Organic Baby Blog – News & Tips on Organic Parenting

Bring Organic Baby Bedding Into Your Nursery

December 16th, 2011

Choosing organic baby bedding means making a great investment in your child’s healthy future. It also means supporting a healthier earth for them to grow up on, because the products produced this way do not destroy ecosystems and upset the balance of nature the way production using toxic chemicals can. Soft and natural is the way to go with crib sheets, blankets, and more.

Potentially dangerous chemicals are used in the manufacturing of most modern textile (fabric) products. Although the levels of these products that are allowed to remain in the item when it is sold are regulated, different people have different reactions to them. Infants are especially vulnerable to negative effects, as their systems are not as strong as an adult’s.

It is possible to produce fabrics using ‘green’ or ‘natural’ methods that do not employ harsh chemicals. However, unless the materials that go into these green processes are also free of chemical intervention, there’s still a chance that harmful level of chemicals remain in them. A product that has the organic seal means that no chemicals were used at any point in the growing or processing of the item.

It’s no long hard to find these types of materials, thanks to the growing interest in human health and eco-friendliness that they offer. Major department stores now offer these products in many cases, and if not, there are hundreds of online retailers. And there are many interesting, mineral or plant-based colors to choose from, too.

While it can be impractical, either financially or logistically, to provision your family with organically-grown everything, a set of sheets and a blanket for each person should not overly burden most households. These products do not cost much more than their traditionally-produced counterparts, and they last a long time.

While blankets, sheets, and other materials that are right against your infant’s skin are what most people think of, there are also organic crib mattresses and other equipment. These are made from untreated fibers such as cotton, and food-grade plastics such as polyethylene for the waterproof types. They are made flame-retardant with a mixture of baking soda, cellulose and silica, all naturally-occurring plant-based substances and minerals.

The long-term effects of low-level toxin exposure in humans is unknown in most cases. Although the government regulates the use of these toxins based on animal studies and some acute human studies, little or no research has been done with most chemicals regarding long-term exposure of humans to ‘safe’ levels. Avoiding these toxins altogether is the only other option, and is often the preferred choice for young children, who are the most vulnerable.

Aside from the personal health benefits that can be obtained for you and your children, organic baby bedding offers a chance to be good to the earth. Modern farming methods put chemicals into the soil and water, destroy natural ecosystems containing both beneficial and harmful bacteria, and produce damaging products that enter the atmosphere. Farming organically means working with the land and the natural ecosystems, and is what people had been doing for thousands of years before modern chemicals were invented.

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Why You Might Want To Use Organic Baby Bedding

October 25th, 2011

Choosing organic baby bedding means making a great investment in your child’s healthy future. It also means supporting a healthier earth for them to grow up on, because the products produced this way do not destroy ecosystems and upset the balance of nature the way production using toxic chemicals can. Soft and natural is the way to go with crib sheets, blankets, and more.

Potentially dangerous chemicals are used in the manufacturing of most modern textile (fabric) products. Although the levels of these products that are allowed to remain in the item when it is sold are regulated, different people have different reactions to them. Infants are especially vulnerable to negative effects, as their systems are not as strong as an adult’s.

It is possible to produce fabrics using ‘green’ or ‘natural’ methods that do not employ harsh chemicals. However, unless the materials that go into these green processes are also free of chemical intervention, there’s still a chance that harmful level of chemicals remain in them. A product that has the organic seal means that no chemicals were used at any point in the growing or processing of the item.

It isn’t hard to find these products anymore, as they are more and more widely available from even large department stores. And if you can’t find them locally, there are hundreds of retailers on the internet. They come in many interesting colors, ranging from the natural off-white of pure wool to the vibrant colors made with mineral and plant-based dyes.

There’s no reason that your older child, or yourself, shouldn’t benefit from organically-grown materials, as well. Even if you can’t afford to purchase solely organically-grown food, there’s no reason it can’t make up a portion of your diet. And long-lasting materials like organic baby blankets, sheets, and mattresses, might well be worth the splurge.

While blankets, sheets, and other materials that are right against your infant’s skin are what most people think of, there are also organic crib mattresses and other equipment. These are made from untreated fibers such as cotton, and food-grade plastics such as polyethylene for the waterproof types. They are made flame-retardant with a mixture of baking soda, cellulose and silica, all naturally-occurring plant-based substances and minerals.

Removing as many chemicals as possible from your child’s environment during the early part of their life can be critical to preventing long-term damage. Exposure to many of these so called ‘safe’ chemicals has caused serious problems in animal studies, and may be doing the same to humans – it is just more difficult to test. And although you can’t control the world, removing these products from the places where your child spends the most time might be incredibly important.

Choosing to support the industry that makes organic baby bedding possible also means leaving a healthier earth for your children to grow up in. These types of production allow ecosystems to remain intact, rather than destroying large parts of them in order to increase crop yield, like modern traditional farming does. It also keeps toxins out of the water, soil, and atmosphere, where they can affect far more area than just the crop fields where they are used.

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Investigating The Advantages Of Organic Baby Bedding

October 21st, 2011

A new baby is often an inspiring experience for the parents. There are many things to be learned, such as any health concerns, what will make the infant comfortable, and what things are safe for them to be in contact with. Many parents have found a great help with organic baby bedding. These items can be found in packages that are marked ‘certified 100% organic cotton’.

