Nursery

Here are Nine Naturals’ top five fetching nurseries, bringing next-level nesting inspiration to your Instagram feed. Tag #NineNaturals to feature your creative nursery decor!

WHIMSICAL (@luxebabylove)

Frankie Kate is a professional designer who put her talents where her heart is in creating a dreamy, whimsical nursery for her baby daughter, Marlowe. Lush textures and sweet, unexpected details come to life against a backdrop of soft neutrals, natural elements and just the right amount of white: it's nursery love at first sight!

BOHO-CHIC (@_dimity_)

Baby Zaeli is the star of her stylish mama's feed, but the oh-so-sweet, boho-chic nursery--of which we get gorgeous glimpses now and again--is well worth the follow. A little vintage here, a touch of macrame there, without any overwhelm; balance is key in bohemian baby decor and this nursery just nailed it.

MODERN (@designbydad)

Baby design from a dad's perspective! Make that two dads, and one amazing nursery with a streamlined, modern style, a specific, mostly black-and-white palette and lots of fun surprises. This look is cute enough for kids but cool enough for the grown-ups who live with them. (Plus, you can't beat those NYC skyline views.)

WARM GRAY (@emsloo)

Who knew gray could be so warm? This cozy, hip and luxe little nursery is laid back and yet, clearly, carefully curated with lots of love. Mom Emily is to credit for this gem. Take a peek, and be inspired.

MINIMALIST (@projectweekley)

This modern, minimalist nursery is brimming with awesome. Check out the changing table and *be amazed.* It was built DIY-style by daddy Adam Weekley for his baby girl. We're just a little jealous!

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We’re busting 5 common myths around baby sleep safety.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There’s a lot about parenting that comes instinctually. And in most cases, we’re the first to tell you to ignore the “expert” advice of Aunt Betty and Cousin Amy and your mail carrier. After all, you know what’s best for your baby. But, when it comes to sleep safety, there’s no room for “winging it.” In fact, there’s just one way get baby to sleep: safely. That doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of opinions out there, and some of them pretty bogus. We asked our favorite Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist Carolina Romanyuk to help us clear through the baby sleep safety clutter.

From organic mattresses to tummy time, here’s 5 common baby sleep safety myths, busted.

Myth 1: Baby will sleep better in my bed with me.
Fact: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly emphasizes that bed sharing is a big no-no with newborns and infants, mainly because of the high SIDS risk possibility. Infants should sleep on surfaces designed for infants–a firm crib mattress and fitted sheet, with nothing else in the crib. Still thinking of bringing baby into your bed? Try a co-sleeper until you’re ready to move your little one into his own crib.

Myth 2: It’s no big deal to sleep baby on his tummy, they’ve been sleeping that way for hundreds of years.
Fact: Back in the early 90’s the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign that was heavily promoted by the AAP. The campaign focuses on educating parents that placing their child to sleep on their back is the safest way to sleep. Till this day it is enforced because it has significantly reduced the death rates among infants in SIDS-related cases. We’re all for tummy time, but only when baby is awake and being watched.

Myth 3: As long as I use an organic crib sheet, it doesn’t matter if my crib mattress is organic.
Fact: Parents should now more than ever be looking into organic and healthier versions of everything, from the food we feed to our babies, to the clothes they wear, to the mattresses they sleep on–for approximately 16-18 hours a day! Having a healthy sleep environment is crucial for achieving sleep success, and one of the most important pieces in your baby’s life for their early years is the crib mattress. Find an organic crib mattress, like this one from Greenbuds, which uses only all natural and organic materials and is free from pesticides, chemicals or other harmful synthetic substances. Removable and washable covers are a great benefit, and eliminate the need for synthetic waterproof barriers.

