Breastfeeding mothers and advocates everywhere have a reason to celebrate next week: August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week!
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), and breastfeeding advocates in more than 170 countries worldwide will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week for the 19th year with the theme “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps. The Baby-Friendly Wayâ€.
Research shows that the best feeding option globally is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first half hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months and continued breastfeeding through the second year or beyond.
UNICEF recently noted that the reduction of child deaths from 13 million globally in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008 is partly due to the adoption of basic health interventions such as early and exclusive breastfeeding.
About The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organisations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide based on the Innocenti Declarations, the Ten Links for Nurturing the Future and the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.
Its core partners are International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), La Leche League International (LLLI), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), Wellstart International and Academy of Breastfeeding
Medicine (ABM).
The Holistic Moms Network is an important resource for Moms everywhere to find a wealth of healthy news and tips to help them create a natural holistic environment for their families.
The Green Mama Team regularly shares sustainable tips for Mom’s in their forum. Â I came across these tips for Moms who want to find safe alternatives to protect baby’s skin from the sun and want to share with our readers:
Sunscreen Alternatives Compiled by the HMN Green Mama Team
1. Common Sense
We all know it but often forget: Avoid midday (10 am-2 pm) sun as much as possible, stay in the shade when possible, wear sunglasses and sun hats, don’t stay out exposed for too long.
2. Cover Up!
For short periods, especially early or late in the day, sunscreen may not be necessary. In fact, a little exposure every day is vital to keep our Vitamin D levels up! Instead cover the skin with lightweight, tightly woven clothing, and protect your face with a hat. Babies under 6 months especially need to be covered up, since they don’t yet have the protection of melanin.
3. Be a Label Reader
Not all sunscreens are created equal. The “worst†chemicals to avoid include Oxybenzone and PABA/Padimate O. Some active ingredients that have been found less toxic include Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
4. California Baby
This very eco-friendly company makes three of the top ten sunscreens on Environmental Working Group’s “Low Health Hazard/Low Sun Hazard/Most Effective†list: the SPF 30+ No Fragrance Sunblock Stick, the SPF 30+ Everyday Sunblock Stick, and the SPF 30+ Everyday Lotion. They are widely available and
reasonably priced.
5. Homemade
There are many recipes out there for DIY sunscreen. Here’s one to try:
In a double boiler over medium heat, mix 2 ½ oz sesame oil, 1 ½ oz coconut oil, and 1 ½ oz beeswax.
Remove from heat and add 4 oz distilled water, mix with electric mixer until thick and smooth. Add 2 Tbsp zinc oxide and 1 Tbsp wheat germ oil, pour into glass jar and allow to set. (See resources for links to this and more).
6. Eating Prevention
Because of their antioxidant properties, carotenoids (beta-carotene), consumed naturally in many fruits and vegetables (especially carrots and apricots), or taken as a supplement, may help the body fend off sunburn and its accompanying damage. Green Tea also has strong antioxidant properties that may protect the skin.
About the beginning of the second trimester, your clothes will be feeling tighter as your abdomen swells. This is a good time to start using this Essential Oil moisturizer. It will help keep your skin supple and elastic and enhance collagen production (this is a good thing !). And it will feel good for Mama and the Baby to be.
How to Make Your Own Pregnancy Belly Rub Oil
What you will need
2 ounces of basic organic oil (you can choose from sesame, almond, sunflower, jojoba)
2 ounces of organic oil (you can choose from Wheatgerm, Hazelnut or Macadamia Nut but if you can’t find any of these then just use any of the basic organic oils)
24 drops of Organic Lavender Oil OR 12 drops Mandarin oil and 10 drops Neroli oil
About the Ingredients It’s important to use organic oil since regular oils are often obtained using a solvent extraction. Side note:What does “organic” mean? Check with the Organic Trade Association.
Remember that some of these oils will have a noticeable aroma, so only use it if you like the smell. Hazelnut, Macadamia and Sesame are more expensive oils but contain lots of vitamins and have amazing skin nourishing abilities so it’s great if you can include one of these in your blend.
In terms of the Essential Oil, lavender is the easiest by far to find and very reasonably priced. However I have to say that Mandarin and Neroli are absolutely heavenly. Mandarin is reasonably priced but Neroli which is extracted from Orange Blossoms is quite expensive.There are 100 drops in a 5 ml bottle.
Recipe for Pregnancy Belly Rub
Measure out a total of 4 ounces of Organic oil into a clean jar. Then add a total of 24 drops of essential oil (the essential oil jars come with a built in dropper). Stir well and you’re done.
