Organic Baby Products

Organic Baby Products BY GLOBAL ENFANT WHAT ARE ORGANIC BABY PRODUCTS? Organic Baby Products are made from fibers or material which has been grown and produced without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.

WHY ORGANIC BABY PRODUCTS? Organic Baby Products are important for several reasons. Babies are very susceptible to pesticides and other toxins contained in inorganic products. Choosing organic clothing/apparel, bedding, furniture, diapers and even toys can help ensure the health and safety of your baby. By creating a non-toxic environment for your baby, you help reduce early exposure to chemicals and heavy metals which can have negative long-term effects on your baby's growth and development. By choosing organic products, you are not only creating a healthier environment for your baby, but for your entire family and future generations.

CHOOSING ORGANIC BABY CARRIERS AND REUSABLE DIAPERS BABY WEARING & ORGANIC BABY CARRIERS WHY CHOOSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS? BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE BETTER FOR YOUR BABY BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS DON'T CONTAIN (but disposables do) BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE EASY TO USE BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE BETTER FOR OUR PLANET BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY HOW TO WASH ORGANIC RESUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS How to Dry Organic Cloth Diapers What About Reusable Diaper Covers? What About Organic Wool Diaper Covers? What about Stains on Organic Reusable Cloth Diapers?

BABY WEARING & ORGANIC BABY CARRIERS

Baby Wearing is a method of carrying or 'wearing' your baby in a piece of fabric that can be wrapped around your baby and yourself, slung across a shoulder in a fabric Sling or Rebozo, secured in a traditional Asian style carrier such as a Mei Tai, worn on your body in a Backpack or Framed style carrier, or held in one of the most popular style of carriers today - a SoftStructured carrier such as an Ergo or Beco baby carrier. Holding, carrying and wearing your baby is not a new invention or trend. Long before the use of baby carriages, prams, strollers or push chairs became the norm, women have worn their babies to keep them warm, facilitate nursing, help regulate breathing and heart beat patterns, keep babies safe from predators and danger, and to allow mothers to go about their daily activities or work, all while keeping their precious baby close at hand. Recent studies suggest that babies who are carried not only cry less, but also learn more than non-carried babies as they spend less time crying to communicate their needs, and more time observing what their mothers and other people in their community are doing. If you wear your baby on your front, side, hip or back, your baby is essentially at the same level as you are, and is able to observe everything you do from the same vantage point. A good baby carrier not only frees up your hands to shop, cook, clean, talk on the phone or attend to a toddler or sibling, but a Sling, Wrap, or Carrier worn correctly will support your baby without causing any discomfort to the parent, caretaker or person wearing your baby. Wearing your baby in a Sling or Carrier also promotes communication between your baby and yourself. Parents of worn babies become very aware of their children's gestures, movements and facial expressions which lead to positive interaction and communication between you and your child. A sling or baby carrier can even act as a transitional womb during those early months when a baby needs his or her mother nearly 24/7. If your baby suffers from colic or you have a baby that has a difficult time sleeping, or startles easily, a baby carrier may be just what the doctor ordered - or didn't order but should have. For breastfeeding moms, a sling can provide a discreet nursing environment where your baby can nurse without distractions, and then simply fall asleep against your chest. Perhaps the most import item on a new mom or dad's checklist, a wrap, sling or carrier for your baby can be used from birth all the way through the toddler years. You will find it indispensible in airports, restaurants & in busy cities where pushing a stroller becomes nothing but a hassle, and in keeping strangers' curious hands away from your newborn. As parents of a toddler and infant, our baby carriers are the best baby 'gear' investment we have made to date, and we do not own a single stroller. To top it all off, wearing your baby in a carrier on your body is great weight-bearing exercise and can help mom AND dad lose the extra baby weight.

WHY CHOOSE CLOTH DIAPERS?

BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE BETTER FOR YOUR BABY: Cloth diapers are soft on baby's delicate skin. Since cloth is a natural fiber that breathes, baby's bottom gets plenty of 'air' keeping baby cool and comfortable (lack of fresh air and elevated temperatures are a breeding ground for yeast leading to severe diaper rash and yeast infections). Babies who are prone to allergies and sensitivities such as eczema and psoriasis, and babies born prematurely are especially sensitive to the petro-chemicals and dioxin used in disposable diapers, making reusable cloth an excellent choice! Since cloth diapers are free of petro-chemicals and dioxin, diaper rash with reusable diapers is a rare occurrence. In May 2000, the Archives of Disease in Childhood published research showing that scrotal temperature is increased in boys wearing disposable diapers, and that prolonged use of disposable diapers will blunt or completely abolish the physiological testicular cooling mechanism important for normal spermatogenesis. BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS DON'T CONTAIN (but disposables do): Dioxin - a toxic byproduct of the paper bleaching process. Dioxin is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer linked chemicals. It is banned in most countries, but not the United States.  

Tributyl-tin (TBT) - a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals. Sodium Polyacrylate - a type of super absorbent polymer (SAP), which becomes a gellike substance when wet. A similar substance was used in super-absorbency tampons until the early 1980s when it was revealed that the material increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE EASY TO USE: Gone are the days of dunking reusable diapers in the toilet, and boiling to sanitize. Today's reusable cloth diapers are as convenient and easy to use as disposables, often times more effective at containing messes than disposables, and today's choices are vast. You can choose economical flat pre-folds (which are the fold, pin, rubber pants style used by our mothers and grandmothers), or fitted diapers that have a snap or hook and loop closure, or even diapers that already have the water-proof diaper covers sewn onto the cloth, making the diaper and cover one piece (All-In-One or AIO) like that of a disposable. Many people use a combination of the various styles and use each style for different situations (depending on if they need a more absorbent option for overnight, if they need a very simple system for travel or with the nanny/babysitter, etc.). Best of all, simply toss into the washing machine, hang or tumble dry, and you are set. Modern cloth diapering REALLY is that easy!

BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS ARE BETTER FOR OUR PLANET: In 1988, over 18 billion single use diapers were sold and consumed in the United States. Based on current calculations, it is estimated that 27.4 billion disposable diapers are consumed every year in the U.S. Of those 27.4 billion disposable diapers, 92% end up in our landfills. No one knows exactly how long it takes a disposable diaper to decompose (since single use diapers are a relatively 'new' invention but it is estimated to be anywhere from 50-500 years. Often people ask me about, or even propose that the use of water to launder cloth diapers is more detrimental to the environment than using disposables. Nothing can be further from the truth! The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than with reusable diapers. Additionally, the water used to manufacture disposables is so heavily laden with chemicals and toxic by-product that it cannot be recycled. This polluted water inevitably finds its way into our natural lakes, streams, oceans, and groundwater. Even taking into account washing cloth diapers on a hot water cycle, (though most people now use cold or warm water for the average wash load, which further reduces the impact of laundering cloth diapers) the impact of producing disposables is far worse for our planet. When you choose to use organic cloth diapers like we do, you are keeping even more chemicals from entering our eco-system. Think about it from another angle: Most of us would agree that wearing an outfit (or even underwear) one time, and then throwing it out would be ridiculously wasteful. We don't buy new baby clothing for our little ones each time they wear (and inevitably get dirty) an outfit, so why has it become accepted as 'normal' to throw out our babies' diapers (underwear) after only a single use? Not only are disposable diapers wasteful, but expensive! BECAUSE REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY: As the cost of fuel continues to rise, disposable diapers are impacted two-fold. Not only does the increased cost of transportation impact the consumer, but since petro-chemicals are used in the MANUFACTURE of disposable diapers as well, the actual cost of production is increasing, so the consumer is feeling the pinch from both ends. The average newborn will use 12-14 diapers per day, with the average baby and toddler using 6-10 diapers per day. So let's compare the cost of using an average of 10 disposables vs. reusable diapers per day over 2.5 years (although statistics show that children in cloth diapers generally potty train earlier than this, and many in disposable diapers potty train later than this - another benefit of cloth!). Our cost comparison was updated in July 2008 to reflect the average cost of diapering a baby with disposable diapers in the Boston Metro area at that time. Diapers we used to calculate averages - Huggies, Pampers, and the generic store brand. Sizes compared - newborn through 5, EXCLUDING 'Pull-ups', 'Swim Diapers' and wipes.