Here’s some other guidelines for choosing a healthy mattress:
Firmness. Choose a firm surface. A soft sleeping surface can be a suffocation hazard and raise the risk of SIDS. Worried your toddler-to-be won’t like that firm surface? Try a dual-sided mattress (Greenbuds uses coconut coir and a layer of natural latex for extreme firmness on the infant side) and turn it to the cushy side when your babe is a bit older.
Wool or cotton? Organic wool has inherent flame retardant properties, eliminating the need for any flame-retardant treatments, including the most common flame retardants found in standard mattresses, PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). These flame retardants can release toxic gases and other substances that could harm babies. Cotton can be treated for fire safety too–Greenbuds, for example, treats its cotton covers with a form of boiron, which is a naturally derived mineral that acts as a fire retardant in a completely non-toxic format.
Size of the mattress. It should fit snug in the crib, with a 2-finger max between the crib rail and the mattress.
Mattress Pad. We don’t blame you if you want to add a little protection for those midnight accidents. Choose an organic mattress pad that’s fitted, with elastic edges so it’s super-snug around the mattress. Greenbuds makes a mattress protector that is completely organic, which can be used with their own line or added to any type of crib mattress.

Myth 4 : SIDS doesn’t happen anymore. And it especially doesn’t happen to people like me.
Fact: SIDs is very real and isn’t race-, economic- or gender-specific. While the cause theories on SIDS range from genetic/brainstem abnormalities or some other form of early developmental situation to environmental factors (ex: smoke, overheating,etc.), there are ways to reduce your baby’s risk. Create a safe sleep environment and urge your childcare provider to do the same, using these tips:
1. Make sure there’s no wires or baby monitor cords in the crib.
2. Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib so there is no movement.
3. Use only a fitted sheet.
4. There should be no loose blankets or toys in the crib.
5. Dress the baby as you would dress yourself with an extra layer. Remember, if you swaddle, that swaddle IS one extra layer. A good temperature is anywhere between 68 – 72 degrees, and consistency is key, especially when baby will be sleeping in a new environment (such as daycare). A wool mattress can also help to regulate body temperature which makes for a safer and more comfortable sleeping environment.
6. Baby should sleep in a smoke-free environment.

Myth 5: Baby can’t move around anyway, so it’s totally fine to use that really gorgeous bumper that came with my set.
FACT: Babies move all the time, even when they’re swaddled. You place them on an area of the crib and they end up on the other side. Babies are known to scoot, shimmy and, once they have access to their hands…oh boy, nothing is stopping them. While bumpers were originally created to keep the baby warm in the crib, they are now banned by the AAP. We know they are super pretty, but toss them away. They’re a hazard. Concerned baby’s cute little arms or legs will get stuck in the crib slats? Keep removing them from between the slats and eventually your child will stop, or invest in breathable bumpers made from a mesh material.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Sleep expert Carolina Romanyuk helps ease the nighttime transition from baby to big kid.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There comes a time in your baby’s sleep journey when you will say one of these things:

• “My kid hates her crib. She is always trying to get out of it. I have tried everything and nothing works. She ends up sleeping in our bed, and then no one sleeps. “
• “Woo hoo, you just turned 3. Let’s celebrate with you becoming a big kid with a big bed. I’m so excited!”
• “Baby # 2 is on the way. Time for a big bed.”

Translation: It may be time for you to transition your little one from a crib into a toddler bed.

First, here are two extremely important factors that need to be considered before this switch-a-roo is to take place: maturity and safety.

Maturity. Is your child actually mature enough for the transition? For the last couple of years, she’s been cozy in her safe crib and has a solid sleep foundation. A big bed can seem like a massive ocean. Some children that transition too early without having a solid sleep foundation can result in cuddling up in one corner for sometime because of the abundance of space. Otherwise, she may experience sleep disruptions and difficult bedtimes with tears and tantrums. For some, it can take several weeks into the transition to realize, “Well now, I’m actually supposed to sleep in this massive thing. They aren’t giving me my crib back. That sucks! Ok I’m gonna cry now because I hate this change. Was fun at first, but now it sucks!”

