! To keep them away, regular cotton is treated with chemicals that you wouldn't want near your baby. It is also often treated with formaldehyde that doesn't wash out.
Aside from the fact that we love the organic part of their slings, this one has a wonderful padded edge that wont dig into baby. The sling is a bit stretchy & very snug which makes baby feel more secure. Hotslings has their organic sling in beige but plans to expand the organic line soon.
To celebrate, we are giving a Hotslings organic sling to the family with a wonderful babywearing story. Make it short & sweet. If you've never worn your baby before, tell us about that too. Just click on the comments link below. Remember to join Hotslings on Twitter as well when you enter our giveaway.

Pedoodles & Livie & Luca

2009-05-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

We tried 2 shoes that are made using eco-friendly practices. Pedoodles uses recycled rubber for their soles & reminant non-toxic leather for the uppers. They test their leather for heavy metals that could harm little ones. Not all of their shoes are "Eco". But very cute & well constructed. We also tried Livie & Luca who make some of the cutest shoes I've seen in awhile. They too use leather reminants. And, they are mom-owned & hand made! Lovely. I loved the super flexible soles which are important for healthy baby & toddler foot development. Check out their Lime Elephants, so cute!

Seventh Generation...Hummm???

2009-05-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed the smell of disposable diapers, I mean before they're put on. Many of them are scented with chemicals that you wouldn't use yourself, least of all put on your baby. Seventh Generation makes the best non-clorinated disposable diapers. They work well, have no fragrances, & do not use clorine to bleach them. What does this mean? Well, I've realized that many families using these actually thought that they were biodegradable. They're not, but they don't have the negative environmental impact that bleached diapers do. And biodegradable isn't always better. Whatever your views are on using disposable diapers, these are good ones. I also like their Baby Free & Clear hypoallergenic laundry detergent. It's funny, because I actually use it to clean our cloth diapers. It works great, gets out tough stains, but doesn't leave any fragrance or negative environmental impact behind.

More Organic Baby Booties

2009-05-16T23:57:00.001-07:00

Oh the love! The love! How can you describe the perfect baby booty? Well, first of all it's made from organic cotton & in all sorts of beautiful colors & by a mom. Funchi has some amazing hand knit baby adornments, you must check them out!

Organic Onsies

2009-05-10T21:08:00.001-07:00

Onsies are a must have for all new moms so I decided to find some organic ones. Not many people think about what kinds of chemicals & environmental impact cotton production can have. So when chosing clothes for your new baby, you may want to find onsies made from organic cotton. Henna Baby & Erg both make handmade organic cotton origionals with noin-toxic dyes & inks. Henna Baby uses the traditional art of ceremonial hand painting & makes onsies that are truely unique, mom made, & beautiful. Each design is intended to bring luck & prosperity to your little one. Erg's origionals are hand stitched with great designs & colors and yes, made by a mom. I love this squirrel onesie! Both get our thumbs of approval.

Spring Dresses are Here!

2009-04-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, spring has sprung which means dressing your little one up in all sorts of lovely dresses. This dress is one of my favorites.Created by Peanut Butter Princess, a mom owned company. Although she has four children, she somehow finds time to make these intricate beautiful dresses. She is a true artist & everyone should check out her designs. All cotton & all lovely!

Cutest Handmade Booties

2009-04-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

These booties are gorgeous! Take a look at Pleasantly Plump Knits adorable little booties. A great selection of colors & all hand made.

Our Favorite Environmentally friendly Kids Furniture

2009-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Maybe that's all I should say about Ecotots amazing kids furniture. Not only are they extremely eco-friendly, using only FSC certified (the highest eco standard for wood you can get), formaldehyde-free, water-based stained woods...they managed to design & make all their creations in the US! Way to go! Although not cheap, it's well worth it. We checked out their project table & chairs. It took a whole 5 minutes to snap together the 2 stools & table, no tools needed, excellent design & craftsmanship. Ecotots also gives a lifetime guarantee. We had many a tea party this week & the table stood up to the test of repeated banging of various heavy toys. The design is great because it's actually a nice piece of furniture you would want in your home, not another plastic obnoxious thing that takes up space. I give Ecotots a huge thumbs up!