How To Use
You can begin in the first or second trimester, whenever your abdomen starts to “grow”. With gentle circular movements apply oil to the abdomen twice a day. You can also use this blend on your thighs, sides and anywhere else your skin is stretching. The important thing is to start using it before the stretch marks appear. You should continue to use it until about 1 month after the birth as rapid decrease in weight can leave stretch marks as well.
Important if this is the first time you are massaging either the basic oil or the essential oil on your body, do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have any allergies to the ingredients. Just rub a small amount of the finished blend on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If there’s no rash or reaction, you’re good to go.
Added Tip : Whether you or someone you love are applying the Belly oil , this is a good time to send loving thoughts to your growing and changing body.
Baby’s need very few products and they should be as simple as possible. And you don’t have to be a chemist to create luxurious, natural baby care products that are natural & safe.
I am going to walk you through this easy alternative to the Baby Powder products that are found on the grocery store shelves. Many of those powders contain TALC (talcum powder) which you may already have heard bad things about. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos.
Since I want this to be a fun upbeat recipe, I won’t dwell on the facts about Talc here. For those who want to read more about this harmful mineral and the products that contain talc, I have included a helpful link http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/talc.htm
What you will need :
* 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
* 8 drops of organic lavender oil ( if you purchase a 5 ml bottle it will contain approx 100 drops )
* Optional : White Clay , sometimes called Kaolin Clay or White Cosmetic Clay
* A Container (an old spice container with holes on the top for “shaking out the powder” or a wide mouth jar with a powder puff for dabbing the powder onto your baby’s bottom)
About the Ingredients :
You may notice that I did not include Cornstarch. If you look at the ingredients in the Natural Baby Powders in your health food store, you would notice that they all contain Cornstarch as their main ingredient. While this is much preferred over Talc, it can aggravate a diaper rash (cornstarch “feeds” yeast rashes). If you can’t find arrowroot powder in your store, then substitute Cornstarch but discontinue use if your baby develops a yeast rash.
White clay is very fine and light and is wonderful to include. If you do add it in then use 1/4 cup and reduce the arrowroot powder to 1/4 cup. If you don’t know where to find a good quality White Clay then email me or leave a comment on our Facebook page.
Recipe for Baby Powder :
* Measure the 1/2 cup powder (arrowroot and/or white clay) into a bowl
* Sprinkle 8 Lavender drops over the mixture of the ‘powders’ and blend in with your finger tips or mix well with a fork
* Sift together and then pour into your container.
How To Use
Herbal baby powder can absorb excess moisture and help to prevent diaper rash. Powder lightly at every diaper change, paying special attention to the creases in those cute chubby thighs. I do not recommend using any powder for babies under 3 months, because they could breath in powder particles. Even though it’s all natural, you still want to be careful with newborns.
Added Tip : Children who wear disposable diapers are more likely than children who wear cloth diapers to suffer diaper rash. Diaper wipes can also cause skin irritation.
Ask any parent of a baby or a young child; and it is likely they have had at least one bad experience taking their child on a simple shopping errand. Â How many times have you been in a store and observed a frazzled parent trying to get a handle on a temper tantrum from an overtired and overstimulated baby or child?
We live in a world that tends to rush and operate at a hurried pace; and that presents big challenges to new parents. What if a simple shopping excursion can be turned into an opportunity to teach your child about the world outside our home? I came across this article by Jan Hunt, founder of the popular parenting site: Natural Child- and felt this is something parents everywhere will appreciate.
Though it is 20 years old, this article gives very practical and sage advice for any parent of families of all sizes and ages. It is very much in line with Rachael and Abraham’s approach to patient parenting. Enjoy!
1. Remember that children have limits. If you are shopping with children, be alert to their needs: are they tired, hungry, overexcited by the noise and confusion, or simply in need of fresh air and exercise, or a reassuring hug?
2. Remember that children are naturally curious. Children are naturally curious; this is how they learn about the world around them. If they want to examine an attractive item, please don’t scold them. Instead, help them to hold the item safely, or let them know that it can be viewed but not touched. You might say “This is breakable, so let’s just look at it together.” Even if an item cannot be purchased, it can be helpful to share the child’s enthusiasm and interest in it.
3. Shopping with infants…Shopping with an infant will be far easier if the trip is made after they are rested and have been fed. Babies and small children can become dehydrated in the dry air of shopping malls, so be sure to take frequent nursing or juice breaks.