Safety. A 20-month-old is just now learning to follow simple instructions while simultaneously testing out rules and limits. They know your exact buttons to push. They are curious about the world and are extremely eager to explore. Now you add to the mix complete nighttime freedom–uh oh! What stops a small child from getting out of bed and roaming around in the dark? At 2-years-old, they are explorers, adventures, detectives and scientists. They can roam around their room at night; pull out drawers; climb on the changing table; eat the diaper cream–just making sure you’re paying attention. It becomes a time of potentially hazardous curiosity.

Even though I always recommend keeping a young toddler in her crib for as long as you can (preferably as close to 3-years-old as possible), she might have another agenda. You can try to stop her (turn the crib around or lower the mattress to make climbing out harder; remove large objects from the crib that could serve as a launch pad; or watching your monitor like a hawk to make sure you’re there with a firm “NO!” during any escape attempt). But when it’s actually time to make the switch, you need to know how to do it.

So when’s the right time? When your child is able to communicate verbally that she wants a big bed and is ready, usually around 2.5 to 3 years of age. (Side Note: 2.5 to 3 years is highly recommended as the appropriate age for going from crib to bed. But no one knows your child better than you. So listen to her, and if she asks for it and is between 2 and 2.5 with a solid sleep foundation intact, then go with the signals…of course, keeping safety in mind.)

As everything in parenthood-land, a plan of action is needed. Here are 4 simple steps on transitioning:

1. Decide on the type of bed. You may want a toddler bed which is low to the ground and can fit the crib mattress inside; it’s good till about 4 -5 years old. Otherwise, go right to a twin bed, which is higher off the ground and a twin mattress is needed. This is good till high school. (Side note: involve your child in the process of choosing her own bed, from choosing the color to picking out her sheets and pillow.)

2. Safety-fy the room. Make sure all drawers are secured and locked, including the changing table and closet. All electric sockets should be closed off. You may want to install bed rails to help if your child moves around a lot at night.

3. Hold a Family Meeting. This is super crucial to continuing with your solid foundation by establishing sleep rules so she can understand what is expected from her, why she is being transitioned and hear about the new big bed rules.

4. Have a Plan B. I always advise to have a Plan B when reality hits for your toddler after the transition. That moment when her toy falls to the ground, she gets out of bed to pick it up, and eureka! She realizes she can get out of bed by herself, and then the fun begins. A Plan B is needed if these setbacks occur, even way after the transition. Always stay consistent.

The transition from crib to big bed is huge and should be done at the moment your child is mature enough. As long as you listen to your child, and take in consideration her maturity level and safety, you’ll be golden. Even if once in a big bed, she starts talking about her crib and missing it, listen and place her back into the crib. That’s not going backwards or a regression, it’s listening to your child.

Here is to a healthy future and a good night’s sleep.

This article is by Carolina Romanyuk, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Combat Grandma’s “When I had a Baby….” with the latest guidelines in child safety.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

As a New Yorker, my mission was to find the warmest yet coolest snowsuit for my 4-month-old son. My mother told me how cozy Cal would be bundled up in the car when the temperature was below freezing. This seemed logical, until a girlfriend shared how car seat baby safety regulations have changed. My mother hasn’t taken care of a baby in nearly 35 years. And while she did one helluva job raising me, according to recent studies on baby safety, she could have easily (and innocently) killed me.

Now that Grandma is caring for my son while I work, I am working to empower myself in order to advise her in caring for Cal, as opposed to the other way around. And let’s just say, when it comes to baby safety regulations, times, they have-a changed!

Sleep Safety

It seems that every few years the recommended sleeping position for a baby changes. Today, babies sleep on their backs. Additional SIDS prevention guidelines include:

• Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats, swings, etc. are not recommended for routine sleep
• Baby should sleep in the same room as parents, but not co-sleep
• Keep soft objects (pillows, blankets, bumper pads, toys) or loose bedding out of the crib
• Do not use wedges or positioners
• Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
• Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating
• Do not use devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS

Get additional information here.

Playtime

Swings
In May 2013 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to approve mandatory safety standards to improve the safety of infant swings in newer products. Products manufactured in prior years may not possess these safety standards.

