Green Treehouse

Ever thought, there’s no way I’m using cloth diapers? Well, the bumGenius Organic One Size Cloth Diaper might change your tune.

Move over sposies. The award winning bumGenius One Size Cloth Diaper design is now available in organic! It’s a totally easy to use design. Perfect for use by cloth newbies and die hard, experienced cloth diapering fans. the bumGenius “no-stuff” design offers stretch tabs for a perfect fit, along with simple hook and loop fasteners. Use it like you would a disposable diaper–but with the environmental bonus of reuse, over and over again. There’s no need for a waterproof cover. The absorbent layer is completely integrated into a waterproof outer layer. The bumGenius design is so brilliant, you’ll probably have to remind yourself that it’s cloth!

Oh, if you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift…this is it! New moms will love putting this diaper on their newborns.

During the 60s, not long after environmentalist Rachel Carson published her book Silent Spring, which brought attention to pesticides and environmental problems, The Banana Splits Show hit television. Given that the show was before my time, I had no idea what to think of the 100% organic t-shirt featuring a groovy, retro animal theme and “The Banana Splits” written in bubbly font that recently landed in my toddler’s hands. I knew I liked the organic part for sure. But that’s partly because I’m in love with anything organic. Since day one, I’ve outfitted my babies in organic when possible.

Thanks to the Internet, I figured out that the “The Banana Splits” was a t.v. super hit. I also learned that it’s coming back to television this fall (Cartoon Network). Obviously geared to the younger crowd, the show has me wondering generally about TV.

How do parents decide how much television children should watch? What is too much? I know some parents who limit t.v. to the length of their shower–they pop in a Baby Einstein DVD when they need a shower break. I know some parents think t.v. time actually brings about household peace (think less war, less sibling fighting, and more love). I know some parents who don’t allow their young children to watch any t.v., and still others who don’t really seem to impose any time limits.

Moms and Dads chime in… aside from saving electricity (and the planet), where do you draw the line and pull the plug?

Related Posts
5 Ways Moms Can Save the Planet
Rubberwood Toys: Plastic or Wood?

Want to recycle your old baby gear? Check out BabyEarthRenew!

A growing number of baby care products display “Paraben-Free” on the label. Curious what Paraben-Free means? And perhaps most importantly, what it means for your baby if a product label lacks a Paraben-Free mention?

**Keep reading for the scoop on Parabens:**

What are Parabens? Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives and are widely found in cosmetics and bath and body care products.

What products contain Parabens? Parabens can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body wash products, antiperspirants, toothpaste and in other cosmetics and bath and body care products. Not all cosmetics and bath and body care products contain parabens. A growing number of manufacturers do not use Parabens, and frequently make mention of such on product labels.

What, if any, risks are associated with Parabens? There is controversy surrounding parabens and the effect of exposure to products containing parabens. Some researchers and organizations take the view that there are possible links between parabens (common ones include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben) and cancers (e.g., breast cancer and estrogen-dependent tumors). Some also believe that parabens contribute to skin irritations.

Are Parabens Safe for Your Baby? Studies of parabens on health continue. Some researchers, organizations, and manufacturers suggest that people use products containing parabens with caution. Others advocate avoiding use altogether until more conclusive health data is available. Still others contend that any health risks are minimal. Ultimately, the question of safety is left to parents and pediatricians. If you have concerns about parabens, talk to your child’s doctor, do your own research, and consider switching to body care products that are paraben-free.

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Protecting Baby from UVA and UBA Rays
The Low Down on the Plastic Safety Debate

Related Products
BabyEarth carries a full line of paraben-free California Baby products.

Ask a UPS or FedEx driver…people love getting packages–especially the new mom who is expecting a delivery from her favorite baby store. But when the ordinary mail arrives, it can be a different story, especially when lurking inside the mailbox are catalogs and mailings you never requested. I’ve discovered that my mailbox clutter seems to grow at a rate proportional to my children’s growth.

Here are three simple and smart “green” tips for reducing mailbox clutter:

1. Reduce Junk Mail. Submit a request to opt-out of major marketing lists. You can find contact information here and here.

2. Pick up the Phone. Directly contact the companies who send you mail and request that they remove your name and address from their mailing list.

3. Read the Fine Print. Opt to do business with companies that promise not to resell your address.

Have another “green” parent-friendly mailbox tip? Leave a comment to share.

Each day thousands of new blogs are added to the blogosphere. This is part II of a series that spotlights ultra cool, eco-friendly obsessed parenting blogs. In honor of all the dedicated mommy (and daddy) bloggers out there, Green Treehouse wants to share some linky love.

