Apr
29
Dear SafeMama: Lawn Care
Filed Under Dear SafeMama | 9 Comments
My daughter-in-law is concerned about their neighbors use of lawn pesticides and weed killers ~ do you know of any safe products in this area? Thank you
Late last spring, when the weather finally decided to cooperate and allow me to open the windows, I was completely giddy. Opening the windows on a beautiful spring day is one those little joys in life, for me. Whenever it’s even remotely warm enough, I throw them open to air the house out of old stale air. But one day, I was sitting there and I smelled this foul chemical smell coming in and I couldn’t for the life of me figure it out. Until I looked down the street and saw that the neighbors were getting their lawn sprayed with chemicals from a well known lawn company. Of course, they’re well within their rights, but I slammed the windows shut and wondered WHY anyone would want to put that stuff on their lawn when they have small children who play constantly on it.
Living in a cookie cutter neighborhood, I want my lawn to be lush and green and pretty, but not at the expense of my family’s health.
There are a couple of options that I know about:
- Greener lawn care companies – There are a couple out there that I know of, but one that I see in our neighborhood on a regular basis is Natural Lawn Care of America. They use a more organic and natural alternative lawn care service.
- Good ‘ol vinegar and lemon juice - If spending money on lawn care isn’t your thing, you can use a mix of vinegar and lemon juice (undiluted) to kill your weeds. The problems with this are that a. you’re going to kill your lawn as well, and it takes quite a few treatments to kill the weeds, and it’ll only shock the ground for so long before new weeds appear. I did this last year and it worked on the weeds that I did spray, but we had so many weeds that it was impossible to keep up with. You can also always put a barrier down in your landscaping beds to keep the weeds at a minimum but weeds are like, well, weeds. Nothing but hard core chemicals deters them.
Of course, unless you’re very close with your neighbors, you can’t really delicately tell them that you don’t appreciate them using chemicals on their own lawn, but you can help keep your own lawn greener.
And this is where I turn it over to SafeMama readers. Any other advice? I’ve got limited knowledge on greener lawn care, as I don’t generally fuss too much with my lawn. Leave your answers in the comments.
Apr
28
BornFree Introduces BPA-Free Recyclable Bottles
Filed Under Bisphenol-A, product finds | Comments Off
BornFree™ was one of the first companies to start producing baby bottles made of BPA Free plastic back when some of us hadn’t even heard of Bisphenol-A. They are constantly taking the next positive step in baby care items and in the past year have expanded to things like stainless water bottles and pacifiers.
BornFree™ just released another new line of bottles that are totally recyclable, the Eco-Friendly BornFree™ Baby Bottle. The Eco-Friendly BornFree™ Baby Bottle is made of Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) which is a BPA, PVC and Phthalate free plastic and each bottle is made new, but can be returned to the company to be recycled into other household products like toys, furniture and household utensils.
BornFree™ Eco-Friendly baby bottles are durable and shatterproof so they’ll last the length of time you should only replace them / send them in for recycling when you have no more use for them. To return your BornFree™ Bottle for recycling, just contact them at 1-877-WWW-BORN. BornFree™ will pay for the postage too!
Where to Get Them: If you’re in the market for BPA Free plastic bottles you can pick up the new Eco-Friendly BornFree™ Baby Bottles on BornFree’s website – available in 9 oz. twin packs and 4 oz. twin packs. They aren’t in stores just yet but I imagine they will be eventually!
Apr
28
Review: Thermos Intak Bottle
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Product Reviews | Comments Off
I’ve been on the hunt for a stainless steel bottle. I do like my Sigg, which seems to be controversial among the green community. Personally, it works for me, but it was lacking a few things. One of those things was insulation. I had a few criteria for a new bottle, and this one fit most of them. One was obviously insulation. It also had to be big enough that I wasn’t refilling it every six seconds, and it had to have a spout. I thought that the Thermos Intak fit the bill.
When it arrived, I was disappointed that it didn’t have a spout, which is something I like to have, as I take it with me in the car, and unscrewing the cap can be a pain, but overall, it’s not that big of a deal, because the cap is attached to the bottle, so I can leave it unscrewed and it won’t make a giant mess.
What I do love is that it keeps water cold for a long time (up to 12 hours), and with summer coming, this will be a big plus. I leave my bottle on my night stand at night, and my water is still cold in the morning. It doesn’t sweat and it’s very sturdy. I haven’t been throwing it around the way my toddler does to his Foogo (which by the way still looks pretty good after a year and a half of being tossed around), but I will tell you, that if a band of ninjas came to attack me, I might stand a chance.