When shopping for children’s bed linens in the current market, one will find that the majority are made of synthetic materials. Many of these are attractive and beautifully packaged. Unfortunately, many babies will develop rashes or show allergies to these products. Using highly regulated cotton goods eliminates this possibility.

To assure that no harmful residue comes in contact with a child’s skin, this cotton is grown without any toxic material or pesticide spray. No synthetic fertilizers are allowed at any time. In addition, no other materials can be added during the manufacturing process. This eliminates the possibility of harmful by-products touching the skin and causing an adverse reaction.

This specialized cotton is now being grown throughout the world. There are 22 countries producing this crop under toxic-free regulations, thus allowing the production of superior products such as this kind of bedding. Egypt is known for producing a high quality cotton. Egyptian 100% certified manufactured products are considered top of the line in the industry.

One of the benefits of this type of bed covering is that it contains none of the harmful chemicals which are sometimes present in standard brands. It is important that the delicate skin and lungs of a child be protected from this possibility at all times. The extra softness of products produced from this type of cotton provides the comfort a child needs when in bed. This results in warmth and contentment, assuring a full night of uninterrupted sleep for both the parents and the child. Always look at the label which should read, ‘Certified 100% organic cotton’ when making a purchase.

These special products are available in mattresses, sheets, mattress pads, and pillows. If color is desired non-toxic colorings are used, which allow for personal preference as well as blending in with any type of decor. An additional, and important, feature is that they resist bacteria and dust mites, eliminating that possibility in the bed area.

Many times a parent will see their child sneezing, coughing, or with breathing problems when using regular bed covers. These symptoms are avoided with this product, as all materials used are hypoallergenic. This is an important advantage over other types of manufactured goods, especially if the child has an allergic condition.

There are many advantages to this type of bed coverings. Sheets, for example, are much softer and more durable than standard ones. This allows complete comfort and relaxation for the little one to get a good night’s sleep. Organic baby bedding is available for everything from a bassinet to crib so a safe environment can be continued throughout their growing years. A visit to the Internet will show what is available, as well as presenting a full explanation of what this special cotton is all about. Many parents find this helpful when choosing the very best for their child.

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Organic Baby Bedding to Welcome a New Baby

July 13th, 2011

Whether you’re shopping for your own baby or a gift for someone else, organic baby bedding is an excellent choice that both babies and toddlers will get plenty of use from. Although there are many cute bedding sets that include a quilt and bumper, all that is needed for a crib is a tight-fitting crib sheet. If you opt for a bumper, a breathable one that is made from mesh material should be used. Stuffed animals, pillows and blankets should also not be placed in the crib.

To choose appropriate organic baby bedding, focus on a mattress protector, crib sheet and breathable bumper, if necessary. Blankets are also a great option for swaddling baby, although they should not be placed with baby to sleep. As safety is the main concern, opting for organics is one of the best ways to create a safe and secure environment for baby to sleep each night. Organic materials have not been treated with harmful pesticides or chemicals, which means you don’t have to worry about toxins leeching into the air.

There are a variety of materials that are used for organic baby bedding such as organic cotton, wool or bamboo. All types of baby bedding can be purchased in an organic form, including the crib mattress, blankets, crib sheet and bumper. The fact that these materials have not been treated also reduces the risk that the bedding will cause irritation or allergic reactions in baby. And without harmful chemicals, baby won’t be breathing in the fumes from plastics that are commonly found in mattresses.

When choosing a type of organic baby bedding, you’ll find that there are differences among each one. Organic cotton is very soft and easy to care for. Since more manufacturers are offering organic cotton products, they have come down in price a bit, making them an economical choice for organic products. Organic cotton is often available in neutral, earthy tones such as green and beige, as the brighter colors have more dyes and therefore, more chemicals.

Wool is also an excellent choice for organic baby bedding, as it’s naturally resistant to mold and mildew and it has moisture wicking properties, keeping baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wool is long-lasting and durable as well. Finally, bamboo is an excellent choice for the environmentally-conscious, as it comes from a renewable source and is easy to obtain. Bamboo is resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and is exceptionally soft.

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Is Your Baby’s Blanket Organic?

February 1st, 2011

When buying a new baby blanket the first thing you should do is bring it to your nose and smell it. A great organic baby blanket will already remind you of the smell of a perfect new baby. It should smell clean, feel soft, and look like it will be comfortable for years to come.

However, if you are purchasing a baby blanket without an organic label, you’ll find that the smell and feel are very different. Many fabrics are treated with chemicals said to make them more fire retardant, yes even baby items, but these chemicals can have serious side effects.

Telltale signs of the presence of these chemicals can include a strange or unpleasant ‘chemical’ smell, a roughness or stiffness in the fabric itself, and a general dulling of color. Of course there are some who have only one or even none of these signs, so reading the label is so important.

Sure it would be wonderful to feel like you were wrapping your child in a blanket that may help to protect them from a tragedy like fire, but those who know will tell you what you are really wrapping them in.

Many people are very allergic to the chemicals used on fabrics, and even those who aren’t have attributed long term lung and skin problems to chemicals used on everyday fabrics.

In this economy it is often difficult to buy all the items needed for a new baby. Things can be expensive and it is tempting to buy items that aren’t as safe as they should be. But knowing the dangers will make any parent buy organic baby items only.

You and your baby will both sleep peacefully knowing that you have made an educated and responsible choice in buying the perfect organic baby blanket.

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