Our Green House Blogs

The Benefits of Babywearing

Posted by Lindsay Gibson on Sep 19th 2018

Babywearing is nothing new, in fact, it has been around for centuries in most cultures. Since the “baby-boom” age here in the west, it has become more of a "study" versus something natural. Meaning, researchers began to study infant crying and wanting to learn why they cry and how to soothe them. However, despite the research - one thing that has always stayed strong with keeping a baby calmer and more secure is babywearing. While babywearing has died down in western society over the past few decades, it is finally making a comeback! What is Babywearing? Very simply – babywearing is the practice of wearing your baby and/or toddler in a sling, wrap or carrier. There are so many products on the market today to support your desire to wear your baby. That said, even though it is an old tradition, it does take some time to get used to. In fact, it isn't exactly easy for every mom - but it packs a lot of benefits. Let’s go through some of the biggest benefits that babywearing has to offer. Babywearing Benefits Keeps baby feeling safe, secure and settled with you mama – which is where they want to be. When you hold your baby close to you they feel secure, knowing their needs will be quickly met. Newborns don’t understand when you put them down as you go about some chores and other household things, that you will be right back and can still get to them when they are hungry or need a diaper change. Some newborns will be easier than others, but all infants eventually learn that you will, in fact, come back. This is why you often hear moms with a newborn saying, “my baby never wants to be put down!” Well – because they don’t! Does it mean you cannot ever put them down? Of course, not – we need to eat, shower and get things done but just know that in these early days, you may find yourself wearing your baby a lot more than you anticipated! Supports breastfeeding – by helping mom to recognize early signs of hunger more easily and can begin to nurse her baby without the baby crying. This awareness of learning your baby’s needs and cues will increase bonding and your confidence as a mama! Supports physical development - physical contact with young babies aids the healthy development of their brain. Infants carried regularly also have more stable heart and breathing rates. They are in a state of quiet alertness – which helps them to grow and learn better. Helps support spinal, pelvis and hip development – it keeps spine and legs in optimal position for growth. Laying flat too much or in a device keeps them in an unnatural posture, however while carried - the tiny physical adjustments that they have to make to the movements of carrying, help to develop their muscle tone and sense of balance. Helps their social development – because they are upright with you and can see the world around them! They are close to your face and learning from your expressions and responses as they attempt to communicate back. When you talk to other people, your baby is a part of the conversation and shares the experience with you. Types of Babywearing Sling - a long piece of sturdy cloth, worn over one shoulder and across your stomach Slings are ideal for newborns, as small babies can easily nestle into the fabric. Older babies and toddlers can also “sit” in the fabric like a hip carried seat. Wrap – a long piece of fabric, wrapped around your torso and usually over both shoulders Wraps are very versatile and inexpensive. Carrier – a soft padded material that has a more structured seat with two shoulder straps and buckles These carriers tend to be more ergonomic, so they’re great for outdoor activities and other times when you’re carrying the baby for long stretches. What about mom? Babywearing has benefits for you too mama! Being close to your baby not only benefits your baby but you as well. It will increase bonding and can help ease the symptoms of postpartum depression and stress. Wearing your baby also keeps you hands-free. Enabling you to get those chores done around the house that you are wanting to do. I have personally mastered washing dishes and doing laundry with a baby on me, but it takes practice. Note: in the beginning, I recommend getting help for these things so you can rest. Physically, you will benefit too. If worn correctly, it will strengthen your core muscles after those nine months of pregnancy which has no doubt, weakened them. Babywearing is so amazing for many reasons. But, it is going to be different for everyone and every baby is different. Therefore, I encourage parents to at least give it a try to see if it works for you!