The Intak holds 26 ounces of water, which means that I’m taking more trips to the bathroom, than I am to my fridge to refill, especially these days. I bought this specifically for my upcoming hospital stay when we welcome our second child. Aside of that first shower, having constant cold water handy, is right up there on my list of musts after giving birth.
Get it: You can order the Thermos Intak from our favorite site, The Soft Landing. The Intak retails for $22, but you can save 10% by using the code “SF-10″ at checkout!
Apr
23
Dear SafeMama: Shower Etiquette, Reader Feedback
Filed Under Dear SafeMama, Phthalates Info, Product Safety | 29 Comments
I’m pregnant and have baby showers coming up and I’m pretty frustrated and worried with the baby gift shopping.
Here is what I don’t want:
1) People supporting companies that use BPA and other harmful chemicals to buy gifts for me. It feel like they’d be doing a very unhelpful thing in my name, and I don’t want these companies to be encouraged or benefit from what they are doing.
2) The waste. I try to be as green as possible and either use or donate everything. I ethically can’t donate a product that I wouldn’t use on my OWN baby to anyone. So what then – all these products I won’t use will end up in a landfill somewhere? It would be easier if I could just return the items I don’t want, but I noticed that a lot of these people coming to showers like to take products out of their original packaging or don’t include gift receipts.
How can I convey this information in my shower invitations? I don’t want to offend everyone, and I don’t want to come across as unappreciative. Do you think I should include an insert about what BPA is and why it is harmful? Should I go into some kind of explanation as to why I hope people will buy from different companies? Is there any way for me to do this with a little class without making some kind of horrendous etiquette faux pas?
Good morning SafeParents! No judgements here… this is a legitimate concern for many women now that things like BPA and Phthalates in baby skin care are on the forefront. What’s the best way to handle it? We received this question from a reader and while we have our own thoughts on handling baby gifts we thought we’d turn this one over to you. We’re interested in seeing what other parents would do or what advice you’ll have for her. We can imagine she isn’t alone in this scenario and we’d love your feedback. Comments are open on this entry for you to share your advice. We defer to you…
Apr
22
Earth Day: No More Plastic! Klean Kanteen Mom & Me Set Giveaway
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Giveaways Coupons | 89 Comments
Happy Earth Day! I thought bringing to attention today the vast amount of unnecessary plastic we use on a daily basis was a good way to start Earth Day. That wasted plastic could be eliminated from your daily life with one small item. A reusable water bottle. I know I know you’ve heard it all 1,000 times but really – in the grand scheme, it’s one small thing you can do to help our environment while drinking out of something that won’t leech chemicals into your water. From Earth911.com:
- Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year.
- Nearly 8 out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill.
- In 2006, it took more than 17 million barrels of oil (excluding the oil used in transporting the plastic) to produce plastic bottles.
- The manufacturing process of creating bottled water created more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
- Only 13 percent of water bottles are recycled.
Reusing your water bottle can really make a huge difference. Besides, think of the money you’ll save! Everyone keeps saying “In this economy…” and those people probably go out and buy flats of bottled water. Buying ONE reusable bottle can save you hundreds of dollars a year while saving the environment from unnecessary plastic and damaging resources.
That means the kids too! Now that we’re past “sippy cup” stage (well at least for my first one) we’re into the kids size Klean Kanteen for our daily water use. Klean Kanteen is made of stainless steel and comes with various fitting tops including a sippy spout (which is actually an Avent sippy spout which you can buy replacements for, all made of BPA/PVC/Phthalate Free plastic). It fits in most cup holders, doesn’t leak and looks pretty stylish. You can also use a sports top with it for older kids who are over the sippy spout.
Win A “Mom & Me” Klean Kanteen Set for Earth Day from WaterCheck.biz!
Our good friends at WaterCheck.biz have so generously offered a 12 oz. Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Sippy Top AND an 18oz. Klean Kanteen for Mom (or Dad!) to one of our loyal readers. If you haven’t heard of or checked out WaterCheck.biz it’s a great site to learn about and purchase water filtration products (they’ve got free shipping offers on their website too). Especially if you’re considering a home water filter – this is a great place to start your research.
To Enter to Win:
- Visit our wonderful sponsors website WaterCheck.biz
- Comment on this post and tell us what one thing you’ll be implementing in your life to help out the environment. It can be a little thing or a big thing… just let us know how you’ll make a new change in your life to help our the earth.