Jumpers
The number of recent recalls involving the breakage of clamps has raised serious safety concerns among experts. Additional concerns arise with potential physical developmental effects that can possibly lead to delayed motor skills.

Mobile Walkers
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the U.S. government place a ban on the manufacture and sale of baby walkers with wheels, deeming them unsafe. Additionally, according to the AAP, walkers can delay motor and mental development.

Babysaucer
The stationary “walker” tends to hold baby’s hips in an extended position and prevents the visual of seeing feet, which is needed when learning how to move.

Tummy Time
As a new parent the first item to learn is “back to sleep, tummy to play”. Tummy time helps strengthen muscles, improve motor skills, as well as helps prevent the development of flat head.

Teething
A few recommendations in managing teething pain include:
• Massaging with a (clean) finger or simply let baby gnaw
• A cold washcloth, spoon or teething ring. Refrigerate only, freezing may cause harm
• A frozen bagel, banana, or carrot (for babies who are eating solids)

And the don’ts:
• Liquid-filled plastic teething rings. Aside from the potential phthalates/BPA presence, there is possible bacterium and concerns about ring leakage
• Numbing gels are no longer approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in babies as the ingredient lidocaine may be harmful

Hygiene
Reports advocate for not bathing baby every day, especially a newborn, as daily bathing can dry baby’s delicate skin.

Travel

Rear Facing Car Seats
The AAP advises parents keep children in rear facing car seats until the age of 2 as research has shown that children under age 2 are 75% less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are riding rear facing.

Winter Coats
Experts warn that the usage of “fluff” in order to keep baby warm in a car seat is not safe due to compression making the straps too loose for baby’s body to be held safely in the event of a crash.

Car Seat Toys
Giving baby something to play with while in the car has the potential of becoming a dangerous projectile in a crash so it is recommended to avoid placing toys, mirrors, etc. in or around a car seat.

Eating

The AAP advises that if baby is old enough to eat cereal (around 4-6 months) then they are old enough to eat from a spoon as incidents of gagging or inhaling the mixture are increased if baby is not developmentally ready. Exposure to solid foods before baby is ready may put them at risk for developing food allergies, and some believe it increases the chances of “overfeeding”.

I am by no means a medical professional. I believe we, as parents, have a responsibility to be informed on all subject matters relating to our children; however, we hold the rights to make what we feel are best decisions. For me, making those decisions are based on understanding the risks, weighing the benefits, and doing a thorough check in with that motherly instinct that resides within. Be empowered!

This article is by Jaime K. Teich Krinsky, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

From the moment of your baby’s birth, your parental duty is to love, nurture, teach and protect your child as they navigate this great big world. During your child’s formative years, you must make informed decisions regarding his or her health and safety, including the foods they eat, the places they visit, the toys they play with, and more.

Were you aware that, according to PBS’ weekly news magazine NOW, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the governmental office responsible for regulating children’s toy) can’t legally test a children’s product to determine its safety before sale? Because of this, the toys that are deemed un-safe, either as a result of perceived harm or reported injury, are removed from the shelves following either a voluntary recall from the manufacturer, or a government mandated recall (which is consistent protocol in cases where a fatality was reported).

The experts at the Ecology Center who work tirelessly to “educate consumers to help keep their families healthy and safe,” say that parents must limit their child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, many of which can be found in children’s toys and accessories, including:

1. Phthalates
2. PVC
3. Tin
4. Lead
5. Cadmium
6. Chlorine
7. Arsenic
8. Bromine
9. Mercury
10. BPA

The same experts state that small amounts of the above chemicals introduced into a child’s system, whether by placing a toy in the mouth or simple skin exposure, can negatively impact a growing child’s ability to reach his or her full potential, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, animal studies—and a small number of human studies—have linked these chemicals to long-term health impacts, such as birth defects, impaired learning, cancer, and more.

