Green Treehouse

Imagine if you didn’t have to wait for an ultrasound at 18-20 weeks to find out the sex of your baby. What if you could find out at 10 weeks? Would you start painting or decorating the nursery with the extra headstart?

According to the CBS Early Show, a Texas-based company has created an at-home test kit product called “IntelliGender,” which can apparently determine the sex of a fetus in 10 minutes. Though a simple urine sample test (retail cost approx. $30), the company claims expectant parents can get results that are up to 90% accurate.

If you could find out the sex of your baby at 10 weeks, would it change the course of your welcoming-baby preparations? Would you even want to know the sex at 10 weeks?

You’ve heard about baby proofing. But what about eco-baby proofing?

Eco-proofing is the latest proactive effort to protect babies and reduce their exposure to environmental threats, especially those lurking in the nursery or house. Eco-proofing a nursery involves taking a close look at the contents and surrounds of that room and eliminating risks. For example, new and expectant parents can eco-proof by opting for toys, furniture, and baby products that are known to be of harmful chemicals or compounds, such as phthalates, lead, and bisphenol A.

To make eco-proofing easier, parents can look for “eco-friendly” products, many of which have labels to guide the eco-conscious (e.g., organic, BPA-free, certified lead free, etc.). They can also look to eco-friendly retailers, such as BabyEarth for eco-proofing ideas and environment-friendly baby gear advice.

Have you tried the Moby Wrap? I’ve always had a thing for baby carriers, so when my baby was born I couldn’t wait to try the Moby Wrap. Though my baby ultimately showed preference for the Ergo , I did enjoy giving the Moby Wrap a go.

For parents who are looking for a natural and versatile carrying option, the Moby Wrap may be the ideal pick. It’s surprisingly simple in design–one piece of cloth, which is free of complicated snaps, buckles or fasteners. The best part, though, is that Moby Wrap keeps mom (or dad) and baby close. Given that babies don’t stay babies for long, the snuggle factor alone scores Moby a thumbs-up, at least in my book.

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!

As a mom (or dad!), just when you think you’re finally mastering the parenting thing, it’s time to try something totally new… like potty training.

Well, if you’re looking for the ultimate potty helper, check out this Cushie Step-Up Potty Seat with Step Stool by Mommy’s Helper.

I know, I know…it looks like potty accessory overkill–that’s what I thought, too! But children really do love this seat and ladder system. “Mommy, I can DO IT all by myself!”



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The decision to breastfeed is an incredibly personal one. But if recent news about contaminated baby formula has you leaning toward breastfeeding your infant or delaying the weaning of your baby, you’re bound to appreciate these five essentials to keep you and your milk supply going strong.

1. Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump ($39.95). Mom’s love this manual pump. It’s easy and comfortable to use–and it’s priced right.

2. Medela Pump in Style. Working moms rave about Medela’s electric pump!

3. Babylife’s WeeGo Glass Bottles ($17.99). The perfect bottle for storing mama’s “liquid gold.” It’s 100% non-toxic.

4. Adiri Natural Nurser ($34.95). This eco-friendly and health conscious baby bottle is incredibly easy to use. It offers a natural feeding experience–and when mama’s not around, drinking her breastmilk from one of these makes for a comforting substitute.

5. The First Years’ Soothie Newborn Pacifier. When mom needs a break between nursing sessions, these soothers can come in handy, offering mom and baby piece of mind!

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Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby soon! If you’re a new mom (or know one) who needs everything, and I mean everything, for baby, but money is tight right now, read on.

You’re going to love these 7 tips for gearing up for baby without busting your bank account or your stress level. The icing on the cake? They include eco-friendly ideas, too.

1. Ditch sposies. Or keep use to a minimum. New parents can save a ton of money by using cloth diapers instead of disposables. Don’t worry, cloth diapers today have come a long way from the old school “fold and pin” style–some even look like and feel like disposable diapers.

2. Buy the essentials, wait to buy the optional goods. You may have your heart set on that yummy Banana Fish Bubble Gum Diaper Stacker, but your baby isn’t going to love you any less if you can’t afford to buy it before she’s born. Instead, hold off until you have the essentials, like Under the Nile Organic Onesies and T-shirts (which by the way, trust me, you can never have enough onesies!) and then splurge!

3. Skip the huge expensive baby shower cake. Instead enjoy a smaller cake (and fewer calories!) and encourage friends and family to create a longer lasting “diaper cake” that baby will get to appreciate.

4. Buy a car seat with an extra base. Save a little cash by buying one car seat and an extra base, instead of two car seats.

5. Accept hand-me-downs and troll the Internet for deals. Shop online when possible. You’ll save $$ and gas costs.

6. Buy one high-efficiency laundry detergent for family and baby. Look for sensitive, baby safe laundry detergent that works for both baby and the rest of the family. You’ll save money on “specialty” detergent. Be sure to look for an eco-friendly brand!

7. Get your hands on a quality stroller. Save gas money and get exercise (hey, what mom doesn’t look forward to shedding old pregnancy weight?) by walking with baby whenever possible! A stroller can even help you save gym membership costs!