Babies & Toddlers

By Rae Pica

Besides the fact that they were built to do so, there are a great many reasons why infants need to move. The truth is, even though their movement capabilities are extremely limited when compared with even those of a toddler, movement experiences may be more important for infants than for children of any other age group. And it’s not all about motor development either. (more…)

Written by Pam Schiller and Thomas Moore
ISBN: 0876592965
Buy now on Powells or Amazon.
Review by Susy P. Goins

And you thought these familiar verses were just children’s rhymes. Nope, they are also language builders, emerging literacy primers, and prompts for outdoor play, movement and all-around fun. (more…)

By Kristy Shreve Powers

What will you and your new baby need? The baby gear checklists you find online seem ludicrously thorough: Will a wipes warmer really be necessary, or a special diaper pail with custom liners? Whether you’re concerned about the environment, your wallet, or turning your home into a wasteland of bright plastic, you may want to limit your baby purchases to the essentials. What follows is an alternative to the usual checklist, for new parents choosing a simpler lifestyle. (more…)

Researchers suspect lavender, tea tree oil disrupt hormonal balance
AP Article on MSNBC, Jan 31, 2007

BOSTON - Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.

While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used. None of those interviewed called for a ban on sales. (more…)

By Natural Family Online

The Natural Child Project has exclusively made Waldorf nursing dolls that are so adorable. You can get the mama doll with baby and/or toddler made entirely by hand with natural fibers (fine cotton and pure wool). The 12 inch mama doll wears a sling and a dress with two openings for nursing. The baby is 6 inches and the toddler is 7 inches. (more…)

By Christine Climer

Did you know that zinc deficiency ranks 11th out of the top 20 risk factors for disease? Yes, zinc! According to the World Health Organization, zinc deficiencies are responsible for 16% of lower respiratory infections (such as pneumonia) and 10% of diarrheal illness worldwide. (more…)

Question: Whenever one of my children gets a splinter, a distressing scene ensues. Either they run from the mean mommy with the sterilized needle, or they painfully cry for both of us as I try to be quick about removing it. There must be another way! (more…)