Becoming a new mom is an experience unlike any other. Well before your little one arrives, your body begins producing hormones to help attract and bond you to your growing baby. Despite these hormonal changes, a number of women don’t feel an instant connection on baby’s birth date. There is pressure to immediately bond after delivery, but motherhood is a major adjustment that takes time. Here are some tips to help you connect with baby:
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Put your phone aside.
It’s typical to feel obligated to respond to the congratulations and well wishes of friends and family, but we’re sure they’ll understand if it takes you longer to respond to their messages as you spend time getting to know your newborn.
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Look into baby’s eyes.
There is a lot of truth in the statement that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Making frequent eye contact with baby will help strengthen your bond with your new little one.
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Go skin-to-skin.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should keep baby against your skin as often and as frequently as possible during their first three months of life. Snuggle up and enjoy the warmth of your tiny human.
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Revisit your own baby photos.
Take a nostalgic trip back to your own beginnings by pulling out old photo albums. You might discover that baby has your nose and furrows his brow the same way that you did. Seeing these resemblances will make you smile and feel closer to him.
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Talk to her often.
In any relationship, communication is key. Even though baby won’t be able to speak for quite a while, she can express herself through giggles, smiles and silly faces. Babies love to hear the sound of their mother’s voice, so get the conversation started and wait for her response.
Take your time forming your bond with baby. Motherhood is a tremendous journey and with some effort and patience, you’ll soon feel like a natural.
Get Organized in 5, 15 or 30 Minutes
BabyEcos Wednesday, January 16, 2019
No need for marathon organizing—just a few minutes here and there can take your family home from chaotic to clutter-free.
If your home is looking, well, a little less than spick-and-span, you may blame it on not having enough time for the type of marathon cleaning sessions you imagine are essential to an organized house. And sure—if we all had four hours to clean twice a week, our houses would probably look great most of the time. But if your cleaning sessions only arrive in blocks of a few minutes, don't delay—you can accomplish plenty in the time it takes for your coffee to brew in the morning.
If you only have 5 minutes
Clear out the spice rack. Toss anything that's discolored, lost its scent or flavor, or is more than one year old. Keep a permanent marker handy to date spices.
Set up automatic bill pay. When a monthly expense arrives, find the company website where you can sign in and designate the payment option. Once the amount is scheduled, you no longer have to think about it.
Set up an inbox and outbox on your desk. Everything that needs attention goes on top in the inbox. Put what you want to hold onto in the outbox for filing and recycle the rest. Pro tip: wait until the outbox is full before filing.
Neaten the hall closet. Designate a single small bin for family gloves and mittens, one for hats and another for scarves. If you have an additional five minutes, hang outerwear according to type and length—shorter casual jackets on one side and longer dressy styles on the other—so they're easy to find. Check that a few extra hangers are on hand for company.
Do a quickie clothes-closet makeover. Face all hangers in the same direction to reduce wardrobe search time, and group like items together. It's easier to find your favorite shirt if you know it's hanging with the rest of your button-downs.
If you have 15 minutes
Stop junk mail and unwanted catalogs. Register online with the Direct Marketing Association.
Straighten up a shelf. Remove everything, dust it and put its contents in groups or pairings, weeding out as you go. This technique works everywhere, from bookshelves in the family room to dishes and glassware in the kitchen.
Spiff up the laundry room. Consolidate half-empty bottles and wipe away any drips. Mount a storage rack over the washing machine.
Pick up a room. Set aside a bin or basket to corral stray stuff. Put misplaced items into the bin and store in a closet or out-of-the-way spot. Later, carry the container room to room and put things back in their proper places. This also means you can have an in-house lost and found where family members will know to look for missing belongings.
Stage a pantry mini-makeover. Arrange cans of similar items together for easy access. Next, transfer rice and pastas from boxes and bags into labeled clear plastic containers so you can quickly assess when you need to stock up.
Use the shredder. Place a file or tub near your desk—or under a table where you open mail—for papers containing personal information, like a Social Security number or birth date. Wait until it's full, then shred. Set a timer for 15 minutes. If you tackle this task in short increments, it won't be as tedious.
Round up recipes. Gather clippings and favorite printouts in a binder, and organize by category (appetizers, desserts) with tabbed dividers. Or snap photos of recipes and upload to a folder on your computer along with web pages for dishes you find online.
If you have 30 minutes
Plan a weekly menu and grocery list. Give yourself extra time if you like to pore over cookbooks and online recipes. Flag any recipes you plan to try that week.
Tidy up the garage. Reduce clutter by getting items off the floor. Hang bicycles from hooks, and stow basketballs, bats and other sports equipment in wire ball bins. Do the same with gardening gear and tools like rakes and shovels.
Organize your jewelry box. Spread out everything on a flat surface. Set aside pieces that you no longer want, to give away or donate. Sort what's left according to type—bracelets in one compartment, necklaces in another.
Get rid of half your closet. Quickly flip through each garment and pull out anything ill-fitting or that you haven't worn in a year. Toss rejects into shopping bags for future donation. Arrange the rest by category and further sort by season and color. Pro tip: your closet will look neater if you use one type of hanger.
