Archive for August, 2009
Swaddling is the age-old practice of snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket for security and warmth. Itâs great for calming newborns because it approximates the secure environment of the womb. It can also help babies sleep longer because it calms their natural startle reflex. You can find swaddling blankets or wraps that are flat and need to be wrapped manually, easy Velcro wraps, or stretchy body socks that can slide over babiesâ bodies.
Organic baby wraps and swaddling blankets are best for babies because the fabric is softer and more durable than conventional fabric. Also, you can be sure with organic wraps that your baby is not exposed to harmful pesticides and dyes. You can also be sure that the production of your babyâs wrap did not hurt the environment. Start your baby off right with safe, Earth-friendly comfort.
Medical experts worldwide agree that barefoot is best, but sometimes it’s just not practical. So for protection against cold, damp or dangerous surfaces, the next best choice is a shoe that mimics bare feet. Robeez baby shoes and baby booties are made out of the softest leather with soles that flex and bend with every step. They promote good balance and unrestricted growth, while protecting little feet from the world. With elasticized ankles to ensure a perfectly snug fit without feeling too tight, they stay on. With textured suede bottoms, they provide traction to prevent slipping. And made of real quality leather, they can stand up to the lifestyle of crawlers, pre-walkers and toddlers.
Robeez has baby shoes for just about anywhere little feet go: indoors and outdoors, from backyard explorations to birthday celebrations. And with over 70 styles and many adorable designs, there’s a pair to match your baby’s unique personality.
Most new parents have heard that baby clothes need to be washed before wearing. While it’s unlikely that your baby would be seriously harmed by new, unwashed clothes, babies are sometimes sensitive to the sizing, a finish put on new clothes to keep them looking nice in the store, and may develop a minor skin irritation that could make your baby uncomfortable.
When washing baby clothing take special care. Most conventional laundry detergents are made from synthetic, petroleum-based chemicals that are loaded with artificial dyes, fragrances and optical brighteners. These chemicals not only wash off into the environment, they also leave a residue on clothing that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Look for green laundry detergents made from vegetable-based cleaning agents that do not contain artificial dyes or fragrances, are more effective at removing dirt, stains and odors from clothing, and are gentler for your baby.
Avoid commercial fabric softeners which are made from oils that decrease the absorbency of diapers and may be harmful to your baby’s health. Instead, add a quarter-cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle to keep baby clothes soft and to help remove soap from the clothing fibers.
To whiten baby clothing don’t use chlorine bleach. It is incredibly damaging to the environment and harsh against your baby’s skin. Instead use hydrogen peroxide or natural sunshine to whiten and brighten whites.
If possible dry baby clothes on a clothes line. Indoors or outdoors, using a clothes line will help you save money on your electric bill and reduce your impact on the environment. And clothes that are dried on an outdoor clothes line can use the brightening, drying, and freshening power of the sun and outdoor air to boost cleaning power.
Whether you bought your baby clothes at a yard sale, in a store, or on the web, following these tips will help keep your baby’s wardrobe clean, green and healthy.
When it comes to baby showers, there is no shortage of useful things a new mother can have to welcome a new baby. Here are a few ideas for new baby gifts.
~Stroller; mom will undoubtedly want to take her baby with her, essential for travel and transport of a newborn.
~Clothes; a new baby will go through clothing sizes every other month. You can never have a shortage of cute baby clothes or designer baby shoes.
~Blankets and burp cloths; babies can never have too many of these items. If you have children of your own, you know how fast they can go through these.
~Bottles and formula; a new mother will need plenty of supplies for feeding.
~Diapers; new parents will greatly appreciate such needed items. It may seem like a simple gift, but it’s one that will make the first few weeks go much smoother.
Before you buy consider what the new mom-to-be already has and what items have been overlooked. You also may want to try to find out what gifts others plan to give so you don’t duplicate.
If youâre looking for the perfect gift for the mother of a new baby girl, look no further than Baberoo organic cotton socks. These socks have different colored designs on them so it looks like baby is wearing sweet Mary Jane shoes. Theyâre the hottest socks around, and any little girl would be proud to wear them. Plus, theyâre organic and soft for babiesâ tender feet.
Organic baby socks are made without pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Toxic chemicals that are used for processing conventional cotton can leave residue on the finished product, which can then irritate babiesâ sensitive skin. Baberoo uses only the cleanest and purest materials, so baby is comforted with warm feet that arenât irritated by harmful chemicals. Be sure to pick up a set for your next baby shower or for that special momâs due date!
If your baby is starting to take a few steps, it’s time to shop for some baby shoes. Many parents prefer to let their children walk without shoes, which is fine. A good amount of barefoot time can be helpful to new walkers, who need to figure out how their feet work before having shoes on all day. There are times, though, when babies need a pair of shoes to protect their sweet little feet from harm.
Proper baby shoes should have soft, skid resistant soles, enabling them to sense the ground beneath their feet as they learn how to walk and develop foot strength as they grasp with their little toes. High-top baby shoes aren’t necessary for ankle support, but if you do choose high-tops, be sure baby can still move his or her ankles or it may be hard for baby to walk very well. All babies grow at different rates, but you can expect to buy shoes in bigger sizes at least every three to six months. Some babies will require bigger shoes almost monthly, so check the fit of your baby’s shoes at least once a month. You should be able to put your pinkie finger in between the heel of the shoe and baby’s foot, and there should be about a thumb-width between baby’s toes and the end of the shoe.