Eco Luxury for Baby by Apple Park

If ever there was a portion of our population that needed and deserved eco-friendly products, it's the babies. Apple Park understands that by producing original products made from "organic, sustainable and recycled materials". We were sent two samples of these beautiful baby products that are truly luxurious:

Apple Park Deluxe Crib Blanket:

Luxurious, sensual and completely natural, these 100% organic cotton blankets trimmed with natural silk, are perfect for the crib or anytime.

Apple Park Apple Seed Rattle:

Leaf: natural silk and hemp blend
Apple: 100% organic cotton
Filling: sustainable corn fiber, 100% organic cotton fiber and recycled non-toxic plastic rattle
Mini Apple Box: 100% recycled paper printed with soy ink and finished with a grosgrain ribbon handle

The crib blanket is expensive, but sustainability does come at a cost and the rattle is quite affordable. I also like how the company includes and considers the packaging in their product descriptions. That is unusual and packaging is truly a part of an item's sustainability factor. Apple Park products are manufactured in their own certified organic factory in China.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

The Best Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo and Soap: California Baby

I've been using California Baby Calming Baby Shampoo and Body Wash for six years now ever since I discovered my son was sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate. California Baby is the gentlest product for your little one's skin, and even my eight-year-old daughter still uses this soap and my son's eczema has never returned since we made the switch.

Benefits & Features:

• Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• Cleansing agent: 100% Decyl polyglucose
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, DEA, or numbing agents
• No tears, non-irritating, non-stripping formula
• Safe and gentle
• Two products in one--use head to toe. May be used for hair, face and body
• Great for babies, kids, or adults with chemically sensitive skin
• Will not irritate eczema or cradle cap; reports of healing even stubborn cases

This is a product I highly recommend for all of your family members!

Chemical-Free, Fragrance-Free Hair Gel for Babies and Kids

This may seem like an odd product, but Le Baby has created a chemical-free, fragrance-free hair gel for babies and kids. I call this product odd, because you may wonder why babies need hair gel. I have seen many parents spike little boy's hair into mohawks, and I needed hair gel to tame my daughter's locks into a bun when she took ballet (we used Jason Natural Products Hi-Shine Styling Gel). Even so, I don't really think this is a product you need.

Tami Dimmerman, creator of Le Baby, searched for a product that would tame and style her daughter Chloe's fly-away hair without aggravating her eczema or irritating her sensitive skin. She hoped to find a safe, gentle and effective gel without harsh chemicals or potentially harmful ingredients. Unwilling to settle for what was in the marketplace, Tami spent months experimenting with different all-natural formulas until, through animal-free testing, she found the perfect combination.

I also question the chemical-free claim when the listed ingredients include sodium benzoate and disodium EDTA, for example. Just because an ingredient is derived from a natural ingredient does not make a product chemical-free.

Green Cleaning: New Earth Friendly Products

Earth Friendly Products was one of the first natural cleaning companies I discovered before going green was in vogue.

Our family began by making cleaners for industrial use before Corvettes had fins. When your grandmother was wearing a poodle skirt and drinking a float at the soda fountain, we were earning our first patents

Decades later, when Jimi Hendrix turned rock upside down and played guitar with his teeth, we started our own quiet rebellion. We decided: only cleaners that were plant-based. Only paper that was recycled. Only products not tested on animals, period.

Does it sound boring to say we're family owned and operated? Because what it means to us is that it's personal. We've been around, well - seems like forever. We know how to make cleaners that CLEAN, paper goods that work (with 80% post-consumer content, and that's good,) detergents that won't harm a fiber of your clothing, and a phosphate-free auto dish soap that won't etch anything. Ever.

Earth Friendly Products has introduced three new products we have tried:
Baby Liquid Laundry Soap, Organic Chamomile & Lavender:

Our new Baby Laundry Soap is a hypo-allergenic, everyday laundry soap containing only the highest quality ingredients. Gentle enough for baby's sensitive skin, Baby Laundry Soap rinses thoroughly, leaving baby's laundry clean and soft. As always, it is plant-based, non-toxic, and environmentally responsible. Baby Laundry Soap employs soothing chamomile and lavender essential oils, and is suitable for hand-washing wools, silks, and other fine washables.

Fruit and Vegetable Wash:

Helps remove pesticides, chemical, heavy metals, dirt, wax and bacteria from the surface of fruits and vegetables. Fruit & Vegetable Wash is tasteless and rinses away clean. Beacuse natural ingredients are used, color and body may vary.