As many as 90 percent of all kids live with a pet at some point during their childhood, says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children. Most kids love pets—and for good reason. Creatures large and small teach, delight and offer a special kind of companionship.
Thinking about adding an animal to your household? Here are a few reasons to let the fur fly in your home.
Pets can provide comfort.
Melson asked a group of 5-year-old pet owners what they did when they felt sad, angry or afraid. More than 40 percent spontaneously mentioned turning to their pets. “Kids who get support from their animal companions were rated by their parents as less anxious and withdrawn,” she says.
Pets can encourage nurturing.
Melson began studying the impact of pets in order to learn how human beings develop the ability to care for others. “Nurturing isn’t a quality that suddenly appears in adulthood when we need it,” she says. “People need a way to practice being caregivers when they’re young.” One solution? Animals! Pets provide children with a wonderful opportunity to practice nurturing and caring for other living things.
Pets can help with learning.
Educators have long known that bringing therapy animals into schools helps developmentally challenged kids learn. Now they are finding that all children can benefit from the presence of a nonjudgmental pal with paws. In one study, children were asked to read in front of a peer, an adult and a dog. Researchers monitored their stress levels and found that kids were most relaxed around the animal, not the humans. “If you’re struggling to read and someone says, ‘Time to pick up your book and work,’ that’s not a very attractive offer,” says Mary Renck Jalongo, Ph.D., author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals. “Curling up with a dog or cat, on the other hand, is a lot more appealing.”
Pets can help teach responsibility.
Asking your children to help with the feeding, cleaning or walking of a pet is a great way to teach responsibility. Start by giving them one small age-appropriate task per week and encourage them to see how their actions benefit your pet. You could ask your toddler to help you pick up Buster’s toys, or ask your school-aged son to help you fill food and water dishes. As kids get older, ask them to take on additional tasks.
Pets can build family bonds.
One of the biggest benefits of having pets is often unexpected, even for parents who grew up around animals: they can help families grow stronger and closer. A pet is often the focus of activities that families do together. Everyone takes the dog for a walk, or shares in grooming and feeding and play. Spending time like this can help slow the hectic pace of life and allow you and your kids to enjoy sharing these animal-focused moments with each other.
Baby Holiday Card Inspiration
BabyEcos Saturday, December 1, 2018
Since baby arrived, capturing her many picture-perfect faces has likely become one of your favorite activities. The holiday season provides a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your budding photography skills and introduce your new family member. To help you get inspired, we’ve gathered some of our favorite baby holiday images from the web.
And remember, even baby’s holiday photo outfits could use extra care. Make sure to pick your favorite and wash with Baby ECOS® Laundry Detergent before getting baby dressed up for the big shoot.
Happy holidays!
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
When he’s not dreaming of his next meal, this munchkin is dreaming of a white Christmas.
Image Credit: Red Lotus Photography
This sweet cherub is as cozy as can be with her festive leg warmers. Can we borrow those sometime?
Image Credit: Erin Joyce Photography
‘Twas the night of this photo, when all through the house, not a baby was crying, not even a peep!
Image Credit: Jolie Moore Photography
Who said there can’t be two Rudolphs in Santa’s crew? The more the merrier!
Image Credit: Janella Belle Photo
We think he’ll hear you out, little cutie.
Image Credit: Shauna Simpson Photography
These dazzling ornaments bring out baby’s inner sparkle!
Baby Safe Thanksgiving Food
BabyEcos Thursday, November 1, 2018
Is Thanksgiving truly Thanksgiving without the food? We don’t think so. However, baby won’t be able to enjoy the delicious dinner unless their food is especially prepared for them. We’re here to help you transform your family’s Thanksgiving spread into a baby safe feast!
Tear off Some Turkey.
Babies 7-8 months and older can gobble up some turkey. However, it is best to avoid dryer breast meat and opt for fattier meat as it is easier to gum. For 7-8 month olds, add some milk to fattier turkey pieces and blend into a puree. If baby is nearing her first birthday, you can cut the turkey into small, roughly ¼ inch, swallowable bites.
Consider Cranberry Sauce.
Despite being healthy and high in Vitamin A, cranberries are very acidic. For this reason, it is a good idea to pass on grandma’s cranberry sauce until baby is 9 months old. If baby is 9 months or older, the acidity may still upset her tummy. To cut the acidity, you can stir applesauce into the cranberry sauce. Blend out thick chunks to achieve a thinner consistency so baby can easily slurp it up.
Serve up Sweet Potatoes.
Packed full of brain-boosting nutrients, we highly recommend dishing up sweet potatoes if baby is 5-6 months or older. Before preparing, make sure that the sweet potatoes are free of nuts to avoid a potential allergic reaction. We also suggest removing top layer marshmallows to skip the artificial sugars. Once nuts and marshmallows are taken care of, simply mash, puree and serve!
Skip the Stuffing.
Since stuffing usually has many unique ingredients and the dish definitely doesn’t seem very appetizing as a puree, we suggest skipping it for baby. However, if baby is 10-12 months or older and the bread crumbs are fairly soft, you can separate out celery, onion and other pieces. While it won’t really be stuffing without the fixins, baby will still get some yummy bread!