Before walking the aisles of your local toy store or scanning the web in search of a new toy for your child to enjoy, learn about approved baby gear brands from Healthy Child, Healthy World — a non-profit that empowers parents, influences policy and promotes solutions. The following 10 manufacturers take pride in crafting non-toxic toys made from natural materials, including solid wood (either unfinished or finished with a non-toxic coating), organic cotton, wool, and hemp. The majority of them conduct independent testing before introducing a new item to consumers.

1. Blabla
2. Green Toys
3. Haba
4. Brio
5. Apple Park
6. Palumba
7. Little Tikes
8. International Playthings
9. Plan Toys
10. Tiny Love

Knowledge is power, so we encourage you to conduct your own informal research by asking fellow parents for their product suggestions, as well as keep abreast of any news regarding children’s products, especially toys and playthings.

1) Tell us what inspired you to create Cricket’s Circle?

When I was pregnant with my son Griffin, I found the registry process overly complicated and frustrating. What I wanted more than anything was one master list of what to buy. Instead, I received endless spreadsheets and emails passed from experienced moms to new ones like me. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t find a website (or any source) that simply and explicitly told me what I needed. My need for a quick, stress-free registry process was ultimately what inspired me to create Cricket’s Circle.

2) It can be completely overwhelming to create a baby registry, how does Cricket’s Circle make the process easier for moms-to-be?

Cricket’s Circle is the shoppable, short-answer solution for moms that tells them what they need, what they don’t, and what’s “nice to have.” To keep the process simple, each product category (200+) is narrowed down to the top three recommendations. Specifically registry on Cricket’s Circle is so special because moms-to-be are walked through the buying and registry process based on their stage of pregnancy and actual needs and preferences (lifestyle, price point, health needs, etc). Relevant content and reminders are delivered to her based on what she's added to her registry already and what she still needs.

3) During your own pregnancy, what registry item was the hardest to choose for you personally?

The breast pump and the stroller. Because I live in a city and your stroller is basically your home, car and trunk all in one, finding the right one for your specific lifestyle is essential - the UPPAbaby Vista was perfect for me. I always hoped I could nurse but I didn’t want to jinx myself and be overly prepared by researching, testing and buying a pump ahead of time. Instead, I waited until I was so physically desperate (any mom who has nursed knows what I mean) and had to let my husband go and pick out the pump for me. Fortunately he nailed it and loved my pump (Medela Freestyle Pump) more than anything. And last but not least - not the hardest to choose, but definitely life changing: a hands-free pumping bra. For someone like me who is always on the go, this made a world of difference!

4) As experts that have the #babyregistrysolved, we would love to share your top 3 recommendations for the following registry items:

Stroller

1. UPPAbaby Vista 2015 + Bassinet
2. Baby Jogger City Mini 2014
3. Baby Jogger Vue Stroller

Crib Mattress

1. Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight 2-Stage
2. Naturepedic Lightweight Organic Cotton Classic 2-Stage

Baby Monitor

1. Dropcam’s Pro Home Security System
2. Summer Infant’s Baby Touch Boost Digital Color Video Monitor
3. Motorola’s MBP36 3.5" Color Video monitor

Crib

1. Oeuf’s Classic Crib
2. Babyletto’s Lolly Crib
3. DwellStudio’s Mid-Century Crib

Carseat

1. Chicco’s KeyFit 30
2. Nuna’s Pipa
3. Cybex’s Aton 2

5) Last, but not least - What is your favorite Nine Naturals product?

Considering I’m pregnant right now, I can’t live without the Natural Belly Oil. I’m uber sensitive to scented products so I appreciate the minimal scent more than ever. I also love that if you don’t go overboard with the application, it actually has a dry finish on your skin so it doesn’t feel all slippery and sticky - now that’s a smart product!

Rachel Blumenthal, Founder and CEO, created Cricket’s Circle to solve the what-to-buy conundrum she encountered during her first pregnancy. Rachel began her career in the publicity department of Yves Saint Laurent, developing her aesthetic sensibility and passion for curation. Following YSL, Rachel’s first entrepreneurial venture was as designer and founder of the fashion jewelry brand Rachel Leigh, which after a few short years was available worldwide in over 300 high-end retailers and named one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things.” The brand was licensed to GlamHouse in 2011.