DuoDish:

DuoDish™ is a revolutionary breakthrough in dishwashing. For the first time ever, you can handle your dishwashing needs with one detergent - DuoDish™. Have a few dishes to clean? Just hand wash to avoid waste. Is your sink cluttered? Use that same liquid for a full automatic machine load. Say bye, bye to etched dishes, glassware and utensils and hello to clean and clear dishwashing results with DuoDish™ Enjoy another "first" by Earth Friendly Products.

I love the baby liquid laundry soap, and I don't think it has to be just for babies! The use of organic essential oils is a bonus and a first that I do not recall encountering in laundry products. I don't use vegetable and fruit washes. I think that water and a little dish soap is all you need, but I don't even use soap usually, just a rinse in water. Of course, I only buy and grow organic produce, but I have never thought of the need to also remove bacteria when washing fruits and vegetables. The DuoDish is a great idea eliminating the need for two soap products in the kitchen. It also contains organic essential oils.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Really Natural Books: The Earth's Best Story: A Bittersweet Tale of Twin Brothers Who Sparked an Organic Revolution

When I wasn't making my own baby food, I served my children Earth's Best organic baby food. The Earth's Best Story: A Bittersweet Tale of Twin Brothers Who Sparked an Organic Revolution is the story behind the company that feeds so many babies.

On the face of it, our story is the tale of a journey to launch the first organic baby-food company in the United States. While of course true, our inspiration soared beyond baby food to a grander, multidimensional imagining, an imagining where the face of agriculture was transformed and the chemically dependent agribusiness paradigm was reduced in its prominence.

We envisioned a world where organic foods would become dominant, with an organic avenue right through the mainstream food thoroughfare. And in our dreams organic baby food would be a catalyst for that paradigm shift: a shift that would support and protect our fragile ecosystems, safeguard farm workers and their families, and walk the talk about doing right by those who are most vulnerable and precious to us?our children.

Truly, these twin brothers are brilliant! Many people I know, including family members, only began their journey into organic food (which eventually leads to a greener lifestyle in general) when their first child was born. After feeding this pure little being the best food on earth (breastmilk) parents approach chemically-grown solid food with hesitation and trepidation. Earth's Best, found in almost every grocery store in America, offers an affordable, organic option. Thanks to the Koss brothers, an organic revolution really did begin with the babies!

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

BPA Free Baby: Plastic Bottles and Pacifiers by BornFree

BornFree was one of the first companies to offer BPA-free baby products when news broke about this hazardous chemical. Not only are their products free from BPA, they are also free from PVC and phthalates. Two of our favorite BPA-free BornFree products are:

• BornFree 9-Ounce Wide Neck BornFree Bottles


• Born Free Pacifier

Babies need to be protected from chemicals; we all do:

Exposure to Bisphenol A is Widespread

• Bisphenol A is most commonly used to make clear polycarbonate plastic for consumer products, such as baby bottles. Through use, this plastic breaks down and leaches bisphenol A into liquids and food to which it comes into contact.


• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found bisphenol A in the urine of over 95% of people they tested.


• Alarmingly, the median level of bi-sphenol A in humans is higher than the level that causes adverse effects in animal studies.

With my first child, I never used a pacifier and only used a bottle to try to feed her water when she was older. My son had health problems that required a bottle and pacifier while he was in the hospital recovering from open heart surgery, and unfortunately the hospital did not have BPA-free bottles or pacifiers. After his release, he was back to the breast only for his nourishment and comfort.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Organic Crib Mattresses and Bedding by Natural Mat

When I became pregnant with my first child over eight years ago, I searched high and low for a natural mattress. I feared flame retardants, and even though I planned to cosleep, I needed a crib for naps. Natural Mat makes organic, natural bedding and mattresses for cribs I wish would have been available back then.

• Natural Mat Coco Mat:

The Coco Mat is the most breathable and natural organic crib mattress. It is filled with coir from the only certified organic coir plantation in the world. Coir is made from coconut husks which are coated in natural latex to make a supportive and breathable fibrous layer. The coir is then wrapped in our unique lambswool which is bathed in a mixture made from extracts of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus making it completely anti-dust mite as well as maintaining the excellant [sic] thermal insulating properties of natural wool.

• Natural Mat Organic Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet:

Our organic cotton crib sheets are made from crisp 100% cotton percale.

The are unbleached and undyed. They are machine washable and dryable.