No matter what foods baby enjoys this Turkey Day, she’ll likely get a little messy. After the holiday celebration ends, spray Baby ECOS® Stain & Odor Remover to lift sweet potato stains from the new onesie and to erase dribbled cranberry sauce from the carpet.
We wish you and baby a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Happy feasting!
Let’s face it--Halloween costumes are expensive. Instead of spending a scary amount on something that will only be worn once, you can use clothing and craft supplies you already have to create a memorable costume. Whether you are going for a cutesy or spooky look, baby’s personality will shine in one of these eco-friendlier, DIY costumes!
Gumball Machine
Colorful and sweet, this costume will also keep your baby’s head warm in the autumn breeze.
(Photo and adapted instructions credit: www.costume-works.com)
What you’ll need:
Multi-color craft pom-poms
Glue and glue gun
Baby bonnet
Red, long sleeve onesie
Black pants
Scissors
Grey felt
Black felt
How to make it:
Glue individual pom-poms onto bonnet using a glue gun.
Cut out large square from grey felt. It should be large enough to cover the majority of baby’s chest and tummy.
Cut out smaller square from black felt. It should be roughly 1 inch smaller than the grey felt square.
Cut out a 2 and a 5 as well as a cents symbol from grey felt. We recommend tracing out these pieces before cutting.
Glue felt numbers and cents symbols to the black felt. Then, glue the black felt square to the grey felt square. Finally, glue the grey felt square to the red onesie.
Dress baby in onesie and black pants and tie on the bonnet.
Watch your little one dispense adorableness all Halloween night!
Mummy
Go spooky with this Egyptian-inspired Halloween costume!
(Photo and adapted instructions credit: www.superlucky.me)
What you’ll need:
Cloth bandages from a first aid kit
Long sleeve white onesie
White pants
Bonnet
Sewing machine
Tan thread
Scissors
How to make it:
Cut cloth bandage in various sized pieces so it can be draped/wrapped across onesie, pants and bonnet.
Using a sewing machine and tan thread, sew cut pieces of cloth bandages around pants, onesie and bonnet. Make sure that bandage pieces are sewn across at different angles.
Sew extra layers of cloth bandages in some areas to make it look a bit messy.
Dress baby in mummified clothing.
Take baby out for some Halloween fun!
Sushi Roll
Who doesn’t love sushi? Turn baby into a bite-sized cutie with this unique costume.
Using orange paint, paint on 3 curvy, roughly 2.5-inch rectangular shapes on the chest/tummy area of the onesie. Leave roughly 1-inch white space between shapes.
Add a 3-inch tail 1 inch below the third rectangular shape. To create the tail, paint two rounded triangles that point downward.
Cut the two short edges of green construction paper so they resemble blades of grass.
Cut a piece of double-sided black tape that is long enough to wrap around baby’s tummy.
Dress baby in onesie. Secure tape around their tummy. Attach green construction paper to tape on baby’s back. Reinforce with more tape as needed.
Baby is ready to roll for Halloween!
After Halloween, you can peel glued craft materials off or unstitch thread from onesies. For stubborn glue residue or stains from the evening, try our Baby ECOS™ Stain & Odor Remover. We wish you and baby the happiest of Halloweens!
Sleepy Time - Tips To Get Baby To Sleep
BabyEcos Saturday, September 1, 2018
4 Easy Self-Care Tips for Moms
BabyEcos Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Moms are so busy helping everyone out that they often don’t take time for themselves. Finding balance is important so you don’t feel burned out. You may have heard the term ‘self-care’ buzzing around, but what is it really? Self care is doing something for you that helps put your mind at ease and restores your inner harmony.
Self care isn’t selfish; it’s actually really important for maintaining healthy relationships. Your relationship with your little one will be its best if you find time to relax and treat yourself! Feeling rejuvenated will help you be the active and engaged parent you want to be. Don’t worry, it’s actually really easy, and we’ve got you covered with a few tips to add joy to your day!
Schedule a hair appointment
Rock a fresh new hairdo a month or so after the baby is born, whenever you find a few hours to treat yourself. Pick a salon close to home and give yourself the pampering you deserve! You’ll feel confident with your fresh look and get a few hours to relax in the salon chair.
Catch up on your favorite show
Don’t forget about the little things that make you smile! Streaming services are great because they provide you with easy access to catch up on your favorite shows at your own pace. When baby is down for a nap, tune in to a favorite show that gives your brain a little breather from the everyday.
Get your nails done
Getting a manicure with a non-toxic polish or gel is an easy way to brighten up your day. You can paint your nails at home yourself during some down time, or an outing to the nail salon. Pick a fun color that makes you smile. Non-toxic gel is a great alternative because the protective layer is harder to break, and your nails will look fresh for 2+ weeks.
