Nappy Review

Motherease Cloth nappies (available from Little Miracles) are a 2-part nappy system.

Our reviewer said:

The nappy: They have never leaked for me, their stay-dry lining really works and is incredible at trapping moisture away from baby skin, we don't get any red marks, and they are very straight-forward to wash. (I prefer these to pockets where you need to pull the wet inserts out - not a fan of that).

The cover: I found this great and use this constantly. Good design. I have also used it with a cotton type nappy as a liner inside it and it worked well. Recommended!

Check out this months' prize draw and be in to win a Motherease nappy trial pack.

Womama!

Until the end of December at our Green Living Store (or while stocks last!)

Buy a Birthing Wrap ($125) and receive a pair of Womama knickers worth $29.95 absoutely free(!)

The birthing wrap can also be worn during pregnancy as a wrap and post birth as a nightie to nurse in or a casual wrap over jeans.

Look hot this Christmas!

Tell us about your eco baby shower!

Introducing a new feature on Organic Baby... tell us about your eco baby shower.

Ashlee from Mummy and Tummy started the ball rolling...

"We’ve had a baby shower with each of our babies, not in the traditional sense of ‘showering’ us with items to prepare for the baby, but more as a celebration of our pregnancy and to catch up with friends and family before the baby comes and chaos with it! For me, it wasn’t until I had my first child that I began to feel strongly about chemicals and other nasties in our air, skin and food. All of a sudden, this pure and innocent baby was being subjected to the dirty world we were creating and I wasn’t proud or happy of that! So began my natural journey! You can imagine how two and half years later, and pregnant with my third baby, how things were changing in our household. Admittedly I wasn’t as eco or organic as I would have liked, being somewhat tired, and on limited time and money with two babies. But we were taking steps forward every month, and I'm proud of how far we have come." Read more....

Organic Selections Baby Shampoo and Baby Moisturizer

We were delighted to review Organic Selections Baby Shampoo and Baby Moisturizer from Little Miracles. These delicious-scented baby products scored really highly with our reviewer under a number of criteria.

"They are packaged in recyclable (number 2) plastic bottles, and contain no parabens, pthalates, SLS, artificial fragrances or artificial ingredients of any kind. The detergent in the shampoo is a coconut derivative, so gentle on baby's skin. I have used the shampoo on my baby and my 4 year old, both of whom are prone to eczema and rashes, and neither of them reacted, which is a definite thumbs up!

The moisturizer is very nice too, although as it is scented (with essential oils) children with active eczema may react to it (although my girls were fine).

All in all a great range of products, and I would definitely buy again." (Lily, mother of two girls)

Green Living Monthly Rave

New blog feature....Green Living Monthly Rave gives you updates about new shop and this month is a biggie!
Shop opened 03 September and goodies have been arriving on my doorstep practically everyday since, it's like Christmas arriving early!
The best part is I get to share all my amazing, natural, organic and recycled finds with you our customers....

Our little customers love this huge cardboard box (house) which is ideal for play and fully authorised scribbling...$69.00

We also have a fantastic selection of wooden toys... from Bajo - favourites like the abacus and hammer and peg block, wonderful planes & cars with soft rounded edges, Gepetto rattles, Seedling - creative kits for children...Witchet - whimsical gifts for children....Goki ...wonderful dress up bears and mice, natural blocks and more...

For mums and mums to be we have Womama organic maternity, preloved maternity, Dolce and Zoet slings (in fabulous new seasons fabrics!), Hot Slings (now on sale $89), Fleurville Nappy bags (made from recycled soda bottles). Due to magical move in Aussie dollar, now on sale for $125!

We have glass bottles, BPA free (coming soon!), a great selection of organic cotton bamboo and soy babywear.

Skincare: Earth Mama Angel Baby...beautiful little somethings for mama and babies in organza bags....Tui Bee Balme, Pot of Gold, The Herb Farm, and Global Soaps.

For summer - get ready with eco store suncream, a recycled bucket & spade 4 the beach and organic cotton sunhats (!)

For everyday people - there is mens clayed dyed tees, recycled bags, jewellery, eco linen, you name it, we have sourced it and found a home for it for our little shop.

....do come visit, now open 6 days Mon (10-2.30), Tues - Sat (10-4), Sun (11-4).

Bajo Snail Sortroller

I just love this new Bajo snail sortroller so much it was a "must-have" for our new store!

It is a splurge at $85.95 but when you consider it is two toys in one - a snail sorter and a pull-along snail ....it is a great gift!

