Baby Gear, Products, Recommendations, Resources, Websites

Healthy Car Seats?

Did you know you can have a safe car seat in more ways than one? In my quest for the “next step up” from infant car seat to convertible car seat, I discovered a website which tests the seats and rates them based on the level of chemicals such as lead, bromine and chlorine they contain. I really didn’t know we even had the option to find one with fewer (or no) chemicals, and just assumed we’d be choosing based on safety ratings and friends and family recommendations. This is one of those areas where I thought- well, even though he’ll be exposed to the plastic off gassing and chemicals in the fabric, this is why we feed him organic food and use only natural skin care on him; the areas we can control help to offset the areas we can’t. But I don’t have to settle and neither do you! Check out This Convertible Car Seat.

Now I don’t have to hope he holds his breath or doesn’t chew on the straps every time I put him his seat, which makes for a healthier, more relaxed mommy.

Natural Products, Natural Skincare, Prevention, Products, Recommendations

A Day in the Sun

Holly 4 Comments

Those of us in the northern part of the country are rejoicing that the sun is shining on us again. It’s a good idea to let your baby get some direct sunlight on his or her skin for up to 5 minutes everyday so he can make (very important) vitamin D. After that, cover him up with light clothing and a sun hat for the best protection against sunburn. If you must use sun block, it is imperative that you use a chemical free brand. Research has shown that the nasty chemicals in most all conventional sunscreens turn into cancer causing substances when the sun is baking them into the skin. Seems counterproductive, no?

Avoid these ingredients: Oxybenzone, DMDM Hydantoin, Triethanolamine, dioxanes, parabens, PEGs, propelene glycol, synthetic fragrances and petroleum based ingredients. Instead choose a brand with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which act as physical barriers to the sun because they don’t penetrate the skin. Also check the labels for organic skin protecting ingredients. Look for these brands:

Badger Balm All Natural Sunscreen for Face and Body

Weleda Children’s Sunscreen

Burts Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen

Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen

Please leave a comment with your sunscreen experiences or other recommendations.

Natural Treatment, Places, Recommendations

NYC Moms Need a Nap?

Holly Leave a comment

Check out Yelo on 57th and 8th in Manhattan. It’s a spa where $15 will get you a much needed 20 minute power nap! They have zero gravity chairs with ambient noise and aroma and chromatherapy. They also offer other services; when I was there recently my 7.5 month old baby got a little hand reflexology, and he fell asleep sitting up! I feel they should be marketing to new moms or parents in general- who needs sleep more than we do? And not just when your kids are babies-I’m sure when your child is 10 you’re still just as tired as you were when he was 10 months! Aren’t our bodies amazing? They adjust to meet our demands, so give back a little. Take care or yourself, take a nap!

Baby Gear, Recommendations

I Love My Wrap!

Holly 1 Comment

Have you heard the story about the man who lost his wallet and loved it so much more when he found it than he had before? I had a similar experience last week which reminded me that I need to share my love of the Moby wrap with you. I was starting to feel like maybe I shouldn’t carry my 23 pound 7 month old so much and transition him to the stroller. (Why I was feeling this way, I don’t know- sometimes crazy thoughts creep into my head) Of course I know that babywearing is ideal, especially for the first 9 months! Anyway, I was readying to leave my apartment, feeling apathetic towards my wrap, which mysteriously I couldn’t find. I then realized I had left it on our roof terrace the night before, which threw me into a panicky whirlwind of running up to the roof searching for it, then down to the doorman to ask them if anyone had turned it in, to then finally finding the porter who cleans the terrace every morning. He said, “That was yours? It’s in the garbage!” He quickly went to the trash room, tore open the bag, and saved my beer soaked Moby from an early demise. I was SO relieved. I couldn’t use it on that outing, and my baby and I missed it the whole time. I couldn’t wait to get home to wash it (a few times!) and use it again later that afternoon. Aaah. Our favorite mode of transport, babywearing. What was I thinking? I guess I needed this wake-up call!

Here are links to some of my favorite carriers:

Breastfeeding, Natural Treatment

Breastfeeding and the Dreaded “M” Word

Holly 1 Comment

No matter how hard you try to do it perfectly- scheduled feeding, nursing on cue, or whatever path you have chosen- clogged ducts, or even (the dreaded!) mastitis are very common and might happen to you. There are many things you can do to treat these breastfeeding nuisances so you can get back to the enjoyable, bonding, nourishing experience it is meant to be.
If you discover you have mastitis (an infection in the milk duct) don’t panic. It is usually a self-limiting problem, meaning that it can heal itself if you help your immune system work. How do you know if it’s more than a clogged duct? You’ll have a hard, streaky red and possibly painful area on your breast, which will be hot to the touch. You will feel tired and weak and probably have a fever and chills, but in most cases this will not last more than 24 hours. During this time it is really important to super hydrate- drink tons of water, coconut water (antibacterial and antimicrobial), ginger tea (antiviral), broth, emergen-c, and any other caffiene free, natural beverages. Take a warm bath or shower if you can, and get into bed, taking baby with you. Continue nursing on the affected breast as much as possible, and try to sleep. Use warm moist compresses on the inflamed area, which will increase circulation to the breast and speed healing. (Earth Mama, Angel Baby makes great organic Booby Tubes– buy some to have on hand in case mastitis strikes!) Continue resting, even when you start to feel better, and the whole ordeal will likely be behind you by the next day. However if your fever doesn’t go down within 24 hours, call your doctor.
Don’t let this discourage you from breastfeeding. The benefits to your baby far outweigh the day of discomfort you’ll have. Plus this is your body’s way of telling you to slow down, get more sleep, and take care of yourself!