Tackle small projects around the house
There’s something therapeutic about having things in order, especially when you’re figuring out motherhood, which is largely unpredictable. However, cleaning the entire house at once can feel overwhelming. Tackling small tasks one at a time will leave you feeling accomplished without the stress. Help put your mind at ease by organizing your house and cleaning with Baby ECOS™ products. Clean your countertops with Baby ECOS™ Here & There All-Surface Cleaner and your linens with Baby ECOS™ Laundry Detergent. An organized house will give you one less thing to feel worried about and a clean space to enjoy with your family.
Join a group
Sometimes it's easy to feel alone when you’re a new parent, but joining a group will show you that you’re far from alone in your parenting triumphs and struggles! There are so many other new parents that are figuring it out just like you, and hearing their stories will be refreshing and reassuring! Join an online parents group or search online for in person meet-ups in your area.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with our latest posts!
Must-Read Tips for Your First Week with Baby
BabyEcos Sunday, July 1, 2018
No doubt you’ve done the necessary prep work for your baby’s arrival. But all that stuff is fluff when it comes to making it through the early days of parenthood. That’s when you quickly need to acquire new skills, like breast-feeding, soothing a crying infant and surviving on no sleep. To help you ease into your first week, we’ve asked expert parents how to handle the most common challenges.
Nap when your baby naps.
Yes, your newborn will snooze as much as 20 hours a day, but it won’t be in long stretches—think one- to four-hour spurts. It’s important to try to catch some zzz’s when your baby is sleeping. But, if you’re not wired for naps, enlist help, stat. Have your partner, a friend or relative take some night shifts with the baby so you can get some uninterrupted sleep.
Swaddle and sway to soothe crying.
Infants fresh out of the cozy confines of the womb crave constant holding and soothing, says Harvey Karp, M.D., author of the Happiest Baby on the Block. Don’t worry about spoiling your newborn—it’s not possible. Instead, re-create the sensations of the womb, which can trigger a calming reflex in your newborn, Karp says. To do this, he recommends swaddling, swaying, shushing, holding your baby on her side and letting her suck on your finger. “These steps performed individually or together can often be a virtual ‘off’ switch for the crying,” he says. Experiment to see what works for your baby.
Get expert help with breast-feeding.
It happens naturally, right? Not always. Make plans to see a lactation expert ASAP post-delivery, and ask her to come to your house to help you get the hang of nursing there. “Having an expert with you from the beginning to help you learn about latching, positioning and milk supply—and to boost your confidence—can make the difference between a beautiful breast-feeding experience and giving up," says Giuditta Tornetta, a doula, lactation educator and author of Painless Childbirth.
Be prepared for round-the-clock feedings.
“Expect to feed the baby every one to four hours—that’s counting from the start of each feeding,” says Laura Jana, M.D., co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn. Since you’re going to be bound to a couch, rocker or bed while your baby eats, try to get as comfortable as possible. Use a nursing pillow to help position your baby and ease your neck, arms and back. Keep water and snacks close by and stock up on good books to read or shows to watch.
Take care with the first bath.
“The saying ‘slippery when wet’ applies here—many new parents are very nervous when giving that first bath,” Jana says. Relax and take it slow. Because you’ll want to work around the umbilical cord (the faster it dries, the sooner it will fall off), a sponge bath is the way to go at this stage. Plus, if your baby has been circumcised, you’ll need to wait for the area to heal before completely submerging it in water. Gather the supplies and have them within arm’s reach—this way you can have one hand on the baby at all times. Then place him on a towel and gently wash the areas that need cleaning with a warm washcloth and baby bath wash.
Ask for help when recovering from delivery.
It’s normal to experience pain and exhaustion after giving birth. In time, your body will bounce back and you’ll regain your strength. But while you’re healing, designate a family member to take care of you—or at least to make sure you don’t overexert yourself. Recruit your partner, relatives and friends to pitch in with housework, baby care and meal prep while you recover.
Focus on what matters.
Between lack of sleep, physical discomfort and plummeting hormones, even the most excited new parent can feel overwhelmed. Decide what’s most important to you—say, learning how to breast-feed, sleeping and cuddling your baby—and focus on those things. Then let everything else go for a while.
Try to go outside or get out of the house every day. The fresh air (or seeing other humans) can help you stay sane. Spirits still low? “Remember that it’s normal to feel the baby blues for the first couple of weeks postpartum,” says Liz Maseth, R.N., a nurse lactation consultant at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio. “Just make sure that your family understands about the baby blues—and that if your feelings of sadness or depression last beyond those first two weeks, your loved ones can assist you in getting the help you need.”
DIY Eco-Friendly Toys for Your Little One
BabyEcos Friday, June 1, 2018
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on new toys for your little one this summer. Instead, you can get creative with fun, DIY toys your little one will love! Making toys is a great way to reuse and recycle materials you have at home, plus you can customize them with your favorite colors and designs.
Here are some simple DIY toys for your little one to enjoy this summer and all year long:
Toilet paper roll cores (the recycled paper cores in ECOS™Treeless Toilet Paper work great), non-toxic paint or crayons, dry pasta or rice, tape and colored paper.
