the conscious decision blog
Baby-safe Essential Oils | Lavender
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic practice of using aromatic essential oils from plants to improve and support the wellbeing of the mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils can be safer alternatives to conventional medicines and harsh chemicals.Lavender essential oil can be a powerful tool in the holistic home and we love that it is gentle and safe enough to use for for baby when properly diluted. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, we recommend adding a few drops to an organic carrier oil, cream or lotion, or adding a few drops to a diffuser if you want an ultra simple and pleasant way to experience lavender’s extraordinary benefits.There are many ways that your newborn baby can enjoy the benefits of lavender essential oil. Here are a few of our favorites. Calms the body - Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for nerves and anxiety, perfect for a new baby. Try diluting lavender essential oil in organic carrier oil and soothe baby with a pre-bedtime massage. This will calm the baby’s body and mind and help whisk her/him away to sleep. It’s also nice to apply lavender essential oil to baby’s bath! If you prefer a pre-blended option, check out this Nighty Night Bath Essence a perfect blend of oils for a calming bath after a long day of playing. Helps with Ear Aches - Lavender oil is magic for alleviating ear pain and is actually beneficial in an aromatherapy capacity. To assist with ear pain, apply diluted lavender oil to a cloth that has been dampened with warm water and rest against your baby’s ear for five minutes. Helps with Respiratory System - When used as a vapor inside a cold air diffuser, lavender can help relieve colds and coughs. It can also be applied to the back of the neck if diluted properly. As always, we recommend using the highest quality lavender oil for infants. Did we miss one of your favorite ways to use lavender oil in the home? Leave us your holistic remedies in the comments below.
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5 Ways New Parents Can Stay Rested!
Sleep is an essential part of daily life. It affects both your physical and mental health, helping your body and brain function properly. It affects mood, attention span, hormone balance and the immune system. Saying that new parents can struggle with getting enough sleep is an understatement. Parents have strategized for centuries on how to get restful nights after baby comes home. Of course, there will always be bumps in the road but here are a few tried and tested tips on how to get rest with a newborn to help new parents stay ready for each day. Get on a Schedule Try to focus on establishing a regular schedule of feeding, playing and sleeping as soon as possible. Even if the schedule is less than precise at first, soon a pattern will arise. This pattern also helps parents identify possible nap times that can align with baby’s newly formed schedule. Don't try to be too productive when baby naps! Consider sleep a priority over some other household chores that can wait until later. Enlist Help Have a partner or friend help with nighttime or pre-nap feedings. As the African proverb says: "It takes a village to raise a child." Taking turns with feedings or rotating nighttime feeding duty gives enough relief to keep parents feeling a bit more refreshed. You are also sharing bonding time with others which is good for baby and the loving people in your life. Create a Nighttime Ritual Develop a routine that can help signal your body and baby's for bed. We have heard some parents follow the three B's to prepare for bed: bath, book and bottle. Taking a warm bath can help relax baby, letting him/her know that bed is nearing. Try using bath products with soothing scents; you can also add calming bath oils to the bath. Lavender, chamomile and bergamot are some aromas that are known to help induce sleep. Remember to use essential oils a few drops at a time and dilute with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba before adding to bath. Reading a story or talking to baby may help lull baby to sleep and is also beneficial in helping baby to start recognizing words and find comfort in a parent's voice. Have a bottle ready/get yourself in position for feeding when bedtime nears. You want to be as comfortable as you can when you are nursing, so make use of pillows and comfy ottomans. Using a rocker can help rock baby to sleep and make it easier for you. Have your book, iPad, or other recreational item by your side along with water and snacks! Developing a nighttime routine will make baby feel secure and signal him/her to drift off. Set a Restful Tone Create a soothing space for you and baby to relax into. Even newborns can pick up on the energy in a room. Dim the lights, warm up the room, turn on a lullaby or use white noise. Again, you can use aromatherapy by putting a diffuser in the room. Make the environment as cozy as possible for a good rest. Water and Sunshine Part of getting on a regular schedule is creating space for self care and getting alone time as a parent. Head outside to get some sunshine when baby wakes up in the early morning. After a brisk walk and some stimulation, baby might just be ready for a nap. Also remember to stay hydrated; it's just as important as getting sleep. Drinking fluids help flush toxins out of the body and is vital in keeping the body and internal systems functioning properly. To take care of baby, you have to also take care of self. It's going to take time getting used to a new schedule and a new baby in the family, but you'll create so many amazing memories, the sleepless nights will soon be forgotten. We hope that after reading this article you know how to get alone time as a parent. You can experiment with these and other techniques to get rest with a newborn until you find a routine that works for you and baby. Hopefully then you'll be able to get more shut eye and keep yourself healthy.