Moon Path Designs Organic Baby & Toddler Clothes

2009-04-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

Moonpath Designs shows that all children are loved & are citizens of the world. Each organic shirt is hand printed with an original hand-carved print block. In this lovely shirt, the words "Loved Child" is also spelled out in Amharic. Very unique & beautiful. Check out their other designs & if you buy 3 or more shirts, shipping is free.

Natural Wool Baby Toys

2009-04-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Babus makes a great woolen baby toy called The Baby Chain. It makes a great teether, supports tactile development, & best of all is non-toxic. The Baby Chain is made from 100% wool, no plastic, nothing unnatural. Made by a mom & inspired by her baby, a great affordable toy.

See Kai Run & Soft Soles: Healthy Shoes for Happy Feet

2009-04-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

I love these brown See Kai Run sandals. Spring is finally here, so I checked out lots of different types of sandles for the little one & have to say that see Kai Run are great. They are super flexible which is very important for developing feet & also have a wide sole which makes balancing a bit easier. My little man is in love with his sandals & even asks for them when he's going to bed!
Another shoe that we tried recently are Soft Soles which are not just amazing shoes but also designed for good foot health. Click here to read their article on healthy feet. Their shoes try to simulate bare foot conditions while providing extra added protection. I love their inner fluffy sheepskin innersoles that help keep feet dry & just feel oh sooo good! They come in all sorts of beautiful colors & styles & they even let you design your own if you like. Both shoes a must have!

It's Easter, Get Your Bonnets On!

2009-04-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

This has to be the cooolest baby on the block. Not just because he is awesome, but because his bonnet has the most adjustable & largest brim to protect his delicate skin. Check out the ultra-cool reversible bonnets by Urbanbabybonnets. But if you want a more traditional bonnet, check out Baby Dear who makes a wonderful delicate lace bonnet in all cotton. One of the most beautiful bonnets ever, would be perfect for a wedding or other special occasion.

White Lotus Organic Crib Mattess

2009-03-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

I really like White Lotus's crib mattress. Unlike Naturepedic, there are no springs, it's more like a futon bed. I like it's simplicity, firmness, & safety. You can get it with or without wool (which makes it more water resistant). It's not too bumpy or soft like a regular futon which could be dangerous for a little one. Compared to Naturepedic, it is more expensive, but I think I like it more.

Jack & Lily Baby Shoes

2009-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I'm checking out all the different brands of soft-soled baby shoes. Why soft-soled? Well, since bare-foot is supposed to let baby feet develop the most naturally, soft-soled shoes are the next best thing to bare feet. So a safer alternative to letting your little one go bare-foot as they begin to explore the world are soft-soles. Jack & Lily make some really cute ones that they say are the softest leather anywhere. They are pretty soft & look durable too. They're designs are adorable. Packaging is plastic & has something left to be desired, but is not excessive. Overall, I like them but have to try others to make any comparisons.

Natural Baby Soaps

2009-03-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Honey Bear Products makes lovely baby soaps. Even as a mother of 3, she finds time to create delicious soap concoctions. I tried the baby oatmeal & baby olive oil soaps & they were smooth & smelled great. They are not tear-free, but I just didn't wash my little guy's face with it & he came out very clean. I love that they only use natural ingredients...shea butter, olive oil, & essential oils. Nicely priced too. The picture used here is of their Lavender Sugar Soap, yumm!!

Make Your Baby's Diapers Smell Like Flowers

2009-03-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

I just discovered Monkeycreations lavender dryer bags...totally natural, just lavender flowers. Throw in your dryer with your wet clothes & yes, your baby's diapers will smell like flowers. But I suggest putting the lavender bag into a garment bag & then tossing it into the dyer so it don't break. They are intended to last up to 3 uses & then you can tear it open, dump it on your rug, & vac it up to make you house smell good. Or simply toss in your compost. Right now, receive 15% off !