Instructions:
Paint or decorate the toilet paper roll core and let your little one help! Next, cut out two circles from the colored paper for caps for each end of the shaker. Attach one cap to the bottom of the toilet paper roll with tape to secure. Fill the inside with pasta or rice and attach the other cap to the top, securing with tape. Make sure to seal the ends nice and tight with tape to keep bits from falling out into your little one’s mouth. Check to make sure there are no gaps between the cap and the roll and let your little one shake away!
Wooden blocks, sandpaper, glue, non-toxic paint, and upcycled decorative paper (like newspaper or magazine pages)
Instructions:
Sand the wooden blocks with sandpaper to create a smooth base for paint and glue. Next, decorate the blocks however you’d like with your upcycled decorative paper and non-toxic paint. Once you’re done decorating, make sure to seal the blocks with a baby-safe sealant and let dry overnight. Help cleanup go smoothly by using Baby ECOS™ Here & There All Purpose Cleaner.
Leftover soft fabrics, thread and needle (or fabric glue), non-toxic permanent pen, and extra fabric or cotton for stuffing.
Instructions:
Cut out two sets (front and back) of fabric for bunny ears, body, hands and legs. You should have 14 pieces total.
Attach pieces with fabric glue or sew pieces for extra security. Before attaching legs, stuff the body with cotton or left-over scrap fabric. Finally, draw on an adorable bunny face with a non-toxic marker to complete the bunny. You can find a detailed guide here.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with eco-friendly ideas for you and baby! Plus, share your favorite crafts with us for a chance to be featured on our Instagram.
Helping Baby and Pet Become BFFs
BabyEcos Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Having a baby and a pet is double the fun, but it can be double the work, especially when it comes to helping them create a great relationship with each other. Whether you’re introducing a new baby or furry friend to the mix, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a list of tips to help ease the transition!
Acing the introduction
If you’re introducing your little one to your furry friend for the first time, make sure to prepare in advance. The Humane Society suggests enrolling your pet in a training class to help them learn to remain calm in new environments. If your pet isn’t familiar with babies, ask friends and family members with little ones if they can visit for a supervised pet-baby playdate. You’ll get a feel for how your pet will react to baby, which could range from extremely excited to surprisingly avoidant. You can also help your pet get used to baby sounds by playing a recording of a baby crying in another room months before.
Nurturing a great relationship
After you’ve gotten the introduction down, now you can focus on creating a lasting bond between your pet and baby. Create fun bonding time between them by going on walks together as they get used to each other’s company. Take the two of them out for a family picnic and enjoy the outdoors. As your little one grows older, you’ll want to communicate with them how to hold your pet gently and respect them during playtime. If both your pet and baby learn their limits, they’ll establish a safe and playful relationship in no time.
Perfecting your cleanup routine
There’s bound to be plenty of messes with that much cuteness around! The changing environment might cause more messes from your furry friend, which is why you should keep a good eco-friendly cleaner around the house. Plant-powered Disney ECOS™ For Pets! Stain & Odor Remover uses enzymes to neutralize pet odors and lift tough pet stains from floors and fabrics. Many of our Baby ECOS™ and ECOS™ For Pets! cleaners are made with U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified ingredients, so little ones can get back to playtime in no time after cleanup.
Follow us on IG and Facebook Baby ECOS™ to get more inspirations for creating an eco-friendly home!
Earth Day with Baby
BabyEcos Sunday, April 1, 2018
Get ready for April 22, one of the best and most important days of the year—Earth Day! Created in 1970, Earth Day now attracts over 1 billion participants around the globe. It’s the perfect time to show your appreciation for Mother Earth and get involved in protecting our planet. This year, teach your little one about the earth with these fun activities!
Read books about our beautiful earth
You can start to teach your little one about sustainability with fun children’s books like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and Wump World by Bill Peet. Books like these are a fun way to teach baby about the beauty of nature. Even if they’re too young to read on their own, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to read to children in infancy because it stimulates brain function and strengthens parent-child relationships.
Switching to a green cleaner is a smart way to help avoid harsh chemicals in your home. Baby ECOS™ Here & There All Surface Cleaner is perfect for cleaning tables, counters, and furniture around the house and its certified Safer Choice by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
Make recycling fun
Recycling can be exciting with a little bit of creativity! These Monster Recycling Boxes are an adorable way to introduce children to recycling. Each “monster” can be used to recycle a different item, like plastic, paper, or aluminum cans.
Get crafty
Kids love crafts—especially finger painting! It’s a great activity that encourages creativity for your little one. For Earth Day, you can get blue and green eco-friendly finger paints to create an earth-inspired painting! Draw a large circle on paper, or use a paper plate, and let your little one paint inside of the circle. You’ll have a beautiful painting of the earth! You can repeat this every year at Earth Day as your child grows older; you can even make it a family tradition.
Tell us what you’re doing for Earth Day this year on Instagram and Facebook.
Spring Cleaning for Baby
BabyEcos Thursday, March 1, 2018
It’s no surprise that having a baby can add a few extra steps to your cleaning routine. Now that winter is ending, and spring is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to renew your home with spring cleaning! That doesn’t have to mean tearing everything out of the cabinets and exhausting yourself; creating a safer home can be accomplished with a few easy steps.
