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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Perfect for blogging but not so great for the environment. So I have come to a decision to instead of throwing things out; I will reuse them in hopes that my family will make less impact than the Earth. I wish I could say that I live off the grid and grow my own vegetables and all that; maybe one day I will get there. For now we rent, we use electricity from coal generated power company (When asked about alternative resources, the sales associate had no answer for me). We do things for the Environment, but I feel not enough. Well here’s a way you can do something for the environment free… it doesn’t cost nada, zip, nothing. Reuse what you have and use until it’s standing on its last leg. Take for example the Ikea desk that my significant other had since his single days. I hate that desk. I hate its MDF cheapness and how it’s coming apart since the move. It’s really standing on its last leg. I want to throw it away (or donate to Salvation Army) and get a brand new desk. I saw one on Pottery Barn catalog that’s SO me. However, I decided to put some pretty wall paper over the ikea one and call it a day. It’s a waste to throw it out and anytime, you purchase something new. More renewable resources are needed to build another one. Just remember that.

I am getting quite creative with uses of things. Another example are the tab curtains we had that are SO outdated and didn’t fit the windows to our new place. As someone who puts considerable value in aesthetics and design; the curtains were blight to my stylish sensibilities. However, with a curtain rod and modern textile, I repurposed the curtains to be a shade for the window. I didn’t have to go out and buy a new curtain or shade. I just used the one I have to create something that worked for the new place. It saved the curtains to going to the landfill (or the Salvation Army, my solution for unwanted things) and I saved money in the process.

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The Big Apple will always have my heart. New York City is where I  first learned about sustainability and green living. Ironic I know, but it’s true. Well here’s some back-to school ideas for all you New Yorkers out there. It’s provided in courtesy of Greenopia New York, the independently researched guide to all green services and business in NYC area

ORGANIC PACKED LUNCHES (don’t forget the BOX!):

Send them to school with healthy snacks and fresh, locally grown grub from these yummy markets:

Back to the Land

142 7th Ave. 
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-768-5654

 Elm Health

1695 1st Ave. 
New York, NY 10028
212-348-8500

Vitality Health and Organic Market

46-03 Broadway 
Astoria, NY 11103
718-274-1591

I am also a big fan of the Farmer’s Market in Union Square. There’s a wide variety of Organic produce and also supporting local farms in upstate New York. Highly recommended.

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There are inevitable things in life and a chance that your child will suffer from burns, scrapes and colds are one of them. And when it comes to remedies for those, the homeopathic or natural remedies are far few and in between. Well, Théra Wise Natural Therapeutic Ointments are the natural and earth friendly alternatives for more conventional over the counter medications. Théra Wise offers everything from Vaporizing decongestant rubs for stuffy noses to Natural Skin healing ointment. Using ingredients like Calendula and Organic Chamomile; it’s gentler to your child as well as to the planet.

According to Yasuko Brander, the spokesperson for the company:

Théra Wise products have been receiving great feedback from consumers who have been looking for natural alternatives to petroleum based ointments. Théra Wise® products can best be described as clean, natural plant therapy ointments.

Our aim is to pioneer a new direction for OTC (Over the counter) therapeutic ointments, combining modern science with time tested “body friendly” natural bio-active plant ingredients low impact manufacturing processes, and environmental sensitivity.  

Here are some of the Natural remedies that replaces more conventional OTC medications:

VpR Natural Vaporizing Decongestant Rub: My significant other loves to slather on Vicks when he gets a cold, and quite frankly; I can’t stand the smell. Well the decongestant rub is the perfect middle ground for both of us. He gets that minty freshness that he’s totally addicted to and I get natural clean Eucalyptus nirvana instead of a headache. Contains following ingredients: Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, White Pine Oil, Peppermint Oil, Camphor Oil, Asian Berry Wax, Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil. Much much better than Vicks.

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What makes Sustainable Babyish more wonderful is that it’s GREEN! How is it green? Erin uses Eco-friendly textile such as hemp and Organic cotton. Hemp is great because it is a renewable resource and gentler to the planet. This wonder fiber is also ultra absorbent. Sustainable Babyish takes it a step further and uses Organic cotton which uses sustainable practices in cotton farming, a definite plus. Erin also utilizes fair trade labor by employing WAHMS in the United States. Her diapers, especially her soakers are sold out within minutes of being stocked. It’s incredible how a mother can change the world one diaper at a time.

