Green Options

Guilt. Augh, the guilt.

Many of us practice some form of natural parenting. Many of us choose breastmilk, cosleeping, babywearing, and whole foods for our babies and families.

But lately, I’ve noticed that something is lacking with a few vocal members of the attachment parenting community. Empathy. Yep, that’s putting yourself in another’s shoes.

You don’t have to agree. You don’t have to sanction. But it’d be nice if some APs would understand that it’s not as easy as popping a baby on a breast or in your bed. Life is not the same for everyone out there. Our experiences are different. Our reactions are different.

And until the Attachment Parenting community isolates the elitists, it will be hard to gain ground.

Open any pregnancy or baby book, and you’ll find that list: the baby essentials, the things you absolutely cannot live without.  While many accessories are easily recognized as frivolous, certain items are truly indispensable: the basic necessities for life with a baby.

Or are they?

In this weekly series, we’ll be looking at several baby essentials that really aren’t.  They may be useful in certain situations, but if money or space is tight, or if you’re just looking to simplify and reduce consumerism and waste, here’s how to get along just fine without these so-called “essentials.“

In Part 1, we questioned the crib.   Part 2 bemoaned the bucket.  Part 3 scrutinized the stroller.  Part 4 ditched the diapers.  Part 5 scrubbed the tub.  This week, let’s bust the brain boosters!

Open any pregnancy or baby book, and you’ll find that list: the baby essentials, the things you absolutely cannot live without.  While many accessories are easily recognized as frivolous, certain items are truly indispensable: the basic necessities for life with a baby.

Or are they?

In this weekly series, we’ll be looking at several baby essentials that really aren’t.  They may be useful in certain situations, but if money or space is tight, or if you’re just looking to simplify and reduce consumerism and waste, here’s how to get along just fine without these so-called “essentials.“

In Part 1, we questioned the crib.   Part 2 bemoaned the bucket.  This week, let’s scrutinize the stroller.

Is it possible that I’m too furious to type?

No, that’d be a dream come true for Motrin. Let me give you a transcription of Motrin’s online advertisement. It’s after the jump and I’d have to advise any mother who has ever worn her baby to have a good stiff drink before you read.

Because you are going to be furious, and I think we all know that a pissed off group of Mommies is (and should be) terrifying.

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.