I’m hardly a germaphobe. In fact, I’m usually pretty laissez faire about germs. However, after my poor three year old contracted chicken pox (despite having been vaccinated) and what her pediatrician suspected was H1N1 (they were no longer testing kids at that point) just one week later, I’ve started to become a bit more paranoid. That led me start looking online for organic disinfectants. Here are a few options that I found. Green Bean 100% Organic All Purpose Cleaner is made from Soy Bean extract. It kills germs without fumes, chemicals, or bleach. A gallon retails for $28.56 at worldcleaningproducts.com. Benefect Disinfecting Wipes are a good alternative to some of the harsher wipes that are commonly available. They are 100% natural and non-toxic. They come in a canister of 400+ for $34.99. You can purchase them at naturallyhealthyclean.com, where they also sell a number of other green cleaning aids. I know lots of people who swear by vinegar and/or hydrogen peroxide, too. They are as cost-effective as they are green. A recipe for a homemade disinfectant cleaner using vinegar and tea tree oil can be found at ehow.com.

This blanket from Kiwi Industries has a pleasingly simple, yet modern appeal. Perfect for a hip boy or girl, it features an attractive green and white vine print finished with a brown border. The flip side is a deep, solid green. It is made from 100% organic cotton for added comfort and peace of mind. You can purchase one for $34 at blackwagon.com. I think it would make a fun gift.

These fun dresses from Garnet Hill are perfect for everyday wear. Made from eco-friendly Green Cotton, they are a smart choice for kids and the planet alike. Best of all they are currently on sale for half off. You can purchase one for $18 at garnethill.com. Several different prints are available in a number of toddler sizes.

Here’s a fun shirt that both boys and girls can enjoy. Made from 100% cotton with water based inks, this shirt is eco-friendly and has lots of personality. It is available in sizes from 2T-6, and would make a great gift. You could make this part of your Halloween fun, but it is also perfect for wear  all year long. You can purchase one for $38 at polkadotpatch.com.

I just discovered a company that makes beautiful, eco-friendly blankets from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Lina Bean creates these beautiful blankets, such as this Cameron Fleece Green Bean blanket (in photo) trimmed with a modern leaf print in bamboo and cotton. They measure 28″ x 40″ and are very soft, comfy and cozy for your little one. The company sells regular, “non-green” plush blankets that are beautiful as well. You can view the array of blankets, bibs and more at LinaBean.net, where this blanket sells for $58.

Here’s a cute onesie that would be great for a little boy (or a girl). It has a great retro-inspired look that will keep your little one looking hip. Made from super-soft bamboo, it is as comfortable as it is cute. It features a sweet little space ship with the environmental message “reuse.” It is available in sizes from 6 months up to 24 months. You can purchase one for $28 at Sprout.

Here’s a chance to get a great summer top from celebrity favorite Lola et Moi without paying the celebrity price tag. This great shirt is a wonderful shade of green–a color I love on my daughters. It features a jeweled collar and an eye-catching pink flower. I think most little girls would love to wear this shirt. It also looks like it would be very comfortable in warm weather. I can see this paired with shorts, a skirt, or a pair of lightweight summer pants or capris. It would also look great layered under a denim jacket. While the original retail was $55, you can purchase one for $30 at embellishedmom.com. It is available in sizes 2, 4, and 6.

Last summer, when magazines started reporting that Angeline Jolie and Brad Pitt had spent thousands of dollars on chandeliers for their twins’ nursery, moms everywhere took notice. I’d like to think I’m pretty up on baby gear, but I never would have thought about a chandelier for my then baby-to-be’s room. In all honesty, I still don’t think I would, but I have started to take more notice of them when browsing online. I will say that this Pink and Green Leaf and Flower Chandelier caught my eye. It isn’ t over-the-top in the way that many similar products are. I really like the color scheme as well. I think it would look great in an understated floral or garden themed nursery. The chandelier retails for a rather steep $298. You can purchase one at thefrogandtheprincess.com.

