Green Treehouse

Though my mother hoped I would obsess over dolls as a child, I wasn’t all that into them. That’s far from the case with my own children. From the first time my girls could pick up a doll, they were hooked. True love at first sight.

As a mother, I’ve enjoyed watching their love for dolls evolve. At first, there was the baby cuddle doll and then there was the Gloworm—gee, that was such a hit with my older daughter. She refused to sleep without it.

The Gloworm love gradually faded, replaced by the discovery of a Dressy-type doll, which was later tossed for a baby doll that needed diaper changes because she could wet her diaper. I admit that once I started spending more money on doll (newborn) diapers than I did on those for my own living and breathing children, I did try to encourage Cabbage Patch Doll adoption, but that only backfired.

Now while my younger child is at the Gloworm stage, my older child is quickly falling for Barbies, American Girls, and Friends Forever Girls. While I try to let my girls steer their love for dolls and interests, I admit that I’ve said “no” to the purchase of a few types (brands) of dolls along the way. Frankly, I just don’t want my girls to grow up any sooner than necessary.

Thankfully, American Girl Dolls and Friends Forever Girls seem to have staying power, at least for now, though my daughter appears to increasingly favor her Friends Forever Doll. I guess that’s because the doll looks like a friend she could find in real life, minus the eye liner. It’s dressed in trendy clothing, similar to outfits my daughter likes to wear, but the clothing is age-appropriate (no micro-minis here…a huge thanks to a company that got it right…oh by the way, the doll packaging is eye candy for moms–no zipties!).

I appreciate how these two doll companies try to promote positive self-esteem, responsibility and self-confidence. For example, Friends Forever Girls come with an inspiring book (My child’s doll, Natalie, arived with a book that tackles how to deal with feelings) and a special “Butterfly Promise” card. If you’re curious, each letter in the word Butterfly stands for a powerful girl message (e.g., B, “be the best I can be”; U, “Use kindness and be fair”, T, “Tell the truth”…).

In today’s society, girls definitely need all the positive messages they can get. When they find a doll they love, those messages really seem to soak in. Given what I know about my children’s love of dolls and the speed in which their interests wane, I hope they continue to obsess over dolls that love them back for a long time to come.

March 24, 2009: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of about 24,000 Fisher-Price 3-in-1 High Chairs (”3-in-1 High Chair to Booster”). The recall involves product number (P5369), which is printed on the side of the seat, on a label on the seat pad, and on the product’s packaging. The high chairs were sold exclusively at Target from December 2008 through March 2009.

According to CPSC, “The seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.”

At least one serious injury has been reported. Consumers are advised to discontinue use immediately.

For more information about this recall or to determine whether your high chair is involved in this recall, click here.

Want to be the first to know about the newest baby gadgets and gear, eco-friendly products, and great deals?

Of course you do, right?

So catch the baby buzz and Follow BabyEarth on Twitter!

Only three months into 2009 and it’s apparent that pregnancy and babies make for interesting headlines these days. If you’re looking for “mom” discussion material at your next playdate, here are five fresh and entertaining news stories that will keep you and your friends talking for hours:

Boom! Is there a new baby boom? New statistics show recent births have slightly edged out those in 1957 (the year credited as the height of what is known as the baby boom).

Wonder why airlines impose restrictions on air travel during pregnancy? This story about a 30-year old who gave birth mid-flight might clue you in.

You’ve heard of Octomom, right? Well, even if you’ve been living under a cave these past weeks, the latest buzz is that Nadya Suleman, the mom of six plus eight, is on her way home with two babies.

Bristol Palin, daughter of former U.S. vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has split from the baby’s father, and according to news outlets, such splits are not unusual.

Following a recent report claiming popular baby toiletries contain carcinogens, investigations are underway to determine whether there is indeed cause for alarm.

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The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a health advocacy organization, is calling for tighter government regulation of personal care products, including baby shampoo and lotions. A study by the organization concludes that more than half the the baby shampoo, lotion and other infant care products contain trace amounts of chemicals thought to cause cancer. According to the health organization, some of the biggest names in the baby shampoo industry may have products on the shelf that contain chemicals characterized as “probable carcinogens.”

Should parents panic? Probably not, suggests a spokeperson the organization. “Our intention is not to alarm parents, but to inform parents that products that claim to be gentle and pure are contaminated with carcinogens, which is completely unnecessary.”

What can parents do? Start reading labels and pay close attention to product marketing. Look for products that clearly state what they do and don’t include. ‘Natural’ may no longer cut it. Instead, look for other descriptions, such as organic, sustainably grown ingredients, no masking agents, no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, no parabens, clear formula chemicals or no fragrance. Stick with the old warning, “if you can’t pronounce an ingredient on a label, look for another product.” Also, be on the look out for companies that have demonstrated a commitment to the safety of children’s products time and time again, such as companies that were built around the “organic” and “environmental health” concepts.

After a positive line shows up on a home pregnancy test (HPT), it’s hardly surprising if your head is buzzing with pregnancy and baby thoughts, including how do I share the news with my significant other?

From simple to the elaborate, the way expectant moms share news of the positive line is often as unique as each pregnancy–and so often incredibly memorable. So, Green Treehouse readers, how did you share the news with your significant other, best friend, co-workers, or family? Go on, dish and re-live that moment.

From an envionmental perspective, cloth diapers really make sense. Cloth diapers also make financial sense. If you’ve never before considered using cloth, between the state of the economy and worries about your baby’s future world, using cloth might make sense for you. Cloth diapers might add up to serious cents, too—-think hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars–in your wallet over the diaper-wearing years.

If you’re interested in figuring out how much money you can save by switching to cloth or starting your baby out in cloth, check out this handy calculator at Diaper Pin.

Even if you don’t have plans to go full-time cloth, keep in mind that you can always use cloth on your baby part-time. And, with the swim season coming up, you can even consider a reusable swim diaper, like Swimmi Swim Pants from Bummis. The price of a Swimmi is roughly the cost of one of those packages of disposable swim diapers, and if you expect to be at the beach or pool frequently, you’re bound to save a ton of money. Plus, you’ll be doing a little something to help preserve the Earth for your baby and future generations!

My preschooler has recently become fascinated by board games. Preschoolers love the challenge and entertainment board games provide. Plus, they love playing with others, especially when that person is mom, dad, or a special friend!

Whether you’re looking for a game to entertain your preschooler for hours, thinking ahead to when your baby is ready to play board games, or need a gift for a preschooler, here are five board games that are sure to please:

1. Candy Land. This classic game never goes out of style. One of the reasons Candy Land is a great game for preschoolers is because no reading is required. There’s also a DVD version.

2. Chutes and Ladders. Preschoolers and grown-ups love this game!

3. Hi Ho! Cherry-O. A great game for developing counting skills!

4. Word Chase. An eco-friendly board game that helps children get ready to read!

5. Memory. The classic matching game that children love to play for hours on end.