Glad Rags- Reusable Menstrual Pads

2009-03-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love these reusable menstrual pads that Glad Rags make. Lots of people have negative feelings towards menstruation. Glad Rags asks that we all question our societies portrayal of the cycle & promotes a healthy attitude to pass onto future generations of girls. Not only was I impresses with their philosophy, but they use 100% post-consumer packaging! Now, the pad...wonderful construction, high quality & actually pretty. They make a nighttime pad, regular pad, & pantyliner that come with inserts to adjust with your flow. All made from soft flannel & said to last up to 5 years! They suggest that you soak the pads but I actually just threw them into the washer & they came out clean. This is a great alternative to one-use disposable pads, imagine how many are tossed away every day. Overall, Glad rags gets raves from us!

Naturpedic Organic Crib Mattress

2009-03-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

I never thought that anyone would allow something hazardous to be in something I sleep on every day. I never even thought about it until I had to go buy a crib mattress for my newborn baby (not that he actually slept in it much). But after trying to find an affordable non-treated crib mattress, I wound up chosing the Naturpedic Ultra. It turns out that all crib mattresses sold in the US by law must be treated with hazardous fire-retardants. Although the law was well intentioned, someone forgot to ask a very serious question..."should I put my newborn baby to sleep on top of toxic chemicals?". The rise of SIDS in the US corresponds with the introduction of fire-retardant treated mattresses. We should all be alarmed & boycott crib mattress companies that do not make non-treated mattresses. Newborn breathing patterns are very sensitive to begin with & add irritant chemicals into the mix & you may have a potentially life-threatening situation. An Australian study covered crib mattresses with a barrier cover & found a dramatic decline in the rate of SIDS. I found that the only way to make sure my little one was not sleeping on harmful chemicals was to buy an organic mattress. And even after finding them, asking the company..."do you treat your mattresses with fire-retardants" . I was disappointed to find that many did (like The Serta "organic" crib mattress). The most economical on the market seems to be the Naturpedic Crib Mattress. A great product for the price & I loved the polyethelene waterproof cover which is a great alternative to pvc/vinal waterproof coatings. It doesn't off-gas like other crib covers. It's filled with organic cotton & support springs. Bouncy but firm. It seems to have 2 different sides: one is firmer for infant safety & the other is slightly softer for use as a toddler bed. Wonderful & highly recommened!

Organic Nursing Bras

2009-03-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, they do exist. It was hard to find, but I did it. It turns out that Blue Canoe has some great organic cotton nursing bras. The Jane Bra would be a good all around pregnancy & nursing bra providing coverage & support without underwires (which can block milk ducts & cause problems for a nursing mom). They also have the Cross Over Bra that would be a good pregnancy & nursing bra for a smaller chested mom. Both provide easy access, are very comfortable, & at the same time stylish. And they're organic!

TOMS Shoes, Great Designs for a Great Cause

2009-03-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Shoes are such a basic necessity and we've found a truly great organization that is putting shoes on children around the world. TOMS makes such cute shoes & for very pair you buy, they donate a pair to a child in need. Since 2006, they have put 60,000 pairs of shoes on children in Argentina & South Africa. This was all supported by the caring support of those who purchased a pair of shoes. These lovely ladies in South Africa are sporting their new TOMS shoes. Check out the tiny TOMS line for some of the coolest little shoes ever. Their Vegan Wrap Boot looks really fun too. But let's remember, you're little one will not only look ultra hip, you'll be contributing to a great cause.

Pure Baby Kimono Love

2009-02-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

There is just something about kimonos that's just so adorable. They are also very versitile for babies as they grow. I love this particular kimono sweater/shirt because it was made by ecologicalartist's. Here is a woman who puts true love into her work. She makes her dyes from sustainably harvested materials, in this case toyon berries that she gathers herself! You can see them next to the sweater. A true artist. The wonderful light brown color of the toyon baby kimono is indeed colorfast. It's also very soft & made from organic cotton & hemp fleece. And to top it all off, a portion of sales goes to local student-centered ecological restoration projects.