Eco Nursery - Safe Baby Space

Posted by Lindsay Gibson on Aug 1st 2018

Eco Nursery All the options… They are endless! Unless you are an interior design professional or perhaps decorating is a personal hobby that you just love – chances are, seeing all the options out there for a baby’s nursery can ignite a load of panic and overwhelm. The big box companies certainly don’t help this either with their clever marketing and having dozens of choices to pick from. Then there is Pinterest – you could seriously spend hours scrolling through all of the nursery designs. Take a deep breath. First of all – let’s backtrack a bit. Does a baby even need all of those things in their nursery? Quick answer – no. Long answer – it doesn’t mean you can’t create a nice space for your little one. However, you don’t need to have it all done prior to the birth. Many parents prefer this though because once the baby is here and especially if mom has to return back to work, there won’t be much time to put the nursery together. Whether you plan on co-sleeping or not with your baby, it is still a good idea to have a designated space for your baby for napping, playing and storage of their clothes and toys. As your baby grows, this space will be used more and more. A Natural Nursery Paint – let’s start with the basics. Painting the nursery is often seen as the first step in many movies. You usually see the husband and wife happily painting the nursery and transforming a room once used as an office or guest room into their little one’s new space. So, naturally, this is a good place to begin. Colors There is much debate on the proper color scheme for a nursery. Some argue bold bright colors because it is a fact that newborns can distinguish high contrast colors and patterns and bold primary colors more easily. You will see many toy manufacturers using this in their designs with these bright color tones and patterns. On the flip side – others argue a more restful retreat, with softer neutrals. When choosing your color scheme, it really boils down to what you want as the baby will receive all the love and stimulation he or she needs from you and other family members. Nursing/feeding, snuggles and kisses, and noises around the home are enough to satisfy your growing baby’s sensory needs. To keep it natural – keep your attention off what color and focus more on what type. Steer clear of the conventional paint that has aldehyde, heavy metals, and VOC’s (which can “off-gas” chemicals for years). Affirmation of the Week: Slow Down, Calm Down, Don’t Worry, Don’t Hurry. I trust the Process. Be careful when selecting a low VOC or environmentally safe paint as even low VOC paints contain high VOC colorants and companies do not have to disclose this on their labeling. When shopping for paint – find ones that are truly green paints, using natural materials in place of: Petroleum Solvents Biocides Heavy metals Terms to look for: ECOS Paints, Unearthed Paints, Old Fashioned Milk Paint or ones labeled “zero-VOC and zero-VOC colorant”. Brands to check: Mythic, Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Natura Furniture Save on the changing tables and opt for a two-for-one deal like a dresser with a non-toxic changing pad on top. Many dressers are now being designed to grow with your child like the cribs are. This means you can find ones that have a removable changing tray. However, it is tricky to find natural furniture with these handy additions. The key is to buy furniture that is real wood. Most furniture items you see are made from press-wood, particleboard, and composite materials. Remember that many babies once they can move and stand up, will have their mouths all over the crib rails! For furniture – look for wood that has: Solid and sustainable materials no formaldehyde Free of VOCs Free of phthalates If you receive second-hand furniture as a pass-down or shop for it all used, then refinish it with a non-toxic stain. That furniture has already spent a lot of time off-gassing which is good for you! Gliders/Rocking Chairs Choose ones that are made from organic or eco-friendly materials. Free of: Phthalates Formaldehyde Flame retardants Final tips - Pull carpeting if you can and replace with a natural area rug with natural fibers. Take down all old curtains and toss and replace with natural wood shades or organic cotton curtains. Throw in some natural wooden toys and your natural nursery is complete!

Make your Own Gift Basket - 6/28/18

Posted by Sonya on Jun 28th 2018

This week our featured Make your own Gift Basket is this modern grey gift tote that welcomes a new baby boy to the world. organic baby gift basket included: Custom Gift Basket - Grey Lamb Side Snap Tee with Grey Stitching (from our exclusive "Our Green Baby" line) Organic Baby Blanket - Mid Grey Organic Muslin Wash Cloth Set - Hedgehog Charcoal and another Oatmeal Ribbon and, of course, a handwritten note card with a loving message welcoming the new baby to the world Just so you know - The Make your own is an easy to use 4 step proccess Select your basket choose your items choose your ribbon write your gift note The gift will be all wrapped up and sent directly to the new mom or dad. Remember to check out our inspiration page of custom gift baskets so you can get some really cool ideas.