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Homemade Non-toxic Finger Paint for Toddlers
The sensory experience of finger paint is wonderful for toddlers and children. The connection to colors, the nurturing of creativity, and the freedom of expression are invaluable. Plus finger painting improves motor skills and introduces shape concepts. Here's an easy recipe for homemade non-toxic finger paint. INGREDIENTS: 4 tablespoons of sugar1/2 cup of cornstarch2 cups of cold water4-6 jars or glass containers1 set of vegetable-based food coloring DIRECTIONS: In a medium saucepan combine 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Add 2 cups of cold water and heat over medium heat until the mixture is thick. Divide into four or more containers, and add natural food coloring as desired. Let your DIY finger paint cool completely and enjoy!
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4 Tips for Creating a Natural, Eco Space for Baby
Baby is on the way and it is time to nest. more moms are making the #conscious decision to create a natural, eco-friendly baby nursery. Style, sustainability, safety and function need to strike a perfect balance. here are a few tips to achieving this nesting dream and designing a sustainable nursery. Style | Choose soothing, tranquil colors that make the room feel spacious and uplifting. Refreshing colors amplify natural light and decrease the need for electric light. To find the right color scheme consider creating your own mood board using magazine clippings and photos, or use a pinterest board. This will help you visualize a clear aesthetic. Safety | When painting baby’s nursery use a low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and ventilate for a couple weeks before baby comes home. When shopping for baby's mattress look for organic cotton, wool blends that are naturally non-toxic, and fire retardant. Sustainability | Eco nursery furniture options are readily available. Reclaimed wood dressers and shelves add a rustic flare to modern rooms. Most major retail outlets, and local baby boutiques, now offer beautiful cribs made from FSC certified wood, finished with a low-VOC, water-based stain. Sustainable bamboo flooring, furniture and fixtures also make stylish, eco-friendly room accents. Function | Consider a sound dock to play soothing tunes. Install energy saving lamps and light bulbs. Make sure the lighting is flexible so you can go from bright light to soft light. Stock shelves with cloth or biodegradable diapers, organic clothes, blankets, sheets and non-toxic toys. But remember that key to a functional nursery is to keep it simple, the less clutter the better. caregiver and baby will love spending time in this natural, modern, eco-friendly baby nursery. Happy nesting!
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5 Toxic Baby Care Ingredients to Avoid
There is a reason why the organic baby care trend has taken off. No parent want to use toxic baby products on their precious little one. The EPA has acknowledged that babies and children are 10 times more vulnerable to carcinogenic chemicals than adults. This has well-informed caregivers reading the labels before purchasing personal care products for their children. The next time you need to decipher an ingredient label here is a quick list of harmful skin care ingredients to avoid for your entire family. 1. Fragrance or Parfum | Manufactures can legally hide synthetic chemicals as “trade secrets”. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and more. 2. 1,4-dioxane | A low cost manufacturing process called ethoxylstion generates 1,4-dioxane as a by-product. To avoid this chemical stay away from PEGs, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) often found in body wash and lotion. 3. Formaldehyde | 1 in 5 cosmetic products contain ingredients that generate formaldehyde. But the label will keep it hidden. Avoid these formaldehyde related chemicals: DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, 1,3-dioxane, and hydroxymethylglycinate. 4. Petroleum/Mineral Oil | 40 percent of all baby lotions and oils contain mineral oil - made from petroleum aka crude oil. Petroleum products slow the skin’s ability to release toxins and reduces normal cell development.CLICK HERE for FREE Organic Diaper Cream samples. 5. Parabens | Even low doses of parabens have been associated with organ and developmental problems. Steer clear of all parabens including methylparabens, ethylparabens, propylparabens, isopropylparabens. When making a conscious decision about children's personal care products many parents prefer pure, organic, botanical ingredients that benefit baby and the environment. We hope now you know what harmful chemicals to avoid in baby products.
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Erbaviva on Elle ~ Best Sunscreen for Face & Body
Summer is officially here along with beautiful warm weather and strong sun rays. Elle.com gives beauty lovers a few tips on eco-friendly sunscreens that will keep you protected all Summer long in the article, “15 Sunscreens for Every Skin Type and Every Occasion”. We are excited that Erbaviva Sunscreen was featured as “Best Sunscreen for Face and Body”. Elle.com says, “If you don’t want to buy a separate cream for your face and body, this one is for you. It’s naturally crafted, ultra-light, chemical-free formula is infused with chamomile and lavender essential oils and won’t leave any residue on your skin.” Read the full article on Elle.com. Erbaviva Sunscreen is crafted with zinc oxide (a naturally occurring mineral), along with soothing aloe, and moisturizing sunflower, olive and jojoba oils. As Elle.com mentioned our sunscreen is infused with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender for a light and refreshing aroma. It also effectively provides UVA and UVB full spectrum sunscreen protection for the entire family. The texture is light and silky and does not leave an unsightly white residue while being water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Go to the Essentials tab for exceptional all natural sun protection or Buy Now!
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