When the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside with your kids and go for a walk! Walking is great way to reduce your carbon footprint, be active and get some fresh air! If accessible, walk to the grocery store for your next haul, or take a stroll to your neighborhood park. Walking with your kids is also a fun way to have quality conversations while exercising.
Check out these ideas on our ABCs of Earth Pinterest board:
You’ll see on our product pages that we say our mattresses and accessories have a safer design with no flame retardants - but do you know why? Flame retardants seem to be a pretty good idea, since obviously no one wants their crib mattress or baby product to be flammable! But the truth is that as long as baby’s things aren’t made with highly flammable materials, there’s really no need for flame retardants to be added.
Flame retardants are found in many products, from baby mattresses and car seats to your adult mattresses, couches, electronics, and insulation material. Unfortunately, research is showing that chronic exposure to flame retardant chemicals can lead to many health hazards including endocrine disruption, cognitive delays, and decreased fertility. Babies are at particular risk since their bodies are still developing.
In fact, a study by the Environmental Working Group and Duke University found higher concentrations of flame retardant chemicals in children than adults. It’s increasingly important to avoid flame retardant chemicals in home products, especially products that your baby or child is in frequent contact with.
Pregnancy is stressful, both physically and mentally. While your body changes to accommodate a new little human, you’ll experience new sensations and stressors in all parts of the body. Plus, the emotional task of preparing for your new responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for first time parents. Some stress is to be expected, of course, but sometimes parents-to-be might experience prenatal anxiety that’s worth checking out with your doctor.
If you are experiencing worry, stress, and anxiety, consult your care provider (OB/GYN, midwife, therapist, general practitioner, etc.) to discuss methods for you to help reduce your anxiety and stress. This blog post will explore 8 ways to reduce your stress and anxiety during pregnancy - we hope that a few of our tips will be just what you are looking for!
1. Snack Smart: It’s tough when you’re fighting morning sickness, but long stretches without eating anything will tank your blood sugar and lead to bodily stress and anxious behavior due to the lack of available fuel for your brain. Try to graze throughout the day, especially on snacks rich in quality proteins and fats along with whole-food based carbohydrates (think nuts and seeds with dried fruit or veggies with hummus). Sugary treats in moderation are perfectly okay, but relying on them could affect your blood sugar and leave you feeling even hungrier.
Sarah G. says: “Macadamia nuts are quick anxiety fixes - great to carry in your purse.”
2. Reduce Caffeine: You probably already know this one, but pregnancy and caffeine don’t always mix well. Caffeinated drinks like soda, tea, and coffee can also increase anxiety symptoms and leave you feeling breathless and stressed out. With your doctor’s okay, figure out how much caffeine is right for you (ranging from almost none to 1-2 cups per day) and work on tapering down to your ideal level.
For some parents, finding the sweet spot of just the right amount was key to managing their stress when it came to a morning cup of java.
Katie C. says: “Having my one cup of hot coffee in the morning was my relaxing escape during pregnancy.”
Andrea H. says: “Waking up early to enjoy a hot cup of coffee can be the most relaxing moment of the day when you have other kids.”
3. Stretch It Out: Yoga can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Try a prenatal yoga routine to help stretch and soothe your body and mind. There may be a yoga studio in your area or you can check with your doctor or practitioner about poses and stretches that are safe for your pregnancy.
Kat B. says: “I did yoga in my first trimester to help reduce stress and practice mindfulness.”
4. Practice Mindful Breathing: Breathing technique isn’t all about labor and birth - practicing deep breathing techniques can also help you get a handle on your stress levels when you feel yourself start to panic. You can try a meditation app like Calm or Headspace, or just practice breathing in for a count of eight, holding for a moment, and exhaling for a count of eight. Start each morning with deep breath and a positive intention for the day.
Addie A. says: “Daily meditation, especially in the evenings for me, helped to alleviate the excess stressors. It allowed me to clear my mind so that I could focus on what was actually happening.”
5. Delegate and Say No: Many of us tend to try and have it all, do it all, and control it all. Involve your partner or a friend in handling some household chores or nesting activities that are overwhelming you. If you’re worried that nobody can perform a task the way you do it, ask yourself: is it better to get it done, or is it better to get it done “perfectly”? See what you can let go and allow someone else to take care of for you. The people in your life are here to help, if you’ll let them!