Do You Really Need Organic Baby Clothes?

Posted by Melissa McKee on Jun 25th 2018

I was scrolling through my Instagram feed the other day when it occurred to me - babies are everywhere! At least in my social circle. Everyone I know is posting pictures of new babies, ultrasound photos, baby showers, pregnancy pics, sibling shots… it’s enough to make you cry if you are sentimental about that sort of thing. With a baby in the house myself, my emotions run from sentimental to slightly insane, so tears could flow at any moment. Anywayyyyy... point is I am struck by this general theme of pure unadulterated LOVE in these photos. It’s to be expected, I am sure, but it’s an emotion that smacks you in your face more than when you are looking at let’s say - pictures of someone’s breakfast. You don’t even need a filter for these pictures because love just radiates its own filter on them. All these expecting parents, wanting the world for their new babies. Everyone goes about it in their own way, but they all want The Best, The Safest, The Proven, The Sleep. Oh, they might not know about that last one yet, but they will all want The Sleep, give them time. As an expecting parent, I think I spent more time reading Amazon reviews more than any other type of literature (which I know is a very loose definition of literature). Typing questions into google like “3 car seats in one row Honda Pilot” and getting lost in pictures of other people’s cars that somehow aren’t covered in a fine orange dusting of goldfish. I frequently wished there was just a magical someone out there that could just find me exactly what I need and present it to me. I’d pay dearly to have back those research minutes. So, when research is pointing you in the direction of organic baby clothes and you are like “but why on earth do I need to spend even more money on something I am not sure is important”, I have come to your rescue (just this once) with some quick points that won’t leave you having to scroll through tons of reviews. You’re welcome. It won’t even take that long. Unlike trying to decide between different nursery themes, this choice is pretty easy. Newborns Have Delicate Skins with Great Sensitivity Newborns have extra-sensitive skin and that’s because it is thinner and has larger pores than adult skin, meaning that even the slightest irritation can inflame them. The synthetic material and the use of cheap elastic or closures can easily cause rashes just from contact. Plus those larger baby pores make it easier for their skin to absorb some of the harmful chemicals used in manufacturing most conventional baby clothes. Organic baby clothes, on the other hand, are usually made from 100% organically sourced cotton or sometimes other sustainable materials like hemp or bamboo. These natural plants produce a fabric that is extremely soft without the need for harmful chemicals and toxins. The breathability of organic cotton helps keep rashes at bay as well. Organic Baby Clothes Prevents Allergies Commercials and ads for natural detergents and plant-based baby care products like to tout “pediatrician recommended” or “used by doctors.” This is because babies in their early days are usually more susceptible to allergic responses. New studies are coming out all the time that simple things like the types of wipes you use can provide a gateway for later allergies. I’ve found, especially with sleepwear, that the more natural the material the fewer the rashes. Of course, I didn’t figure it out quite as fast with the first baby so the first kid is loaded with allergies. Sorry first kid. Subsequent children have benefited from my noticing it, though and they are allergy free with flawless skin. We can’t do everything right all the time as the world likes to remind us parents. Organic Baby Clothes Are Affordable & Cost-Effective Sometimes you do have that moment of sticker shock when you look at the price of organic clothes versus that entire set of store brand polyester baby clothes. Take a second, though, before dismissing the more expensive clothes because they seriously last so much longer. I have more organic clothes that have been passed down through three kids than a child could ever actually need and it’s because those natural fibers are stronger. Not being treated with toxic dyes and bleaches helps too. If you have any intention of passing down those pajamas or onesies I totally recommend spending more to get more use. It can be so easy to be overwhelmed with all the choices that becoming a new parent entails. While I cannot tell you which car seat combination will work for your car, I can tell you that choosing organic baby clothes like this new organic baby clothing line will provide your newborn with safe, soft and sustainable outfits from one kid to the next.