Rachel then lent her hand to Warby Parker, which was cofounded by her husband Neil. When the eyewear retailer – and their son, Griffin – were up and running, she got to work on Cricket’s Circle. A Tufts University graduate, Rachel is a proud and active supporter of Baby Buggy, HELP USA and Healthy Child, Healthy World. Originally from Cape Cod, Rachel now resides in Manhattan with her family.

6 cool and comfy options to get baby (and you) through those first few months.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

While most of us spend an endless amount of time searching for the perfect crib to anchor our nurseries, the reality is that your crib will probably just sit there collecting dust for those first few months. The adjustment period with a newborn is hard enough without having to go in and out rooms all night long. You’ll likely want your new bundle of a joy in a cozier sleep oasis right next to your bed. So before you look up one more crib, prioritize what comes first and choose the right bassinet for you. After all, it is going to be part of your room decor for a few months.

Here are 6 of our favorites.

1. Arm’s Reach Ideal Co-Sleeper
The perfect option for the family who plans to co-sleep. $224.99

2. BabyBjorn Cradle
A breathable cradle that has the ability to gently rock your little one to sleep. $295.79

3. Babyhome
If you want to welcome baby into pure luxury, this one’s for you. $1,200
(Non-leather version available for $259)

4. Nesta’s Nest
Made of 100% wool and eco-certified wood, this is a unique bassinet for the sustainable baby. $768

5. Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot
This comfy travel cot folds up with just one hand and even transitions from a bassinet into a playard. $150

6. Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
The only Bassinet to swivel 360 degrees for easier accessibility to your little. $250

This article is by Kaity Velez, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

A new year has begun! We turn over a new leaf and welcome another opportunity to break old habits and make real improvements in our lives. Many of us spent 2014 contemplating the switch to a green lifestyle, but didn't know the best way to start.

Our list of 2015 green resolution tips will help you get started! Follow one, two, or all of our tips, and you'll notice a great change in the New Year.

1. Rely on Nine Naturals for a beautifully clean 2015! We are proud to carry all-natural, plant-based products that designed to help pregnant women feel beautiful without compromise. Every Nine Naturals product, from our rich Moisturizing Body Cream to our Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, will spoil you and keep you, your baby and our environment safe. Check out our luxurious line today!
2. Opt for chemical-free cleaning products. Did you know that using traditional cleaning chemicals can create indoor air that is two to three times more polluted than the air outside? In 2014, many organizations around the country, including the state of California, began pushing for regulation on chemicals in common household products. Find a list of eco-friendly cleaning alternatives (some of them right in your kitchen cabinet) in our Greening Your “Clean” Routine article.
3. Get in on the green nursery trend. In 2015, expect a boom in the number of new parents considering a green sanctuary for their newborn. But as our popular article makes clear, green nurseries are much more than a trend. From the mattress to the crib to the cleaning products to the air filter, they provide an excellent way to secure a baby's health during her important formative years.
4. Vow to steer clear of chemicals at the hair salon. Chemical-heavy treatments like hair dyeing and chemical straightening can expose you to damaging chemicals and even carcinogens. We've published several articles on great alternatives to these harsh treatments.
5. Line-dry your laundry. Take advantage of sunny days to let the heat dry your clothes naturally, which can seriously save on both energy and money. Find more tips on greening your laundry with our blogpost here.
6. Don't let product labels intimidate you! At first glance, they're just so darn difficult to read. But toxic chemicals are a reality in any number of commonly used household and cosmetic products and it's crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge to avoid them. Trust us - you can become a fast expert on deciphering an ingredient list! Check out How to Read a Label to get you started!
7. Eat organic whenever possible. This resolution can significantly reduce how much you expose your body to harmful chemicals and pesticides through what you eat. But you don't always have to make the organic choice. The Dirty Dozen are the foods you should always eat organic (like apples and peaches), while the Clean Fifteen (eggplant, kiwi) are fine to eat conventionally. The Environmental Working Group provides a handy list for both.
8. Ditch the plastic water bottles. This might be the hardest resolution to keep, since plastic bottles are so convenient and widespread. But these bottles often harbor harmful chemicals like bisphenol-A and phthalates and are an albatross on global environmental health.
9. Instead, choose stainless steel and glass over plastic. These materials do not include the toxic chemicals that plastic containers can. Have no choice but to use plastic, though? Remember this rhyme for your safety: "4, 5, and 2 -- all the rest are bad for you!"
10. Increase your environmental shopping consciousness. Lastly, do what you can to augment your mindfulness of Mother Earth whenever you shop. Examples of how to do it: buy in bulk, and choose the farmer's market over the grocery store. Bone up on the many ways you can be a greener shopper with the help of our Green Tip article.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