Babies are almost always happier when carried. A sling or carrier worn by the parent provides far more comfort and emotional security than a stroller or grocery cart. A small child-proof toy can help a baby to cope with the inevitably lessened attention from the parent, but remember to stop as often as possible and take a moment for gentle words, eye contact, and hugs.
4. Shopping with toddlers…Toddlers can begin to be included in shopping decisions. Involving the child with questions such as “which of these peaches looks better to you?” can turn a boring, frustrating experience into a more pleasurable one, for both parent and child. Children of all ages enjoy and appreciate being able to make some of the product choices themselves. Bringing along juice, a favorite snack, and a well-loved picture book, or a newly-borrowed one from the library, can also be very helpful.
Being surrounded by a crowd of adults can be intimidating to small children, especially when stores are busy. Using a backpack can be one way of bringing toddlers up to a height where they are more contented. It can also prevent the common, frightening experience of losing a toddler in a crowd.
5. Shopping with older children…An older child can be a great help in shopping, if approached in a spirit of fun and appreciation. If the parent brings along clipped-out pictures of food from the newspaper grocery ads, the child can help to locate the item. Children mature enough to shop by themselves can help shorten the trip by finding items alone, returning periodically to put items into the cart.
6. Avoid the crowds. Shopping just before dinner, when stores are crowded, and parents and children are tired and hungry, can be very stressful. Try shopping in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, or move dinner up and shop during the quiet early-evening time between 6 and 7 PM. When we can avoid the stress of crowded stores and long check-out lines, we can have more energy and creativity for responding to our child’s needs.
7. The check-out lane can be a challenge…Check-out lanes which have colorful, enticing gum and candy packages can be a real challenge, especially as they are encountered at the end of shopping, when both parent and child are most fatigued and hungry. Bringing a favorite healthful snack from home can allow an easy alternative: “That package looks pretty, but candy isn’t very nutritious. Here’s the oatmeal cookie and juice we brought.” Shopping at stores which have “child-proof” check-outs without candy can be well worth a longer drive. If there is no local store with such a check-out, you might suggest this feature to a store manager, promising to shop regularly if this option is made available.
8. When you need to say “no”…The most important part of saying “no” is conveying to the child that we are on his or her side, even if we can’t satisfy all desires immediately. It might help to say, “That is nice, isn’t it? Take a good look and when we get home, we’ll add it to your wish list.” As the educator John Holt once said, “There is no reason why we cannot say ‘No’ to children in just as kind a way as we say ‘Yes’.” And remember that smiles, hugs, and cuddles are all free!
9. If you reach your limit…If you reach the limit of your patience and energy, try to show by example positive ways of handling anger and fatigue. You might try saying, “I’m starting to lose my patience. I think I need a break from shopping for a bit. Let’s go outside for a few minutes so we can both get refreshed.” Even a few moments of fresh air away from the crowds can make a big difference for both parent and child.
10. If your children reach their limit…If, after trying some of the above suggestions, your children have simply reached the end of their ability to handle any more errands, please respect that. Shopping can wait; an exhausted, hungry, or overly-excited child cannot
Remember that all children behave as well as they are treated. A child who is regularly given our time, undivided attention, patience, and understanding will have more tolerance for a shopping trip – and any other challenging situation – than the child who must face stressful situations without this emotional support.
Healthy Child Healthy World has been an exceptional resource to parents who want to create a healthier environment for their children (free of chemicals and toxins) and shares many of the core values of Baby’s Organic Nursery.  Their mission is to create a widespread movement that inspires parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals.  I strongly encourage you to become involved with the movement by visiting their site and finding out how you can help with this very important cause.
movement that inspires parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals.
I came across this list of tips published in their site and found the information to be so valuable we felt it would be appropriate to share this with Baby’s Organic Nursery readers as well. Â Enjoy!
10 Tips to Prepare for Your Pregnancy
1. Avoid produce with pesticides.

 According to the Environmental Working Group, you can lower your pesticide exposure by 90 per cent simply by avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown produce: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots, and pears. If you’re really craving one of these foods, opt for organic. Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that have the lowest levels of pesticide residue include: onion, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.
2. Feast on folic acidbefore conceiving and while pregnant.

 Sources include dried beans and peas, citrus fruit, spinach and broccoli. Adequate folic acid early in a baby’s development helps prevent neurological defects, such as spina bifida. Note: too much folic acid may pose it’s own risks, so talk with your doctor about how much you need.
3. Reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and quit smoking.

 Women who smoke during pregnancy (or are exposed to secondhand smoke) are more likely to give birth to small babies with low birth weight. Alcohol and caffeine lower overall health and can negatively impact a fetus.