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Average cost per diaper at national wholesale warehouse = 18.8 cents

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Average cost of diapering 1 child per day = $1.88 Average cost of diapering 1 child for 2.5 years = $1715.50

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Average cost per diaper at local Boston grocery store = 34.2 cents Average cost of diapering 1 child per day = $3.42 Average cost of diapering 1 child for 2.5 years = $3120.75

Depending on what type of reusable diapering system you choose, you can spend as little as $450.00 for economical pre-folds or as much as $1,200.00 for the more expensive all-in-one style diapers (both figures include the cost of covers and reusable cloth wipes). Keep in mind that this is the cost of a COMPLETE reusable cloth diapering set up that will last not only for 1 child, but can be reused for subsequent children as well. Just roughly, that is a savings of anywhere from about $500.00 up to a staggering $2,700.00 for 2 children, with continued savings for each child you re-use those cloth diapers for after that. Most people break even with the cost of reusable cloth diapering vs. using disposables within 610 months (depending on which type of cloth diapers you choose). After that, it is 100% money saved. Think of all the fun stuff you can do with your savings, or how about that college account you keep meaning to set up for your baby? The savings translate to a lifetime of benefits, no matter which way you look at it. HOW TO WASH ORGANIC REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS

When parents consider choosing reusable cloth diapers for their baby, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how cloth diapers are washed, and if it will create extra work for a busy new family. Washing reusable diapers is quite simple. Reusable diapers need not be complicated to use or care for, and if you choose organic cloth diapers like we do, you will find that you only have 2-3 extra loads of laundry per week (most people wash their reusable cloth diapers every 2-3 days). Only a generation or two back, reusable cloth diapers were the norm; every mother used soft, fabric diapers on her baby. Unfortunately, many of us remember the laborious wash routine involved with reusable diapers in our mothers' and grandmothers' generations. Washing cloth diapers in generations past included dunking soiled cloth diapers in the toilet before hand washing and/or boiling the reusable diapers in a pot on the stove to sanitize them. After all of that work, mothers hoped for some sunshine to naturally remove stains and dry her baby's diapers as they hung on a laundry line in her backyard or between apartment buildings.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and not only are modern cloth diapers better than ever, but washing reusable diapers is easier than ever! We personally use and advocate ORGANIC cloth diapers for several reasons. 1. Diapers made from organic natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, cotton, or a blend of these are naturally more absorbent than reusable diapers sewn from synthetic material such as polyester, micro fleece, suede cloth or Zorb. This is important since absorbency IS what we want from a diaper. While ALL reusable diapers help reduce waste in our landfills, ORGANIC cloth diapers are made from fibers that have been grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and toxic chemicals. Chemicals used in the manufacture of non-organic fabric is detrimental to farmers and field workers, toxic to our environment and harmful to our babies; and fertilizers and chemicals can actually leave residue on the fiber which, when absorbed through the skin, causes irritation and in the worst cases, may disrupt natural hormone and endocrine function. 2. Organic Reusable Cloth Diapers are easier to launder! Organic fiber cloth diapers are less likely to have repelling issues caused by detergent buildup or diaper cream buildup (for those who may need diaper cream - most babies in cloth don't) which means a simple 'wash and go' laundry routine without time wasted 'stripping' diapers. 3. Organic Reusable Cloth Diapers are easier to launder! Organic fiber cloth diapers are less likely to have repelling issues caused by detergent buildup or diaper cream buildup (for those who may need diaper cream - most babies in cloth don't) which means a simple 'wash and go' laundry routine without time wasted 'stripping' diapers. So, how DOES one wash a baby's organic diapers? It's a cinch! 1. If your baby's organic diaper is wet with urine or soiled from a liquid bowel movement (during the early months or while your baby is exclusively breastfed), remove the reusable diaper and simply place it in a wet bag or diaper pail for laundry day. 2. If your baby's organic cloth diaper is soiled from a solid bowel movement, remove the reusable diaper, dump solid fecal matter in the toilet and then place the diaper in a wetbag or diaper pail for laundry day. TIP: If you want to keep the poopy diapers separate from urine diapers and diaper covers, a smaller wet bag inside your regular diaper pail or diaper pail liner is very convenient. 3. On laundry day, place your baby's poopy cloth diapers in the washing machine with ½ the manufacturers recommended amount of additive-free laundry detergent. Wash for 1 cycle with cold water. 4. At this point, you can either:

