Thursday, February 24, 2011

Green Baby Registry

My life has been filled with exciting news from so many. Spring wont just be bringing flowers this year, babies will be popping out everywhere as well. When I think of a newborn, I think of the soft skin, newborn smell, a body so pure and untouched. Never do I think, I cant wait to put harsh chemical all over that baby! Yet for every baby shower I have gone to, that is all that was given. I first blame this mostly on lack of education we as soon to be parents have about chemicals in products, then I blame the country we live in for not caring enough about human health to stop allowing these chemicals to be produced in so many of the items on the market, and last I blame the companies and big box stores who sell these items to make themselves become richer while we as humans become sicker.
So I'm sure most of you are asking, what should a baby registry look like with out harmful products? As I answer that question,please also notice the length of the list. Babies really don't need much, its the parents (who are raised in the US with the notion that more is better) that think all is needed.

Co-Sleeper
or
Bassinet
Organic Bassinet Mattress
3- Organic Cotton Bassinet Sheets

Natural Wood Crib
Organic Cotton Mattress
3 - Organic Cotton Crib Sheets

18-24 One Size Cloth Diapers

6 - Organic Cotton Gowns
2 - Organic Cotton Swaddle/Receiving Blankets
6 - Organic Cotton Onsies
2 - Organic Cotton Caps

4- Glass Bottles
2- Natural Rubber Pacifiers
Organic Cotton Pacifier Chain

2-3 Natural wood Teething Toys
and/or
Organic Cotton Teething Toys

Baby Wrap (newborn age)
Asian style Baby Carrier ( 6 months and up)

Car seat
Totseat (fabric high chair)
Jogging Stroller


As you look at the list Im sure many of you are wondering why certain things are missing or what several of the items are.

Cloth Diaper are making a huge come back for many good reasons. These are far from the old school cloth diapers your grandmother used. Todays cloth diapers look and and go on just like a disposable. They will save you on average $1800 a year and also you will have no worries of diaper rash. My favorite are Happy Heinys One Size
Glass Bottles are also coming back. With all the concerns with chemicals in plastics (even the ones marked no BPA) these bottles contain no harmful plasticizers and like most fear, Do not break. (or at least not easily)
I didn't put a travel system as for the most part are a huge waist of money. I say that for many reasons. They are bulky and hard to get in and out of the car and made of plastic which deteriorates over time and contains chemicals. Instead I have added two types of carriers (and please take note they are NOT Baby Bjorn) The first is a wrap. This is great for newborns to about 6 months. They are made of yards of soft flexible cotton and can be tied many ways. May favorite is the Moby Wrap. The second is an asian style carrier which is more structured for when baby gets a little bigger and a little heavier. My favorite is by Baby Hawk. Both these carriers can be easily stored, take up no room, keeps baby close to your skin (which anyone who has knowledge of attachment parenting knows its the best for baby and parent) and can be used as front carriers or back pack style carrying.
Totseat is a great invention. Its made of cloth and slips over just about any chair to make a high chair. It can be folded, washed and travels in your diaper bag.
The reason for a Jogging stroller is for long, outdoor strolling or exercising. (You wont get very far with a regular stroller).

Im sure there could be a few things added but these are the needs to get ready. No pack'n play, no high chair, NO BULK and NO PLASTIC! Trust me, more than half the stuff received on a traditional list either doesn't get used and/or contains harmful chemicals. So I just saved you money and your infants health. Yippy! :)

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