Workshop Bajo make toys to high ethical and environmental standards, all wood is sourced from FSC-certified local woodlots and old orchards around the village in which they are made. The vibrant colour which children are drawn toward, is sourced in Germany and is certified non-toxic, as is the adhesive and coatings used in production.

All Bajo toys meet stringent E.U. safety standards.

Available at Green Living, 115 Jackson St, Petone. Ph 04 568 2194

Womama Organic Cotton Maternity Range

Womama have created this beautiful 100% organic cotton range for the spring/summer 2008/2009 season. Made in New Zealand.

Pictured is their now famous (first in the world!) "Light as a Feather" organic birthing wrap. This wrap can also be worn post Birth as a nightie to nurse or as a casual wrap over jeans.

Most items are exclusive to our Organic Baby web store and physical store opening on the 3rd September (@ 115 Jackson St in Petone, Wellington).

Items are strictly limited in quantity and may be pre-ordered. DUE TO ARRIVE END AUGUST.

Thrifty Green Thursday - Reusable Bags

It's been awhile since I blogged, fortunately I have the good folks at The Green Baby Guide (http://greenbabyguide.com/) to keep me in check.

This money-saving tip came from Tipnut.com - "Sure you can buy some trendy brand name shopping bags, but why not make your own bags for cheap (and even free!), they can be as chic and cool as you like (and original too)!"

http://tipnut.com/35-reusable-grocery-bags-totes-free-patterns/

BPA Bottles from Baby Greens

Baby Greens have just bought the Green to Grow BPA-free bottle to NZ. Available in regular or wide neck, these baby bottles are made from PES plastic, which gives them a natural golden color. They are free of phthalates and free of bisphenol A – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, from which most baby bottles are made
• Bottles are tested in the U.S. to ensure they meet the highest standards for quality and safety
• Free of lead and PVC
• Includes a Beginner (slow flow, 0-3 months) nitrosamine-free silicone nipple
• 100% recycled packaging
• Dishwasher safe (top rack)

Toddlers
For toddler sippy's, Baby Greens also have the Nuby no-spill cup.
or visit Just Herbal for toddler-sized EcoTankas.

In the United States check out the fabulous selection at Nubius Organics. I love the Boon BPA-free sippy at only US$5.99.

Thrifty Green Thursday Carnival

The Green Baby Guide (http://greenbabyguide.com/) are running a "Thrifty Green Thursday Carnival". Even though, babies, gas, food of any kind, and air travel are becoming ridiculously expensive, At greenbabyguide.com they believe it’s possible to save the planet and a wad of cash with a few creative ideas. (we do too!)

So how can families (or individuals for that matter) can save money while "going green"?

As a family, we at Organic Baby have gone back to the days of food co-ops. Rather than ordering a fruit/vege box for our family each week (at $30-$55). We have a large fortnightly fruit delivery box which we share between three families (costing us just over $18 per family per fortnight). We grown our own vege and buy more as & when required (no waste).

Check out our NZ directory for fruit & vege delivery services.
(or http://www.localharvest.org/ in the US).

July Giveaway

New Zealand only!

This is an amazing giveaway.... just use any of the discounts that are advertised here, to buy any item big or small (!).

Then email and tell us:

- how much you saved and
- why you would like to win our prize
- email proof of purchase

We will select the best entry who will receive a gorgeous lap tee and yoga pants from Speeses.com featuring a very special drawing by our daughter.... valued at US$40!
(alternative prize for other sizes).

Plus 2 x runner up prizes of [Akin] products.

Read more...

For My Kids

Don't we all want the best for our kids and the planet!!!

For my Kids produces all natural products including a All-Natural Hand Wash, All-Natural Vegan Lip Balm, All-Natural Comfey Salve and All-Natural Alternative to Bacterial Disinfectants.

We tested the All-Natural Vegan Lip Balm which keeps nice n' solid in the tin, yet once you put it on your lips, melts into moist, yumminess and gives your lips a glossy shine. You feel safe applying it and licking your lips knowing the ingredients are totally natural ... organic sweet almond oil, organic coconut oil, carnauba wax, organic tamanu oil and organic vanilla beans.

We also tried the All-Natural hand Wash is a delicious lavender-scented spray which is simply perfect for those times when you are out and about with little ones you can't get to soap and water.

For retailers, For my Kids have special gallon-size bottles of For My Kids All-Natural Alternative to Antibacterial Disinfectants and For My Kids All-Natural Hand Wash for situations where your customers bring their own containers to refill. Perfect for schools and other places for children.

Thanks to Christine for introducing us to For my Kids - available in the US and shipping worldwide.

Green Baby Showers

Baby Showers are back and they've gone green!