Clean surfaces with safer products
The most important thing about cleaning your home is making it safer for your family. Babies are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of indoor air pollution and to toxic chemicals found in many traditional cleaning products. Conventional household cleaners can cause irritation to your child’s sensitive skin, eyes, and airways. If you’re feeling worried that your cleaners could be dangerous to your little one, it’s time for a change!
Switching to a green cleaner is a smart way to help avoid harsh chemicals in your home. Baby ECOS™ Here & There All Surface Cleaner is perfect for cleaning tables, counters, and furniture around the house and its certified Safer Choice by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
Open your windows
Did you know we spend 90% of our time indoors where air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than they are outside? Kids today also spend half as much time playing outside as their parents did, which means breathing in more stale inside air! Freshen up your house this spring by opening your windows and allow the fresh air to circulate and rejuvenate your home.
Reduce, reuse & reorganize
Reduce clutter and excess waste this spring! Living minimally has a lot of positive environmental benefits, like decreasing your carbon footprint. You can start by reducing what you purchase and making a shopping list before you go to the store. The more planned out a purchase is beforehand, the more likely you are to keep and use that product for years to come!
You can extend the lifespan of your unwanted items by donating them to a thrift store, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Donate baby clothes, toys, and other products you no longer use, or pass them along to a family member or friend instead of throwing things away.
Finally, organize your home to open the space and make it feel more inviting. Invest in shelves to put away toys, bottles, blankets, and other baby items. Once playtime is done, you can put away toys in a cubby that’s out of sight and create a relaxing environment for yourself when baby is sleeping.
Let us know your favorite cleaning tips and follow us on Instagram and Facebook BabyECOS.
Valentine’s Day With Baby
BabyEcos Thursday, February 1, 2018
It’s February and love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this year you might have a new, extra-special person to celebrate with. You’ve been working hard as a parent, so use this holiday to relax and enjoy your loved ones on this special day.
So, what can you do this year to celebrate, with a new baby on the scene?
Date night at home
Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and that doesn’t have to change now that you have a baby! If you have a special someone in your life, you’ve had to rely on each other to raise your bundle of joy. You’ve gone through the ups and downs of parenthood together, and that calls for celebration. Show your partner you love them by having a romantic dinner date at home. It doesn’t have to be complicated - in fact, you could have their favorite meal delivered to your home from a local restaurant or use a meal delivery service to cut down on prep time. Make the meal extra special with a playlist of your partner’s favorite songs played while you dine.
Have friends over to celebrate
With a new baby at home you might be craving extra time with your friends and want more adult company. You can use Valentine’s Day to show love for your friends as well! Host a potluck-style get-together at home with romantic comedies ready to watch. Don’t forget to have lots of sweets on hand to celebrate the holiday. You can also serve Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails and mocktails using pink lemonade, strawberries, and pink sugar to line the rim of each glass. If you’re feeling up to it, put cut-out pink and red hearts to scatter around the house for a sweet Valentine’s Day vibe.
Make Valentine’s cards
Remember back in elementary school when kids used to give cute little Valentine’s cards? If you feel like being crafty, bring back that tradition by making a card featuring a picture of your little one. Take an adorable picture of baby dressed up in pink & red and print out the photo for a DIY Valentine. All you need is pink or red construction paper to cut into a heart. Then paste the picture in the middle, write a cute note on the back, and give or mail them to family and friends. P.S. You can use recycled materials to save money and protect the environment!
Share your love of nature
There’s something about being outside in nature that’s inherently beautiful and romantic, especially when you’re with loved ones. If it isn’t too cold where you are, go outside for a family date at your local park, botanical garden, or your closest adventure spot. Enjoy a date with your family, or just you and your little one, in the beautiful outdoors. Grab snacks and a blanket for an easy picnic outside with your favorite treats. Don’t forget to prewash your fruit and veggie snacks before you head out on your picnic! Rinse away oily residues and dirt quickly with Baby ECOS™ Fruit & Veggie Wash, which is specially designed for little ones.
Bring Self Care Into Your New Year
BabyEcos Monday, January 1, 2018
Welcome to 2018! It’s a new year for you to learn how to lead a healthier and happier life. Being a parent can feel like a nonstop job; however, you’ll be at your parenting best when you take time to relax and rejuvenate. Be more at ease this year with these New Year’s resolutions that incorporate some essential self-care.
Catch up on ZZZs
Sleep is important. One more time: Sleep is important! Good sleep can be hard to come by with a baby in the house. This year, when you feel comfortable, ask a trusted relative or friend to babysit overnight. With an overnight babysitter every now and again, you can catch up on good, uninterrupted sleep. You might also ask that special helper to give you some extra help at home during the day. That way you can take a nap while they’re watching your little one.
Make time to see your friends
Spend time with the people who make you happy! You can do a fun play date with other parents or a solo brunch on the weekend. Don’t forget about the people who uplift your spirits and can make you feel refreshed. Plan an exciting (or relaxing) friends night out to look forward to.