Both of these products are truly wonderful and every baby deserves such natural goodness for their restful times. It's worth the expense, considering how much time an infant spends sleeping. The quality of Natural Mat products is high, so you will be sure to use these products for several children and pass on to your friends.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

BPA-Free Silicone "Skinned" Glass Makes Little Kids Feel Big

Glass is truly the safest material to drink from, but often parents are worried young children will break glass and be injured. Silikids has a solution with its food grade silicone-sleeved glass cup for young children. Silikids Siliskin Glass provides a non-slip surface for little hands to grasp and feel like big kids drinking out of a real glass.

The Siliskin Glass is a clean alternative to plastic drink-ware. For toddlers who want to drink from a "big kid" cup. Silikids makes this easy to do with a small BPA free silicone covered glass. This Siliskin glass helps prevent slipping and adds extra protection to the glass inside. Glass is the cleanest option for drinking and it lasts because it's reusable, and recyclable. The Siliskin is hypo- allergenic, has no open pores to harbor bacteria and is dishwasher safe. Two simple ideas have come together to make the perfect drink ware better for your family and the environment.

Even though there are a lot of BPA-free plastic cup products on the market, I still feel safest with real glass, and I don't have to worry about placing them in the dishwasher.

Silikids also makes Silibibs. These bibs are easy to put on and easy to clean. They are even safe for the dishwasher. I personally prefer cloth bibs, but many parents prefer silicone for the ease of cleaning.

If you visit www.silikids.com, you can use the discount code OHBABY to receive a 15% off any order through 12/31/2009

Disclosure: I was sent a free sample of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative

Safely Relieve Common Pregnancy Skin Problems of Acne and Itchy Skin with Belli Pregnancy

Two problems I remember being plagued by during both of my pregnancies was acne caused by hormonal changes and itchy skin caused by the big belly stretch. Belli Pregnancy has safe solutions to these problems.

• BELLI Acne Clearing Facial Wash: This product uses lactic acid to treat blemished skin, as well as cucumber and green tea. This is not a soapy wash, but a smooth, lemony scented cleansing wash. It is important to note that most acne treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, except for Belli's product.

• BELLI All Day Moisture Body Lotion: This is a wonderful lotion that uses lemon oil, chamomile, and shea butter to provide lasting relief for itchy skin. When I was pregnant, I was plagued with an itchy back from my growing, stretching skin, and no lotion could provide relief. I am not pregnant now, but this lotion did a wonderful job on my dry fall/winter hands. This product received a score of three out of ten for toxicity by the Environmental Working Group.

Belli Pregnancy is safe during those pregnancy months because:

Belli Pregnancy has set a higher standard for prenatal safety, as the only skin care line in the world that is teratology screened. We search through over 16 million medical research articles in over 5000 international journals, and use this information to exclude ingredients with even remote links to birth defects or other problems with pregnancy. Belli Motherhood is LactMed screened to avoid ingredients linked to harmful effects during breastfeeding. Belli Baby is screened for xenoestrogens--chemicals which can act like hormones that interfere with normal development of the reproductive system.

Of course, you don't have to be pregnant to enjoy these products.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of the above products in order to write an authentic review. I did not guarantee a positive or negative review in exchange for the samples.

Handmade Himalayan Wool Baby Booties by JelliBee Baby

One of my favorite baby items, which I have kept as a memento of those tender years, was a pair of felted wool baby booties. JelliBee Baby offers a very similar product to the ones I have.

Cheerfully bright, perfectly warm, and beautifully formed, these felted wool booties make a fitting baby gift. All natural, organic materials, handmade in the foothills of the Himalayas. Made in accordance with Fair Trade practices and green processes, these booties have little tootsies feeling good, while you are doing good.

Although I don't have a baby to try the JelliBee booties on, my recollection of the pair I had was that they were difficult to keep on those wiggly little feet. These may be different, as they do go a little higher up the ankle.

JelliBee is a mother-run company:

We are homegrown and homespun. We are spunky, sassy, and smart.

We marvel as our babies become their own little people, and our idea of love grows...

We celebrate Motherhood in style with whimsical yet practical design that's never too far from the woman we used to be, and always in step with the woman we are right now.

I do love these baby booties and wish they came in my size. I have actually made felted wool slippers for adults, which are fun to make and size on the actual foot!

Disclosure:  I received a free pair of wool booties in order to write this review authentically. No promises were made as to whether the review would be positive or negative.

