Browsing Tag:

baby

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes

    Easy Homemade Bath Paint Recipe!

    diy bath paint nontoxic easy

    Unleash your inner artist with this easy-peasy homemade bath paint recipe! Soon, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful bathtub masterpiece – and best of all, clean-up will be a breeze (you’re welcome, mamas and dadas)!

    INGREDIENTS:

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch, water, and soap together until it dissolves and appears pasty.
    2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
    3. Lower the heat and continue to stir until the mixture becomes gel-like.
    4. Scoop mixture into airtight containers. Then, add desired food coloring to each and stir. Baby food jars work great – we used these by OXO. If you’d like to make just 1 paint color, you can add the food coloring directly to the saucepan.

    Store any leftover paint in an airtight container and stir well prior to each use as the paint will separate a bit. Happy Painting!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids

    16 Non-Toxic Gift Ideas for Babies!

    Playtime is important for your baby’s development and these toys are sure to stimulate your child’s senses and desire for learning. Below is a list of tried and true non-toxic, eco-friendly gift ideas for all the little ones on your list.

    Pull Alligator

    pull alligator plan toys

    Made from 100% sustainable, solid rubber wood Plan Toys toys are some of the best quality around and one of my favorite brands! This pull alligator is perfect for on the go! Plan Toys also makes other cute pull toys too!

    Nesting & Stacking Cubes 

    Nesting cubes are such versatile toys and super easy to store too! Introduce your little one to numbers, colors, and animals as they learn how to stack these cardboard cubes! These cubes were definitely a must-have for us!

    Wooden Rainbow Stacker

    My daughter received this rainbow lighthouse stacker for her 1st birthday and it was definitely a great learning toy. If you are looking for something more like the traditional ring stacker, check out this option by Plan Toys!

    FatBrain PipSquigz

    FatBrain PipSquigz are a favorite in our house! Made from 100% silicone, they are such a versatile toy making them perfect for the playroom, bath, pool, or even on-the-go! Plus, they are dishwasher safe.

    Lovevery Play Kit

    lovevery play kit

    Lovevery makes so many cute toys and play kits for babies and children up to age 3! Lovevery subscription boxes make great gifts too!

    Sensory Tumbling Toys

    These cute little sensory balls stimulate your baby’s senses of sight, touch, and hearing (Ball 1 – Mirror | Ball 2 – balls inside | Ball 3 – soft cotton fill). They come in pastel colors as well!

    Punch & Ball Drop

    ball punch plan toys

    Great for developing fine motor skills, learning colors, and exploring the punch & drop game is just plain fun!

    Clutching Toys

    Babies and toddlers loveee putting things in their mouths so naturally clutching toys make a great gift especially if they are non-toxic and sustainable. A few favorites include this ball clutch from Haba, this wooden ring made in Germany, and this clutching square by Plan Toys.

    Green Toys

    Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, Green Toys are better for the environment than traditional plastic toys and free lead, PVC, phthalates, and BPA! This starter set makes a great gift as well as this shape sorter and this stacker!

    Non-Toxic Art Supplies

    non toxic art

    Sensory play is important for baby’s developing brain which is one reason art supplies make a great gift! Little ones are able to explore and engage their creative side in an unstructured way. When my daughter was little, I was very careful to only give her truly non-toxic art supplies since baby’s are constantly putting things in their mouth. These finger paints are crafted with natural, organic vegetables and contain zero yucky ingredients. Non-toxic crayons and natural play dough make great gifts too! Check out my Amazon Storefront for more art supply ideas.

    Push & Pulls Toys

    This push pull toy is a very durable, non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to the plastic version of a ball popper! Another one of my daughter’s favorite toys is this duck, but it sells out fast!

    Wooden Drum

    Drums make great gifts for little ones! We have this one which is made from solid wood and non-toxic dyes.

    Sophie the Giraffe

    Sophie the Giraffe is definitely a favorite in our house. This non-toxic natural rubber toy has been used as a teether, in the bath and everywhere in between!

    Teethers

    Teethers make great gifts and stocking stuffers! I especially love teethers that can double up as toys too like this one! My daughter really loved this silicone one too by Comotomo.

    Clothing & Pajamas

    Clothing and pajamas are always a good option when it comes to gifts since little ones grow so quickly! Check out my post on my favorite organic brands here.

    Books

    Books make great gifts for babies, children and adults! This was one of our favorites when my daughter was little!

    Looking for more of my non-toxic favorites for your family? Shop my favs on my Amazon Storefront here.

    Thanks for reading!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, Clean Living, DIY & Recipes

    How To Make Homemade Baby Food

    Introducing your baby to food can be both exciting and scary. But, it doesn’t have to be! Making and serving homemade baby food is easier than ever and soon you’ll be on your way to filling your little one’s tiny tummy with delicious homemade purees!