Practice mindfulness
Parenthood is great, but we’d be lying if we didn’t admit it can be stressful too. After a long year, consider adopting mindfulness and other meditative practices into your weekly routine. You can experience mindfulness through everyday activities — even eating or drawing. All you need to do is turn the conversations in your mind off and give yourself fully to the action you’re doing. You can also download an app that will help you meditate at home. Practicing mindfulness will help relax you during your day and be more present.
Be kind to yourself
Don’t be so hard on yourself! You’re doing just fine. Make sure to focus on the things you’re doing well. Don’t compare yourself to other parents, especially on social media, because no one does parenthood perfectly.
In 2018 make self-care a regular part of your routine. You won’t regret taking the extra time to keep yourself healthy and happy!
Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season with Baby!
BabyEcos Friday, December 1, 2017
Celebrate this winter holiday season with your family while also showing love to the planet.
It’s never too early to set a positive example of sustainable practices for your little one. Here are some tips to help your baby’s holiday stay fun and eco-friendly!
For gift-giving, wrapping paper is used once and then thrown away. In fact, it’s thrown away so much that all that waste could wrap around the earth nine times! You can help reduce this waste by wrapping with recycled options like:
Old newspaper
Book pages from a book you no longer read
A decorated paper grocery bag
An old cloth for a unique gift wrap
Delicious food is one of the best parts of winter parties that your baby will surely enjoy! You can help reduce food waste by:
Turning a holiday dinner into a baby food puree
Preparing your meal far in advance to avoid buying too much
Composting leftovers for your garden
You have a growing baby, spread the holiday cheer by donating baby items you no longer use. There are a lot of families that could use help this year and donating helps them and the planet by reducing waste.
Find a gift donation and drop off clean used toys
Donate baby clothes instead of throwing them away to mothers in need
Donate extra packaged baby food items
Enjoy spending time with your family and creating a warm, festive, and eco-friendly home this December!
First Thanksgiving With Baby
BabyEcos Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Happy November, the kickoff month for the end-of-the-year holidays! November and December are jam-packed with holiday fun for you and your little one. If this is your baby’s first Thanksgiving, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tips to help it go smoothly.
Plan your day
If you want to split the day between two homes, plan it out in advance. If one side of the family likes to host Thanksgiving brunch and the other dinner—perfect! You can take time in between both events to let baby nap and to take a break yourself. However, if you want to make it to two Thanksgiving dinners, plan on spending at least two hours at each.
Wear something nursing-friendly
If you’re nursing, finding an easy outfit to wear in the winter can be a challenge. Wrap dresses provide a lot of flexibility with easy access and you can pair it with a nice cardigan and leggings if it’s cold. Tops with zippers, buttons or stretchy sweaters, might be your best bet for a smooth Thanksgiving while nursing.
Prep baby’s food
You can make some Thanksgiving purees the night before so baby won’t go hungry. Try to get festive with pumpkin, squash and cranberry flavors. You can take the purees along with you in a cooler bag, especially if you’re travelling house to house.
Manage family time
This might be the first time that some family members are meeting your little one. This means they might constantly ask to hold your baby throughout the gathering. Going from person to person can cause stress for your baby, who might be getting tired from a long day. If your baby is new to all the attention, try to kindly let family members know when your little one needs a break.
Save leftovers
Even babies love Thanksgiving food! Save the turkey, sweet potatoes, veggies and stuffing for baby for later. Some of these foods will be soft enough for baby on their own, while others can be blended down into a nice puree.
Tips for a greener Halloween!!
3 Fun & Healthy Halloween Snacks for Kids
BabyEcos Sunday, October 1, 2017
It’s Halloween season! Finally you can enjoy delicious snacks with a spooky theme. If you’re looking for healthy alternatives for your kids, you’re in luck! We’ve crafted a list of our favorite healthy Halloween treats from around the web just for you and your kids to enjoy.
To me, Halloween means candy corn! I always make sure to have a big bowl of candy corn in my home every year. It’s become a tradition for many families because of its sweet, chewy texture and bright fall colors. These fun Candy Corn Popsicles from Chew Chew Mama are big, refreshing version of my favorite Halloween treat—and healthier for little ones too.
To make them, you just need some popsicle molds, organic juices and yogurt. It’s an easy recipe that your kids will love!
Have you ever noticed that clementines look like little pumpkins? This sweet cross between a mandarin and an orange makes a great healthy snack for kids, and the best part is you can easily decorate them just like a Halloween pumpkin! Jack-o-clementines are easy to make with a black permanent marker and a bag of clementines, which are in season right now. Let your kids get creative and draw fun Halloween faces on their cute little clementines to display for Halloween or send to school for a yummy festive snack.
Halloween is all about ghosts, monsters and witches. These Pretzel Witch Brooms are easy to make with pretzels and cheese sticks – a kid favorite combo! Little ones can help with this recipe too – as you prepare the cheese, they can add the pretzel. Kids love to eat what they help make!
With all the less-than-healthy sweets that kids eat during the Halloween season, these snacks will help you add a little healthy fun!
