Babies and Infants

 An organic crib blanket made of pure wool is an investment in the future.  Wool naturally regulates body temperature to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.  A large crib blanket can continue to be used for many years, even after your crib is converted to a toddler bed. Organic wool is fire resistant, odor resistant, dust mite resistant and, because it is produced without chemicals, it is hypoallergenic.

To protect your wool blanket from burps, spills, diaper changes etc., use a duvet (a cover over other bed clothes). Organic cotton that is easily washable in a duvet will keep your wool blanket clean.  The duvet for a crib blanket is made like a bag similar to a pillowcase that covers the blanket.  The duvet may have snaps or ties at the open end or the opening may be smaller so that it will hold the blanket inside. Decorating is easy. With a change of the duvet you can have a whole new look.

No need for a top sheet with a duvet to cover any blanket you use on a crib.  And with organic cotton baby bedding, you protect your baby from chemical toxins while you protect the bedding with a duvet.

When you are setting up your nursery, you want to considure your infant’s safety, not just how beutiful the room appears.  Placement of the convertible crib is important.  You will want to make sure the baby is not near a window where there are draw strings or cords that the baby could become entangled in.  Considur where there might be drafts.

It is also a good idea to check to make sure the crib meets US Safety Standards, that it is well built, and does not have broken slats.  A crib made from hardwood normally will last and can be reused, make sure it is put together correctly and all connections are tight.

There is an article http://www.healthychild.com/cribdeathcause.htm by Jane Sheppard.
Has The Cause of Crib Death (SIDS) Been Found?

I believe that any parent would want to read this article.  Even though there has not been enough testing in the United States to prove chemicals in mattresses cause SIDS, does not mean we should ignore information provided by others.  I would always recommend doing research and making your own decision. But as noted using a mattress cover or better yet buying and organic crib mattress could save your baby from the effects of harmful chemicals.

Harmful chemicals can effect all humans.  It’s just that babies are more prone to have problems because their immune system is not fully developed.

Booties are great for a newborn baby to keep little feet warm. A bootie with a nice cuff helps to keep it on when the infant kicks. Booties are made for infants up to 6 months. Like organic baby clothing, organic cotton is the best for booties because little feet are sensitive to chemicals used to process most fabrics.

Baby’s feet get hot and tend to sweat a lot because the baby is learning to walk and balance. Babies love to walk around on their tiptoes. Your baby may appear to be flatfooted, but this is normal until the age of 3 or 4 years. Bare feet are best for your baby unless your Doctor indicates differently.

A little baby’s shoes should have a flat sole and be made of flexible material. Check the shoes often for baby’s growth.  Babies grow rapidly during those first years and shoes quickly become too small.

My young son had just learned to crawl and he went at it with a vengeance. I noticed blisters on the top of his insteps. Although I usually did not put shoes on little babies, I decided it would be best for him to have the protection.

There are differences between a crib mattress and a toddler mattress.  A toddler mattress can be used in a crib, but the crib mattres is not designed for use in a toddler\day bed.  The crib mattress does not have the side support needed for use in the toddler bed. Generally crib mattresses don’t provide the support that toddlers need to rest well at night.  Toddlers also need the side support to handle their weight, so the mattress does not break down. 

Both can have an expected life of around 6 years.  So a crib mattress can be used again when you or someone you know is having a newborn.  If you buy a toddler mattress, you can keep using the mattress in the toddler bed then day bed until the child is about 6 years old and most likely ready to be moved to a full size bed.

From the time you bring your newborn home from the hospital you will need some kind of blanket for your baby. Baby blankets come in various sizes and textures. They may be knit, crocheted or woven, in terry, velour or jersey. Most blankets for infants are made of cotton, but wool is also available.

Sizes vary. Receiving blankets are usually smaller and lighter weight. Crib blankets are usually quite a bit larger and heavier. When shopping for a blanket, you will want to check the size.  Some small crib blankets may not be large enough to cover your baby when he is bigger.   

Various chemicals may be used in the manufacture of the blanket fabric. Some of the chemicals used to process fabrics are toxic to humans, especially formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used in many fabrics and is a known carcinogen. Newborn babies are especially susceptible to the chemicals used in fabric production.

Only 100% certified organic baby blankets contain no chemicals in the cotton or wool used to produce the fabric, and the dyes do not contain harmful chemicals.

The amount of organic cotton grown increased by 152 percent during 2007-2008, and the demand for organic cotton clothing and bedding had grown more than 38 percent during the same period.

Why are more and more consumers and industries switching to organic products? The answer is simple.  Organic products are made from cotton that is produced  without the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones or genetic engineering, and must meet federal regulations covering the growth and processing of organic products.  

Infants are especially susceptible to toxins because their immune systems are immature.  Contact with toxins normally found in non-organic products has been found to be harmful to infants and can cause health problems in the future. An infant is in close contact with clothing and bedding so it is best if it is organic baby bedding.

Changing tables generally have extra storage space to keep your baby’s diapers and clothing. There is plenty of space on top to house lotions, wipes and a changing pad.

Changing your baby is easy with an attached changing station. The station helps to secure the changing pad that holds the baby in place.

Most changing tables are designed to have a hutch attached once the baby no longer needs to be changed. The added hutch provides additional storage space and adds to the décor of your child’s room.

Experts agree that parents should place a baby on his back for sleeping. Change the position of the baby’s head occasionally to avoid a flat spot on the back of his head.

The baby crib itself should meet current safety standards and the mattress should be firm.  Do not place soft items such as pillows, blankets, and toys in the crib while the baby is sleeping. Any soft item could be a hazard for a tiny infant.

I have found that it is not necessary to have absolute darkness or absolute quiet for my infant to sleep peacefully. What is more important is keeping to a schedule for both nighttime and naps. These times change as the baby grows older.

Sleep is a necessity for everyone.  Some sleep more than others do.  Pay attention to your baby and sleep time will be more pleasant for you both.

When you are expecting your newborn baby, you might want to make some plans. If you know the sex of your baby, you can buy baby bedding with a boy or girl theme. If you do not know the sex, you can buy bedding related to a theme that matches your décor or expresses your creativity. But, you will want to plan on other items.

The bedding is very important, but you will also want to buy other items, such as clothing, diapers, wash cloths, etc. Do what the business people call brainstorming. Try to think of anything that might be needed, then make a list. Keep the list and add to it as you think of more items. Maybe a friend or relative will mention an item you can add to the list.

Then you can narrow down what is most important to make sure you get those items. Also, you could make a wish list for your friends and family so they will know what you would like as gifts. By planning, you will make it easier to get ready for your newborn baby.