4. Ease up on animal fats. Animal products can contain synthetic hormones, antibiotics and organochlorine chemicals, such as dioxin, DDT and other pesticides, which concentrate in animal fat. The same chemicals that accumulate in animal fats are transferred to our own when we eat them. Then they linger there for years quietly causing damage. When you buy meat, poultry or dairy, look for low fat options (get the unsaturated fats your body needs from plant sources like walnuts, flax seeds, and avocadoes). 
Trim all fats and skins and broil meats and fish so that the fats drain away. Avoid frying, which will lock in the contaminants. You can also do your body a favor by reducing how much meat you eat. Making even one vegetarian meal a week can make a big difference.
5. Select safer seafood. Eating seafood is the primary way we are exposed to methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin. Fish can also be contaminated with PCBs, which are a probable carcinogen. Still, fish are an important source of good fats known as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Eat seafood in moderation and choose types with lower levels of contamination like Herring, Mackerel, Anchovies, Clams, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Shrimp, Tilapia, and Black Sea Bass
6. Get smart about plastics.

 Some plastics cause dangerous pollution during manufacturing and some contain chemicals suspected of causing harm – especially to developing fetuses. Avoid those numbered 1, 3, 6, or 7 (PC). These resin codes are typically on the bottom of an item in a triangle of arrows. When using any plastic, be safer by not using in the microwave or with hot food (the heat promotes leaching). Discard or stop using for food and beverages when the product begins to have signs of wear and tear. Also, ban the can. Canned foods and beverages are lined with a plastic resin that contains bisphenol-A, a hormone-disrupting chemical. Many manufacturers are beginning to explore safer alternatives, but in the meantime you should choose foods that are fresh, dried or frozen or packaged in glass jars.
7. Wet your whistle with water. Americans drink an overwhelming amount of sodas, sports drinks, energy boosters, juices (that often contain little juice), and other bottled beverages. The first problem with this is that most of these drinks are loaded with sweeteners and artificial flavors and colors. The second is that they’re bottled in plastic, which can leach additional chemicals into the drink. Your body is roughly 70% water, so hydrate it with water! Skip the single-use bottled water which can be contaminated by the plastic bottle (it’s also less regulated than tap water.) Make an investment in a water filter and reusable stainless steel water bottles. They quickly pay for themselves.
8. Test for lead while planning your pregnancy. 

Lead is a potent neurotoxicant that is stored in the bones and can be passed to a developing baby through the placenta. Test your paint if your home was built before 1978. The US Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of certified labs where you can send paint samples. Removal of lead paint must only be done by a professional and pregnant women should stay away from the area until it is thoroughly cleaned. Test your tap water for lead and talk to your doctor about having your blood tested for lead.
9. Use fewer personal care products.

 Many personal care products contain chemicals that disrupt hormones your baby will rely on for proper development. And others contain carcinogens and neurotoxicants, among other things. The best thing for you and baby is to reduce how much you use and to choose the safest products. Look for products with fewer ingredients – ideally those with the USDA Certified Organic Seal. Avoid products with Parabens, Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DMP, DEP), DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, DEA (diethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine), Formaldehyde, PEGs (polyethylene glycol), and anything with “glycol” or “methyl.”
10. Clean without toxic chemicals.

 You don’t need a chemical arsenal to keep your home clean. Basic ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can tackle most household chores. Or, you can look for natural products at the store (don’t be fooled by marketing, though. Check the label for ingredients.) Avoid products that say poison, warning, or danger and products with unidentified “fragrance.” You should also avoid the top toxics: nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), triclosan, ammonia, chlorine bleach, DEA, TEA, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid.
We have been offering swim diapers for over fifteen years. We hope you will visit us online where it’s easy to order and we’re always just a phone call away to help you out. Our swim diapers are made in the U.S.A. and have been used by Swim Schools , Swim Parks and lots of Happy Parents.
Rachael & Abraham, owners of Diaperaps
Made in the U.S.A. Â Â Â Â Low minimum order of $200 Â Â Â Â Â Â $5.90 each
Visit us online
or Call 800-477-3424
Why Diaperaps® Swim Diaper is the Answer
1. Our Swim Diapers have a unique waterproof lamination between the cotton blend liner and the outer layer of fabric. This contains accidents.
2. Our special design fits snugly around the legs and waist to prevent accidents from leaking. And there’s NO Velcro to come undo in the pool.