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The biggest learning curve for me as a cloth diapering newbie was how to clean up all the mess my little one made. There were lots of trial and error, but I think I finally got the hang of it. I know many parents are put off by the output of their offsprings, but for some reason; the baby daddy and I didn’t seem to mind scraping off poo off of the cloth. We even felt cheerio about it. Of course, there was the occasional face when things got out of hand. We even attempted to cloth diaper without having our own washer and dryer. However, we got to really know the coin laundry attendant REAL well. So without adieu, here’s the simple way to clean cloth diapers.

To cloth diaper full time, I recommend anywhere from 24 to 36 diapers. The 24 if you want to wash every other day; 36 if you don’t have your own washer (could do without the dryer if you utilize the clothes line) or wash every 2 to 3 days. It does take time to build up your stash so in the meantime you might want to consider chlorine free diapers like 7th Generation or even Gdiapers (didn’t work out for me but seems to be favorite among many green moms).

There is NO NEED TO USE WET PAILS. I repeat, NO WET PAILS. It’s a drowning hazard and the modern washing machine has gotten so good, there’s no need to dunk or let the diaper sit in poopy water. Either use a dry pail, nylon bag, or throw them in the washer. When the diaper bag, pail, or washer is full.. here’s a quick and simple way to wash cloth diapers.

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I must have cursed myself because after writing my original post, Solving the Milk Crisis During Breastfeeding, I went through a milk crisis of my own. Whereas before I had strong milk ejection to the point my newborn was choking on my milk; it was slowly dwindling down during our trek from the Hills of PA to the Sunshine State. I was sorely lacking in milk while cruising on the Interstate with a screaming baby and frustrated driver-baby daddy. While desperately pumping with my Medela Breast pump and flashing the truck drivers, my Korean Seaweed soup (an excellent source for milk production) wasn’t there to save the day. I wish I found this and taken it with me during the stressful time of moving.

Lactate Support by Gaia Herbs came to me under the advice of Whole Food Sales associate. Although initially I was going to get a big helping of Fenugreek, I was advised that this might work much better. I am glad I spent the extra $15 because it literally saved our breastfeeding problem of not having enough milk.  Not only does it have Fenugreek, a natural milk producer, but it also contains: Fennel Seed, Red Raspberry, Blessed Thistle, and Marshmallow Root.

Other reasons to love Gaia Herbs (According to their Website)

• Gaia Herbs- The Leader in Certified Organic Herbal Products
• 100% Vegetarian
• Contains no Animal byproducts—No Gelatin
• Tested Free of Heavy Metal Toxicity and other Contaminants
• Packaged in Glass to Protect You and The Environment

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I know many Eco-purists sniff at Burt’s Bee Bath and Body care line ever since it has been bought out by Clorox (Oh the Irony), but I can’t resist the smell of Burt’s Bees Baby Bee’s Shampoo & Wash and The Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion. It smells absolutely divine and my yoga teacher used to slather it on during Savasana (otherwise known as the Corpse Pose, go figure), so it totally relaxes me at the same time. Relaxed mothers mean relaxed baby. So I have created a bedtime ritual that includes a bath and a baby massage. It helps my little one get to sleep faster. We try to do it every other day now. I also love the fact that the Shampoo & Wash is tearless and it’s wide availability. Target carries them as do most grocery stores. It’s probably the equivalent of Johnson & Johnson gone natural and green.