To Get Extra Entries:
- Tweet this giveaway and comment here with a link to your tweet (in a separate comment so it’ll get counted!)
- Add our cute SafeMama button (get the code on the lower right hand side of the site) to your blog or website and leave a comment here to show us where it is (leave a separate comment so it’ll get counted!)
- For 5 extra entries: If you can’t wait and decide to shop on WaterCheck.biz, let us know what you bought via email (safemama at gmail.com) please provide proof of purchase. You’ll get 5 extra entries!
One winner will be selected at random. Open to US residents only. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday April 29, 2009 at Midnight EST. Good Luck! CONTEST CLOSED
Congratulations Jill! Thanks to everyone who entered… don’t fret if you didn’t win, we’ll have more giveaways soon!
Apr
20
Green Toys & Earth Day Week Giveaway!
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Giveaways Coupons, Product Reviews, Toy Safety | 117 Comments
I know Earth Day is April 22nd but we’re treating the whole week like Earth Day. Besides, the Earth could use a little extra TLC, so 5 days instead of one sounds good to us. In honor of Earth Day Week we’re reviewing and giving away some environmentally friendly goodies, reviewing products and bringing attention to some ways we can help teach our kids how to take better care of the planet.
To kick off, we’re starting with a review of one of our favorite companies, Green Toys. The Green Toys company was started in California with the hopes of focusing on an alternative to plastic toys that promote recycling, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and increase the overall health and happiness of the planet. All of their toys are made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs (HDPE) which saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. All their toys are BPA, Phthalate and PVC Free AND are all made in the USA without any toxic or lead risky paints. Also (and I think this might b my favorite thing: All Green Toys products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. No twisties or waste… just plop the cardboard in your regular recycling.
But are they good toys?
In a word, YES. If you think about traditional plastic toys, how many times have you been left with something that cracked, broke an inevitably ended up in the trash. Especially those cheap sand toys for the beach. We tried out Green Toys Sand Play Set recently and we were wow’ed by the great quality.
Living in Florida, going to the beach is a regular occurrence for us (keeps the kids busy!) so we trekked down there with our Green Toys Sand Play Set and gave it a good beating. My husband, unknowing of the test, was heard saying “Hand me the GOOD shovel!” referring of course to the Green Toys shovel. These are far more sturdy than any of the cheap plastic shovels and pails we’ve had (and recycled due to cracking or breaking). They’re really sturdy and my son now prefers these over the rest of his sand toys. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed.. and the eco-friendly nature of the creation process and the company make me love it more.
Green Toys has an adorable selection of toys (if I had a girl I would so be getting the Tea Set!) including Play Dishes, Jump Ropes, Frisbees, a Tool Set (I see owning this in my future – I’ll soon have 2 boys in the house) and how cool is this Recycling Truck?
Win A Green Toys Sand Play Set!
Green Toys is giving one of our lucky readers a Green Toys Sand Play Set! Woo! I know you’ll love it as much as we do. To enter:
- Visit GreenToys.com
- Leave a comment on this post and tell us what Green Toys product you think your kids would love. If you already have a Green Toy tell us which one and why you love it!
Extra Entries:
Follow us on Twitter and comment here to confirm. If you already follow us, Tweet this giveaway and link the tweet back here in the comments for an extra entry. (Please submit a separate comment so your extra entry will be counted)
One winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway available to U.S. residents only. Entries accepted until Friday April 24, 2009 at Midnight EST.
Giveaway Closed! Congratulations to Jennifer H for picking up a Green Toys Sand Play Set. Thank you to everyone who entered and helped promote the giveaway on Twitter. We hope you’ll participate again as we have more to come!
Apr
18
Over The Rain Dough Giveaway!
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Toy Safety | 96 Comments
I’m cleaning out the SafeMama™ sample closet and have some stuff I’d like to give away to our faithful readers. First up is a set of Over The Rain Dough play dough in 6 colors/scents. You might remember our Play Dough Showdown earlier this month and this dough was one of the ones we reviewed.
Over The Rain Dough is made from all natural organic ingredients, 100% plant based coloring and essential oils for the scents. It comes in a “rainbow” of six 6oz colors/scents including Lemony Yellow, Cinnamony Brown, Peachy Peach, Vanilly White, Berry Pink, and Purply Grape. We had high hopes for this brand because of it’s conscious nature and organic recipe.
Win It!
To enter:
- Leave a comment on this post and tell us what rainy day projects YOU like to do with the kids!