Here is a great pair of spring shoes for any little girl. I’m a sucker for this shade of green. My three year old has a pair of shoes that are this color and it is amazing how many outfits they work with. I love the cute little flowers on the toe of this pair, and I would imagine that most little girls will be in love with them as well. They are available in toddler sizes from 2-8 at squeak when your little one walks. I’m not sure whether that would be fun or annoying, but the shoes are so cute that I’m not sure it matters. You can purchase a pair for $30 at forgetmenotkids.com. If green isn’t your thing, other colors are available as well. I find the navy to be especially striking.

 
Going green in the nursery? There are so many ways you can accomplish this; natural fibers, cloth diapers, and all-natural cribs. Celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban purchased the very best in eco-friendly cribs, the Q Collection Junior Solare Crib, made of ash and bent wood from “responsible managed forests” and a mattress support made of 100% recyclable material. Completely non-toxic and indoor air quality certified, it is really quite a bed for eco-conscious babies everywhere. It is $1220.00 at BabyEearth.com.

In a perfect world, we’d all have cribs made of earth friendly materials designed to sustain our world and create a better world for our children, but can most of us afford it? I found the Oak Americana Solid Wood Crib at PristinePlanet.com for $470, along with many other organic baby products.  At sagebabynyc.com, the Radius Crib is a non-toxic choice for $750. Have a look around; the cribs might cost a bit more but they could be very worth the expense.
 
 

In a room decorated in greens and browns (such as my youngest son’s nursery), this Green Frog Faux Leather Bookend from Streamline is a perfect accessory to really finish it off. Though it’s for ages 3 and up, I’d simply put it up high on my little one’s shelves, plop some books against it, and voila—instant style! It is whimsical and eye-catching with vivid colors and usefulness to boot. Sold for $49.99 at Amazon.com, it’s a gift possibility; it even comes in a drawstring bag. This happy frog is a great find.

I love Corky & Company’s fun coats for my daughters, and was recently excited to discover that they also make wonderful coordinating mittens.  Whether or not you own one of the coats, you may want to take a look at these fun mittens.  I know that it is much easier to get my daughters bundled up and out the door in the morning if they actually like their outerwear.  These fun, furry mittens are sure to be a hit. They are available in a number of colors and patterns, although I was immediately drawn to this great shade of green.  You can purchase a pair on sale for $8.25 at ForgetMeNotKids.com.

Want to start your little one out with lovable, eco-friendly toys?  Then look no farther than this adorable little teddy bear from FAO Schwarz.  Recommended for children ages 4 months and up, this super-soft bear is sure to become a cherished friend.  He is made from certified organic cotton and stuffed with non-processed cotton that is free of bleach or other chemicals. You will feel good about giving this toy to your child for so many reasons.  He would also make a wonderful baby shower gift. Best of all, the bear is currently on sale for $17.50.  You can snap one up at FAOSchwarz.com.

If you want to purchase an outfit for your baby that is both cute and socially responsible, check out this sweet little outfit from Heir.  I love the look of the Heir Goes Green for Baby Long Sleeve Set.  I’m not sure how easy it would be to keep this pristine white clean on an older baby, but it sure is pretty.  The top has the female symbol appliqued in a pretty floral fabric that really pops next to the clean white background. The same floral print is ruffled at the cuffs of the shirt and the hemline of the pants.

The outfit is made from 100% soft cotton.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this outfit go to help empower impoverished communities in Africa.  The set is available in sizes from 3-6 months to 4T.  You can purchase one for $50 at myprincesscloset.com. It would also make a great gift.

I just stumbled on this Saranoni Brown/Green Baby Blanket while searching for something else, and I think it looks incredible.  It is absolutely luxurious, with a soft plush that anyone would enjoy.  Each blanket measures 30″ x 40″, which makes it large enough for a toddler to use.  It would be perfect for use at home, or as a special nap blanket to take to daycare. (Don’t worry, it is machine washable).  One of these blankets would also make a thoughtful gift.

Best of all, the price is much less than you will pay for some similar blankets.  You can purchase one for $45 at ExpectedMaternity.com.