Green Options

I was lamenting the day we would run out of our Thera Wise Homeopathic and Natural ointments. We have been using them religiously for every scrape and burns. The Zit Ointment has become EC’s favorite, but being that the company is from Canada; I didn’t think we would be ordering more when we ran out. Well, Thera Wise must have read my mind because now Thera Wise is available at CVS online store. I can say that I am extremely happy to hear this. I am a huge fan of natural stuff THAT WORKS, and Thera Wise definitely works. It’s made from botanical and pure of toxins that are in so many over the counter medication today. It’s alarming what we are really putting on our skins and that we are so clueless about it.

A company that is not only committed to your health but to the Environment as well. Thera Wise stresses, “Utmost consideration is given to the selection of naturally-occurring “body-friendly” source ingredients, low impact manufacturing processes, and environmental sensitivity.” After using their products for months, I have to say that this household is a huge fan. Currently, only the VpR Natural Vaporizing Rub (THE perfect replacement for Vicks) and Thera Wise HmR Natural Hemorrhoidal Ointment is available at CVS. Hopefully they will be adding on the Skin Healing and Acne Oinment very soon.

So go, I mean sit down and with a click of a mouse; order these healthier substitutes for over the counter creams and medications. They are worthy of the  shipping charges (since it’s online, probably will save on taxes so it works out). It’s really that good.

After all the hoopla about BPA in 2008, a worthy hoopla, but hoopla nevertheless; I have been in search for the perfect baby bottle. Not that we really need one. I am a breastfeeding mother, but I think of all the mothers who decide to go on formula (or maybe a break from Breastfeeding once in awhile) and want the safest option for them. There have been many reviews here on Eco Child’s Play about BPA free baby bottles, and I would like to add another one to the mix.

Introducing the first Silicone baby bottle from Prince Lionheart, it’s an option for those mothers who do not like glass or want to ditch plastics altogether. Starting at about nine dollars a pop, the price point is very similar to other BPA free bottles, maybe a bit more affordable. Made with medical grade silicone, it is considered more safe than any polycarbonate or bottles made out of synthetic materials. According to Twilight Moon, one of the suppliers for the bottle, “The plastic ring, collar and cap are made of FDA-approved food grade material and contain no polycarbonates or BPA”. It is suppose to be colic reducing but all the baby bottle companies make that claim; it’s hard to really know for sure. So take that with a grain of salt. However, other reasons why you might want to consider Prince Lion Silicone Baby Bottle:

• BPA, Phthalate, PVC latex and lead FREE
• Unbreakable
• Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
• Easy to Clean
• Heat-resistant

Cloth Diapering is often the choice for Eco-friendly moms; it keeps diapers out of the landfills, but we often overlook the disposable baby wipes. Now you have the option to go with cloth wipes with Miessence Baby Bottom Cleansing Gel.

It is the perfect accompaniment to cloth diapering and keeping paper out of landfills. Also with harsh chemicals that disposeable wipes are laden with; it’s also a natural and healthy choice. Being certified Organic is an extra plus. According to Miessence:

A very gentle, yet effective cleanser for nappy change time. Soothing organic marshmallow, chamomile and calendula clam and soothe baby’s sensitive skin. Organic aloe vera inner leaf gel and yucca juice gently cleanse and soothe baby’s bottom. A hint of organic vanilla helps neutralize odors. Gentle enough for newborns.

I have taken a sabbatical from writing to focus on raising my little bean and trying to be a better mother to my daughter. During my leave, I had the fortunate opportunity to reach out to some Work at Home Mothers who are Eco-conscious and also saavy business women. Starting with this post, I am going to highlight some of the WAHMs I was happy to come across. I would like to support their endeavor because they are working from home to raise their children who gets the best of both worlds by having a stay at home mother who also has the ability to earn an income. (Not to knock on working mothers because I am sure it’s hard to leave your little ones behind) but also because in most instances; WAHMs suppport local economy by employeeing their community and offering them fair wages.

Erika from Naturally Nursling offers natural and green products for Eco-conscious parenting. But futhermore, she offers Hemp Tai Baby carriers that is made with Eco wonder fiber hemp  and Organic cotton which is well touted for its sustainable and renewable characteristics. The Hemp Tais are comfortable, well-made, and a must have for baby wearing parents. I have written about the virtues of baby wearing, and encourage any parent to start this wonderful endeavor. It’s a way to keep your baby close to you while going on with your daily activities. The Hemp Tais are a variation of mei tai which is considered an Asian Inspired baby carriers. Used extensively in China; it has a waist, panel, and long straps that tie around the baby’s back and bum.

Yes to Carrots introduces a body care line that includes shampoo, body wash, ultra luxe moisturizers and even FIrst USDA certified lip balms widely available at your local drugstore. Using materials only sourced from Organic farmers, Yes to Carrots use natural ingredients like Carrots rich in beta carotene and Dead Sea mud and minerals. Their products are rich and creamy; unlike many organic beauty products that smells herbally and a bit crunchy granola. At first, I was a bit taken back at its unherbal like scent; but soon enjoyed it smooth creaminess that borders on luxurious. C Through the Dry Spell Body Butter is incredibly moisturizing even to my very very dry almost arid skin.

Although we are a Charlie’s Soap loving household; they are hard to come by. We usually have to order it online. So when we run out and need a laundry detergent; we turn to Ecover’s Ecological Delicate Wash Laundry Wash. It’s gentle on the planet but tough on cleaning. We even wash our cloth diapers in Ecover (with Bac-Out by Biokleen). LIke Seventh Generation, Ecover is a well known Environmentally friendly company that stands on its brand reputation. What we love about Ecover is that its relatively affordable for a family on a budget (like us) and its wide availability. It used to be available in the Natural and Organic section at our local grocer. Since our move to South Florida; we do have to trek to Whole Foods, but it’s worth it. We like to browse the bulk aisle while we are there.

