Eco Friendly

“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 you’ve visited the beaches this summer, you know that you are more than likely to see signs of human impact on the environment: disposable diapers, plastics, aluminum cans, etc. scattered along the beach or washed up in the waves. You have to drive well out of your way to find a “clean” beach for your children to play on. It can be discouraging but one thing we can do, and teach our children to do, is to use products that are trying to not be part of the problem.

This Recycled Plastic Sand Play set by Green Toys is made from 100% recycled plastics, and is phthalate free and BPA free. The bucket and shovels are not fancy or brightly colored, they don’t sparkle or make musical sounds - but on a sandy beach, all your child needs and wants are the tools to let his imagination build.

The Sand Play Set includes:
1 Bucket
1 Sand castle mold
1 Shovel
1 Rake

You can buy a set for $16.98 at KangarooBoo.com

I love simple and comfy clothing for children. This Sunshine Yellow Organic Cotton Tank Dress by Kate Quinn brings to my mind memories of lazy summer days with my children. There’s no hurry to the day and shoes are optional. The only hurry is to hurry up and have fun. Just slip this adorable Tank Dress over your little girl’s diaper or swimsuit and enjoy the day, pick some flowers or start a garden.

Made from super soft original organic cotton rib and accented with Vanilla Trim, this dress features shoulder straps and cute pockets. It is certified organic by Agreco from seed to finishing with fair trade practices.

The Organic Cotton Tank Dress comes in sizes 12-18mos, 18-24mos, and just one color - sunshine yellow.

You can buy one for $32.00 at PurBebe.com.

I am always a sucker for cute hooded towels.  In all honesty, I never end up using them much after the earliest infant days, but I am always drawn to them, especially when they are cute and attractively packaged.  I find this organic hooded elephant towel from 3 Sprouts to be especially appealing.  First of all, the towel is made from organic cotton, so you can feel extra good about wrapping it around your little one.

As your child gets older, he or she will no doubt appreciate the cute little elephant as much as you do.  I for one love his little button eyes and polka dot ears. They also come in chicken and frog patterns

The towel, which is a favorite of celebrity parents, comes folded up neatly and tied with a ribbon, making it perfect for gift-giving.  You can buy one for $36 at BellyMaternity.com.

Something of a puzzle, which I know appeals to my son, the triangle patterned “Trix” toy by Haba is a mind stimulator. I like that it’s brightly colored, made from natural products (hardwood), and something mom or dad can play along with as well (without getting too bored.)

It’s simple, which some parents appreciate, choosing natural and less stimulating toys for their little ones, and it’s not overly pricey. At $5.95, you can’t really lose.

I found it at BekahKates.com and think it’s a toy worth adding to the play room.

I’m a sucker for bath products, especially if they are baby-safe and have cute packaging.  My latest discovery is this great line from Grandma El’s.  All of the products are made from all-natural and organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry that you are exposing your little one to potentially harmful chemicals.

This gift set includes a sampling of the company’s products.  You receive a jar of Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention ointment, a bottle of Tear-Free Gentle Baby Shampoo, and a bottle of Tear-Free Gentle Baby Wash.  The set also comes with an organic washcloth so you can pamper your baby in eco-friendly luxury.

These products are sure to leave both you and your baby smiling.  I love the cute little bottles, too.  Whether you buy this as a gift, or keep it for your own family, you won’t be disappointed.  You can buy this set, or other Grandma El’s products at babyuniverse.com.  The set retails for $36.96.

I found this beanie to be a little odd looking. Three randomly placed buttons adorn the hat, reminding me of some sort of strange, three-eyed furry animal, not something I’d soon be placing on my baby’s head. However, Baby Mabel’s Sweet & Sour Hand Knit Beanie is hand-knit and looks perfectly cozy and soft.

Available in sizes newborn and toddler (add $4) and in two colors (blue and pink), it’s something of a conversation starter and certainly something that could be laid in with a gift basket full of other goodies to complete a layette. It’s found at Babymabels.com for $28.00.