Briary R. says: “Knowing limits and saying NO is a huge one for anxiety and self awareness in pregnancy. You’re already taxed because of growing another human. Saying NO that you don’t want to do something or physically cannot is liberating for both stress and anxiety.”
6. Stick With Your Self Care Routine: Pre-pregnancy you may have had certain routines and rituals like a daily bath or an evening walk. Try to keep your routine as much as you can, with accommodations as your pregnancy advances. Taking a warm bath or shower can help you relax, especially if you include aromatherapy essential oils or candles. If you ever don’t have time for your full soak, take a sniff of your favorite scent - it’s associated with relaxation in your mind and will help you take a mental break.
Rachel C. says: “Keep up with your known and enjoyed hobbies as long as you can, and make sure to take time out for yourself.
7. Talk It Out: Join some parenting groups in person or on social media so you can establish a trusted place to talk out your concerns. You can also talk to a family member or friend, or even go to a therapist for a totally guilt-free third party to vent and talk to. Of course, you can also talk out any worries you have with your care provider.
Rachel C. says: “Join groups or find other moms-to-be to talk through your concerns with. You can find them online, in your community, and even some hospitals have parenting classes where you can meet people going through the same thing. Talk to others, especially your doctor or midwife.”
8. Set a Timer: Know that you will have stressful and anxious moments throughout pregnancy and as a parent. Everyone gets worried and stressed, and so will you. The important thing to remember is how to not let the stress overwhelm you. Establish a set amount of time you’ll let yourself go over all the what-ifs and worries. Jot any recurring stressors down to discuss with your doctor or therapist later.
Sara M. says: “Give yourself a fixed time period to go ahead and freak out. I had a high risk pregnancy and some of my anxiety was based on very real possibilities. When I couldn’t talk myself out of worrying about them, I set a time and let myself worry for fifteen minutes. After that, I took a hot shower until I felt better.”
Remember that stress and worry can be normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to handle it alone. No concern is too small, and no two pregnancies are the same. What worked for your best friend might not work for you, and what you experienced with your first baby may be completely different from later pregnancies. Anything that seems off is an acceptable reason to check in with your provider!
Are there any tips on this list that you want to try out, or do you have a favorite stress management tip to share with other pregnant parents?
We rounded up 5 Instagram Accounts you should follow right now to see these guys totally nailing fatherhood.
How To Be A Dad
Charlie and Andy at @howtobeadad are the two friends behind this awesome #DadLife brand, which includes more “what not to do” advice than actual tips on how to be a dad. Plus, a healthy serving of snark and humor. They have fun while handling the journey of fatherhood as best they can.
Fatherhood Without Fear
You’ve heard of Birth Without Fear? This is the dad version! Follow @dontforgetdads to see amazing photos of new and seasoned dads experiencing this crazy thing we call parenthood. There are some amazing photographs on this account, we can’t get enough.
Nerdy At Home Dad
James Estrada - @nerdyathomedad has been living it up as an at-home dad since 2012 and shares photos of daily life with his kiddo, J. His blog even features a weekly comic written and directed by his son. The force is strong with this dad.
Inside Martyn’s Thoughts
Delivering a mix of homeschooling and parenting advice, Inside Martyn’s Thoughts is the blog of a stay at home dad who handles the day to day like a pro. His blog and Instagram are full of recipes, education tips, and parenting lifestyle anecdotes. It’s a great mix of topics and you can follow @mr_kitney.
Life With Micah
Mike Quinones uses his website and Instagram to share the day to day raising of his son Micah, who is a serious cutie and who has Down Syndrome. Get your daily dose of adorable when you follow @lifewithmicah.
We hope you found a new account (or five!) - share your own recommendations for #DadLife accounts with us so we can fill our feed with awesome dads.
Please Note: The viewpoints of these Instagram accounts do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Lullaby Earth or Safe for Home Products LLC.
By: Jenni June, Certified Child and Family Sleep Consultant, CLC and Mom of 4!
1. Honor your own readiness.
No matter what anyone advises, don’t embark upon this journey until you feel ready, and you are prepared to be consistent, patient and committed to the process, for your child’s sake. Regardless of whether your child is ready or not, any amount of sleep training won’t go well if you don’t feel good about what you are doing. And if you don't feel good about what you're doing, you won’t have the confidence needed to provide one of the most important things for infant mental health: a simple, clear and consistent message. Sometimes timing is everything!
