The baby bottles are long gone. Onesies, receiving blankets, and teething rings have left the premises. My kids 9, 7, and 5 (yikes!) are no longer babies.
Now that I’m into the “green” space, I’ve stumbled on some things that make me get a wee bit sentimental for the little ones. Here are a few things I surely wish I had when my kiddos were teeny.
These BPA-free resusable glass baby bottles with a silicone sleeve are perfect for infants. I had switched to glass bottles by the time my daughter was born, but I was always worried the bottles would shatter if dropped (it never happened, but I was always an anxious mom, even on number three).
Now you get the best of both worlds - a glass bottle (a trusted material that won’t leach bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates into the milk or leave an unpleasant plastic taste) plus a silicone cover (a non-toxic material) that protects the bottle from shattering and makes it easier for little hands to grip.
I remember spending lots of time thinking about bubble baths back then. I was convinced that kids needed bubbles. I cringe now thinking about some of the products that I used on my first son (sorry about that Willy!). But after three children and many hours spent poring over the ingredients in skincare products, I have realized the perfect solution for all bodies - Dr. Bonner’s castile soap.
Using a combination of organic coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils with pure essential oils, this simple soap cleans well without harsh chemicals, preservatives or synthetic fragrances. And, best of all, the products are certified fair-trade and not tested on animals.
Here’s a tip: Never use ingredients that you don’t recognize on your child’s very porous skin.
Cotton is probably the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, so switching over to organic cotton is good for the earth. But finding adorable organic clothes wasn’t always easy.
I remember when I was starting my company Sage Baby, a friend looked at me like I was crazy. She had visions of dressing her children in burlap sacks.
Fortunately, times have changed. I love the clothes at Kate Quinn because they are stylish and organic! One personal favorite is the infant sacques. Not only do they have the essential like handmitts and elastic bottoms for easy changing, but the organic cotton is super soft and the colors are beautiful. No burlap sacks here!
Come back next week and I will tell you about my adventures in replanting my window garden with my kids help.
Francesca Olivieri is co-founder of sage baby, an online eco-friendly baby store offering everything from organic clothes and skin care to furniture. She also runs a green consulting business; blogs for The Family Groove and Scenic Hudson; and contributes to Daily Candy Kids, YogaCity, Citiscoop, and NRDC’s Simple Steps. Please visit her website at FrancescaOlivieri.com.
From: Jane Stephens | 5/24/10 at 12:47 pm
Makes me want to have another baby but maybe grandchildren gifts!
Thank you for the information!
Good work! Jane Stephens
From: Kelly Jaxin | 5/24/10 at 1:20 pm
Dr. Bronner's is great for so much besides bodies too! It can be used, especially in the liquid form, for cleaning, mopping, and even laundry. I love using the peppermint for scrubbing the floors, it smells so fresh!!