Other reasons to love Burt’s Baby Bee Bath line

• Paraben and Phthlate free
• Cleansing Blend of Coconut and Sunflower Oil for Shampoo & Body Wash
• Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, Beeswax and Buttermilk for Butter Milk Lotion
• Soy protein to nourish and moisturize
• Cruelty Free meaning not tested on animals
• Made with 80% Post Consumer recycled material

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I always knew I would be the poster child for Postpartum depression. I struggled with depression since my freshman year in college (although I didn’t know what it was back then; I called it homesickness) and had a major relapse in 2003 after a breakup of a significant live-in relationship. It was then I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder II. Bipolar disorder II is different from Bipolar I because I would have hypomanic stage, I wasn’t flat out blabbering, streaking the town naked crazy; but I would get very creative and felt as if I was on top of the world. A state that I quite liked, but I disliked the depressive state; so hence the medication. After couple months of being on mood stabilizer and anti-depressants, I decided that life through chemistry was not me. I joined a yoga class and that was very anti-meds.

However, after the birth of our daughter, Layla. My mental state quickly became a concern for the entire family. Whereas before, I loved blurring the line of insanity; it was not appropriate for a mother of a newborn. I was quickly developing overly anxious attitude towards my daughter. I felt angry and cheated. I resented my baby. I loved her but hearing her cry one more second would make me want to throw her across the room. Scared by these incredibly powerful emotions; I sought help. Since I wanted to continue breastfeeding, medication was put off the side in lieu of talk therapy. Talking to my therapist helped but there was still that underlying anger and frustration. Then the significant other got a job in West Palm and we drove over 1500 miles to start a new life. The move had me go into a total mental breakdown. I did not trust myself around my daughter. I was ready to have myself committed. The only reason I didn’t commit myself was because I wanted to continue breastfeeding. It was the only thing, I felt, that I could offer to my daughter.

Instead of committing myself, We decided to seek help out of pocket. I found a psychologist and was referred to a psychiatrist. Both recommended that I go on medication… pronto. Although it really went against everything I believed in; for the sake of my daughter, I agreed. I was put on Symbyax which is Prozac combined with anti-psychotic, Olanzapine. This stuff wasn’t for the meek. It was for the flat out crazies, and Sadly, I am one of them. The psychiatrist and the psychologist both strongly suggested that I wean my daughter, but at four months of nursing; I was not ready to do so. I don’t think my daughter was ready to be weaned either. We played around with the idea of supplementing with formula, but I just couldn’t do it.

This led me to do some research on my own and also a mother’s intuition knowing that my daughter will be fine as long as I took it at night, was careful not to nurse her during the peak dosage and work with her pediatrician. This is of course not a lighthearted decision. I do have my moments of doubt especially when I read the label which warns that medication does get into the breastmilk; so therefore, should not be used when breastfeeding. However I came across several research which concludes that

The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the risk of anti-depressant medication. Infact, a mother who is untreated for postpartum depression can be a greater hazard than a medicated mother on Anti-depressants

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Other reasons I recommend the Belly Fish Nursing Pillow

• The Prints are quite kitschy and modern. I got the Cherry, Morning Glory Print and totally love it. These are not your usual drabby or babyish looking breast pillows. 
• The pillow folds over in half for compact storing. You can put it into your diaper bag, under the stroller, anywhere really
• The privacy panels are a must in places like an airport. I know we have the right to breastfeed in public, but I prefer to nurse in private. My own personal thing. But the flaps can also be folded down so the Belly Fish can also act as a nursing pillow only.
• I love the bag it came in. Very closely resembles the Ecobag’s Classic String bag. Perfect to use on your grocery grocery excursions. I love putting my veggies in the string bag.
• Belly Fish has won the iParenting Media award for excellent product in feeding.

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Toys nowadays seem to be so self-explanatory and automatic that the toys need toys to keep company. (Not sure if that made sense) Filled with blinking lights which I am strongly opposed to and a buttons that need power (i.e. costly batteries) to just function; I long for the good old days when a toy can simply be a toy. That means no buttons to push, no lights to blind your children with, and better yet, it can be a craft project that could be the next opportunity to simply be with your child. The crafty Socktopus is here to be the answer for those parents who long for the much simpler days (and toys). 

Friends of Socktopus are taking the concept of sock animals to a new level. Made out of old sweaters like the one your grandmother used to have; The DIY Socktopus kits turns them into a stuffed animal for your children to play with. However, it is recommended for children three and over since it does have buttons. A choking hazard for the wee ones. Friends of Socktopus are Eco-friendly because it recycles old sweaters and best of all, it’s made in the USA which guarantees that it’s Fair Trade. My only caveat is that its filled with polyester; I feel they could have used another fill that’s a bit more natural like hemp or even Eco-friendly bamboo; but I still love the concept regardless.

