Cross-posted from my site. Enjoy.
The most important job I have right now is being a good mama. Though I love my career and have great passion for what I do, I have been struggling to not be busy, so that I can savor each moment of being a mom yet again in my (gasp) late 30's. I know how fast it goes, as my son Zane is now up to my collarbone and says things like "Dude - don't mess up my hair!" So... I love my kids, cuddle them, play with them, read to them and try my best to be very PRESENT.
These are some of my favorite Mama Resources and tips.
1. Vaccines - http://www.909shot.com
Regardless of your choice to vaccinate or not, please be an informed parent. If you do choose to vaccinate your children, make sure you get single dose vaccines (such as just measles instead of the MMR.) Combo vaccines contain thimerosal which is a derivative of mercury.
2. Disposable diapers and wipes - While I like the thought of cloth diapers, I have issues with the water usage as we live in the desert. I tried G Diapers (they leaked and I found them to be messy,) and we travel pretty regularly. My disposable favorite is Seventh Generation diapers (I also buy their wipes by the case in the refill packs instead of the plastic tubs). They are chlorine-free, hypo-allergenic, and fragrance and latex-free. I used them with my son and have been using them with Zoe. Neither kid ever had a diaper rash. I order them online through Amazon (http://www.amazon.com) and pay about $40 per case of diapers and $36 per case of wipes.
3. Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent - I also order most of these products by the case through Amazon as well and love Seventh Generation's cleaning products and laundry soap. You save a ton of money by buying in bulk and most Seventh Generation products are eligible for free shipping over a certain dollar amount. As babies put EVERYTHING in their mouths, think about what chemicals may be present, and remember if you can't pronounce an ingredient you probably shouldn't be using it around your children anyway.
4. Baby Food - I bought a hand crank food mill that came with a carrying case so we can take it with us when we eat out and travel. As little bodies are far more susceptible to environmental toxins, organic food that is thoroughly washed is a must. It is imperative to "train" your kids in eating the right foods from the get go. My 8 yr. old son loves artichokes, salads and salmon because he's always eaten what we've eaten. If you must purchase pre-made baby food, try a brand like Earth's Best organic baby food. (http://www.earthsbest.com)
5. If you can't afford to purchase all organic clothing, bedding, etc. for your little ones, think about buying a few key pieces (Zoe has an amazing blanket made of bamboo that is her favorite), then buy second-hand. Kids outgrow their clothes in about 5 minutes anyway, and I feel more comfortable knowing that something's been through the wash a bazillion times before. Plus it's a great way to recycle. Have a clothing swap when you're done or donate them to a woman's shelter or other organization.
A few of my favorite organic baby sites - http://www.sagecreeknaturals.com/, http://www.sckoon.com/,
http://www.kee-ka.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=W...
6. Toys. Think simple and washable. These are some of Zoe's favorites - she especially likes the green bean.
Under the Nile has a great selection of healthy toys (which is where we got ours). (http://www.underthenile.com/)
7. Bath time - Not only should we be conscious of what goes IN our children, but what goes ON them should also be considered. I've been using the baby products from Avalon Organics (body/hair wash, lotion and sunscreen.) A little goes a long way and it doesn't irritate her fragile skin. (http://www.avalonorganics.com/?title=Baby)
8. Book - Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child. This book has been one of my kid bibles. It covers homeopathy, naturopathic as well as conventional treatments for childhood ailments. Well worth the $16.29 from Amazon!
Treasure your children. Savor each moment and take responsibility for their well-being. Teach them through example, with the understanding that they too will probably recycle and feed their own children organic food one day because you did!
Love and laughter.
Mama Champion
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Thanks to our friends at Enviroblog for pointing us to the release on Friday of a shocking World Health Organization report that indicates that "One in five children in the poorest parts of the world will not live longer than their fifth birthday, mainly because of environment-related diseases."
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