New moms and dads have a unique opportunity. By starting out using simple, natural products for your baby, your newborn can avoid the health risks found in commercially prepared food, medication, and baby care products. Here's a checklist of alternatives you can use in the care of your infant.
Baby food
Of course, the most natural and healthful food for you baby is breast milk. Studies have shown that it will make your baby healthier and smarter. As your baby grows and needs solid foods in his/her diet, make your own baby food. Not only is homemade food healthier. But you can introduce foods and flavors not found in commercial foods. This will set the stage for healthier eating habits as you baby grows. The website Wholesome Babyfood (www.wholesomebabyfood.com) has recipes, cooking and storage information and a solid food chart that tells which foods to introduce at the different stages of your baby's life.
Cloth diapers
Generations of babies have left a near permanent record in our nation's landfills. However, the tide is turning, albeit ever so slowly. Today, cloth-diapering Moms have blogs and Facebook pages devoted to the topic. The cloth diaper of the 21st century looks nothing like the ones your mom used. Today's diaper is made of 100% organic cotton, hemp or bamboo. There are different styles. Gone are the safety pins. Today's diaper has built-in fasteners. There are diaper exchanges and used diaper stores.
Baby wipes
Recycle some of the worn diapers into baby wipes. Soak or spray the cloth squares in this mixture:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp. Baby Dr. Bronner's liquid castile
- 1 tbsp. apricot oil or almond oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Diaper pail
Keep diaper pail fresh by soaking diapers in water and white vinegar in between washes.
Bath, oil, and powder
Essential oils add healing properties to homemade baby oil.
- Add 5 drops of lavender, rose or orange essential oil to 4 ounces of olive, almond or sunflower oil.
- Process 1 cup of oatmeal to a find powder and add to baby's bath.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of lavender oil to a half pound of cornstarch.
- Mix together in a zip seal plastic bag or lidded jar
- Let sit for three or four days to allow the lavender to spread through the cornstarch.
Baby sling
Slings keep your baby happy and your hands free. Store bought versions can cost $50 or more. You can make your own with a carefully swaddled length of fabric.
Nursery decor
Look for nursery furniture made from environmentally friendly materials. And don't be afraid to buy or borrow second hand furnishings. Just make sure the material and paint are baby-friendly.
photo by Carin Araujo