    Essentials You’ll Need:

    Storage Options:

    • BABY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS
      We love these glass containers by OXO and still use them for snacks both at home and on the go! Tip: We have them in every color and when we made baby food, we would store different foods in each.
    • FREEZER BAG
      Reusable, non-toxic, eco-conscious Stasher Bags (love, love, love!) work great!
    • ICE CUBE TRAY
      OK, this one mighttt look like a torture device that you found in grandma’s basement, but it works, will last forever, and it’s not plastic!

    Other Must-Haves:

    Homemade Baby Food Steps

    Step 1: Prepare your produce

    Wash and scrub fresh produce. You can skip this step if you are using frozen produce. Peel and chop the produce, if needed. Don’t forget to sanitize your work surface, your hands and all tools you’ll be utilizing too.

    Step 2: Cook

    While many methods can be used when making homemade baby food, we used our Instant Pot (on steam mode) to make all of my daughter’s purees. It was quick, easy and preserved the most nutrients. You may also roast, bake, or microwave produce as well. Once cooked, let the food cool.

    Tip: Soft fruits and veggies like bananas and avocado do not need to be cooked first. Hence, why they were some of my favorites to use – Ha Ha!

    Step 3: Blend

    Transfer to your blender or food processor. Create a smooth consistency by adding a little water, breast milk, or formula. Add a little more if it still appears too thick. Soon you will become a master of “the eye-balling technique”!

    Tip: We used the blender mode rather than the food processor mode. Both methods work when making homemade baby food.

    Step 4: Baby Food Storage

    Store your food in block glass containers, mason jars, reusable freezer safe baggies, or ice cube trays. Homemade baby food can lasts months in the freezer, but no more than 3 days in the refrigerator.

    Step 5: Reheating and Defrosting

    A night or two before you feed, thaw baby food in the fridge. Remember to refrigerate food in between to feedings.

    Looking for more ‘must haves’ when it comes to for feeding your little one? Check out my Amazon Storefront here! I’ve listed all of my favorite bowls, plates, cups, bottles and so much more under the ‘Eat&Drink’ section! Oh, and if you’re still stumped when it comes to recipes for your little? Check out this book featuring homemade baby food, purees, and toddler meals! I received it as a gift and loved some of the ideas!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, Clean Living, Healthy Home

    Non-Toxic Bath Time Essentials + Toys!

    bath nontoxic

    Cozy up with a bath time bedtime routine and these safe, non-toxic favorites for your little one! From organic towels to the top toys for the tub, you’ll surely find something to love!

    TOWELS
    Organic cotton is best. We love GOTS certified Burt’s Bees towels as they are affordable, soft, and come in so many cute patterns like rosy flowers and little ducks! Another good option, includes these soft, ultra absorbent GOTS certified towels made in Turkey!

    WASH CLOTHS
    Again, organic cotton is your best bet when it comes to anything going on or around your baby’s sensitive skin. Burt’s Bees wash cloths are what we use most in our home and I actually just ordered another set. Durable, soft and made from breathable 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.

    Shampoo & Body Wash
    This is my absolute favorite shampoo and body wash for baby (and myself). It smells AMAZING and is both gentle and effective without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. The hypoallergenic formula uses certified organic plant, vegetable, flower and tree extracts and scented with organic sweet pea essence – yum! It also rinses easily and lathers less (so don’t expect a ton of suds). This has been our go-to for quite some time and I highly recommend it. Other shampoos/washes that we like are Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap, Earth Mama Lavender Foaming Soap or un-scented, and Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash. You’ll want to avoid these common ingredients that are known to cause cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, neurotoxicity and/or skin irritation: parabens, synthetic fragrances, 1,2 dioxane, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laureate, ceteareth, PEG chemicals, formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin. Stay tuned for a post on this!

    Lotion
    Experts say babies really don’t need lotion, but if your little one’s skin needs a little hydration, this is the best pick! Earth Mama is one of our ‘go-to’ brands that I really love and trust. This organic lotion comes unscented or scented (calming lavender and sweet orange). It’s great at moisturizing baby’s delicate skin and best of all contains no petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, or artificial fragrance. Hands down the best!

    BABY BATHTUBS
    You’ll want a non-toxic tub for your newborn that is BPA-, PVC- , and Pthalate-free at a minimum! The Stokee Collapsible Tub is a great option made of Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic Elastomeric (TPE). The Boon Bath Tub is another great non-toxic choice that is also collapsible and simple to hang!

    PAJAMAS
    Be sure to choose AVOID flame retardants that are found children’s pajamas! Look for the words “tight-fitting” and “NOT flame resistant” on the tag. Avoid polyester although is it usually inherently flame resistant, it still is essential made of the same components as plastic and contains chemicals you don’t want on your baby’s skin. When purchasing pajamas, organic is best, if possible. Your little one is in pajamas for the longest amount of time throughout the day, so by choosing organic, you are ensuring no pesticides or harsh chemicals snuggle up against their skin. My favorite organic PJ’s for babies and kiddos are: L’oved Baby (super soft), Hanna Andersson (durable quality), and Burt’s Bees (most affordable). I am also a big fan of these brands because they have matching jammies for me! Each of these brands also makes two piece sets as well. Check out my guide to organic clothing for your little one here!