The Coolest Wet Bag on the Market-The ICKY Bag

2009-02-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

It looks fun & hip & stylish. Yet, wait...it's actually a wet bag! It's the ICKY Bag by Petunias. What's a wet bag, you ask? Well if you're a cloth diapering mom, then you know that it's a bag that you put all your little one's dirty cloth diapers in. I chose to get an Icky bag because they are just so cute & it's something I would have purchased before I had a kid. And Petunias has so many style choices. It has many used...diapers, dirty linens, sippy cups, potty training supplies, bathing suits, wet pants/bibs/burp cloths, or use it incase you sunscreen explodes! Organization is key when you have a baby & this bag has helped me (the most unorganized mom) to get alittle closer to being organized. I use a big one for cloth diapers & wet little swimsuits & the small bag for booty wipes. It has helped us as we practice elimination communication, which takes lots of practice & leaves lots of wet pants. The Icky Bag works great & is very affordable. It would make a great baby shower gift & I highly recommend it!

Onesies Rule!

2009-02-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

Onsies are one of those thing that there are a million of out there. But this one stands out! Come on...I really don't have to say much here, do I? These giraffe lovelies are made by Stoopher. And if you mention that your saw these adorable giraffes here, you get free shipping!

Flying Peas Organic Bib

2009-02-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Some peas please! Jcfallat makes these unique organic bibs using non-toxic dyes. There is a whole series of "flying food circus"... so go crazy... peas, avocado, chilis, & strawberry. We love her designs & the fact that they use eco-friendly techniques. Every bib is a work of art & would make a great gift. She also has some really fashionably functional organic sleep sacs.

Sleepy Wrap Baby Sling

2009-02-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

Oh, looks so cozy! I always love to see dads carrying their little ones. This dad has his baby wrapped up in a Sleepy Wrap. It's nice to have your baby so close to you. It's beneficial for mom, baby, & dad too. Think about it, baby has been in a nice cozy place for the past nine months & then is probably really surprised by the fast, bright, big world. And what do most Americans do? They put baby in a a stroller, play pen, or crib. Does something seem wrong about this...well it should! Having baby close to you has many benefits for everyone. Baby is kept warm & is given a feeling of security. Sleepy Wrap claims that your baby will sleep 50% better if you carry your baby in a wrap. Well, yes, as Dr. Sears likes to call it..."wearing" your baby promotes better health in every way. Mother's & babies experience better sleep, which means that dads sleep better as well. Carrying your baby in a wrap will also let you get all those things done that you haven't been able to because you haven't had your hands free since baby was born. Wearing baby supports healthy pelvic & lower joint formation too. Newborns are used to being all bunched up & a wrap helps them stay in a position that is most natural for them. A carrier like the Baby Bjorn is a very unnatural position for babies legs to be in & can create joint development problems. Overall, the Sleepy Wrap is wonderful & highly recommended. My only concern was with the packaging which is plastic. Hopefully they can find an alternative in the future. But the wrap itself is a great breathable stretchy material & a great gift for a new mom. The Sleepy Wrap is very affordable & also looks really cool. Don't be discouraged when you first try it on. Just follow the wrap guide or even better have someone show you a few of their favorite wraps. It's really easy & comfortable after you get the hang of it. Have fun wearing your baby!

The Perfect Baby Shower Gift, Funchi Kimono Newborn Sweater

2009-02-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

I just had the pleasure of discovering Funchi baby sweaters. Some of the most exquisite little sweaters you'll ever find. Hand made in Slovenia, each warm hug collection welcoming sweater comes with a matching teddy bear sweater & baby gift card. Funchi also has a line of casual-dress-up sweaters that are also adorable. Made from organic cotton, but feels soft & silky. Yes, I think it may be the perfect baby shower gift.

Nosefrida, Alas!