4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a New Baby
BabyEcos Friday, September 1, 2017
Congratulations! Your little bundle of joy is almost ready to meet the world. As your belly grows, so does the need for new baby gear to fill your home. Here are some steps help welcome your little one for the big day and keep you calm and organized during this big transition.
Load your fridge and freezer with prepared meals
Make it easier on yourself by meal prepping! You might be too tired to cook three meals a day for yourself once you’re looking after a little one. Even if you just meal prep one meal or a few snacks, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not hungry and tired at the same time.
Plan your wardrobe in advance
Plan a couple of outfits that you’d be comfortable wearing around the house after your first few weeks after birth. Leggings paired with a flowy shirt will help your body breathe and allow you to move around easily without discomfort. This will end up being an energy saver in the morning, just like meal prep! Just fold the outfits in your closet and have them ready to go for when you arrive home after delivery.
Stock up on cleaners that are safer for baby
A new baby means new messes around the house. Save yourself trips to the store by stocking up on a few months’ worth of cleaners made with safer ingredients. Baby ECOS™ has great options for laundry, fruit and veggie washing and cleaning messy surfaces.
Get organized with storage space
Now that you’ve prepared for baby, where do you put all the stuff? A messy nursery and house might create additional stress once your baby is born. Use an easy organization system (lots of tape and labels!) that helps you quickly get to the items you need and keep the items you don’t need out of eyesight until you do.
Fall in Love With Fall at Home
BabyEcos Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Uh oh, summer is coming to a close and fall is on the horizon. Even though you might miss the sunshine, I’m sure you’re looking forward to the pumpkin spice and Halloween costumes right around the corner. Here are some tips to transform your home into the perfect fall refuge.
Get fall-scented candles
Nothing says fall like the scent of pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla. Get fall-scented candles to make your house stand out to your guests and put them in a festive mood. Look at social enterprises with a good cause that sell eco-friendly candles.
Look up fall recipes
If you love cooking, try a few new recipes this fall. To be environmentally conscious, consider trying a plant-based alternative to one of your favorite meat dishes. You can make healthier Halloween candy with pretzels, vegan marshmallows and cacao nibs.
Get crafty
Something about fall just makes me think of crafts. Consider making a Halloween costume from scratch this year and reuse old materials you have, or check out your local thrift store. You can be creative and help eliminate waste from a landfill by upcycling materials.
Tips For Traveling With Baby
BabyEcos Saturday, July 1, 2017
If you like to jet set, don’t be scared away from travel if you need to bring your children along. If you’re a new mom, the thought of flying with an infant can bring a lot of anxiety. Here are some quick tips to help soothe some of the anxiety you might have about a flight with your baby.
Pack smart
Pack any diaper-changing supplies into a smaller bag within your diaper bags(diaper, changing pad and wipes). When it’s time to change a diaper, it’s easy to grab and go without digging through a packed bag with a wet and fussy baby!
Bring a toy
If you have a toddler, bring along an activity for them to play with so they don’t get too restless on the plane. A coloring book is easy to pack in a backpack and is quiet. You can also search for smart phone apps made for toddlers to play with. Don’t forget to bring your baby-friendly headphones, just in case the app is noisy! There are many cordless headphones designed to be safer for little ones.
Snacks are a must
Snacks at the airport are priced much higher than your local convenience store. It’s also harder to find healthy options at the airport where fast food is abundant. Before you leave for the airport, prep some apple slices, celery and travel pouch applesauce!
Bring calming music
Some planes offer inflight music entertainment, but just in case they don’t, make a soothing music playlist for you and your little ones (if they're old enough). Don’t forget baby’s special headphones!
Don’t panic if they cry
Don’t be embarrassed if your child cries on his first airplane ride. Most people on the plane have been there before with their own kids and aren’t thinking less of you. Stay calm and keep working on soothing your baby. Babies usually settle after a few trips up and down the aisle, and it’s great to get a mid-flight stretch for you as well.
Why You Should Shop Local
BabyEcos Thursday, June 1, 2017
If you’re making changes to be more environmentally friendly, you can start with your kitchen. You don’t have to change what you buy, but changing where you buy can reduce your carbon footprint. If you check online, your community or a nearby one probably has a local farmer's market.
Local food is in season
When you buy locally you’re more aware of what’s produced seasonally and seasonal produce tastes the best! Shop locally to get in touch with the variety of foods your community grows all year.
Supporting local farmers also supports your local economy
When you buy local, you empower your nearby farmers who are growing organic food. They’re competing against non-organic farmers who are able to produce fruit and veggies at a much lower price point. Show your local farmers that you appreciate their efforts to bring healthy food into your community by buying from them whenever you can. You’re adding money back into your local economy by doing so.
Eating local reduces your carbon footprint
Produce is shipped from all over the world to your closest grocery store. When you buy from a conventional grocery store, you might be getting food that indirectly releases tons of carbon dioxide to transport via air or truck. When you shop locally, you reduce transport time and your carbon footprint.
Building community
Shopping locally, especially at a weekly farmer’s market, might build community! Soon you’ll get used to saying hi to the man at the honey stand and might even even make friends with the fresh squeezed juice seller. When you show up to shop regularly, you’ll help make your community stronger.