Green Parenting

I had to take Audrey to the doctor last week. She has a blocked tear duct, which became infected, but is responding very well to the mild antibiotic ointment prescribed. I also asked the pediatrician about the baby's herniated belly button, which frankly looks pretty weird. Even weirder, when you press on it, it makes a clicking/popping noise. She assured me that it would probably heal itself by the time she is five. She also confirmed my assumption that my grandma's advice of taping a half dollar coin over it was NOT a good idea. (My grandma also believes birthmarks are the result of a pregnant woman being scared by a snake, which explains my reluctance to take her medical advice.) Audrey weighed 10 lb. 5 oz.

We are currently using disposable diapers and while I am happy with their convenience, performance, and price, I am uncomfortable with their environmental impact and the studies linking their use to asthma, infertility, early onset of puberty, etc. Before Audrey's birth I did significant online research about cloth vs. disposable (among dozens of other baby related topics). I was leaning towards some sort of cloth option. However, as her delivery date drew closer, I became overwhelmed with everything and the whole diaper issue was easily pushed aside and out of sheer convenience we began using the disposables we received as shower gifts.

This week I read an article about the potential dangers caused by phthalates contained in baby shampoos, soaps, and lotions. This prompted me to readdress the diaper issue. I don't want to be a paranoid parent, but I also don't entirely trust the government. So I've ordered 100% natural baby wash, lotion, and diaper cream. I've ordered all natural baby wipes. In addition, I'm going to try to switch to gdiapers which is what our neigbors, who had a baby in August, use. She gave me a starter kit as a gift. Even she has to be in disposables the three days a week she is at day care, I want to at least try to do the right thing most of the time. The gels used in those disposables is frightening stuff not to mention the number of trees destroyed for disposable diapers. I may also look into a local diaper service. The costs seem reasonable.

Next on my phase out list:

• replacing all our household cleaning products with natural alternatives
• replacing any teflon cookware with stainless steel
• replacing my cosmetics and personal care items with 100% natural alternatives
• using canvas grocery totes instead of paper/plastic

I know we are exposed to thousands of chemicals in our foods and everyday interactions with various products, but the choices above aren't difficult or painful. In some cases they may require a little additional cost or work, but geez, it is worth it.