This woodland themed nursery has the perfect high & low details to get your registry in check.

We bet if we peeked inside your home, we’d find all sorts of great treasures from shops high and low, near and far. There’s probably a combination of investment pieces you shouldn’t have splurged on, budget items you scored at your fave discount chain, and one-of-a-kind-ers from that spot around the corner you hope nobody else ever discovers.

It should be that way for your baby’s space too, no? We sure think so. As do our friends at BabyList. From national retailers to local independents, from traditional baby shops to Etsy crafters, BabyList helps you assemble a single baby registry to guide all the gift-givers in your life. And now that BabyList is offering a registry completion discount at some of the best baby shops in the land, there’s pretty much no reason to register anywhere else. Yup, dreams really do come true.

Now it’s time for you to build the mix-and-match nursery of your (we mean “baby’s”) dreams. Check out our nursery inspiration from shops high and low, near and far, to get you in the registering mood.

Then take BabyList’s Registry Checklist Quiz to make sure you’ve got everything your little one needs…not just the adorable items we included here. And voila! The hard work is done–make a registry, and BabyList will email you if any prices go up or down, and even if stuff goes out of stock.

1. Ferm Living Wall Decal ($115): Who doesn't love a great decal that can change the vibe of the room in a sticky little minute? Ferm Living is our go-to for wall design, and these birch trees are one of our favorite styles.

2. Land of Nod Rocker ($599): Another major nursery necessity is a rocker, and we're loving this mid-century version from The Land of Nod. Classic and modern all at the same time, this investment piece is going to look great in teh living room when baby's all grown up.

3. Kid O Owl Wobble ($7.99): It can be hard to pick through the glut of baby toys out there, but we know Kid O won't steer us wrong. Even though baby may not be ready for it quite yet, this wobbling owl is a great way to start off his collection.

4. Babyletto Crib Sheets ($19.00): Crib sheets are a great place to get creative with design--plus they're easy to switch up when you want to try something new. We're crushing on Babyletto's Tranquil Woods design at the moment, which is perfect for a gender neutral nursery.

5. Serena & Lily Storage Crates ($88): Just because there's toys inside doesn't mean your storage bins have to scream baby. Try these cool white-washed Serena & Lily storage crates as a smart alternative to the cutesier versions.

6. Ikea Cloud Lamp ($29.99): While you're giving baby that diaper change, give her something pretty to look at. Bring a little whimsy--and a lot of light--into baby's nursery with this sweet Ikea cloud pendant lamp.

7. Decoylab Hedgehog Clock ($70): It's never too early to start teaching baby to tell time. We love this adorable Decoylab wooden hedgehog clock and woodland-themed art to go alongside.

8. Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer ($80): You'll be doing plenty of diaper-changing in those first few weeks...and actually for months--we mean years--after that. We won't say it ever becomes fun, but this Keekaroo Peanut diaper changer makes things a little bit easier--and cleaner.

