Babywearing
This one will obviously not be within everybody’s budgets, but your mama friend will thank you until the cows come home for one of these: Ergobaby OMNI 360 Baby Carrier. Babywearing, especially in the early months, is a fantastic way for baby to form a secure attachment to mama, while allowing her to be active and have her arms free. These carriers will last for years as they are designed with a growing baby in mind – the NEW Omni 360 Carrier is an inward- and forward-facing, newborn-ready baby carrier that delivers better-than-ever comfort and ergonomics without the need for an Infant Insert. This easy to use carrier offers all carry positions and adjusts to support babies from newborn to toddler (3.2-15kgs). The Omni 360 features a uniquely variable bucket seat that evolves as baby grows. The seat supports baby in the recommended hip-healthy ‘M-Shape’ seated position across all carry positions, including forward facing. Importantly for the mamas, it also sports new features like lumbar support, extra-cushioned crossable shoulder straps with easy-to-reach buckles, and the bonus of a new detachable pouch perfect for keys and phone.
Natural Toys
Feel like giving a toy or two for the little one? There are a bazillion gazillion cheap, colourful, plastic toys on the market. But in this day and age – as we wise up to the toll these cheap toys really take on the environment, the people producing them, and of course our own health – many mamas are being more selective about what they allow into their babies hands (and mouths). Maud’n’Lil has created a gorgeous collection of organic baby rattles, baby comforters and organic soft toys for newborns and/or sensitive children. “Oscar” the Bunny certified organic cotton comforter is somewhere between a blanky, a bunny plush toy and a dummy clip (you can put a dummy in his paw for safe keeping). All the Maud n Lil toys are made in factories that are socially compliance audited and made from 100% certified organic cotton with a natural cellulose filling fibre. This makes them perfect for children with allergies, asthma and of course healthy ones who want to stay that way!
There are lots of wonderful options out there for the eco conscious mama who is concerned not only for the health of her baby but also the health of the planet. Ecosprout is a fantastic place to look for baby shower gift ideas. They have recently launched their Baby Shower Gift Registry and are celebrating with a special deal! They can make life a bit easier for you, if you are a first time parent or just looking for great gifts in efforts of going organic and becoming a conscious consumer. Create a Gift Registry right here in one easy step, Share it with family and friends, and receive a FREE Organic Cotton Baby Towel when your Registry Orders reach $200!
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
Dear Hannah, thanks for doing the work of trying to sort some of the evidence out from the stereotypes and such. Evidently, many people still hold the misconception about some of this eco baby shower gifts outlined above. Personally, armed with this knowledge I can now turn any party into a grinding and well-footnoted discussion of some of eco baby shower gifts that will really help evade prolific infections on our kids’ delicate skin. My friends will thank me.