3. Our sleek Swim Diaper is lightweight. This makes it more comfortable for baby.
4. These features give parents the confidence they need to enjoy the pool or beach with their babies.
5. Our beautiful prints and bold colors will make baby the best dressed swimmer in the neighborhood.
Each month, we will feature an organic baby product carried by Baby’s Organic Nursery and give you the story behind the people who create  it.  I felt it would be appropriate to launch this series by  featuring  Diaperaps® Swim Diapers- created by our very own Rachael & Abraham!
Rachael Flug & her husband Abraham, owners of Baby’s Organic Nursery, exemplify an ideal business partnership. Â The couple works seamlessly together to fulfill their commitment to find the the healthiest products for babies while serving their loyal customers. Â It is their passion to teach parents how easy it is to “do the right thing” for babies and the environment and go through a rigorous process to select the products they carry. Â They only offer organic products from companies they know are committed to Fair Trade practices as well as Certified Organic Standards.
Rachael, who oversees product development, has always relied on her sharp instincts to make the best choices for their 3 children (now grown) and now relies on those instincts to create healthy, comfortable and environmentally safe products for babies.  She says her guiding principal to making the right choices is asking herself: “What products would I want to surround my 1rst grandchild with?”
These very instincts combined with their innovation led to the launch of Diaperaps® 26 years ago.  The Diaperaps® Swim Diaper is one of the most popular products from this line and has been been used by swim schools , swim parks and many happy parents for over 15 years.  In Rachael’s own words:
I introduced my swim diaper in 1993 and today Diaperaps offers the largest selection of infant swim diapers in the world. Most swimming pools now require infants to wear tight fitting covers for hygiene reasons. My swim diapers are the solution to a messy problem and give parents the confidence they need to enjoy the water with their babies. Our unique construction combines a cotton blend knit fabric laminated to a stretchable waterproof barrier. Only the soft cotton touches baby’s gentle skin. Our special design fits snugly around the legs and waist to prevent leakage and is lightweight and comfortable to allow free movement in the water.
My swim diaper has a unique waterproof lamination to contain accidents.
My special design fits snugly around the legs and waist to prevent leakage.
My sleek style is lightweight and comfortable to allow free movement.
I came across this video this week and wanted to share with these great “Green Baby Shower” ideas from http://www.celebrategreen.net/ Celebrate Green authors: Mother/Daughter Team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell authors of the book Celebrate Green….http://www.celebrategreen.net/buy/…Eco-preneurs, authors, speakers, radio hosts encouraging people to celebrate green :
The guest of honor and shower guests will greatly appreciate your efforts to reduce waste and embrace a more organic and natural theme to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her new baby!
Ideas:
Set an Organic table-
Placesetting
No disposables…use your dishware or china (rent or borrow)…
Use Cloth Napkins….Organic Baby Rattle is an adorable idea for a napkin ring!
Centerpiece- Organic Cloth Diaper Cake made with organic cotton diapers…
Guest Favors (beautiful idea)- glass Jars- with a candle- have everyone light the candle when we recieve word the mom to be has gone into labor! Beeswax candles
Instead of wrapping paper- use a recieving blanket…cards with sustainable or recycled materials.
Run a clothesline- guests can hang outfits along the clothesline…eliminates need for
Good safe, organic toys gift & eco friendly recommendations..
Make a special Handkercheif into a baby bonnet…use for other special days
The authors of “Celebrate Green!” Lynn Howell & cori Hoshow Parents TV Host Juli Auclair how to throw a fabulous, eco-friendly baby shower.
Hosting a baby shower is one of the kindest gestures a friend or family member can do for a Mom to Be. In my personal experience, I have seen more and more pregnant women express their wishes to celebrate the new baby with an Organic and Natural theme- and there are numerous ways to accomplish this goal. Â Other than being more earth friendly, some of the benefits of hosting a Green Baby Shower are saving money (disposable items and wrapping paper can add up) and the appreciation you will get from your guest of honor & shower guests for your efforts to reduce waste and embrace a more eco-conscious theme.
I came across some wonderful green baby shower ideas this month and wanted to share a video this video featuring the Mother/Daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell,  authors of the book Celebrate Green .  This piece contains a  number of clever & easy ideas on how to “green” your baby shower.
I love their ideas of setting an organic table by banning disposables and utilizing your own china (also can be borrowed and rented).  Also, Organic Baby Rattles are an adorable idea to use as a napkin ring over cloth napkins….other tips:
Make an Organic Cloth Diaper Cake (I know just the Cloth Diapers to recommend!) for the centerpiece..