We've updated our Baby Showers article with some tips for throwing your green baby shower including how to create an eco-friendly party atmosphere, creating a gift list, e-vites, making a diaper cake, eco-friendly wrapping paper, party games and party favors from Organic Baby.

Read more.....

If you are throwing a Baby Shower, we can also send you some of our free Info/Sample Packs.
(NZ only)* postage applies

Being a Green Dad

New article added to our web site, supplied by Stefan Korn, DIYFather.com

"When I found out I was going to be dad the first thing I thought about was that I’m not going to expose my child to all the usual harmful stuff most people seem to put up with. From day one we bought most clothes organic – especially the ones that our little Noah wears directly on his skin. In general we also tried hard to use as many natural materials as possible. This included the nursery (wooden furniture), toys and baby products such as skin care creams." Read more...

What's really in our food?

After popular acclaim from last year's documentary 'What's really in our food?', TV3 commissioned Top Shelf Productions to make 10 half hour series on food.

The series begins this coming Tuesday 24 June 8pm and will cover a number of issues including plastics, fruit and veg, bread, organics, pesticides, additives including aspartame.

This week programme looks at chicken ... Issues like barn raised chickens versus free range - is there any benefit to us, the consumer, in buying free range? are hormones and antibiotics used by chicken farmers?

http://www.tv3.co.nz/TVShows/Reality/WhatsReallyInOurFood/tabid/778/Default.aspx?showid=16417

[Akin] Giveaways

[A’kin] use only botanical, naturally-based ingredients, certified organic where possible, chosen for their skin friendly compatibility and is available from health stores and selected pharmacies nationwide.

The range is hypoallergenic and is particularly suitable for sensitive skins, such as babies, the elderly and the allergic.[A’kin] products are made free from sulfates, ethoxylates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemical cleansers, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, DEA and artificial colours.

We are pleased to be including [Akin] samples in our free Organic Baby Info/Sample Packs (available in NZ only).

AND ... during June/July (or while stocks last) anyone who joins the NZ Organic Baby Club and also joins up a friend will receive a bonus [Akin] product.
Your friend also receives a pack of DandelioNZ wipes.

*only one reward per customer. May be selected instead of our regular refer-a-friend reward.

Seed Organic Cradle @ Baby Greens

Baby Greens have bought to NZ, the highly desirable Seed Organic Cradle - a piece of furniture to treasure...

Made from breathable organic cotton, with a natural latex breather hole mattress, the environment this cradle creates for your baby is the best it can be - you can not give your baby a better start in life!

from Baby Greens.

Crafty heaven

I got very excited about this gem I found this morning...

Kids Craft Weekly is a free newsletter full of inspiring craft ideas and fun activities for young kids.

Published by Sydney based mother & editor, Amber who has young children, the craft ideas are "Montessori-influenced".

I have dozens of DIY/crafty books but none as inspiring as this weekly newsletter and I think just that fact that it will appear in my inbox once a week for inspiration is wonderful.

You can sign up online at http://kidscraftweekly.com/.

This is the 1st project my daughter has picked to try .... from issue 23 - Jungle

Our US Directory is live!!!

It's live!!!

US and Canadian vistors will now see a different version of Organic Baby including our US Directory, Diaper Section, Book page and Gift Gallery.

Visitors from any part the world can "Change Country" at the top of our site.

Yes!!! We now have US prize draws. To celebrate our launch with you, our US members (and Canadian members too), you are in the June, July and August draws.

From September 2008, only Organic Baby Club members will be eligible.

Organic Baby Club: Our US membership includes a fab tee from Focoloco or Little Green Star, exclusive discounts, refer-a-friend rewards and of course entry into the prize draw entry every month! Only $36 per annum!!!

Avoid cellphones when pregnant and around young children!

Cellphones are part of modern life - love 'em or hate 'em, but it always worries me when I see so many young mums out with their strollers, texting away on their cellphones which is right next to baby/toddlers vulnerable head.

This article highlights the dangers of cellphones and also cordless phones.

You do have to login to read these articles but well worthwhile!

Cell Phone Use During Pregnancy Can Seriously Damage Your Baby (Dr Mercola.com)

For further reading also read our EMF page which talks about electromagnetic fields in general.

Cuddledry® baby bath towel with a difference!

New to New Zealand!

The Cuddledry® from Time for Kids is a bath towel with a difference!

The Cuddledry® 100% certified organic baby bath towel is safer, more eco-friendly and luxurious than anything else you can buy for your baby.

It has a unique apron-style that keeps hands free for bathing and lifting and keeps you dry!