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’m not big on sullying the name of Shakespeare with pee quotes, but I do have a sense of humor and can see the fun in this Shakespeare Funzie by Hoity Toys. However, that’s not to say I would buy it for my own baby. I do like the crisp white of the onesie, (called a “Funzie”), and the price is right ($11.) The picture is colorful and the writing simple and understated, things I like in baby clothing.

The Funzie is 100% cotton and offered in 0-3 M, 3-6, and 6-12 M sizes. It’s a conversation starter and eye grabber for sure. To buy or not to buy? Find your Funzie at Hoitytoys.com.

Fans of organic girls’ clothing will love this sweet little dress from the European company hessnatur.  This organic infant dress is made from 100% certified organic cotton and no chlorine bleach is used in the process.  It has a simple, sleeveless cut with gathers at the neck.  The red and pink floral print is very feminine, but this is one dress that will not restrict your daughter’s movements.

The dress can be worn by itself in the warmest weather, or layered, as shown on cooler days.  It comes in sizes from 3-6 months to 12-24 months.  You can purchase one for $25 at hessnatur.com.

Jessica Alba recently purchased a Serena & Lily Market Sling for her new baby, and it is easy to see the appeal. The sling has a very earthy vibe about it, and yet it is quite stylish at the same time. This hand-embroidered sling is made of 100% organic cotton to be as gently and soft to your baby as it is kind to the Earth. Your commitment to your child and to the environment will be obvious to others whenever you use this sling.

The sling is made of one piece that eliminates the need for buckles or straps. You simply slip it on and you are ready to go. It is available in three sizes and various colors. You can purchase one for $129 at Babybox.com.

From the name of this item I thought the Kid Kushion Gummi Crib Rail Cover was made from Gummi Bears! But no, Gummi refers to your baby’s “gums” and the teething urge they have to “gum” everything they can get their hands on. I can just see my children at that age, standing in their cribs, holding on to the rail and chewing on the hard plastic or wooden material. They’re just doing what comes natural and is soothing to them, so this product is a real help!

The Kid Kushion Gummi Crib Rail is non-toxic, non-vinyl, and non-phthalate so you can relax when you see them massaging their little gums. The crib rail cover is 50″ long and can be trimmed to fit fat rails, skinny rails, round or square rails.

Price: $12.99 at RightStart.com.

Giving a gift that is environmentally safe goes a long way to helping others become aware of the benefits of using materials that are organically grown. This is the thought that went into creating the Organic Gift Set by Kate Quinn Organics. Most of us just don’t think about the environment when we’re buying clothes for ourselves or others.

The gift set includes a Knot Hat, Infant Sacque and Blanket, all made from Certified Organic Cotton by AGRECO, a USDA Accredited Certified Agent. This is not only a lovely and appropriate shower gift but it’s a good conversation starter on a very important topic - and it’s better for baby’s delicate skin too.

Price: $74.00 at Bohmo.com.

Having a sanitary area to change your child is important, but sometimes you must improvise. The Manhattan Momma Patemm Pad is a changing pad that actually folds into a diaper bag. When folded, the Patemm Pad measures 9×9x2. It unfolds into a 28 inch round. This unique changing pad also has large pockets for diapers and wipes, and enough room for an extra set of clothes. Made from latex-free oilcloth, it has an easy clean up.

The Manhattan Momma Patemm Pad was invented by a mom and has received national and international acclaim by parents, caretakers and the media. It is available in both blue and pink. Price: $49.94 at Littledudesanddivas.com.

I like this picture. It looks like they’re holding something green from the good earth! These days moms are more aware of how their household and family products are manufactured, especially products that our children will be using. Even more so when it’s a baby product, like bottles.

I thought as long I sterilized them between feedings that I was doing the most for my child, but I could have been doing more. Green to Grow Baby Bottles are free of phthalates and bisphenol A (a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical used in polycarbonate plastic from which most baby bottles are made). They are also free of lead and PVC. Whew! How did we survive?

It’s a little scary but it’s important to know. The replaceable nipples are also made from non-toxic, heat-resistant medical grade silicone. Comes in Beginner (slow-flow), Intermediate (medium flow), and Expert (fast flow) speeds to choose from. Dishwasher safe. Price: $8.99 at cheekymonkey.com. Be safe.