Reasons to Love Ecover Delicate Wash

It’s good on fragile materials like silk and wool. Great to wash wool covers with.
No petrochemical ingredients. Only plant based ingredients which reduces our dependence on petroleum
No phosphates or brighteners (Not necessary to get clothes clean; I can assure you)
Cruelty Free
Ecover is a trusted brand for green and natural products. (No Greenwashing here)

I am a big advocate of baby wearing and either I or my significant other wear our daughter on a daily basis. Studies and experts have proved that baby wearing encourages natural bonding and it’s a great colic reducer. If you have a fussy or a high needs baby defined by Dr. Sears; then baby wearing is a must. Wrapping is a type of baby carrier that seems to have a highly emotional attachment both to the mother and the baby. Like a big blanket or comforter that comforts; wrapping is a great way to keep your baby close to you while leaving your hands free to do other things. Wrapping is an art that is used by many indigenous countries; however it has taken modern societies by a storm. Mothers who wrap can attest, there’s an invisible cord of attachment that surrounds the act of wrapping.

Didymos, a german company that produces these beautiful woven wraps, are the best of the best in the world of woven wraps. Didymos, a company started by Erika Hoffman in 1972 makes the finest wrap that utilizes organic fabrics such as wool, cotton, and even silk. Didymos also released a limited edition of ultra luxe cashmere wrap that’s highly sought after.

The buzz word in parenting nowadays seem to be “bonding” and nurturing that bonding can be a lasting effect on having a loving and connected relationship with your child. I am all for bonding; therefore, I am also into baby wearing. Baby wearing has been done for centuries and even dates thousands of years. Hard to know that a carriage or a stroller is a modern invention. The plastic contraption that wheels your baby around is actually counter-productive to this phenomenon called bonding. But I digress, We have a stroller and we happily use it. However, I do notice that we are naturally more connected to our daughter when we baby wear Layla. 

So what exactly is baby wearing? Baby wearing is exactly that. Wearing your baby to your body. There are numerous ways to achieve this. A Psling to a long wrap (pictured above) can achieve baby wearing. Many primitive cultures baby wear and scientists have discovered that in those societies, colic is virtually non-existent. Keeping your baby close to you also have great benefits. It frees up your hands so you can get on with your life, WITH the baby in tow. One of the most inspiring thing I heard was from Ergo Baby DVD. A woman worked FULL TIME while keeping her baby in the Ergo Baby. I must say that I was highly impressed with this. Anyone with a newborn knows; there are days when taking a shower is a struggle. So imagine working full time while wearing your baby. This is one of the tenants of attachment style parenting which I am a proponent of. I knew from the beginning that I would baby wear perhaps because It was so common in Korea, seeing halmonies (grandmothers) carrying their grandchildren on their back wearing a podeigi (a korean style wrap). So it was ingrained into my brain that this is what I would be doing when I grew up and had children.

Has it been five months already? I feel like time has flown since Layla was born. We have reached another milestone because my little one is ready for her solids. I know that that most health experts (including Amercian Academy of Pediatrics) NOW recommends breastmilk or formula for the first six months, but quite frankly; I got tired of Layla eyeballing me whenever I put something to eat in my mouth. Feeding experts like experienced moms recommend that you can start your little one on solids if the baby starts mooching. Like Layla eyeballing my Tiramisu the other day… and no, she didn’t get any. What she did get was the Earth’s Best Organic Whole Grain Infant Cereals. I know many start off on rice but a friend of mine informed me that oatmeal is gentler on the stomach. This was according to her pediatrician, not the friend. Although the friend is a wealth of resources on babies and good resources too. I decided to go with Oatmeal on her and her pediatrician’s recommendation. 

The Earth’s Best Organic has no genetically modified ingredients and it’s certified by the USDA as organic. Why do I choose Organic? A lot of my friends and family asks me that. The reason I choose organic as much as possible is because it’s farming methods are gentler to the planet. It uses less pesticide and uses more humane methods that doesn’t erode soil and shoots up steroids to the animal to beef up the production. No pun intended. Reading from the back of the box, Earth’s Best Organic states

The long term effects of potentially harmful pesticide residues are not fully understood, but we do know that the risks are real, especially for infants and children. That’s why Earth’s Best brings to you only organic foods grown without potentially harmful pesticides or herbicides. Earth’s Best is also made without genetically engineered ingredients.

We really love our Haba Toys. They are safe, fun, and out of the ordinary. The brainchild from Germany creates the most delightful and engaging toys for infants and children. I can tell we are going to have a long love affair with Haba. After our resounding success with the Haba Stroller Chain; we decided to purchase another Haba Toy. We bought this little delightful Haba Baby Bear Ankle and Wrist Rattler. It attaches like a bracelet so you won’t lose it and it won’t fall to the dirty ground. The rattle makes a pleasant noise, and not jarring; the problem I had with toys nowadays. It’s plush which is great for teething. The smiling bear seems to incite a smile even from the fussiest baby. We love rattling it ourselves when our little one won’t settle down. It seems to work, because she stops fussing and starts laughing.

This infant toy is appropriate toy for newborn but is probably best when babies can reach and grab on his or her own. According to Oompa Toy; The Baby Bear Ben rattling bracelet nurtures
these developments

Creative Expression
Early Motor
Sensory
Social/Emotional
Independent Play