10 Safe Alternative Baby Shower Essentials
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS, you are about to have a baby! Now is the perfect time to browse through our topic categories on the left side bar (0-1 year) to learn as much as possible about helping to create a safe and non-toxic environment for your infant.
It is impossible to avoid all toxins that surround our children every day, but you can make a huge difference by being an informed and conscious shopper. “Green” doesn’t need to be expensive, and you can also find plenty of great safe alternative deals used (the quality products usually last way longer than the cheap stuff). I must say, we spent a little bit more on certain baby items and I am glad we did, they are a few years old now, and look like new. We’ll use them for our second child and when he outgrows them we’ll pass them on to other expecting parents to keep them out of landfills.
Although I see myself as a very conscious/informed shopper I realized that after doing Safbaby.com for almost 3 years, I didn’t know 2/3 of what I know today. Also, a lot of product labels are very misleading and can even fool parents who are looking for safe and non-toxic alternatives. Obviously products are not labeled with “contains toxic fire retardants” or “parabens can harm your child”, so the more you know the better choices you’ll make.
Before I get to the Baby Shower Essential list, I want to share some invaluable tips with you for putting together your baby shower list:
Creating a Baby Shower List
- When you put together your baby shower list, do not just think about the first 6 month, you need lots after that too, bigger car seat or food maker, so don’t limit your self.
- Don’t get too many clothes, I always do have too many and they only last 2 month ’til I have to go to larger size.
- Always think about keeping all the packaging/receipts, so you can sell them on Ebay, Craigslist or other places in original packaging. Also good to save these in case of a recall. Sign up here to receive emails regarding recall alerts.
- Have someone in charge of being a gift coordinator. This could be as simple as someone emailing the list of friends and family attending to see if people want to chip in to help purchase any big items on their wish list.
Check out our ‘Safe Alternative’ Approved Vendor list, where you can find lots of great safe and non-toxic baby items. Most of them are mom owned and are very knowledgeable about what the sell. Don’t hesitate to call them for detailed product information. They all know their stuff!
# 1: Organic Cloth Diapers
They’re more convenient to use than ever, free of dioxin, TBT, perfumes and dyes. They’re also so soft and comfortable on your little ones skin. We’ve just done a great FAQ about what you need to know about cloth diapering, it’s a MUST read! To save money, ask for every baby shower invitee to bring a cloth diaper of your choice in addition to their gift, you need lots of them. |
# 2: Organic, Formaldehyde-Free and Fire Retardant-Free Baby Carrier
I recommend getting a carrier you can use right after birth, I really like the Organic Baby Bjorn and Moby Wrap for the first few months. Then when the baby gets a bit heavier, Ergo Baby or Baby Bjorn Active Organic are perfect, they have good back support and, so it’s comfy for parents and baby. Since your baby will chew on the carrier (mine does constantly) and fabric in close contact with baby’s skin, I highly recommend you get an organic carrier that’s free of toxic fire retardants, dyes and formaldehyde. Past Articles We’ve written on this topic: |
# 3 Organic Swaddling Blanket and Sleeping Bag
I like the Solana Baby Wear and Swaddle Design‘s Receiving Blanket. I got this organic Sleep Sack/Bag from Grobag and I love it! I would stay away from synthetic sleepware like polyester! Past Articles We’ve written on this topic: |
# 4: Non-toxic Baby Skin Care
Baby’s skin is so sensitive and deserves the purest products, free of harmful chemicals. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than most other products in the supermarket, but it is totally worth it. My absolute favorite are Earth Mama Angel Baby wash, diaper rash cream and the yummy smelling lotion. I’ve tried many others but this one remained my favorite! For my precious baby’s bubble bath, I really like Little Twig’s liquid bath soaps!
Past Articles We’ve written on this topic:
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# 5 Safe PVC Free and BPA Free Bath tub for Baby and Child
What makes Flexibath unique (besides that it is not made of toxic plastics) is that you can fold tub flat to store away. A great gift for any baby shower. Once baby has outgrown this tub, use it as a storage or recycle bin. We are blown away with how cool this water saving bath tub for little ones is! What a great invention Flexibath. Check out our video clip and get more details on this safe bathtub here: Flexibath’s PVC-Free, Phthalate-Free and BPA-Free Folding Bathtub for Babies and Toddlers |
# 6 Organic Crib Mattress & Bedding
Bed sheets too should be certified organic, free of formaldehyde and toxic dyes. Past Articles we’ve written on this topic:
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# 7 Wooden High Chair
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# 8 Non-toxic toys
Past Articles we’ve written on this topic:
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# 9 Organic Cotton Clothing
Past Articles We’ve written on this topic: |
# 10 Something for the Mom-to-Be
Past Articles We’ve written on this topic: This Skin Care Is Our Pick For Pregnant Moms and All Moms This Mother’s Day |
Most of our babies spend over 12 hours daily on a product that is riddled with toxic chemicals like Fire Retardants, Formaldehyde, PVC and more! It is also unsettling to think that a mattress can be labeled “organic”, and STILL contain toxic hormone, reproductive, and neurological-disrupting chemicals. Yes, you read that one correctly. An “organic” mattress does NOT mean “free of toxins” or “natural.” We’ve covered this topic in detail (see links below), so please read before you purchase a crib mattress.
I got the wooden high chair by Svan 4 years ago for my little girl and I am using it today for my little 8 month old boy. The chair is adjustable in ways that allows it to grow with your baby, making it a chair that will be around for years and years.
Our favorite ‘Safe Alternative’ Books for your Baby Shower List
These books are perfect for all moms-to-be, we read them all and highly recommend them!
- Lead Babies: How heavy metals are causing our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems
- The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums, and Tears
- A Conscious Guide To Childhood Vaccinations
- The Happiest Baby on the Block
- Vaccinations? Assessing the Risks and Benefits
Category: 0-1 yr, Baby Wearing, Diapering, Mommy Gifts, Natural Remedies, Organic Cotton, Prenatal, Skin Care, Toys
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