I also really love the concept of building something together. It can be a memorable for you to sew a Socktopus or one of his friends with your child. When time is a commodity and everything rushes by in a blur; taking the time to craft something together could be something you two can enjoy. I wish Layla was old enough so we can do this together. For the DIY kit, it is recommended for older children of ages 8 and up.

And in celebration of Mother’s Milk Series, Eco Child’s Play is having a second giveaway. Two DIY Socktopus Kits. To read more about the Mother’s Milk Series Giveaway, just click on the link.

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*** The Evidence of Triple Chin and how easily moisture collects there.

Other reasons to love California Baby Diaper Rash Cream

• Made in the USA
• Contains Organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• Eco-friendly and Biodegradable
• Cruelty Free meaning not tested on animals
• Contains Calendula and Arnica; both are which used homeopathically

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First it was Organic cotton, then bamboo was the next big star in Eco-friendly textile. Well here come the latest craze, the green yet ultra soft fiber, Soybean textile is the new must have. Not that we are starstruck here at Eco Child’s Play, but Halle Barry, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Garner are few green celebrity moms who are snatching these babies up. Soybean, being touted the “vegetable cashmere” is a great renewable resource and utilizes the cradle to cradle method. (It’s a byproduct of leftover pulp from tofu and soymilk production). The Babysoy, first company to make baby clothes out of Soybean is modern and uber stylish to boot. According to their website:

Baby Soy clothing is made out of Soy bean fiber, an eco-friendly fiber that uses renewable natural resource (leftover pulp from tofu and soymilk production) as raw material. It has an incredible soft-to-hand feel, second-skin comfort (fiber contains 20 amino acids), luster, loft and drape, combined with durability, and good wear. Its porous structure and grooves on the fiber surface brings excellent wet permeability and warmth retention keeping wearer warm and dry.

Babysoy was an inspiration from a first time mother, Amy, who wanted to create a soft, wearable baby clothes without causing harmful impact on the planet. The inspiration came to a collaboration when lifelong friend, David, visiting the newborn, introduced the soy fiber to the Eco-conscious and designer mom. The duo created the Babysoy line and the company was launched in March 2006.

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If you are seeking less than convention crib mobiles for your child, look no further than Flensted Mobiles. Handcrafted in Denmark; It’s whimsical, engaging, and entertaining. The perfect trio that’s an answer to design obsessed parents who do not want their abode to scream Children aboard.

On the island of Funen in Denmark, where Hans Christian Andersen was born, you can find a present-day fairy tale - Flensted Mobiles - a family business that designs and makes mobiles at “Frederiksminde” the old village school at Brenderup.

According to Flensted Website, Mobiles are traditional part of Denmark’s craft. Flensted is a family runned business that was started by Christian Flensted and his wife, Grethe, in 1954. Today, their son, Ole and wife, Aese, continue on the tradition by creating modern and thoughtful mobiles through the ”The Department of Space Research”. Each mobile are meticulously assembled and balanced by craftsmans. This was the first gift I purchased for Layla before she was born. I was very pleased with the beauty and the lovliness of the mobile. And I love the fact that it was very modern in aesthetics. It’s very delicate, literally strung up by thin strings and metal rod.

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I am a closet Chick-lit lover. Although I love reading the classics such as Doesteovsky, Maugham, and Hesse (my favorite writer); sometimes I need an easy and light reading that doesn’t need a dictionary as a companion. So it’s no surprise that I would totally take to the From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Becoming a Parent by Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morrisis. Although pregnancy is a serious subject matter; I didn’t want to read the pregnancy bible, What to Expect When You are Expecting. I really had hard time making it past the first chapter. It seemed a bit too authoritative; I pictured a nagging mother instead of your best friend. But From the Hips is definitely your best girl friend talking you through the trials of pregnancy with wit and a bit of sass. Who doesn’t need a bit of humor when you are carrying around a baby 24/7?

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