Extra Entries:
Follow us on Twitter and comment here to confirm. If you already follow us, Tweet this giveaway and link the tweet back here in the comments for an extra entry. (Please submit a separate comment so your extra entry will be counted)
One winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway available to U.S. residents only. Entries accepted until Friday April 24, 2009 at Midnight EST.
Giveaway Closed! Congratulations to Val for winning a set of Over The Rain Dough! If you didn’t win don’t worry, we have lots of giveaways to come and we ope you’ll participate in those too. Thanks to everyone who entered and helped twitter the giveaway!
Apr
16
Dear SafeMama: “Eco-Friendly” Swingsets
Filed Under Dear SafeMama, Eco-Mama | Comments Off
I would like to buy a small slide/swing set contraption for our backyard…. can’t find an eco-friendly place to go… wood versus plastic… just want a small something for young kids and am having trouble figuring out where to look…. thanks!
Welcome to my personal hell. With a new baby on the way, going to the local pool and park are going to be somewhat limited, so I’m trying to look for options for our backyard to offset the whole boredom factor for my son. We’re lucky in that we have a swing set that came with our house, however, it’s geared towards kids that are a little bit older, so he can really only use a portion of it. It’s also starting to look worn and in need of repair soon.
I’ve been going back and forth in an internal debate. Do I buy something plastic, or do I go with something wood? Neither of these options are particularly eco-friendly. The resources used to manufacture most plastic or wood sets are not entirely ideal. But there are things you can do to be more eco-friendly in the process:
- Check classifieds. Places like Craigslist or eBay are great places to search for something used. Buying these items new are not only expensive, but they’re adding to the problem. Buying them used, extends the life of something that may prematurely end up in a landfill, and kids don’t really care whether or not it’s shiny new or if it’s used. To them, it’s a new toy. Drawbacks: Items like Little Tikes and Step 2 are extremely hard to find and when you do find them, they go really fast.
- Ask your friends. If you have any friends whose kids are older and have outgrown their old play sets, ask them if they’d be willing to sell it to you. Again, a great way to extend the life of something.
- Choose recycled. I did happen to come across a couple of options, however, these sets look more like professional playground sets, or something only someone very rich could afford. I.E. I’m not going to even show my son those links.
My choice, if I can’t find something used on Craiglist or the like, is to suck it up and buy something new in the plastic version. I’m not really proud of myself, but I look at it this way: Both Little Tikes and Step 2 products hold their value used. Once my children outgrow these products, I can either sell it later on Craigslist and put it towards something else, or I can donate it to a local preschool or daycare and write it off on my taxes. Either way, the life of these products will be extended after my children are done with them. I’m steering clear of wooden sets, because the majority of them are treated with things like pesticides and arsenic. So while I could theoretically turn around and sell it later, I don’t want to expose my children in the meantime, nor would I want to expose other children later on. Again, there are natural untreated sets out there, but I have to send my kids to college and even though I have a relatively large yard, there’s no way one of these monstrosities would fit back there.
So, in a way, I didn’t really answer your question. But hopefully, I gave you some direction on where to go. My opinion (and take it for what it’s worth) would be to start with Craigslist (or even someplace like Freecycle.org. I’ve seen some people get some really awesome things off of there. If you have the time to dedicate, you may find what you’re looking for) and go the used route first.
Reader Feedback
SafeMama Melissa writes in…
“There is a great company called Cedar Works that uses 100% northern white cedar harvested in Maine-…..‘Used for centuries in boat building and other outdoor products, northern white cedar is the longest lasting natural and splinter-free wood used in wooden outdoor swing sets. No other wood species meets our discriminating requirements for strength, long life, and no splinters without chemical treatments, paints or stains.’ And CedarWorks will donate a two-year-old cedar seedling to an environmental group or small woodlot owner for every catalogue requested, as well as one for every family that purchases a playset. It’s all part of their ReCedaring program. And though this qualifies as one of the those natural untreated monstrosities out there, the different thing about Cedarworks is that YOU design it yourself on their website so that it fits your yard and your budget!
Apr
15
Review: All Things Jill Maternity Skin Care
Filed Under Skin Care | Comments Off
At 26+ weeks pregnant I am already immersed in my “please don’t let me get any stretchmarks” belly rub down routines. As you may very well know, stretchmarks are a natural and hereditary part of the process. Many times, it’s just unavoidable and there’s no magic cure. But you can keep your skin conditioned and primed for the big stretch which will (hopefully) keep them to only the required amount (we can dream right?) but will also help alleviate itchiness and keep skin happy while it makes changes.
