Do you consider yourself a “green mom” or would you like to make some “green” changes for your family, but don’t know where to start?

What you expose yourself to, and your children to, can have long lasting, detrimental effects so we have composed a list of the top resources in our city for moms interested in natural parenting and the top switches you should make if a healthier lifestyle interests you.

Austin Moms Blog Natural & Green Parenting Guide

Food

  •  Always buy the “dirty dozen”, eggs, milk, and meats ORGANIC. This doesn’t change the flavor! It just means you’re protecting your family from fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives.
  • “Natural” does not mean it’s healthier. This is called “green washing” in the marketing world. It’s the way marketers trick consumers.
  • You don’t have to go to Whole Foods or Sprouts to shop organic. Trader Joes, Wheatsville Co-op and our plethora of farmer’s markets are easy, affordable options for moms who need quick meals on-the-go.
  • Make your own baby food and toddler food at home! We love Taste and See Healthy Baby Food.

Taste and See Baby FoodTaste and See Healthy Baby Food: Introducing solid foods to your little one creates both fear and excitement! You will have to decide whether to offer store bought food or to prepare your own homemade baby food. Taste & See Healthy Baby Food provides support and guidance by teaching you about healthy food choices with classes, private and group in-home lessons, and visits to the local farmer’s market. The benefit to the in-home lesson is hands-on food preparation of a 4 to 6 week supply of baby food and a guide with recipes, useful information & resources. Choose the classes and lessons based on your baby’s age and readiness. Homemade Baby Food is easy, it’s the healthiest choice and it saves money.

Prenatal, Postnatal, Birth, oh my! BowOnBelly

This city has so many great options for mothers who practice natural parenting before, during, and after pregnancy!

  • Acupuncture is not just recommended for those struggling with fertility, but it’s also a natural approach to help with pregnancy suck-isms such as morning sickness, fatigue, hip/back pain, stress, and labor. I love Kendall at Sage Acupuncture.
  • Prenatal yoga, prenatal massages, and regular exercise such as Pilates can work wonders for both you and the baby before and after delivery.
  • Natural Birth! Did you know that the US has the highest infant mortality rate in the world? The Netherlands have the lowest infant mortality rate and the highest percentage of home births (95%). ***Disclaimer: The above fact is based on studies comparing industrialized countries and the first-day infant death rate. This is not compared to infant deaths as a whole.*** Although medical interventions can sometimes be necessary to save you or your baby, a natural birth is the safest route when possible. Austin Area Birth Center has several Austin locations, but if the idea of a hospital is comforting to you, you can opt for a midwife or a doula to be present.

AustinBorn offers a variety of services to meet the needs of Austin mothers and families from pregnancy through early parenting. The new center in the North Loop neighborhood includes birth and postpartum doula care, pre and postnatal yoga, massage therapy, breastfeeding support, childbirth education, community and parenting groups, blessing ways and special workshops. Owner and doula, Phyllis Brasenell, opened AustinBorn to meet the need of Austin mothers and families for community, care, and convenience. Austin Moms Blog will be offering monthly “MOMS IN THE KNOW” educational classes at Austin Born for parents!

Housekeeping & Home

  • Your household cleaners may be what your mom used, but unfortunately they’re also linked to the 25% increase in childhood cancers, respiratory infections, and the rise in behavioral/mental disorders. Read Household Cleaner Dangers.
  • Switch to brands like Method, Seventh Generation, or Trader Joe’s or better yet- make your own! Vodka, water, and essential oils make a nice air freshener as vodka literally sucks up foul odors. Baking soda is a great scrub and both lemon & vinegar are natural disinfectants and can replace your old counter-top cleaners.
  • Visit places such as EcoCleanAustin for your dry-cleaning, The Purple Fig Cleaning Co. (organic housecleaning), EcoSteam Car Wash, and even PrideandGroom Pet Salon has organic options for your pet.

The Purple Fig Cleaning. Co.:It’s difficult to tell what toxins come from which household cleaning chemicals, so we would rather not use any of them. Especially when natural options can get the same job done. At The Purple Fig, they believe a cleaning service can be affordable, thorough, all-natural and treat employees fairly. All with the friendliness you would expect from a local Austin business.

 

Austin Natural MattressAustin Natural Mattress-You wouldn’t bathe your family in formaldehyde & other harmful toxic chemicals would you? Then why sleep on them? Read why you should buy a natural mattress. Since 2008, new fire retardant standards in the US call for mattresses to be virtually fire proof. Modern mattresses manufacturers that are non-natural use harmful chemicals as a fire retardant. They spray these chemicals on to the mattress, and these chemicals off gas into your home atmosphere. Think a crib mattress is any different? Think again. At Austin Natural Mattress, they carry a full line of adult, child & baby organic mattresses, pillows, & accessories. Sleep Natural.

