Favorites:

     The things listed below are a compilation of some things that our group members recommend.

Books

If you’re concerned about vaccines and want more information, I recommend reading The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears.  Here are my notes from my reading of it which highlight what I thought was most important, although the book gives much more information.   vaccines.doc

The Petite Appetite cookbooks for homemade baby food recipes

Books / Activities for Children

Board books by Tana Hoban, Eric Carle, and Pheobe Dunn

Natural wood puzzles and toys from Melissa and Doug

Cloth Diapers

I love our BumGenius Organic Cotton One-Size All-In-One, snap diapers (that’s a mouthful!).  They require no assembling (a plus for husbands), are totally waterproof, are made of natural fibers which don’t seem to hold onto odors too badly, and are not bulky!

Fuzzibunz perfect fit pocket diapers - wash well, don't wear, absorb well, not smelly, adjust to fit growing baby, snaps stay put.

Diaper Ointment

I like GroBaby Magic Stick diaper ointment.  It’s a natural-based stick that you apply similar to deodorant (so you keep your hands clean), it’s safe for use with cloth diapers, it works well for us, and it smells good.

Aveeno Baby diaper cream- works like magic on redness

Baby Carriers

Our Baby K’tan was great from birth through about 6 months.  It still works now, but my back doesn’t do as well with it now that our daughter is heavier. 

Ergo Baby Carrier- perfect for babies / toddlers

Natural Medicines

I HIGHLY recommend Cramp Bark to help control post-delivery cramps.  One eyedropper squirt under your tongue and, for me, the cramps were gone within seconds.  Essential.

Natural Bedding

If you’re not alergic to latex... I really like the natural latex mattress toppers we bought for our kids.  There was no chemical off-gassing smell right out of the box.  The prices on Overstock.com were very reasonable.

Homemade fleece baby blankets...so warm and cozy!

Postpartum Care & Baby Care

Earth Mama Angel Baby is wonderful!

Natural Products

California Baby everything

Beauty Without Cruelty products - natural and mild for kids / adults

Duluth Midwives

Jana Studelska and Caralee - doula / midwife asst. (Birth Duluth Midwifery)

Clothing

Land's End, Hannah Andersson, and LL Bean baby / kid's clothes etc.

Parenting Practices

Nursing while baby gets vaccines - you have a perfect right to do so

Attachment parenting / following baby's lead for sleeping / eating routines

Elimination Communication and the Diaper Free baby book by Christine Loh - you can try it!

Minimizing use of strollers, bouncers, jumpers, walkers, car seats.  Baby likes to be carried and close, allowed to crawl and explore, and nap in own crib as much as possible.

Careful exposure to shopping malls, grocery stores, superstores - lots of germs, chemicals, glaring lights, stimulation, especially for newborns.

Allowing baby to drink water from a small cup often.  Babies get thirsty too. Minimizing use of sippy cups - let them try a real cup.

Sign Language with baby - just the basics for non-verbal communication.