Even babies are going green, and not just with their organic strained peas. In fact, organic has come a long way from just being about food. Manufacturers of woods and textiles are choosing organically grown materials. This means organic wood baby furniture and organic cotton blankets, bedding and clothes. Eco-conscious parents are choosy about the gifts they'll keep and use for their babies, so choosing something organic and eco-friendly at heart will not only please the environment, but the growing family as well.
Diapers & Wipes
New parents will need all the diapers and wipes they can handle. If they're using organic diapers or cloth diapers they're likely to appreciate a boost to their collection, as even though these items save money in the long run, they can be expensive up front. Diapers come in different organic forms. Cloth diapers are usually made from organic cotton or bamboo fillers. Diaper covers made from organic wool are some of the most effective moisture barriers you can buy due to the naturally present water resistant lanolin. Disposable diapers also come in organic, unbleached versions. These are good for those classic baby shower diaper cakes.
Bedding
Baby blankets are popular gifts because they're symbolic of bringing baby home and are easily customized to match the nursery or to contain the baby's name. Quilters and sewers can choose from organic fabrics like organic cotton, organic bamboo and organic cotton-based fabrics like flannel, terrycloth and corduroy. Non-crafty people can purchase blankets made from the same types of materials, like the Pure Beginnings quilted baby comforter (see Resources). If you want to take this gift one step further, you can purchase entire bedding sets that include crib sheets, mattress covers and bumper pads.
Toys
Organically Baby (see Resources) carries a line of plush toys made from all organic cotton fabrics and batting. They also carry classic wooden toys made from organic wood from organically grown trees. Their line also includes organic teething rings and balls.
Clothes and Shoes
One of the best parts of any baby shower is the "ooooh" and "aaaaah" that comes from the audience as the mother-to-be opens package after package of baby clothes and tiny socks and shoes. All of these items are available in organic versions. Organic clothes and shoes aren't restricted to large retail shops either. Some Target and WalMart stores have begin carrying clothing made from organic fabrics. These items are made from the same organic cotton ad bamboo based fabrics as blankets and bedding and are colored with organic plant-based dyes.
Bath
Cuddles & Gifts (see Resources) carries a baby bath gift basket. It includes sleepers, towels, plush toys, soaps, wash cloths and baby bath towels all made from certified organic ingredients. You can also make your own organic bath gift basket using similar items of your choosing. Check the label to look for the "Certified Organic" seal on your product before adding it to your basket. Read the ingredients on the label to look for things like "organic essential oils." Wrap the basket in an organic receiving blanket or bath towel to make even the packaging useful to the new mother.
Furniture
Big ticket items, like cribs and changing tables come in organic versions as well. These items are crafted from organic wood. Organic wood differs from other woods in that the trees are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides and the wood is not treated with anti fungal lumber chemicals during processing. Shelves, bassinets and Moses baskets are similar gift ideas crafted from the same types of materials. If you're looking for something more fun and less expensive, you can opt for organic wooden blocks or an organic wooden rocking horse. Look for unfinished products and add your own low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint and stain or ask your sales representative if the paint and stain are eco-friendly and low in toxins. VOCs are toxic emissions that have been shown to be hazardous to your health and to pollute our air and water.