2. Create a simple, but well thought out plan.
Put it on paper, or work with a certified child and family sleep consultant to put a plan together for you. Don't waste your time by reading into all the fads out there! Most of the families who hire me have already read all the sleep training books, blogs, articles and mommy Facebook group postings one could possibly consume, only to be more confused and unsure than ever. The temptation to try a little bit of everything, toss it every 4-5 days when you become impatient and try something new is too great, and will most certainly make your sleep issues worse, not to mention buy your child additional days of struggle as they have to get used to another change.
3. Enlist an accountability partner.
Whether it's a supportive friend, grandma or your spouse, if you have chosen not to use a certified child sleep consultant. Choose someone who will be faithful to encourage you to stay consistent with your sleep plan and to be patient. Ideally, this person should be comfortable with you expressing your feelings, especially your doubt, anxiety or tears, rather than one who is uncomfortable with your feelings, dismissing them or trying to distract you when you just need to release your emotions. These are healthy, normal feelings around “change” -- even good change! Teaching your child, limit-setting or evolving your parenting responses to match your child’s temperament, as well as developing needs for sleep, can be hard emotional work, especially when your child is not particularly happy being outside of their comfort zones until they adjust to new routines. Having healthy support during this time for yourself will in turn give you the strength and ability to provide healthy, consistent support for your child.
4. Give your plan 21 days and remember what normal learning and progress really looks like.
It takes 21 days of perfect implementation of a new routine for any new habit to fully come together and take effect. And since your child is a human being and not a programmable robot, their progress throughout these 21 days will look a lot like ours whenever we are adopting a new lifestyle change, such as a new diet or workout routine. Some days we take two steps forward, then take one step back. Nobody has perfect sleep cycles all the time. Your child will have an “off” sleep cycle, nap or night of sleep once in awhile, but don’t let it discourage you and tempt you to give up and go backwards on your child. Be patient. Be a sure, steady place for your little one.
About Jenni June:
Jennifer Metter, founder of Jenni June™ LLC, is a Certified Child and Family Sleep Consultant, specializing in pediatric and adult sleep hygiene; A Certified Lactation Counselor, Host, Nationalspeaker, and Mom of 4!
With thousands of successful sleep cases under her belt since 2011, she is a valuable resource for everyday and celebrity parents all over the country, including Guiliana and Bill Rancic for the Style Network! And, she is the sleep training expert on The Doctors TV show! She is a practitioner member of the National Sleep Foundation and collaborative health care provider as a certified sleep coach for infants, children and adults for the Breathe Institute, and the go-to sleep trainer for LA’s top pediatricians!
Jenni is also a popular national speaker and guest on CBS, FOX, NBC news and the host of series, “Baby Care with Jenni June” and the resident sleep expert for the BabyLeague and FamiLeague Networks.
If you were to ask Jenni why she has joyfully dedicated her entire life to building up and equipping families (including her own, who are now all grown!), she will tell you, “Because the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” She is gifted in encouraging new parents to raise the standard of their significance.
Deciding what you need for a new baby is so overwhelming with all of the options in stores and so much research to do on the safest and healthiest gear for your new little one. We’ve put together a list of ten non-toxic baby items for your registry to make things easier!
1. Aden + Anais Organic Muslin Swaddles
Aden + Anais is the go-to brand for premium muslin swaddles, available in organic cotton and conventional options. We love the softness and easy-to-use of their muslin swaddles and think you will too! Check out their collections for a variety of adorable prints to coordinate with any nursery theme.
2. Bannor Toys Wooden Teether
You probably already know that babies put everything in their mouths, so make sure they have a safer option when it comes to teething relief! These wooden teethers made by Bannor Toys use sustainably harvested maple wood with a smooth sanded finish and no oils or finishes.
3. Boon Pulp Silicone Feeder
Mesh feeders are a great way to introduce food to your little one when they are ready for solids (check with your doctor - this is usually around six months or older), and Boon’s feeder is an ideal option made without plastic, using durable silicone instead.
4. Applecheeks Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are more affordable in the long run and much more eco-friendly than their disposable counterparts, but there’s a learning curve and a lot of apprehension for first time users. Luckily Applecheeks has a starter kit that will set you up for success if cloth diapering is something you want to try!