2009-02-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, it looks alittle wierd, but this is a must try for all new moms! I wish I had a Nosfrida when my baby was younger, but we use it now whenever he gets sick. Nosefrida was invented by specialists in Sweden to clear baby's nose of mucus. The best part of this device is that you don't have to even touch baby's nose to clear it, which means baby is happier & can breathe better. Here's how it works...you inhale through the Nosefirda tube while holding it right above baby's nostril, mucus is removed & collected into the tube. Don't worry, there's a filter so that you don't inhale any yucky stuff. I've tried several different nose suctioning devices & this is definately the best one. The others I used either didn't work well or suctioned too hard for a baby. Very affordable too! Highly recommended!

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Add Some Style to Breastfeeding!

2009-02-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

Nothing is glamourous about leaky boobs. So I was happy to find Posh Pads a mom owned business making some great organic nursing pads. They have a wonderful line of breast pads that are very fashionable, comfortable, & environmentally friendly. I especially like their organic bamboo collection. The organic bamboo wicks moisture away which promotes healthy breasts. They're goal is to make mothers feel beautiful while breast feeding and their pads would make any mom smile.

Little Lark Organic Baby & Mom Clothes

2009-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

I love this Little Lark onsie. They are a great mother owned & operated company out of Portland, Oregon. All of their clothes are handmade using organic cotton & non-toxic printing methods, even their packaging is eco-friendly. Their prices are very affordable for organic baby clothes. This onsie is very soft & well made. Check out their tree prints & pants (great cut). Little Lark even has matching mom's shirts, if you really want to get cute!

Why We Love Wool!

2009-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wool.....I love wool baby products! So in an attempt to have a plastic free house for our new baby we found that wool served many uses: diapering, changing, burping, clothing, mattress protection, & keeping baby warm. By using wool, you are also avoiding exposing your family to toxic fire retardants used in way too many baby products. Many people worry that their baby will be too hot in wool or allergic. If your baby reacts to a woolen product with a skin rash or breathing problem, they may be allergic, but most babies do just fine. Wool breathes...which mean that it can wick away moisture, keep baby warm in the winter & cool in the summer. It is also antibacterial which makes it a great material for puddle pads, changing pads, & diapers. The Cozy Bunny offers lots of woolen baby gear, all made by crafty mamas. Their puddle pads & Pendelton woolen baby blankets are wonderful! There are also great but more costly European brands like Lamby, Disana, & LanaCare that make great woolen baby products. Lamby's stroller/car seat cover is so luxurious, your baby will feel like a superstar, mine tells me he does. I have to say though, my favorite wool diaper cover comes from The Covered Caboose. Very worth the price, it's the kind of diaper cover that will last forever & made by a mom too.

Cloth or Disposable Diapers?

2009-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

So I have to say that I thought I knew the what was the environmentally-friendly choice when it came to diapers. But now I'm not so sure. When our son was born, I research all of our cloth diapering options & even "diaper-free & elimination communication". But it didn't even occur to me that disposable diapers might be the greener option.

My husband works in the sustainability field & loves researching this type of problem. So off he went to find out the truth about diapering. After reading the few articles that he could find, he came to an astonishing conclusion; that cloth & disposable diapering may actually have similar impacts on the Earth.

He explained that cloth diapers use more energy than disposable. He explained that when cloth diapers are made it takes energy to make them, energy to transport them, energy to heat & transport the water used to clean them, & finally energy to filter the dirty water after it leaves your house. Now with disposables, he argues that it takes energy to make them & transport them, but then they are disposed of in a landfill that is eventually covered over & does not off-gas methane (methane is the major factor in global warming). But plastic diapers are also made from petroleum...and neither of us at this point want to support more petroleum usage.

So it would seem that disposable diapers have it, they may be a more sustainable diapering option. But I still cannot ignore an important fact...that I am only using this diaper once, then throwing it away where it will "dissappear".

I have not yet found any clear evidence that either option is healthier for our planet & in turn, our babies. But I instead have chosen to stick to my ideal that using a one-time-use item is not sustainable for our environment.