Bedding

“At Little Marmara, we believe in simple things. That we should treat the environment as we would treat ourselves. That nothing should go next to our children’s beautiful skin that we would not place next to our own. That clothing for little people can and should be as artful and well made as clothing for big people. And that at no point from the cotton fields to our customers should the earth or any of its inhabitants suffer in the slightest for our cause.”

I included the site’s mission statment because it speaks of the thought and caring that is apparent in their organic products. One good example is this Yastk (Pillow/Bag) which they suggest can be used as a naptime companion for daycare, extended day pre-school, and kindergarten.

Personal items from home are so important to children at naptime. Children in daycare have a little more to deal with then stay-at-home children. Whenever we can make any part of their day a little less stressful we should definitely do it. A pillow is a small thing but it fits snugly in a child’s place.

The Little Marmara Yastk (Pillow/Bag) measures 11.75″ x 10.5″. Made from 100% organic Turkish cotton and low-impact dyes, it comes in Moss, Natural, and Eggplant. You can purchase one of these unique and thoughtful pillows for $28.00 at LittleMarmara.com.

If organic is worth doing once, it’s worth doing all the way. The Naturepedic Organic Changing Pad Set includes a Changing Pad, Bassinet Pad, Bassinet Pad (Oval), and Portacrib Pad.

There are many advantages to using these organic pads. The organic cotton cover has a clear 100% polyethlene food-grade waterproof coating. It’s non-allergernic and easy to clean. Keep a set at home or give a set as a baby shower gift.

Pick up a set for $79.00 at PiccoliniOnline.com.

A fire could start suddenly in your home from faulty electrical wiring or a wall heater without any warning. This Kovenex Child Safety Blanket is made from high-tech Basofil fiber that effectively blocks heat and flames.

It would be a good idea is to have one of these fire blankets in each bedroom, under your child’s bed for quick access in an emergency. Go through a dry-run fire drill with your kids - they’ll think its fun and you’ll have a little more peace of mind (I say “a little” because we moms never stop worrying!).

You can purchase the Kovenex Child Safety Blanket for $69.95 at OneStepAhead.com.

I can see something like this custom-made Noah’s Ark Canopy Crib (and dresser, toy box, and armoire) really growing on a person. It is painstakingly hand-painted with charming animals and, of course, the ark. There’s even bedding one can purchase to go with it.Though it strikes me as fairly boyish, it’s not limited to a boy or girl’s room; it’s fine for either.

I would accessorize with hand-painted canvasses depicting similar animals and perhaps a boat mobile for over the crib. Curtains in the orange of the animals featured on the crib would really add a punch to the room, but a more subtle color (also in a rug) would add a touch of class.

A splurge item for the upscale mommy at $1700, it can be found at ABaby.com. The other furniture is special order but not unattainable.

The only reason I never used one of these “wearable blankets” when my children were babies is that I just didn’t know about them.  If you’ve never tried the Halo SleepSack™ Wearable Blanket, I’d suggest you do.

First of all, it carries the recommendation seal from First Candle/SIDS Alliance abd it’s made from flame resistant polyester - so it’s safe for baby to wear! Secondly, this soft microfleece garment is trimmed in silky satin, zips downward (safely away from baby’s fingers) and comes in Soft Sky Blue and Pale Peony.

The Halo SleepSack™ Wearable Blanket comes in sizes NB (5-10lbs), S(10-18lbs), M(16-24lbs) and L(22-28lbs) and costs $33.50 at HannaAndersson.com.

If you are interested in outfitting your nursery with organic fabrics, you might want to check out these cute sheets from Q.  I always find myself drawn to elephant prints, and this design is fun and modern. It will fit in well with a number of nursery themes and color schemes, from the ultra modern to the more traditional.

The Q Collection Junior Organic Elephants Crib Sheet is made from organic cotton, so it is as friendly to the Earth as it is soft and gentle to your baby.  It is available in either a blue or a golden color.  Each fitted sheet comes packaged in a cute little matching bag.  You can purchase one for $40 at PiccoliniOnline.com.

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that an infant would want to be bundled up in a swaddling blanket.But swaddling provides warmth and security for an infant. It can keep him from being disturbed by his own startle reflex. He just needs to feel something close to the tightness and security of the womb. If your an expectant mom, go online for instructions on swaddling or purchase a book on this ancient art.

These muslin swaddling wraps by Aden+Anais have stretch and breathability to help keep baby from becoming overheated. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, and cost $44.00 per pack of 4 @ AdenAndAnais.com.

The Keys to the Chateau Blanket by Tres Couture is a vintage style cotton and mink blanket that was designed for and inspired by Tori Spelling. It measures 30″x36″.

Every baby needs at least one “for show” blanket! My kiddies all had one. As a matter of fact, one of my grown children (I won’t embarrass them) still has their “blankie.”

Go ahead, splurge a little, go a little crazy, they’re only at this time of their life once! You can buy one for $47.99 at Onespoiledbaby.com.

Most babies love to be swaddled.  My first daughter was almost always swaddled in the early days, and this meant that we needed all of the swaddling blankets we could get.  Of course, when she outgrew swaddling we were left with lots of little tiny blankets that we had no use for.  That’s one reason I was excited to receive a set of receiving blankets from SimplyBabyBlankets.

