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  • Babies & Kids, Healthy Home

    The Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Registry Guide

    nontoxic baby registry

    Creating a baby registry is fun and exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times with so many options to choose from. And what might work for one mama, might not work for another. Below are my favorite Non-Toxic Baby Registry Must-Haves that are free of harmful substances and toxic chemicals.


    NURSERY

    Crib
    You’ll want to look for a crib that is Green Guard Gold Certified and made from 100% solid wood. Romania Furniture is my top pick! Made from 100% solid wood, this furniture is truly beautiful and non-toxic from start to finish. Stokke, Babyletto, DaVinci and Ikea all make good solid wood options at a more affordable price!

    Crib Mattress
    My Green Mattress is a newer noteworthy brand that I only stumbled upon after I had my little one. Made with GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, this mattress does not contain flame retardants, polyurethane foams, PVC, formaldehyde, perfluorinated compounds, or phthalates. We choose My Green Mattress most recently when we chose to update our bedroom mattress as well as when we moved my daughter into her new big girl room. And have been really happy since! Tip: For us, we chose the Natural Escape and for my daughter, we chose the Kiwi! Both are great, although many adults (especially my husband) absolutely love the lumbar support found in the Natural Escape.

    Naturepedic makes amazing mattress in general and is another great pick for baby! Naturepedic crib mattresses are made from GOTS certified organic cotton without the use of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde or perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), making it the perfect choice for your newborn.

    Crib Sheets
    Burt’s Bees Sheets are our go-to brand crib sheets. They are affordable, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and come in lots of cute patterns.

    Swaddles & Blankets
    Snuggle Me Swaddles created this awesome swaddle made in the USA from GOTS certified organic cotton, which is large enough to double as a nursing cover too! Oliver and Rain also makes these oversize swaddles that are perfect for pampering your little!

    Changing Table Pad
    The Naturepedic Changing Pad is made with organic cotton and a food-grade polyethylene waterproofing which is one of the safest options out there. Naturepedic also makes a cover as well!

    Humidifier
    The AAP recommends sticking with a cool mist humidifier for your little one. While a warm mist humidifier is just as effective, it can lead to accidental burns and easily become a hazard in your home. This Pure Enrichment Humidifier works great and is easier to clean than our previous Crane Humidifier.

    Sound Machine
    If you’re looking for white noise to help your little one slip into dreamland, this soother by Dohm is well worth it!

    Rug
    Lorena Canals makes super cute, washable rugs made from 100% cotton or 100% wool. Artisans carefully hand-make each rug using non-toxic dyes and natural materials without the use on waterproofing chemicals, fungicides, or other toxic repellents. The backing of Lorena Canals rugs is made from cotton and natural fiber – unlike many rugs on the market that use a PVC or plastic backing. Clearly, I am a big fan of Lorena Canals! I actually currently have three of the cotton rugs in my home and plan on buy one of the wool ones soon (shhh… don’t tell my husband! Ha! Ha!). This one is currently in my daughter’s room.


    ON THE GO

    Stroller
    Bumbleride makes this amazing stroller that is not only non-toxic, but also lightweight and easy to push around town.  Made from 100% recycled PET, this is one of the best options on the market. In general, you’ll want to avoid PVC, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFC’s) in strollers and other baby products.

    Car Seat
    Nuna makes a car seat that is free of flame retardants and perfluorinated chemicals (PFC’s) chemicals! At this time, Nuna is the only brand that is free of both although I think (and hope) more companies will follow in the future. Although not all Clek products are free of flame retardants, Clek offers a few flame retardant free car seat options made from merino wool: this infant car seat and this convertible car seat are “registry-worthy”. This Uppa Baby Mesa Car Seat is also flame retardant free, although not all Uppa Baby Car Seats are. And lastly, this Britax is another flame retardant free option that we own.

    Infant Lounger
    This lounger by Snuggle Me Organic is perfect for infants! I highly recommend some sort of lounger. I actually never registered for one, but was really glad I received one as a gift and used it all the time.

    Travel Crib / Pack N Play
    The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is so easy to pack up and just go, go, go! And I have to say, as someone who originally owned the Graco Pack N Play, this is 100% easier to fold up, plus it’s materials are safer for your little one.

