Greener Nurseries. Healthier Childhoods.

The problem with many organic boy togs, is that they can be very graphic or “Rock-n-Roll” – which I frankly just don’t like. So I am always happy to find organic brands, even if EU based, that have sweet boy’s clothing. Such is the case with Frugi, another UK based brand.

I adore anything train – and like that this one isn’t a cartoon character (I’m avoiding all licensed characters as I know that they breed affinity and “wantitis”…a disease pronounced “want-eye-tis”…usually preceded by a case of the “gimmies” ).

I also love this alligator (or crocodile?) – having grown up in Florida where alligators are just prehistoric water rats.

And this robot is darling for your future Westinghouse Prize winner….

Of course Frugi also has lovely girl things – but I rarely feature them as EVERYONE has beautiful girl clothes.

They ship to the states – but aren’t all these wonderful UK based organic baby stores almost worth a trip over?….

I doubleheart hedgehogs.  I can’t think of a story that I loved as a wee lass that didn’t feature a hedgehog, mole or fox.

This darling UK brand (with US ordering on website) Belle & Dean, has organic onesies and toddler clothes that feature unique, won’t get ten of these for your shower, “Edwardian traveller notes” looking creatures – including a hedgehog.

And where else might you find a onesie that features a pygmy elephant of all blasted things?

And, of course, in addition to the more romantic animals, Belle & Dean designs also have togs that feature more “traditional” animals such as the Lion.

(Witch and wardrobe sold separately.)

Happy Monday!

In my family, we all have embarrassing nekkid baby photos of ourselves on sheepskin rugs. (I think it may have been a 70’s thing.)

When I came across this veggie tanned sheepskin over at Palumba – I thought that perhaps you might need one to begin your own tradition of taking “hush” photos of your own children (without worrying about junior nibbling on toxic tanned hyde).

Ah, Tradition!

(Key Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack….)

If tights are good enough for Baryshnikov….

Though I am not looking forward to my son crawling (I still refuse to “babyproof” my home, other than for safety), I suspect that he eventually will.

As one never knows what grainy, scratchy things lurk on the floors – even in homes where shoes are not allowed (like ours) – I do love the idea of these machofied “tights”.  See?  Cars! Very butch.

Hessnatur, a wonderful German brand that makes beautiful organic clothes, has made these wonderful organic tights (mit and without feet),  that are perfectly suitable for boys.

If you are married to a Midwestern man who watches American football, and wears baseball caps inside the house, do not, I repeat: do NOT, mention the term “tights”.  Call them “crawling pants”.

These “crawling pants” may be a touch slippery for wooden floors, but they would be perfect for carpeted ones – which is where I suspect your future ballet dancer – ahem – I mean LINE BACKER, is practicing his crawl.

(Take lots and lots of photos, as you may need something to bribe your son with years from now.

What if he doesn’t bring home a “Grace Kelly slash Mother Theresa slash Queen Raina”?

You see how I help you?!)

Auf Wiedersehen!

In Florida (where I spent a large portion of my youth), all children know how to swim. Even infants. As one is never farther than a toddle to a pool, intercoastal waterway, canal or lake in Florida, all little sunshine babies are taught to turn and float on their backs should they ever hit the water.  Because water is so intrinsic to a Florida childhood, I defy you to find one Florida garage that doesn’t have at least 3 sets of toxic water wings.  Like Christmas tree needles – you are never completely rid of them in the Sunshine State.

That’s why these 100% non-toxic COTTON water wings caught my eye, over at SafBaby.com.

These one-size-fits-all water wings are Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified, and made by those ever resourceful Huns. I mean, honestly.  WHY hasn’t someone thought of this before?! Basically, they work just like PVC wings…but in cotton! It’s too brilliant, obvious and amazing.

If I were back in Florida, this would certainly be at the top of my shower gift list.

Now…I wonder if cotton blow up rafts are next?….

Go Dolphins!

This is my new fave toy. Launched last year, Playshapes is the most gorgeous wooden toy I have seen yet. The damn things are British – so I will update this post if I can find a US retailer.

Basically, 74 non-toxic wooden shapes can be used to create an infinite number of interesting fellows, creatures or magical places.

This bag of Playshapes should be able to keep junior busy well into the next administration.

The “blocks” (which is a rather shoddy term for these brilliant pieces), are spendy at 74 pounds - but perhaps you have a nice, rich aunt in England that may buy them for you?

Cheerio!

I love our Aden + Anais swaddler/burb cloths – and consider them a top 5 must have for new green mums. But these diaphanously sheer organic swaddlers from Solana Swaddle Wraps seem delightfully airy and uber comfy for the (hopefully) sweltering upcoming summer.

With matching burp cloths and hats, these Solana baby things would make a gorgeous and useful gift.

And as every new mum knows, you just can’t have you enough burb cloths.

*hic*

When my son turns 3, I am buying Lizze Allen wallpaper to British-ize his room (with non-toxic glue, of course).

Have you ever seen such wonderous and whimsical stuff?

It’s like living in the pages of “This is…London”…

Oh, and this would be wallpapered on the door…

Very Doctor Who.

(Of course, he’ll prolly loathe all that is British, and prefer everything Hun, with my luck).

A girl can dream….

I love Anthropologie, but never get to chat about them as they have so shockingly few organic goods. One of the organic lines they do carry is Plover Organics – darling, eclectic, hippy chic linens that are as pure as a summer’s day…if you love Anthro – you will ADORE these.

They have not too cutesy crib sheets that are sure to please all dancing bear and pink princess hating parents – as well as “toddler” sheets that won’t make your single, childless, Manhattan living friends cringe. (They judge. You know that.)

Honestly – how cool are gray crib sheets? With gorgeous b/w photography on the walls and gun metal gray fixtures….

Sweet dreams….

If my son had to go to daycare, I’d send him to the green bean, which seems like a sweet, healthy and happy place.

This is the future, kids.

All organic cribs, toys and snacks  - so that a working mum can protect her baby while she’s at work, rather than worry that he’s gnawing on Clorox and Lysol drenched Made in China Tickle Me Elmos. (Shudder)

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