Our friends at Nayla Natural Care, a fabulous online store based out of Canada, sent us some samples of the skin care developed by All Things Jill. I’ve been using the All Things Jill Beautiful Belly Balm for the past few weeks and am really loving it. The only ingredients are cocoa butter, shea butter*, mango butter*, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, beeswax, rosemary extract, essential oils of mandarin*, lavender*, white grapefruit* & rose geranium (* = certified organic). I love products with just a few ingredients that still feel like a treat.
I’ve typically always used belly oil but this is far less messy. I can put it on in bed and not get it all over the place. If you do like oils, All Things Jill also makes a Mama Mia Massage Oil that works just as well for a belly oil. I tend to like applying oils after a shower and keep the balms for bed time. This one has a light scent and doesn’t overpower you. She also offers a Mandarin Stretchmark Oil that contains “healing oils” like avocado oil, wheat germ oil, calendula oil, vitamin E oil to help heal and moisturize forming or existing stretchmarks.
Get It: I love this line for its minimal yet natural and certified organic ingredients. Totally chemical free. Thank you to Nayla Natural Care for introducing us to All Things Jill. You can pick up these or a gift pack of All Things Jill Mom-To-Be Survival Kit on NaylaNaturalCare.com. Ships to Canada & U.S!
Apr
14
Greening your hospital stay.
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Safe Mama Tips | Comments Off
With the impending birth of our second child on the horizon, I’ve given a lot of thought to packing my hospital bag and what I used last time and what I’ll definitely want to bring this time. Being a little wiser, and greener, I’ve given consideration on how I can minimize my environmental impact, while also keeping in mind that I’ll have just had a baby, so I need to be realistic. I’m not the greenest person on the plantet by far, but the amount of waste that a hospital creates is insane. If you’re planning on giving birth in the hospital, there are steps you can take to be a little greener.
Diapers.
In general, the hospital will supply diapers for you during your stay, which makes things easy. When we stayed in the hospital with the birth of our son, I made sure to take every single pack of diapers in the room, if they weren’t nailed down. But that was before I decided on cloth. Now, while I would love to bring my cloth diapers with me to the hospital, it’s not practical. Possible, yes, but definitely not practical given that you’re already exhausted, sore and have limited resources. If it’s something you can pull off, then I commend you, but there are other greener alternatives to conventional disposables.
- Seventh Generation Diapers – Seventh Generation are my favorite disposable brand. They work best on my son when I need to use disposables. While they’re not any more biodegradable than your conventional diapers, they’re chlorine free, fragrance free and free of any of the awful chemicals that regular diapers have. These will be accompanying me to the hospital when I give birth.
- Nature Babycare Diapers - I had the opportunity to try these out and I love them, but they weren’t readily available and given my gestating status, I usually don’t realize that I need diapers until I needed them yesterday. These are really great diapers because they’re also all natural, compostable and biodegradable. Everything about these diapers are eco-friendly, and the little leaf design on them is adorable.
- gDiapers - g diapers are another great biodegradable alternative. They may be a little more cumbersome in the hospital, but the liners are flushable (check with your hospital before you flush them if you decide to use this system while you’re there) and unless you have a blowout, you can reuse the diaper and the snap in liner (the snap in is really easy to wash with some warm soap and water and dries in a few minutes.).
Wipes
Wipes are another thing that they do supply in the hospital. My hospital supplied just basic paper towel like wipes that you simply wet down, which are great from a chemical free standpoint, but if your hospital supplies disposable wipes, they may be a brand that harbors unfavorable chemicals. Again, if you’re planning on being brave and bringing your own cloth wipes to the hospital, hats off to you, but here are a couple of different wipes brands we love:
- Whole Foods 365 Brand – I actually love these the best out of any of the “healthier” wipes brands out there. They’re bigger and sturdier than other brands, and when you have a toddler, the last thing you want is a wipe that won’t function. I use less wipes, and I rarely worry about getting, um, poop, on my hands.
- Seventh Generation Baby Wipes - Seeing as how we’re fans of Seventh Generation, these are another great alternative to cloth wipes when you’re out and about (or in the hospital).
- Nature Babycare – I loved these wipes when I tried them, but again, they didn’t have them readily available. I generally use cloth wipes at home, so I don’t really go through a lot of disposables, but since these are also biodegradable, I highly recommend these for your hospital stay. Bonus! They also make biodegradable bags. This would be great for a hospital stay, and also if you’re out and about, or traveling.
