Must-Read Books for Pregnant Ladies!

When I was pregnant, I read all the books I could find so that I was as prepared as I could be for the marathon called childbirth. These books come highly recommended for all Mommies-to-Be!

The Birth Partner

 by Penny Simkin

If you don't take any childbirth prep course, this is an absolute must-read. And even if you do take a course, it's great to have everything in one place so you can refer to the book as you need it.

Husband-Coached Childbirth

by Robert A. Bradley

The classic book by the inventor of the Bradley Method. The writing is a bit old-fashioned, but it's a must read for anyone who would like to attempt giving birth the "natural" way. This book is required reading if you take a Bradley Method course.

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way

by Susan McCutcheon

Contains tons of practical exercises, positions that you can practice with your partner, and dieting advise. This book is another required reading if you take a Bradley Method course.

Chlorine-free, healthy diaper choices for the budget-minded mommy

If you're concerned about what chemicals sit against your baby's sensitive parts 24-7, finding a "healthy" diaper that is free of chlorine, fragrances, and dyes is a must. Luckily, the reviewers at BabyLab provide ratings on 24 popular brands of diapers and rate them based on price, absorption, health and whether they are eco-friendly. Check out the ratings here.

They have tons of amazing charts, rating each diaper based on price vs. value, or the scores they received in various categories.

Based on these results, I will be switching from the brand of diapers I used to Costco's Kirkland Signature Supreme, which seems to be a good match between price, convenience, and is chlorine, perfume and latex free.

Poem for a green baby shower

I'll be throwing an eco-friendly themed baby shower, and I thought I'd share my little poem that we're putting into the registry notes:

Thank you for visiting our little sprout's registry,
We'll need strollers and toys, diapers and gadgetry.

But before you pick a gift, remember the theme:
Gently used gifts are welcome, to keep it green!

And gift wrap is pretty, but oh, what a waste,
With recycled paper, it should be replaced!

Feel free to use it as you wish, and please post in the comments if this came in handy for your own baby shower. I'd be happy to hear!

BPA and Phthalate Free Baby Toys

General Guidelines

A database of non-toxic toys can be found at HealthyToys.org, which has a searchable database of over 1,200 toys.

Manufacturers committed to safe, PVC-free toys include Brio, Chicco, Early Start, First Years, Ikea, Lamaze Infant Development, Lego, Little Tykes, Playmobil, Primetime Playthings, Ravensburger, Sassy and Tiny Love.

Small companies include Beyond-learning.com, Bioviva.com/us, Crispina.com, Kenanausa.com, Naturalplay.com, Novanatural.com, Oompa.com, Playstoretoys.com, and Treeblocks.com.

But generally, the best guideline is to buy things made from natural materials:

• Purchase toys made of solid wood (either unfinished or with a non-toxic finish).
• Purchase toys made of organic cotton, hemp or wool.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/412/toxins-in-toys.html

Baby Shopping List

Here are some websites that already did the research to find non-toxic versions of specific baby items:

• List of Safe Baby Teethers from The Soft Landing