Baby Steps To A “Greener” and Healthier Child

First, take a deep breath and take, well, baby steps. A few changes toward a more organic lifestyle are all it takes and these changes are very simple and easy to achieve. Baby Food. Make your own. Organic produce and beans are now widely available in most major grocery stores and even in many small markets. Check your local newspaper for listings for farmers’ markets. Pull out your food processor and blender and you are on the way to making healthy baby food. Make in bulk and freeze the leftovers. Cloth Diapers. Your disposable diapers could still be laying in a landfill somewhere on your child’s college graduation day! Velcro or snaps have replaced pins and cloth diapers are far more convenient than they once were. Try organic diapers and covers to keep your baby’s sensitive skin safe.

Organic Baby Clothes, Blankets and Plush Toys. Protect your baby’s skin (and the environment) from harsh chemicals and dyes found in many highly-processed clothing items. Buy organic clothing and plush toys. Good organic toys have pure stuffing on the inside as well, protecting teething babies who rip through their favorite stuffed rabbit’s ear. Laundry. You have invested in safe diapers and clothing. Now, be sure to wash them in a non-toxic detergents and soaps. Pure cleaners are widely available. But do your homework; just because it says “natural” on the label does not mean it is free of toxins. You don’t want your baby sucking on a just-washed bootie that is saturated with all kinds of chemicals found in detergent.