This design has won numerous awards and is available in NZ online at http://www.timeforkids.co.nz/

Drawing Contest Winner

Our wee poppet is showing flair at drawing/painting and loves to dance! As her mama and dada met through dancing, the second came as no surprise!

I just found out she won her first contest - this is a picture of a flamingo she painted when she was 3 1/2.
http://speesees.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html

Soap nuts!

I heard about these today and they sound amazing - SoapNuts are small magical berries from the SoapNut tree (sapindus mukorossi) growing wild in Northern India. The berry is gathered by hand, dried by the sun, and then deseeded ready for use.

SoapNuts contain saponin that release rich soapy suds when wet and have strong antibacterial properties that effectively replace chemical detergents, soaps and shampoo.

What is saponin? I consulted the Wikepedia on this one. The Wikepedia reveals some interesting facts like SoapNuts are a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles.

However, saponin (from the SoapNut) is poisonous if swallowed, so must be stored in a child-proof container.

The SoapNuts web site has load of uses for SoapNuts (crushed or liquid) not just for washing your clothes, but for your dishwasher, and cleaning around the home.

Ecobots, who also stock resuable cloth nappies, are stockists of SoapNuts and recommend them for chemical and fragrance free nappy washing!

Real Nappy Week Giveaway that lasts a whole month!

This week is Real Nappy Week (21st -28th April) and to celebrate, The NZ Nappy Alliance have kindy donated a $250 nappy pack.

To enter the draw, just join the Eco Coffee Club, pay before the 1st June, 2008 and answer one simple question - "Name one member of The New Zealand Nappy Alliance".

Open to NZ Residents only.

All Eco Coffee Club members are in the draw, one lucky winner will be drawn on 1st June, 2008 and notified by email.

About the Eco Coffee Club:

Coffee Club Membership is $36.00 for 6 months and includes a joining gift (up to $23), members only discounts, refer-a-friend program and coffee clubs (in some areas). Amazing Value!

About the NZ Nappy Alliance:

The New Zealand Nappy Alliance has been formed by leading New Zealand manufacturers and distributors of modern cloth nappy products. The Alliance has a vision of ensuring all parents are given full information about their nappy purchases. Alliance members are the top of the field offering parents a range of nappy products that meet their needs. Alliance members are committed to the quality, sustainability and safety of their products.

Inspirational Blogs

I clicked my way to two blogs this week which I found very inspiring!

The photos on this blog conjure up memories of the old television series - "The Waltons" but actually Erin (the mom and writer) is a 20 something mother-of-one, living a back-to-nature lifestyle (and far too young to remember the Waltons...) Erin, hubbie and "little one" live in a solar powered house on 8 acres in Maine.

The photography on this site is just stunning and Erin makes her little girls clothes (and sells these wonderful handmade creations on esty.com). http://www.bluebirdbaby.typepad.com/

Wardolf mom blogspot is extremely cute and inspiring too! - http://waldorfmama.blogspot.com/

Preparing for launch!

As we prepare for our big launch into the United States, I have updated our links page with all the FAQ questions like...

Is my sunscreen safe, what's in my baby formula?, where can I find a fruit & vegetable delivery service in my area? All the answers and more can be found at http://www.organicbaby.co.nz/resources/faq.aspx.

There are some really great resources, so do check it out!

Ceres Recalls

I'm in the process of updating our toy pages, to provide links on where to find out information both in NZ (and the United States) about Toy Recalls.

Imagine my surprise, when I came across this... Ceres Enterprises Sunflower Seeds.
If you are a regular organics buyer, it would pay to check this recall, as it does affect some Venerdi breads, Organic Bakeworks bread, cookies and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and Purebread muesli. Follow the link and check the products and dates affected.

This recall was listed in February but if you are like me, you may freeze bread!

Tip: To receive future recalls you can subscribe to Consumer by RSS.

Wool Pocket Nappies for heavy wetters!

EcoBubs have designed and made the prototype for the Wool Pocket Nappy - the first ever. They wanted to combine the new with the old and knew how many people in NZ loved wool.

This is the nappy that dreams are made of! The EcoBubs Wool Pocket Nappy has saved many parents from having to use disposables on their heavy wetter overnight. The wool works as a second barrier against leaks and has proved itself to be very successful.

Great news for cloth nappy users - peace of mind - a nappy that can be relied on to last through the night!

Organic Pathways

If you are looking for how-to articles on organic gardening and organic-related subjects, visit Organic Pathways.

Organic Pathways is a New Zealand website containing nearly 200 searchable articles covering everything from gardening and food to environmental topics, a market page for online shopping, and classifieds.

