While I have been busy not-writing for a while, we have been thinking/talking lots about what sort of stuff we want for baby (thanks in part to the help of two great books), so I thought I'd give you all an update on how extreme we are hoping to be in introducing baby to an 'all-natural' world. Our theme is going to be, "less is more" - as we are a bit short on funds these days (teacher and student - you figure it out!) we are trying to invest well in a few pricey things that we can be sure are safe, rather than piles of cheap, toxic things. Here are a few things we've decided:
1. clothes! so many cute baby clothes out there, we have decided to be quite picky: preferably 100% organic cotton, or used cotton (pesticides wash out over time). Wool and hemp fabrics also okay, preferably with as little dye (or natural dye) as possible. No synthetic fabrics (although I imagine we might make an exception for a 'hiking-fleece-cover-all' so that baby can brave the elements!)
2. shoes! no baby shoes - most are made of toxic substances and go directly in the mouth (as soon as toes are discovered!), so we will wait until she is walking to give her hard-soled shoes. Booties it is. This might also have something to do with my life-long wish to spend every day in slippers :)
3. diapers! organic cloth (yes, I know, it's challenging - encourage us please!). We are going to make an exception to the 'no-plastic rule' and have plastic pants to save the mess. For traveling, non-chlorine, gel-free biodegradable (i.e. gDiapers.com or tushieswipes.com).
5. toys! no plastic for at least the first 9 months - there are several companies making wooden toys treated with safe coatings, or cloth but of course non-synthetic. I know this is limiting for stuffed animals, but really there are so many cute knit things out there. And don't worry, once he gets to 'Duplo' age we hope his immune system will be able to handle the shock of plastic :)
Okay, there are my first thoughts on what we will and won't use - now you are in the loop - more to follow as we get deeper into this. Feedback welcome!! and thanks to everyone for the support you have shown for this so far :)
12 comments:
So where does leather fall on the list? They make some really cute leather booties for kids that stay on really well (let's be honest, something knit will just fall off!).
Oh yeah, are you planning to do an all-natural birth too? Someone asked me on one of my chat boards (where I was getting shower ideas). If I can't come, I can at least help plan :)
"Simplicity is a great element of good breeding." --Fanny Kemble
"It is easy to lose confidence in our natural ability to raise children. The true techniques for raising children are simple: Be with them, play with them, talk to them. You are not squandering their time no matter what the latest child development books say about 'purposeful play' and 'cognitive learning skills.'” --Neil Kurshan
leather: from Europe is okay, (not US leather - Europe and UK have toxicity standards). But nothing with hard soles (better for foot bone development) until he/she is walking. Until then, booties with snaps!
birth: not going to answer that one yet. haven't read enough about all the crazy options :)
Hi Maria-
You don't know me but I'm a co-worker of Tia's and I couldn't resist clicking on your link from her blog since I love all things baby! We used cloth diapers for our son (now 3) and I highly recommend going to Babyworks (www.babyworks.com)- they are mostly internet-based but they are based in Portland and open up the store a few hours each week. Great selection of diapers and covers. We especially loved the Nikky covers- so soft! Great choices and I'm always happy to chat "cloth" if you like!
That has to be Kristen...that's a great website, thanks for sharing!!!
Nice decisions! I am happy you are willing to make an exception for duplos, though. It really would be a shame if Nelson Jr. had to miss out on those.
to make this a totally organic experience, i think the birth should occur on sauvie island - the home of all organic produce.
i have a lot of doggie toys that fit the descriptions that you are looking for. in fact the toys, they are used, so you guys know all of the chemicals, pesticides, etc. have already been liked off by the dog... damn the things i do for you... i sacrifice my dogs health for your nino/a
:)
love you guys,
miles
licked... ooppss...
thats what happens when you drink and grade papers on a sunday evening happy hour....
hmmmmm happy hour
miles
Okay, you're another month in...time for more pictures :)
Hi parents-to-be,
I finally figured out what I was doing wrong. I have enjoyed all the messages, and am learning alot about the organic way. Iam wating to hear the latest news.
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