Place a Beeswax candle into a glass jars and personalize it.  This makes a beautiful table decoration- and a meaningful guest favor.
Instead of wrapping paper- wrap your gift with a recieving blanket.
Run a clothesline along the wall where guests can hang baby outfits along the clothesline….this serves as a meaningful decoration and eliminates need for wrapping paper.
There are so many tips and cute ideas in this video- Enjoy!
I have been familiar with Healthy Child Healthy World for a number of years.  This is an outstanding organization that advocates for healthy and toxic free living for our children.  It was founded in the early 90s by Nancy and Jim Chuda after their beautiful young daughter, Colette, died of a non-genetic cancer.
They recently released a powerful video to spread their message even further….please watch this video and share with your friends- even non-parents need to be aware that there are small steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families from harmful chemicals and a toxic home environment.
Purpose and Goals
Expand awareness and understanding of environmental hazards to children’s health
Help the public learn about healthier practices, solutions, and products in the marketplace
Encourage daily action and informed lifestyle choices
Create standards and policies for safer products, foods, materials, and chemicals used in the home – promoting safer options and new alternatives
Advocate for and support corporate policies and governmental legislation that protect children from environmental risks
Engage communities to make wise choices and responsible decisions so families can flourish
Purpose and Goals of Healthy Child Healthy World
Expand awareness and understanding of environmental hazards to children’s health
Help the public learn about healthier practices, solutions, and products in the marketplace
Encourage daily action and informed lifestyle choices
Create standards and policies for safer products, foods, materials, and chemicals used in the home – promoting safer options and new alternatives
Advocate for and support corporate policies and governmental legislation that protect children from environmental risks
Engage communities to make wise choices and responsible decisions so families can flourish
Many expecting parents are currently engaged in what I call- “The Great Diaper Debate”. They want to do right for the environment and they also want to make the best choice for their baby. As expecting parents do more research, they will find numerous arguments out there for both sides- Pro-Disposable and Pro-Cloth.
We are obviously on the Pro-Cloth diapering side after more than 25 years of experience with cloth diapers so I would like to share some thoughts on cloth diapering for you to consider:
Try It Before You Buy It. If you are curious if cloth diapers are right for your baby- I suggest trying them out for a few days with a Sample Package . That way, you can really compare the differences between disposable and cloth diapering before making a commitment.
Cloth diapering is messy and inconvenient is an old myth. Cloth Diapering has come a long way. The days of pins, dunking, plastic, toxic mess are long gone. In fact, many of the parents we know who are new to cloth diapering shocked at how easy it really is. Innovation and new advances in technology combined with the advances in organic materials have really made a huge difference to the cloth diapering industry.
Reasons why cloth diapers are better:
You’ll save more than $2500 over the cost of disposables.
A disposable diaper is used for 2 hours – a cloth diaper is used for 3 years. Think of all the resources used to produce a product that will last for only 2 hours and then be thrown away. Think about where all the billions of throw-away diapers are going to end up.
You can give your baby 100% natural cotton — wouldn’t you rather have soft cotton next to your skin instead of wood pulp, chemicals and plastic?
Babies Potty Train Earlier when they use cotton because they can feel the wetness.
Babies learn by imitation. You can teach them by example, the responsible way of dealing with waste. You don’t just wrap it up and throw it away.
Agree? Disagree? We want to continue this discussion! For questions or additional benefits of cloth diapering- please leave a comment on our blog or on our Facebook page.
Breastfeeding mothers and advocates everywhere have a reason to celebrate next week: August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week!
About the beginning of the second trimester, your clothes will be feeling tighter as your abdomen swells. This is a good time to start using this Essential Oil moisturizer. It will help keep your skin supple and elastic and enhance collagen production (this is a good thing !). And it will feel good for Mama and the Baby to be.
I am going to walk you through this easy alternative to the Baby Powder products that are found on the grocery store shelves. Many of those powders contain TALC (talcum powder) which you may already have heard bad things about. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos.
Ask any parent of a baby or a young child; and it is likely they have had at least one bad experience taking their child on a simple shopping errand. Â How many times have you been in a store and observed a frazzled parent trying to get a handle on a temper tantrum from an overtired and overstimulated baby or child?
I have been familiar with 
Many expecting parents are currently engaged in what I call- “The Great Diaper Debate”. They want to do right for the environment and they also want to make the best choice for their baby. As expecting parents do more research, they will find numerous arguments out there for both sides- Pro-Disposable and Pro-Cloth.
