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"GOING GREEN" is a popular movement in all aspects of life, and it has
now trickled down to the way parents approach caring for their new baby
and children.
Along with organic fruits and vegetables found at the grocery store or specialty markets, baby food manufacturers now sell pre-packaged, pre-processed organic foods. However, food choices aren't the only way parents can go organic. Additional choices include choosing cloth diapers over disposable, types of clothing the child wears, bathing and cleaning products and even toys. Eco-conscious parents wanting to create ahealthy sleeping environment for their baby can begin furnishing their little one's nursery with Peanut Butter and Jelly's Oeuf cribs and changing tables. "Oeuf leads the way with eco-friendly products," explains assistant manager Courtenay Thompson. Parents also can continue their little one's "green room" by adding Naturepedic crib mattresses. At an affordable $259, "green babies" can dream away while resting on organic cotton, fireproof mattress, and parents can rest easy knowing the mattresses are phthalates free and have won many awards for their ecofriendliness. The line also offers crib sheets and mattress covers. Of course, no nursery would be complete without beautiful, organic bedding. PB&J offers organic bedding by Serena & Lily. Each ensemble includes a crib sheet, bumper pad and dust ruffle and retails for $569. Eco-savvy families can also find Hooter Hiders for $139 for nursing moms and they carry two diff erent sling lines; Hot Slings $50 and Serena & Lily $129. These market slings are super soft and beautiful. They are hand embroidered, machine washable and come in an array of colors, including marigold and sky blue. Also offering organic bedding by Serena & Lily is Baby Swank. Owner Melanie Mann describes the new crib bedding as a "beautiful linen set with animals." The boutique also offers organic mattresses by Natura. Parents also can find Take Me Home Sets for $68. Each white organic onesies, with pink, blue or green piping, comes with a matching receiving blanket in a sack and is packaged in a gift box. Baby Swank off ers organic stroller blankets for $30 to help keep baby snug during walks. Organic baby bath products make bath time for both babies and parents more exciting, safe and enjoyable. Sambucca offers organic bath products by Erbaviva ranging from $14 to $20. Little ones senses can be pampered and soothed with mandarin oil and chamomile scents as they are cleaned and diapers that are non-irritating and mild. Sambucca also carries organic cheek and lip balm, Monster spray and Buggie Bye-Bye, an organic bug spray. In addition, for those difficult nights when baby is sick, Sambucca offers Sniffle Chest Balm and Sniffle Bath Essence. Owner Kristen Myers
explains the balms are infused with tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender oil to help calm and relax fussy babies. Sambucca and PB&J also carry onesies from Finny's Greens, a locally-based company. The adorable sea creatures on each onesie are designed using water-based inks and dyes and are earth and baby-friendly. The onesies also are wrapped in recyclable and reusable packages. There are many options available today for parents that are not only baby friendly, but are eco-friendly as well. Raising a "green baby" is easier than you think if you consider the long-term effects for both baby and the environment. |
