| The search for accurate, reliable online resources tops | | | | in a dialogue to answer questions or provide an |
| the to-do list for most parents today, whether they | | | | extensive network of resources, says Rodriguez. |
| seek information on breastfeeding and its health and | | | | "Sharing is particularly useful to new parents, who may |
| economic benefits, natural parenting, or organic baby | | | | need support or have questions and feedback about a |
| products, according to Dr. Robert Rodriguez, founder | | | | wide variety of topics and experiences." |
| of Buddy Boutique, a supplier of healthy, organic, and | | | | To take uncertainty out of the equation, Rodriguez |
| easy-to-use breastfeeding and baby products, including | | | | offers the following short list of sites known for their |
| a popular nursing cover-up. | | | | lively content, reliability, and resources for parents and |
| Dr. Rodriguez, who has studied the behaviors of | | | | families. |
| first-time parents since 1970, publishes and lectures | | | | Great Mommy Blogs |
| extensively, providing expectant and new parents with | | | | A simple Google search of any of the below titles will |
| ways to have happy, enduring families. Additionally, he | | | | connect you to some terrific mommy blogs! |
| publishes original news articles, national pregnancy | | | | Mothering Outside the Lines |
| news, and resources on the Buddy Boutique site. | | | | One of the most well-written "mommy blogs," |
| "As "mommy bloggers" rise in prominence online, it's | | | | Mothering Magazine's Jennifer Margulis provides a |
| quite probable that the best source of current, practical, | | | | provocative, eco-friendly look at parenting from slightly |
| reliable information is someone's mom," he says. | | | | off the beaten path. |
| A recent report on social media and "mommy | | | | The Attached Parent |
| bloggers" suggests the two "have emerged as hugely | | | | Attachment parenting, also known as natural parenting, |
| trusted sources, resources, and referral networks." An | | | | is a social movement in which parents trust their |
| estimated 11.5 million mothers "actively taking part in the | | | | instincts in order to form lasting, healthy bonds with |
| blogosphere" are shifting the online landscape. Those | | | | their children. |
| with children at home today become opinion leaders | | | | My Brown Baby |
| with networks of influence in the areas of family, | | | | Winner of the "Best Parenting Blog" and "Best Weblog |
| safety, and children. | | | | Design" at the 2009 Black Weblog Awards, Denene |
| "Of course, no two families are alike," says Rodriguez, | | | | Miller's My Brown Baby is a feisty, intelligent, and |
| "so choosing to follow a particular 'mommy blogger' | | | | current. |
| depends upon each family's unique characteristics: | | | | Grow In Style |
| what they like to do, the ages of its members, | | | | An eco-friendly products blog, Grow in Style, is tall on |
| behaviors, and the way it chooses to consume media." | | | | information and choices, short on hype. Known for its |
| In the age of information overload, sometimes less is | | | | unique "cakes" made of organic diapers and |
| more. To identify "mommy bloggers" who reflect a | | | | thematically decorated for baby showers, one can |
| particular world view consistent with one's own values, | | | | also find eco-conscious organic dolls and reviews of |
| Rodriguez recommends focusing on concepts or | | | | bamboo-sourced cloth diapers. |
| topics parents find of interest or hope to integrate into | | | | Buddy Boutique |
| their routines. For example, search terms such as | | | | Healthy, organic and easy to use, Buddy Boutique's fine |
| "organic baby products," "eco-friendly diapers," or | | | | breastfeeding products are designed with both mother |
| "natural parenting" yield general results. By adding the | | | | and child's comfort and health in mind. These include |
| word "blog," parents identify bloggers who offer | | | | the popular Buddy Nursing Cover-up, the Buddy |
| trending, reliable information they can use in real life | | | | Blankee, the Buddy Bottle Cover, the Buddy Beret and |
| situations. The ones they like, they can follow online. | | | | Bonnet, Buddy Bows, and the hypoallergenic Buddy |
| Plus, thanks to the convenience of social media, expert | | | | Pillow. You'll appreciate the logo's availability in pink or |
| mothers who parents come to trust can be engaged | | | | brown, and value-added site features. |