    BATH ROBE
    While I don’t think a bath robe is a necessity, especially for your little one, some kiddos LOVE them! This one comes in several colors and is made from thick, cozy, GOTS certified organic cotton. Burt’s Bees also makes this cute option for your baby!

    POTTY
    We LOVE this easy-to-clean and store potty! It comes in multiple colors and styles so you can choose what is best for your babe. It is completely free of BPA, phthalates, cadmium, chlorine, lead, and bromine making it one of the safest pottys on the market. Baby Bjorn also makes this compact version for smaller spaces and this toliet trainer if you’re looking for something to attach to your ‘big potty’.

    BATH MAT
    Unfortunately, many bathmats were and are made with PVC. And the bath is one place you want to really avoid PVC. Warm water temperatures cause chemicals to leach into the water to which they are then absorbed into your skin! We ended up replacing our old PVC mat with this one by Hevea. Made from 100% natural rubber with zero harmful chemicals or dyes, it was the best option I could find. It also comes in a natural rubber color. Now… true life… I was SUPER hesitant about purchasing a dark mat (I always loved the pretty pastel blue mats), but it actually didn’t bother me nearly as much as I thought it would. It worked well for us until we were able to redo our bathroom and purchase a tub with a textured bottom (#lifehack).

    Other options? Cotton mats! FYI: I contacted Hevea and they said in the future they will be working on a more colorful mat.

    BATH TOYS & MORE
    Did you know that most “rubber duckies” are not made with rubber at all? They are usually made out of toxic PVC! If you are looking for a safer option, toys made from natural rubber, wood, or safe plastic like Green Toys, are your best options. Here are my top picks for safe bath time fun:

    Hevea Natural Rubber Duck
    Perfect for the bath or playtime, these pure natural rubber duckies come in several different colors and sizes! Each duck is hand painted and contains no holes leaving out the potential to trap water and mold. As one of my first purchases for my daughter, I loved that I didn’t need to worry if she also used it as a teether. Plus, they are completely plastic-free, pvc-free, bpa-free and compostable! The only ‘qualm’ is that sometimes they tip over in the bath, other than that, they are a great non-toxic option. Hevea also makes unpainted options like these and cute whale/turtle combo sets!

    Begin Again Aquatic Creatures
    These little aquatic sea creatures are perfect for the tub, beach, or pool! The large holes make them easy to drain (and prevent mold!). They are made from natural rubber and do have the rubber scent, but it dissipates after a few washes. We actually have 2 of these sets – one for outdoors and one for in! Made in China.

    Green Toys Bath Toys
    One of the only plastic toys you’ll see me recommend is Green Toys. Made from recycled milk jugs in the USA, they are a safe, eco-conscious choice for your little one. Green Toys contain no BPA, Phthalates or PVC. The colors do not fade like typical plastic and they are much more study too! This boat is one of our bath time favorites and comes in other colors too! It’s perfect for playing and helpful for hair washing! This seaplane is another fun bath time option.

    Plan Toys Bath Toys
    Plan Toys is one of my favorite, most trusted brands for toys (we have too many to count!) Made from sustainable, non-toxic rubberwood, formaldehyde-free glues, organic pigments, and water based dyes, these toys are extremely durable and will last forever! I could go on and on, but I’ll let you see for yourself! 🙂 Some bath toy favorites include the sealife set (pictured), sailboat / penguin duo, and the coastguard!

    Caacho Bath Toys
    Made of 100% pure, natural rubber, these bath toys are perfect for fun and teething. Each toy uses food-grade paint and is BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and Nitrosamine Free. Favorites from this brand include the seashorse (pictured), whale, and sea turtle! Be sure to air dry!

    Honeysticks Bath Colour Drops
    Made in New Zealand, these non-toxic drops make bath time so much fun! I love that they are fragrance-free and free of chemicals. Ingredients include: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid (as in citrus fruits), dextrose (simple sugars), food grade colorings, magnesium stearate (simple salts) and cellulose (plant compound). Tip: We split these in half so that they last even longer!

    Honeysticks Bath Crayons
    Made from 100% pure New Zealand beeswax, soy wax and food grade pigments, we always have these bath crayons on hand in our home! Everything from the crayon to the packaging is sustainable and biodegradable. The wrappers are made from ‘crushed rock’ rather than plastic like other bath crayons and the tin can has holes on the bottom for easy drainage. Prettttty cool!

    Explore more of our bath time favorites by visiting our Amazon Storefront.  Thanks for reading!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Therefore, if you click on a link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission that helps offset our time writing and researching. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.