    Lightweight Stroller
    This Maclaren and UppaBaby G-Lite are the two lightweight stroller brands I own and recommend, although I personally use the UppaBaby more often.

    Baby Carriers
    The Organic Ergo and Moby Wrap are the two baby carriers are loved by many, but to be completely honest, I used them each once, but I know I will probably use them a lot more with my next! Another option to consider is the Organic Bobo. Edit: It looks like they discontinued the Organic Ergo unfortunately, but I still think it is one of the most comfortable options out there.


    FEEDING & TEETHING

    High Chair
    Anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love my Stokke Tripp Trapps! I actually have a few to match different rooms of our house and since we spend a lot of time outdoors, I have one in the garage too. Ok – I know that is a littttle excessive, but I just cannot say enough good things about them. Not only can your little one use it from age 0-99, but it also has been an awesome way for me to reach high up spaces.

    The Stokke Tripp Trapp is made from 100% solid beechwood and contains no harmful chemicals, BPA, or phthalates. I also love all of the gorgeous new colors they now come in!

    Bottles
    We used Joovy Boob Glass Bottles for my daughter and really liked them. They have an optional silicone sleeve that comes in a bunch of cute colors too. Note: I did have these tested for lead and heavy metals and the results came back as non-detect so they are a good option!

    Another good option are these glass LifeFactory Bottles with a silicone sleeve. If I need more bottles in the future, I will most likely order these because I love that they can be used as water bottles when your child is older so they truly can be used forever!

    Looking for a silicone option instead? While I highly recommend the glass bottles, especially if you are warming milk, these silicone bottles by Comotomo would be my pick if I were to purchase something other than glass.

    Bibs
    These bibs by Aden + Anais are literally the only bibs you will ever need. Made from organic cotton, they are large enough to last from infancy through adulthood! Ha!

    Burp Cloths
    Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths are my absolute favorite burp cloths and one of the first things I registered for (thanks to my sister!) You won’t regret it!

    Nursing Pillow
    Nook Sleeping Pillow is a lightweight, firm yet soft nursing pillow made in the USA of organic kapok. It is also naturally water resistant – total bonus! Holy Lamb makes an awesome organic nursing pillow too made from organic wool and organic cotton and My Brest Friend makes this pillow made from organic cotton that totally fits around your bod like a glove!

    Pacifiers
    Soothies are made from 100% silicone and were my daughter’s fave!

    Teethers
    Bannor Toys Teethers are made from natural, unstained solid hardwood which are then finished with an organic beeswax and flaxseed mixture. They have super cute options that are both wooden and silicone! I also highly recommend Sophie the Giraffe and this silicone teether by Comotomo. My daughter also really loved this organic cotton carrot teether which doubles as a toy now that she’s older! All of these options were used a ton by my little one.

    Plates, Bowls, & Cutlery
    Since we have always avoided the use of plastic when it comes to eating and drinking, my daughter used and still uses new Corelle (glass) or one of the options below for daily feedings. And if you’re wondering… we have never had a problem with our Corelle shattering from my daughter throwing it (although my husband did break a plate once!)
    1. Avanchy Stainless Bowl with Silicone Suction
    2. Avanchy Wooden Bowl, Divided Plate, and Spoon with Silicone Suction
    3. Brinware Glass & Silicone Plate and Bowl
    4. Liberty Baby Flatware Set
    5. Kleyanimals Stainless Steel Cutlery
    6. OXO Glass Jars (for babyfood and snacks)
    7. Stasher Bags (for babyfood, snacks, and literally anything and everything)


    JAMMIES & ACCESSORIES

    Pajamas
    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). 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. Check out my guide to organic clothing for your little one here!

    Socks
    Touched by Nature has so many cute, affordable cotton socks for your little!

    Mittens & Hats
    While I don’t think mittens or hats are a necessity, if you are going to register for some, I’d recommend these by Burt’s Bees.


    BATHTIME

    Bathtub
    You’ll want a non-toxic tub for your newborn that is BPA-, PVC- , and Phthalate-free at a minimum! The Stokkee 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!

    Bath Towels
    We love GOTS certified organic Burt’s Bees towels! 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 and recommend.

    Bath Toys
    The Hevea Natural Rubber Duck is a great non-toxic alternative to typical PVC ducks. Plus, they contains zero holes, leaving out the potential to trap water and mold like many bath toys. Green Toys, Plan Toys, and Caacho are a few other non-toxic brands we love for bath time fun!