Natural Beauty

My Magic MudMy Magic Mud is a holistic remedy for your teeth and gums. It safely detoxifies your mouth and pulls out the bacteria that causes cavities. It’s so safe that it can be swallowed, all ingredients are used as dietary supplements. My Magic Mud also removes stains from your teeth while giving you a beautiful polish. This teeth whitening and strengthening powder is safe for children and expecting mothers. 100% natural. No chemicals. No GMO. No Fluoride. Get a jar today.

Beauty Counter Beautycounter brand’s healthy and chic products are made with natural ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, fragrances, dyes, pthalates, and other toxic chemicals. You can order them through Austin mom, Jennifer Vieiro, Click jenvieiro.beautycounter.com. to learn more.

healthy hoohoo Revolutionary in its simplicity and free of harsh chemicals, healthy hoohoo® feminine cleansing products designed to naturally cleanse girlie parts without removing all the goodness Mother Nature put down there. Gentle, yet effective ingredients gently cleanse & soothe the delicate vulvovaginal area.

· Paraben-free,  Fragrance-free, Glycerin-free, pH balanced to match a woman’s sensitive vaginal area

Created for all women interested in the health and well-being of their intimate area.

Samples of healthy hoohoo products will be in swag bags at the July “MOMS IN THE KNOW” event covering Bump Chat!

Baby Gear and Toddler Toys Shop Whole Heart

It’s true, baby gear, clothing, furniture, and toys are among the most toxic things consumers buy, next to household cleaners. Carcinogenic chemicals such as flame retardants, PVCs, VOCs, pthalates, lead, fragrances, and dyes saturate baby gear and children’s toys.

  • The skin is our largest organ, and yes, parabens do soak through the skin & get absorbed into the bloodstream. Buy organic lotions, bath products, and oils for you and your children. I use organic coconut oil as shaving cream, conditioner, lotion, cuticle oil, lip balm, etc.
  • Buy toys and products made with lead free paint, BPA free plastic, PVC and VOC free and purchase from companies that support natural parenting. BabyEarth, Zukababy, Little Sprout, and Shop Whole Heart (a local co.) are great options!Nontoxic Baby Pr
  • Use cloth diapers! This is not just Eco-conscious either. Cloth diapers can save you $2,500 before your child is potty trained, less leakage & blow outs have been reported, and your child won’t be sitting in VOCs, sodium polyacralate, dioxins, chlorines, and other known carcinogens and skin irritants throughout the day for the first 2-3 years of it’s life.

NUI Organics LogoNUI Organics: Loved around the world and now available in your own back yard! Nui Organics, global fashion label for kids has opened its studio store to the public. Located at 1411 West 6th in downtown Austin with quick and easy access to Mopac. The store offers organic apparel for ages newborn to 10 years with regular sample sales and promotions. Join their mailing list or follow on facebook for news and events including a monthly Mama’s Happy Hour on their beautiful front porch. Stay tuned for a “Shop n’ Sip” at NUI Organics in July!

Elemeno-PeeTraditional parenting retailer and e-tailer with a modern twist, offering trained, knowledgeable cloth diaper consultants, and a full line of parenting products. Their staff knows their stuff, too! Elemeno-pee offers a full range of products including baby carriers, cloth diapers, beauty/skin care, toys, bath, accessories, clothing, cleaning, food, furniture and more!

Schools

InsideOutsideSchool_AMBInside Outside School is an amazing small progressive elementary school located on 7.28 acres on Gilleland Creek near Texas 130 and Cameron Rd. Our program features hands on, relevant, inquiry based learning. In addition to acquiring the basic tools of learning, students learn cooking, sewing, gardening, woodworking and survival skills. Students care for our donkey, goats and chickens and spend unstructured time in nature daily. Our school bus picks up students at 8:00 a.m. in Austin each day and brings them back at 4:00.

  • Look for preschools and mother’s day out programs that have plenty of outdoor activities, open ended toys (low electronic/technology exposure), have a garden and/or class pets, and healthy snacks such as fruits, veggies, and cheeses. TruLove Montessori and The PREP in S. Austin are favorites as is Lupine Lane in Lakeway!

What do “natural parents” do?

1) Wear their babies 

2) Make household cleaners or purchase organic

3) Swap gear, furniture & toys with friends

4) Visit the farmer’s markets

5) Trust their instincts as a parent and do what feels natural

What kind of mom are you?

 

 

 

 

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