a. Wash for a 2nd cycle on HOT with 1/2 the manufacturer's recommended amount of additive-free laundry detergent (recommended if your baby's organic cloth diapers are heavily soiled or need to be sanitized). Then go on to step 4.b OR b. Skip step 4.a and just add the wet urine diapers to the load of poopy diapers (that have been washed 1 cycle) and launder with 1/2 the manufacturer's recommended amount of additive-free laundry detergent. NOTE: If your baby only has 1 or 2 soiled (poopy) cloth diapers on laundry day, we recommend washing all of your baby's reusable diapers together, so as not to waste water and/or energy on a load that is less than full. If you have an HE or front loading washing machine, we recommend that you run the reusable cloth diapers for an extra rinse cycle, to ensure that all detergent has been completely removed from your baby's organic diapers. If you have a top loading washing machine (drum/agitator style), an extra rinse cycle is often not necessary, but may be. If you have a top loading washing machine and you notice your organic diapers become less absorbent than usual or begin retaining a urine odor, these are both signs that the laundry detergent has not been thoroughly removed from the reusable cloth diapers and an extra rinse cycle is needed. If your baby is a preemie, or you have a baby with a suppressed immune system or highly sensitive skin, an extra rinse cycle is a wise idea just in case. HOW TO DRY ORGANIC REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS

After laundering your baby's reusable diapers, either hang dry or tumble dry. If you want to cloth diaper in the MOST energy efficient manner possible, we recommend washing your baby's diapers in an HE, front load, or Energy Star rated washing machine, and then hanging your reusables to dry on a laundry line (indoor or outdoor). If hang drying is not a good option for your family, tumble dry your reusables in an Energy Star rated tumble dryer on low heat. If you are a busy family and time is limited (like us!) tumble drying on medium or high heat will do the trick, but please be aware that tumble drying repeatedly on high heat will shorten the lifespan of the elastic in fitted reusable diapers. While a certain amount of shrinkage is both normal and necessary when prepping organic baby diapers for initial use, regularly drying reusable cloth diapers on a high heat setting may, over time, cause excessive shrinkage of the natural, organic fibers. WHAT ABOUT REUSABLE DIAPER COVERS?

Reusable cloth diaper covers can either be washed by hand or laundered in the washing machine along with your organic baby diapers. You will get the longest use out of them if you

hang them to dry, but they can also be dried with a tumble dryer. Reusable diaper covers dry super fast, so a low heat setting is all that is needed. If you use a waterproof PUL diaper cover or an All-In-One (AIO) reusable diaper with a waterproof PUL outer, and feel that the effectiveness of the cover has diminished, tumble drying on a high heat setting will help to reseal the laminate to the fabric. WHAT ABOUT ORGANIC WOOL DIAPER COVERS?

Wool diaper covers can also be hand washed and air dried. Please see our step-by-step instructions for washing and lanolizing organic wool diaper covers HERE. WHAT ABOUT STAINS ON ORGANIC REUSABLE CLOTH DIAPERS?

We don't think stains are a big deal. Honestly, any staining on reusable cloth diapers is going to be on the inside of the organic diaper where nobody sees it. Stains on organic cloth diapers are, in short, protein stains; much like a grass stain or blood stain. Staining will not affect the absorbency, sanitation, or effectiveness of organic baby diapers. If stains really bother you that much, a raw silk diaper liner or biodegradable diaper liner can be used between your baby's skin and his or her cloth diaper to prevent staining. If you want to treat old stains, the sun is the best method to rid organic of all, the sun is all natural and FREE! ABOUT GLOBAL ENFANT

Global Enfant was born out of a desire to provide earth-friendly, baby-friendly products, without compromising fashion or comfort. We are a family owned and operated company, and we personally use and test, each and every product that we sell. We are advocates of natural parenting, baby-wearing, breastfeeding and cloth diapering, and hope that if you are not doing so already, you give it a try. We hope you find it to be as enjoyable as we do!

PO Box 3059 Pawleys Island, SC 29585 By phone: (843) 237-5650 SHOP ONLINE, 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.