Search for products in their directory in which 600 NZ organic and related businesses are listed, from accommodation and skin care through to food and gardening supplies.

While there, make sure you read Ingrid Weihmann's series of articles including The benefits of organic food and What's really in your food?

First Eco Coffee Club @ the Organic Grocer

Check out the photo from our first Eco Coffee Club in Wellington. A very decandent time was had, chatting and enjoying a very yummy selection of coffees and cakes @ The Organic Grocer.

compostable nappy bags

All mummies and daddies using compostable nappies need these! what's the point in using Moltex, Tushies or Bambo eco disposable nappies, if you are just going to pop them in a plastic bag (inside a council bag or wheely bin) going to the landfill?

What you need is compostable nappy bags. Just scrape off solids and put in your compost.

ok, soapbox over.... go to Worldcentric.com or EcoNappies.co.nz

(updated 1st July 2008)

Nelson - the organic centre of NZ !

ok I have been a bad blogger this month ... good excuse, have been on holiday tripping around Nelson and Bays.

What better time to tell you about the organic treats the region has to offer...
We stayed at the Sunset Valley Vineyard which was a very tranquil and relaxing spot, and an organic vineyard established 15 years ago in the Moutere Valley. I already knew and loved their wines, so it was great to visit the spot where the wine (I find on on the shelves at CS Organics) originates from!

We lunched at the Riverside Cafe, Lower Moutere which is home to NZ's oldest commune. Beautiful setting and freshly prepared food including vegetables and salads from their own organic gardens.

Next on our list to visit was Arcadia Organics (Motueka), a long-established organic shop with a fantastic selection and delicious cafe. We also discovered the Pulsing Patch - a roadside organic fruit and vege stop (Riwaka - just outside Motueka). The small shop also sells a variety of herbs, spices and bottled fruit.

We also indulged in beer (well, not me) at Founders Organic Brewery in Nelson. The beer was apparently very good.

After the luxury of Sunset Valley, we headed to Kaiteriteri Beach and camped under the stars.

An overall good experience was somewhat marred by being situated right across from a group of 4 chainsmokers , so we abandoned camp for most of 2 days until they left (Soapbox: All campsites in NZ should be non-smoking or have smoking "areas").

Other organic treats included visiting Takaka which has even more organic shops and cafes.

We had a need for some baby balm to sooth rashy skin, and came across a balm that incredibly we hadn't seen before - "Pot of Gold". Wow, that stuff is great!

Three cheers (we love) those fabulous folks at Arcadia Organics and Golden Bay Organics who had our flyers out on display.

We recently send our flyers all over the country to every organics store and cafe you can imagine, so we can get word out to you good folks, I like to see that I'm not wasting effort & paper (even if it is recycled).

... and why the centre of New Zealand? Quite literally, Nelson is. After 3 days of dancing in Nelson at the "Ceroc Summer Camp", Hayley (owner of Ceroc Nelson) marched us up the steepest hill she could find to the official "Centre of NZ". Luckily, the view was just awesome!

Big Kids Night Nappies

This week we had an enquiry... where do you buy cloth "pull-up" type nappies for older children?

Thought we should share....

Check out Mum and Bubs (who stock Happy Heiny's™) or contact Natural Parenting NZ (ask about their Big Kids Night Pull-ups).

Recyclable water bottles

I just checked out the Good Water web site.... did you realise that the PET water bottles that you put in your recycled bin (with good intentions) are recycled in China! All those water bottles being transported to China are just adding to the global warming problem!

We encourage the use of reusable water bottles (we use Kleen Kanteen - now known as Eco Tankas).

However, when you are out & about and need them - water bottles made from plant-based renewable resources are now available in NZ from Good Water.

Available at organic stores, supermarkets and petrol stations nationwide at $2.80 per bottle.

In the United States, BIOTA water bottles are sold at select natural foods and gourmet supermarkets.

Designer wipes boxes

Made by Angie who says - "How many times do you pull out your baby wipes during the day to change a diaper, wipe a messy face or clean up a spill? Tons, so why not do it in style?"

My little organic tot is now 4 and a half but I still carry eco wipes in my handbag for those little emergencies, like a quick hand wipe before lunch (I try and avoid the handwash in most public toilets!) These would be just fab to carry round.

Concern over use & disposal of energy-saving bulbs

Check out this news items on Yahoo News which explains concerns over the use and disposal of energy-saving bulbs.

Also, in the news today, the Australian Govt wants to ban plastic bags by the end of the year. That's a great initiative by Australia but why are we lagging so far behind in New Zealand?