5. Bambo Nature Diapers
While cloth is great, sometimes you really just need the convenience of a disposable diaper for laundry day or an emergency backup in your bag. Bambo Nature diapers are made with renewable and eco-friendly materials for a healthier baby and healthier planet. They also make training pants, wipes, and more!
6. Charlie Banana Organic Cotton Wipes
Charlie Banana’s two-sided wipes are a top pick for the cloth diaper enthusiast (and they’re handy even if you never use them for a diaper change at all). Made with comfy cozy organic cotton, they’re machine washable for convenience and easy cleanup.
7. EZPZ Mats
Available in a full-size and mini-size, these silicone mats from EZPZ are perfect for finger foods and big kid meals. They combine a sectioned plate with a placemat that suctions to the table, significantly reducing overturned bowls and other messes.
8. Kiddy Star Bandana Bibs
Babies spit up and drool - luckily, they’re so cute that we keep them around even when they’re messy. These absorbent bandana bibs are perfect for keeping baby’s face clean all day long. Made with super soft organic cotton, they’re machine washable for easy laundering -- but definitely buy the eight-pack, you’re going to need them all.
9. OrganicKidz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle
Whether you’re nursing or formula feeding, you may be in need of a non-toxic baby bottle! OrganicKidz stainless steel bottles convert from baby bottle to sippy cup to water bottle without needing to purchase new cups each time your little one needs the next step up. Their Baby Grows Up Bottle Kit has all the accessories you need to go from baby to big kid.
10. Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable Crib Mattress
Baby sleeps up to 18 hours a day, which is all the more reason to invest in a quality crib mattress made without harmful chemicals. The Breeze combines a trusted waterproof crib mattress with a washable breathable pad, for maximum airflow without any hygienic worries. It’s easy to keep clean and provides a comfortable, healthier night’s sleep for your little one.
Happy Registering!
Keep these products in mind when you create your non-toxic registry in-store or online. And let us know about your favorite non-toxic nursery products!
The baby bump. It’s adorable, it’s a weird new center of gravity, and it’s something that makes strangers forget all about personal boundaries. During pregnancy, your body will shift and grow and change in all sorts of new ways. So how do you take care of your growing baby bump? Our tips and recommendations will help you keep a happier bump with healthier products.
1. Moisturize: As your bump grows, your skin is stretching and probably feels super itchy. Whether or not you’re prone to stretch marks, you need to keep your skin moisturized to reduce itchiness and promote healthier skin. We love Zoe Organics Belly Oil, Earth Mama Body Butter from Earth Mama Angel Baby and this Coconut Nourishing Body Cream from 100% Pure. Look for natural moisturizers like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, as well as Vitamin E.
2. Get Some Rest: Sometimes the best action you can take is no action at all. Sleeping through the night gets tricky as your bump grows and makes it hard to find a comfortable position. Get some rest whenever you can, with naps or breaks during the day, and put your feet up to reduce the pressure in your legs, ankles, and feet. Growing a baby is hard work! Find something on Netflix and take a break, mama. If you need a little help relaxing, try a pillow spray made with lavender or another calming scent, like this one from Goddess of Spring.
3. Keep it Clean: Lots of commercial body washes and soaps can be drying, which means you’ll be reaching for even more lotions to moisturize! Cut down on the quantity when you improve the quality of your body wash. Earth Mama has a Happy Mama Body Wash to go along with the Body Butter we already recommended above, with a pleasant ginger citrus scent and non-irritating formula for a happier bump. We also love Real Purity, with options like Hydrating Body Soap and a moisturizing Fragrance-Free Body Wash.
4. Practice Good Posture: Your growing bump is sure to make your center of gravity and your posture out of whack. Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe core exercises and pay attention to your posture, making sure your pelvis isn’t tilted to overcompensate for the weight of your belly.
5. Don’t Forget About Postpartum Care: Your belly may not have a baby inside anymore, but postpartum care should continue to include your healthier skincare routine - especially if you’ve had a C-Section. Earth Mama’s C-Mama Healing Salve is a great option to take care of a healing incision and reduce scarring. You’ve got enough on your plate with a new bundle of joy, so a high-quality skincare product is one less thing you have to worry about.
Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby bump!
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