Sweet Organic Baby Clothes by Hessnatur

We've been fortunate enough to review beautiful natural fiber clothing by Hessnatur before, now we have discovered their organic baby apparel line! Super sweet, soft, and adorable, Hessnatur's organic baby line means everyone in the family can dress in eco-fashion. Hessnatur is always fair trade, organic, and sustainable, which is exactly what baby deserves against their fresh, delicate skin.

What our clothes are made of and with

• Pure, natural fibers- organic whenever possible. Made from renewable resources: Vegetable (cotton, linen, hemp, ramie); Animal (wool, specialty wools such as angora, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, yak; silk).

• No PVC or Teflon, anywhere.

• Natural materials for buttons, like ivory nut, wood, horn, or mother-of-pearl

• Trims and linings are made from natural fibers, usually 100% organic cotton or 100% natural silk

• Any metals used for zippers, buckles and buttons are nickel- and chrome-free.  Other materials are only used for these accessories in the rare cases when natural materials or metals are not functional enough.

• Our only exceptions: we sometimes use up to 8% of elastane/spandex for the stretch in some lingerie and socks. All the spandex we use is covered in cotton so no synthetic touches your skin.

What our clothes aren't made of or with

• Synthetic fibers: made from chemical substances derived from petroleum, like nylon, polyester or acrylic

• Regenerated fibers: chemically treated and re-processed fibers made from natural materials that cannot be used for textiles in their original form, like viscose, modal and acetate. Their manufacturing causes significant water and power usage.

• Azo dyes which can give off dangerous, carcinogenic and mutagenic amines

• Dyes and dye procedures that include toxic heavy metals, which are known carcinogens

• Optical brighteners, which are probable allergens

• Chemical finishes, such as moth-proofing, anti-microbial, easy-care, wrinkle-free finishes, made with synthetic resins

• Chlorine bleach, which harms the environment

Hessnatur also offers maternity clothes from moms to be! I wish I would have had these organic maternity clothes during my pregnancies!  Unborn babies deserve the best against mommy's skin too! 

Cool Green Attitude: Organic Clothing with a Positive Message

"I am creative", "I am unique", and "I am infinite potential" are examples of the positive messages on Cool Green Attitude's Learning and Confidence T-shirts. Each shirt comes with a Buddy Bookmark which describes and reinforces positive behavior: All Cool Green Attitude designs are printed with organic water-based inks on 100% certified organic cotton. The company was started by three mothers, and the line is not just for children. Women and men's designs are also available.

Baby Earth Helps Parents Go Green With Baby

Baby Earth is more than just an eco-friendly online shopping site for young children. It is a resource for parents wishing to go green with baby! From blogs to ideas, such as throwing a green grandmother shower, this site has an impressive amount of information and products.

One of my favorite products is the Sassy Cuddle Doll.

Inspire baby's senses with the soft, aromatic cuddle doll. Doll is lightly scented with calming lavender to stimulate baby's sense of smell. Wooden rings softly clack together, while bright colors and textured fabrics including velour, corduroy, fleece and sateen offer visual and tactile stimulation.

When playtime is over, put the cuddle doll in baby's hands and encourage them to smell the soft lavender scent. Lavender is commonly used as an aid to sleep and relaxation.

Sassy Earth Brights are handcrafted from quality hardwoods, select fabrics and water-based finishes with packaging made from 100% recycled paperboard.

My niece has this doll and loves it! It is safe for the youngest child, even newborns. The only negative aspects of this product is it is made in China and contains polyester.

Baby Earth also hosts a baby gear recycling program called Baby RENEW. Just send your old car seat, stroller or high chair to Baby Earth, and they will disassemble it and send it to recycling centers. If the gear is still in good shape, it will be donated to a needy family.

ikookie Organic Cotton Baby Clothes

Organic cotton is good for your baby and the environment! ikookie features 100% organic cotton baby clothes that "Nuture your baby in nature". The short sleeved lap bodysuit (onesie) and yoga pants are super soft, and I think even babies need yoga pants! I live in organic yoga pants at home, even when not doing yoga, because they are so comfortable. I have always dressed my babes in the most comfortable clothes, and of course, organic grown cotton ensures their skin will be comforted too. ikookie explains:

Natures purest fiber. Organic Cotton is grown and harvested without the use of agrichemicals. Strict testing ensures the absence of contaminants like nickel, lead, heavy metals and pesticides.

By choosing organic cotton you decrease the number of toxic chemicals to you, your infant and the environment. Our babies benefit from the softness and quality that organic cotton provides.

Super soft, good for you baby, and good for the environment, you can't go wrong with ikookie baby clothes.