Baby Accessories
Again, bringing as much as you can from home, without having to rent a U-Haul, is key. Although, I will tell you, for the love of all that’s holy, take the hospital grade aspirator home with you. Tell them you lost one and take two. This was invaluable advice that was given to me (by Kathy, I believe) and we still use that thing to this day. Literally. I’ve been using it for the last two weeks. Of course, there are things you can do in the interest of health, and things you can do to create less waste at the hospital, but disposable things are going to be thrown away, no matter how you cut it. So pick what will work for you and use stuff that the hospital gives you if it’s just going to be thrown away anyway.
- “Un Petroleum” Jelly - If by chance you need petroleum jelly for something, this is another one of those things that the hospital will supply for you, and you can save them the trouble of having to give you some, by bringing your own safer alternative. We love this stuff and I feel better knowing that it has no harsh chemicals. It’s a nice sized tube, so it’ll last you awhile and you’re not creating excess waste.
- Formula and bottles – If for some reason you’re not planning on breastfeeding (and really, no judgment here, we realize that it’s not possible in all situations). Bring your own formula to cut down on waste. They go through TONS of those little nursettes and while they’re easy (and definitely add to your formula supply), they create so much waste. Bring a few bottles with you to the hospital and a small sample of dishwashing detergent. Again, this is definitely personal choice. You’ll be exhausted and we won’t be up in your grill if you do choose the nursers (I don’t really remember much of my hospital stay, I was that tired). But you know, if you do bring your own, this is the time where your husband or partner can really shine (bottles, that is).
- Baby skin care – Granted, you won’t be giving your baby a full bath in the hospital, but if you want to give them a sponge bath before you go home (also great to do with a nurse present if you’re first time parents, so that you don’t feel totally clueless when you get home), bring your own baby care products. And opt for full sizes, so that you don’t have to create extra waste by loading up on samples. Our safe skin care cheat sheet is a great resource if you’re not sure of what’s out there.
Accessories for Mama.
Of course, you’ve just given birth and while you can’t have all of the luxuries of home, you can bring some things that are not only pampering, but at the same time, reduces your impact.
- Your own water bottle – If you don’t have one already, treat yourself to a new stainless (or safer plastic) water bottle. You’re going to need to stay very well hydrated after going through childbirth, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Not only will this reduce your husband taking a million trips to the water dispenser at the hospital (because sure they give you a pitcher, but the water eventually gets warm, ew), you won’t be using disposable cups. I LOVE my Thermos Intak, but really, any stainless is a great choice as it insulates your water for longer periods of time.
- Toiletries - There is never a shower that you will look forward to more, than the one you’re finally allowed to take after giving birth. If you’re delivering your first child, trust me when I tell you, to bring your own toiletries. I made the mistake of forgetting my toothpaste and the stuff that the hospital supplies, is horrible. Not only are you reducing your impact by not adding to hospital waste, but most of the stuff they provide you with, really sucks. So pack your own stuff. If you already have smaller travel containers, and want to carry smaller amounts, go for it, otherwise, skip the sample sizes.
- Towels – You’re going to have dirty clothes, therefore, you’re going to already have a bag of laundry that you’re bringing home with you, so bring your own towel. Again, not only is this reducing excess water consumption (in their laundry department, that is), but hospital towels are crap. I’m not saying to bring your best set of towels, but even an older towel from home that you might not care about as much, is definitely better than the standard hospital towel.
- Reusable breast pads - Again, you’re going to have laundry, and breast pads really don’t take up much room in the grand scheme of things, so putting these in your bag instead of disposables, again, will help cut down on excess waste.
Of course, we could go crazy and recommend a million things to help lessen your impact, but some of them are just not practical. Like bringing your own cloth maxi pads. Trust me, you’re going to want to use the disposable stuff that they give you in the hospital. The aggravation is just not worth it. And if you have any other ideas, definitely contact us, and we’ll happily add it to the list. Especially if it’s something you did in the past and it worked out for you. Again, we realize that you’ve just given birth, so we’re trying to be as realistic as possible.
Enter to win a $50 Gift Card from Better Baby Bums! Ends March 10th!
Giveaways on Mommy Likes
Win some Episencial Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath fromSproutBaby.com! Ends March 19th!
Win a Boon Squirt Baby Food Feeder from Boon, Inc! Ends March 12th (extended!)
Win a Silicone Stroller Sign from MamaBears.com! Ends March 10th!
Giveaways on LovelyMama
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