    PLAYTIME

    Play Gym
    The Lovevery Play Gym is my #1 pick and I wish I knew about it when I was creating my baby registry! These fun play gyms made by Plan Toys and Haba are also great for your little one!

    Rattles
    This wooden rattle is made in the USA of ethically sourced solid wood and uses organic coconut oil to create a smooth finish. It has held up really well too! Other rattles our little one loved include this wooden bell rattle by Plan Toys (made in Thailand), this clutching rattle by Haba (made in Germany), and this organic cotton rattle by Apple Park (made in China).

    Babies also love keys, but due to typical household and car keys containing high amounts of lead, please do not let your little one play with them. Here are a few safe key options: Plan Toys Keys, Kleyanimals (my daughter’s fav), and Green Toys Keys.

    Snuggle Buddy
    Made from 100% organic cotton, this snuggle bunny by Under the Nile and this little froggie by Apple Park are two cute options.


    DIAPERS & BABY CARE PRODUCTS

    Diapers
    If you’re using disposable diapers, you’ll want to choose one without fragrance and phthalates at a minimum. Here are my top picks:
    Bambo, Eco by Naty, Andy Pandy, and I’ve heard good things about Dyper too. For a while we also used Honest and they worked really well (although they are not as ‘clean’ as the other brands).

    Wipes
    Of course, you’ll want to avoid fragrance and any synthetic chemicals when it comes to wipes as well! We’ve tried quite a few brands including Water Wipes, but our favorite are definitely Eco by Naty. Second fav? Kinder by Nature.

    Detergent
    Harsh chemicals and fragrance are a couple things you will want to avoid so it is best to choose a free and clear detergent for your babe’s delicate skin (AKA avoid DREFT at all cost. It literally baffles me to know that this is marketed as a baby product!) Molly’s Suds, Better Life, and EcoNuts are what we use in our home.

    Baby Lotion
    Babies don’t really “need” lotion, but you will find times when you may want to use it, especially during the winter. 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) and does a great job moisturizing baby’s delicate skin.

    Shampoo/Baby Wash
    This is my absolute favorite shampoo and body wash for baby (and myself). Not only does it smell AMAZING, but is both gentle and effective without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Other shampoos/washes I recommend and have used/use on my little one are Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar SoapEarth Mama Lavender Foaming Soap or un-scented, and Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash

    Nose & Cheek Balm / Vaseline Alternative
    This nose and cheek balm by Earth Mama Organics is perfect for drooly chins, runny noses, and protecting your little one’s skin from the elements. It is free of toxic chemicals and contains no petroleum yet is very effective.

    Diaper Pail
    While I absolutely do not think a diaper pail is necessary, many people still opt to have one. The Ubbi is the one we registered for. I love that it can use any type of bag, plus it really did “lock in the scent” … until you opened the can!

    Thermometer
    We’ve spent quite a bit on various kinds of thermometers over the years. This one by Vicks is awesome. In just 8 seconds, it gives an accurate reading, plus it’s only $10!

    Nail Clippers
    Made from bamboo and silicone, these little clippers are my favorite. They are so much easier to use than the Safety 1st ones we originally had.

    Nose Frida
    I debated putting the Nose Frida on my list because I have yet to use it, but I know so many people who swear by it and say it is the best thing ever for stuffy noses.

    Hand Sanitizer
    All Good Hand Sanitizer is fragrance-free and our go-to sanitizer for germy situations.



    Looking for more safe ideas for your little one?
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    As always, thank you for reading!


    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

    15 Items NOT to Add to Your Baby Registry

    what not to register for baby

    Creating a baby registry can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you have all of the essentials, plus any extras that will make your life a little bit easier as you adjust to parenthood. But, what are some items you actually don’t need? Below are a few items to pass up.

    Here’s What Not to Register for…

    1. Crib Bumpers.

    The AAP strongly advises against the use of bumpers, stating bumpers increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation. Before I had my daughter, I had no idea how dangerous bumpers were and even purchased a pretty pink one to match her bedroom set. Needless to say, the only use it got was as decor before she was born.