The innovative thing about these blankets is that they are extra large.  This causes no issues for swaddlling, but it makes the blankets much more useful.  At 42″ x 50″ SimplyBabyBlankets are significantly larger than traditional receiving blankets, so they will grow with your child.  While they are perfect for swaddling, they are also large enough to do double duty as a play surface for an older baby, or to cover a sleeping toddler.  You will definitely get plenty of use out of these blankets.

In addition to being very practical, these blankets are very cute.  There are a number of fabrics and patterns to choose from, so whether you are looking for something gender-specific, or gender-neutral, there is sure to be something that catches your eye.  You also get your choice of thread color for the blankets’ hems.  They also come neatly folded and tied with a sweet little bow.

I had a hard time taking them out of their bundle because they looked so nice. The company will include a gift message free of charge, and one of these sets definitely makes an impressive gift.  Each purchase comes with instructions for swaddling, which is great for new parents or parents, like me, who are a little out of practice.

A gift bundle of three blankets retails for $30, with free shipping.  You will receive an additional discount if you purchase 6 or more blankets.  Through October 31st, blog readers can receive an additional flannel blanket with any order of three or more blankets.  Simply enter the promotional code UPSCALEBABY when you checkout at simplybabyblankets.com.

The Jolie Classic Blanket was “designed for and inspired by Angelina Jolie’s classy and sophisticated style” by Tres Couture. Every baby needs at least one “for show” blanket. My kiddies all had one. As a matter of fact, one of my grown children (I won’t embarrass them) still has their “blankie.”

The Jolie blanket is made of brown satin and pink plush minky and measures 30″x36″. You can buy one for $57.99 at Onespoiledbaby.com.

The Organic Bumper Pad Cover by Pure Beginnings is a good way to keep your baby’s crib fresh and clean. This organic cotton cover is machine washable for eash care. I used to throw all of my children’s bedding into the dryer every night just to be sure they were dust free, smelled great, and were toasty warm. With these washable covers you can get the same effect for your baby’s safe, sound, sleep.

All beddings from Pure Beginnings are handmade, so allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. You can purchase the Organic Bumper Pad Cover by Pure Beginnings for $95.99 at Purebeginnings.com.

I am excited to start thinking about putting a nursery together for daughter number three, but the choices are overwhelming.  There are so many sweet bedding sets to choose from, especially for little girls.  I know that I want something that is somewhat unexpected, but I’m having trouble choosing just one print.  One of my top choices at the moment is this six piece Sea Holly set from nurseryworks.

I love the clean modern print that is the focal point of this set, and the pink color is feminine without being over the top.  The set comes with a fitted sheet, a pillow sham, a crib skirt, a bumper, and a pillow insert.  everything is made from 100% cotton poplin for natural comfort.  You can purchase the set for $355 at modernnursery.com.

Diaper cakes are all the rage these days for baby showers, and there are tons of fun designs on the market to choose from.  If you like the idea of a diaper cake, but want to make sure that you are making an environmentally-friendly choice, you might want to check out the cakes available at growinstyle.com.  What is great about these diaper cakes is that they have all the appeal of other popular cakes, but they are made completely from eco-friendly components.

The Sophie the Giraffe Cake is made of approximately 70 Earth-friendly diapers.  You have a choice between Seventh Generation or Baby NatureCare.  The cake also includes an organic onesie, an organic burp cloth, and organis receiving blanket, and a reversible organic blanket.  Finally, the set is finished off with some truly great treats–a Sophie the Giraffe teething toy (a classic European toy receiving a lot of positive press these days), an adorable Chan Pie Gnon teething toy from the same maker, a Natursutten natural rubber pacifier, a handmade dragonfly clip, and a 2.6 oz tube of Weleda Calendula baby cream, a product I myself swear by for diapering a new baby.

Any new parent will be delighted with this attractive, practical, and all-around eco-friendly gift.  You can purchase one for $140 at growinstyle.com, or check out the other great cakes available on the site.  There is one to fit any budget.

I am expecting my third cold weather baby, and I have learned that sleep sacks are an absolute must.  They are much safer than blankets, and they help keep babies feeling cozy and happy at night.  I have just discovered the great sleep sacks made by the French company Kaloo.

The Lilirose Sleep Sack is absolutely adorable.  You can tell just from a picture that it is luxuriously thick and soft.  It is clearly made from a different blend of fabrics than most of the sacks I currently have, many of which tend to pill. It is also much easier to use than many other similar sacks, since it opens on three sides, making middle of the night diaper changes much less of a chore.

The sack is designed to fit infants up to 6 months of age.  You can purchase one for $59.99 at MyStrollers.com.

The Moses Basket comes in a variety of materials and sizes. I like this particular style because it’s simple, roomy, and comes with an Organic Pad. This basket provides a safe, roomy, cool environment for babies to play and sleep.

This Moses Basket by Pure Beginnings comes with an organic cotton pad that is natural and more breathable for delicate skin. You can purchase it for $69.99 at Purebeginnings.com.