| Parents today are very concerned about the | | | | If you go this route, look for a wrap style baby carrier |
| chemicals their babies are exposed to. It is little wonder | | | | for best weight distribution or a mei tai baby carrier for |
| that parents are now thinking about every aspect of | | | | babies up to 35 pounds. These carriers are more |
| what their babies wear, sleep in, and eat from. | | | | ergonomic for both of you. Savings are significant and |
| Dangerous chemicals are turning up everywhere from | | | | there are very few recalls on these styles. You'll pay |
| phthalates in toys to BPA in bottles. Fortunately, you | | | | $40-100 instead of hundreds. |
| have more choices than ever about what to put in | | | | * Cosleeper vs. Crib. With the recent crib recalls, I am |
| your baby's world - and in many cases you can save | | | | even more glad that we chose a cosleeper over a |
| a lot of money by going with the more natural choices. | | | | crib. Cosleeping (having your baby in your bed) is safe |
| Parents often wonder, what does a baby need? | | | | if you follow proper precautions such as making sure |
| Here are some ideas for reducing exposure to | | | | there are no gaps for them to get stuck in or fluffy |
| chemicals and saving money at the same time: | | | | bedding to restrict ariflow. A large organic cotton in |
| * Baby carrier vs. Stroller. Your little one will naturally be | | | | bed cosleeper will keep your little one safe from rolling |
| happiest in your arms - but that keeps you tied up and | | | | out until they are ready for a twin bed. You'll spend |
| unable to do what needs doing. You will be happier, | | | | about $180 versus hundreds for a crib and mattress. |
| and so will they, if you have a comfortable baby | | | | * Cloth diapers vs. Disposables. Washing cloth diapers |
| carrier. We did not even use a stroller for the first 6 | | | | is as easy as running a wash load a few times a |
| months after my daughter was born. It was just easier | | | | week. I calculated that it takes me about 18 minutes |
| to pop her in the wrap carrier and go. | | | | per week to wash three loads of diapers. In return, we |
| No messing with getting a heavy stroller in and out of | | | | have spent only about $500 on diapers that will last |
| the trunk. We didn't even carry her bulky car seat. We | | | | until our baby is ready to pottytrain. Even better, these |
| just took her out of the car seat and nestled her in | | | | diapers are still in great shape and will last through |
| with one of us for walking the mall, hiking, or going to | | | | another child - making diapering a younger sibling |
| the grocery store. We knew just where she was (and | | | | essentially free. The average family will save about |
| who was touching her!) at all times. | | | | $1,500 by using cloth. |