    2. Baby Detergent (like DREFT).

    I cannot express this enough: DREFT should NOT be used on babies. It drives me crazy that it is marketed as a baby product when in reality the amount of chemicals can cause so many issues for little ones (and adults too!) Let me also say, I was guilty of using this very early on for a few loads of laundry prior to tossing it. A free and clear detergent like this one is a great option, but any free and clear detergent will be so much better for your little one!

    3. Baby Magic Bullet.

    Coming from someone who made all of her own baby food, there is absolutely no need for a Baby Magic Bullet. It does the same exact thing as a blender or food processor. Check out my post on how to make your own baby food for some tips!

    4. Sterilizer.

    OK – I’m guilty of purchasing one of these and we did actually use it. But, you technically don’t need one. You can easily boil your baby’s bottles and pacifiers in hot water on the stove or run them through your dishwasher on the ‘hot water’ cycle and ‘heat dry’ cycle.

    5. Diaper Pails.

    This is one thing I registered for and realllyyy wish I didn’t. Yes, we did use it when we changed my daughter in her room, but if we were downstairs changing her we would just throw the diaper in the regular garbage provided that it wasn’t a huge blow out! Plus, OMG, that smell of opening it after a day or two is horrendous (I know, some of your moms know EXACTLY what I mean – LOL). With that being said, IF you MUST have one of these, this one did work well for what its worth.

    6. Diapers.

    I’d register for a few if you’d like, but don’t go overboard! As time goes on, you will learn which brands work best for your little one. Also, if you do register for diapers, don’t register for the newborn size as many babies don’t even use them. Skip right to size 1.

    7. Baby Powder.

    You really shouldn’t use powder on your baby. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against it. Simply pat their little booty dry! And if your baby has a diaper rash? Use a little ointment like this one to soothe and protect their skin. Lastly, I must add… Johnson and Johnson (a company I do not recommend) finalllyy pulled all of their baby powder off of the shelf after numerous lawsuits regarding asbestos contaminated powders.

    8. Wipe Warmers. 

    The thought of a cool wipe on your babies bum may freak you out, but it is so much less traumatic than you may think. A wipe warmer is much more hassle than it is worth and some say it even dries out the wipes faster! Save your money for something else.

    9. Bumbos.

    What is a bumbo?! Something you don’t need! Babies absolutely do not need to sit before they are able. Plus, it can be dangerous if the baby tips over (the strap doesn’t help!) and doesn’t help with development.

    10. Changing Table.

    Hear me out… I am not saying you don’t NEED a changing table, although many people do just fine changing their little one on the bed, but I am saying it would be a better use of your time, money and space to register for a dresser and changing table topper instead.

    11. Exersaucers, Jumpers, and the dreaded Walkers.

    Let me begin by saying, walkers should never be used. They are banned in Canada and should be banned in the USA. The amount of children who fall down the stairs and severely injure themselves from these things is frightening. As for exersaucers and jumpers… Our pediatrician always said to avoid these, but some people feel mixed about the issue. From what I’ve researched, exersaucers and jumpers can hinder development and may cause hip issues. If you are looking for something to occupy your little one while you make lunch, purchase a playpen like this one instead.

    12. Baby Hats & Mittens.

    I have a million of these little ornamental hats and mittens and have only used them a couple times. Of course, you will need winter hats and gloves, but those little hats for wearing around the house? You can skip. The same goes for those little mittens. The reality is, mittens are rarely needed and some hospitals even discourage it. We always just kept our baby’s nails short to prevent scratching.

    13. A Zillion Baby Outfits.

    Babies grow so quickly and you’ll never believe how many outfits my daughter has wore once or not at all. Plus, you’ll definitely receive them as gifts when the baby is born so no need to add them to your registry.

    14. Baby Shoes.

    Baby shoes are so cute, so irresistible … and so impractical. These little things end up on the floor in .2 seconds! Stick with socks until your little one begins walking. After all, barefoot is best for foot development!

    15. Baby Blankets.

    You’ll receive plenty of baby blankets without adding them to your registry and soon you’ll be swimming in blankets galore!

    Looking for product recommendations you’ll love? Click here to view my Amazon Storefront! Thank you for your support.

    Additional Reading Sources:
    Injuries Associated with Infant WalkersAAP Publication
    Baby Walkers: A Dangerous ChoiceHealthyChildren.org  

    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.