When it’s time to climb down out of the Green Treehouse, click on over to these green blogs:

*The Green Parent. Check out this blog for a kid-friendly guide to eco-friendly living.

*Green Mommy. Learn all about green living and gentle parenting here.

*Crunchy Domestic Goddess. A blog that’s into raising social consciousness, and hopes to change the world one blog post at a time.

*Eco-Thrifty Mom. Follow one mom as she tries to make the world greener for her son on a budget.

As seen in USA Today…

I’ve blogged about it before…but obviously I’m not the only one who thinks the phil & teds Metoo Seat totally rocks.

From an environmental standpoint, this seat scores huge points in my mind. Phil & teds Metoo seat is a lightweight, portable high chair with a simple, practical design. The way I see it, given that it doesn’t take up much space means something positive in terms of environmental impact…at least with respect to energy consumption along the production process. Plus, as a company phil & teds is known for taking product safety seriously and taking a proactive approach to product management.

Since moms and dads across the country are talking about the MeToo, BabyEarth has temporarily run out of inventory. But don’t worry, BabyEarth expects to have the seat back in stock by July 31st. Trust me, the wait will be well worth it.

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MeToo Mommy!
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Related Products
Check out BabyEarth’s huge phil & teds selection!

If you’re an avid mommy blogger or reader of blogs, you very well know that this week is BlogHer, a major blogger conference that is expected to be jammed packed with mommy bloggers. To honor those bloggers and the growing list of amazing eco-oriented mommy (and daddy) bloggers out there, Green Treehouse wants to give some linky love this week by doing shout outs to favorite green baby-related blogs.

Got a favorite green blog or want to get yours noticed? Drop a note to babyearthblog [*at*] gmail [*dot*] com.

Here are today’s faves:

Adventures in Baby Wearing. This blog’s author, Stephanie, says, “It’s fun to be green and wear your babies.” I couldn’t agree more. Check out my past Green Treehouse post Attachment Parenting 101.

Eco-Chick. Check out Chicky’s latest family-friendly post on the Five (New) Rules for Driving Green. Hey, who doesn’t need extra food for thought on making driving greener these days?

Little Elephants. Okay, not a totally green site, but check out some of the great kid-friendly crafts that use recycled elements. Gotta love easy green projects to do with children!

5 Minutes for Going Green. A cool new site that helps time-pressed moms figure out how to go green.

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Does Your Baby Have a Carbon Footprint?
Keep Your Cool with These H20 Picks

Related Products
Babylicious Real Life Zoo Pillow
Svan Youth Chair

That pink positive sign on a home pregnancy test means someone, probably mom-to-be holding the test stick, is about to get really busy.

With baby comes a lot of planning and decision making. Like deciding when to schedule prenatal appointments. Deciding what color to paint the nursery. Selecting a baby name–or names…just in case! Figuring out who to include on the baby shower invite list. And, last but not least, determining whether to plan a natural birth (a.k.a. unmedicated), and if so, figuring out what natural childbirth method seems like a comfortable approach.

For new moms thinking about natural childbirth, the following brief review of four popular natural childbirth methods might help simplify planning for baby:

1. Lamaze. A method that teaches ways to decrease pain and improve control during labor through deep breathing and concentration.

2. Alexander Technique. A method to help pregnant, as well as non-pregnant women, discover how to release muscular tension, increase breathing capacity, and calm the body in preparation for effective pushing.

3. Bradley Method. This method helps to provide families and couples simple and effective natural birth techniques. Classes include workbooks, information on pain management, and information on labor coaches/doulas.

4. Hypnobirthing This method (a.k.a. Mongan Method) helps build an understanding of how to trust birth and the birthing body, essentially replacing resistence and fear with relaxation.

Related Products:

SwaddleSet Organic Cotton, by Kiddopotamus
Cocooning Massage Oil, by Maclaren Beginning

Regardless of your doctor’s stance on whether you should paint the nursery during pregnancy or assign the task to someone else, expecting parents (and parents of children in general) should know that eco-friendly paint options exist, which present lower risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals and toxic fumes. Remember, “eco-friendly” or not, it’s always a good idea to make sure the room you’re painting has adequate ventilation (i.e. keep the windows open) to help with any fumes.

To see what paint brands earn eco-friendly marks, check out this news report.

How green is your city? Green enough to raise your baby?

Check out this top ten green cities list to find out how your city stacks up. Among the list, BabyEarth’s very own backyard: Austin, TX.