9. giggle Babycare Longwool Rug ($85): If you're looking for something to throw over that rocker, we recommend this cozy Babycare longwool number from our friends at giggle. It's soft and luxurious and--wait for it--machine-washable! Go a few sizes bigger and cozy up for playtime on the floor.

10. Babyletto Crib Mattress ($269): Stretch those cute sheets over a non-toxic crib mattress, like Babyletto's brand new Coco Core collection. This set includes a single-sided coconut coir/latex Coco Core mattress and a waterproof dry cover.

11. Hansa Stuffed Deer ($195): We'd be remiss if we didn't have at least one dream item on our nursery wishlist, and this Hansa stuffed deer from ABC Carpet & Home fits the bill. It looks so real, you'll literally stop in your tracks for a stare-down every time you enter the room.

12. Oeuf Crib ($670): There's no better centerpiece for baby's nursery than a crib, and this Oeuf Rhea Crib is a real beauty. We love the walnut hue for our woodland theme.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

A new baby marks big changes to the family and household. As all new parents can attest to, the bundle of joy will take up the majority of your time and energy. Sure, preparing your environment prior to your baby's arrival sounds great but trying to get organized can be more than a little overwhelming. Enter Amelia Meena, a professional lifestyle organizer and owner of New York based lifestyle organization company Appleshine. Amelia has put her spatial-design and time management skills to good use and put together a list of nine tips to help you get organized before your baby arrives.

HOME

Newborns live a simple life: sleep, eat, poop & repeat. So focus on organizing the Bedroom, Kitchen and Living room.

1) Kitchen: Clear out the servingware, large dishes and other items that are infrequently used. Designate the most accessible spaces (lower drawers, cabinets above the sink and counter space) for storing, cleaning + drying the baby bottles and food containers.

2) Bedroom: Though a baby’s life is simple, they’ll still make no less than 4 outfits changes a day. Their small clothes will get jumbled in a large drawer. Make them easy to find by using cubbies, bins or divided shelves. Labeling the sections will help others know where to put things away or find them in a pinch.

3) Living Room: Keep a large bin or basket beside the couch for all your nursing needs. Store the Boppy, blankets, wipes and Sophie the Giraffe at arm’s length from your favorite resting spot. And pick a sophisticated style that blends with the space- let the kids’ stuff stay in the kids’ room.

HEALTH

You’ll do everything right for your new baby but what about yourself? Don’t forget to take care of you, too.

4) ‘Me-Time’: Whether it’s running, yoga, meditation or a walk in the park, your body needs (and deserves!) some ‘me-time’. Plan ahead by checking the gym’s daycare center, enlisting the services of a nanny or good friend, or signing onto your favorite YouTube workout channel during naptime. Inquire before you leave for the hospital, as it’ll be easy to let it slide once you come back and feel a bit overwhelmed.

5) Food: Most new Moms don’t have time to sit down for a full meal. Plan ahead by buying lots of easy-to-grab snacks like nuts, fruit, tuna fish, yogurt, string cheese and the like. Make a list of items that you (or a helpful friend or partner) can pick up from the grocery and nibble on all week.

6) Outings: The simplest task will become mission impossible with a new baby. Streamline outings by keeping all your go-to items in an obvious spot, close to the front door. Plan ahead of time by creating a nook for the stroller, diaper bag, a bin of last minute items and, most importantly, a designated spot for your keys.

HELP

It takes a village...so starting building one now. Have a rolodex of friends and family to lean on.

7) Workplace: Arrange your maternity leave and be clear on what timeframe and expectations that entails. Ask your co-workers if they’d be willing to help in anyway and know whom you can go to during your time away from the office.

8) Childcare: Decide what type of childcare you’ll want and when you’ll want it. A baby nurse, a nanny, your mother or in-laws- whoever it will be, be clear about your needs, compensation and timing.

9) Partner & Close Friends: It may be your spouse, partner, best friend or family member that’ll be your support in this exciting new step. Let them be there for you. You don’t have to do this alone. In the end, trust your heart and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Amelia Meena is owner of the NYC-based company Appleshine, Lifestyle Organization. As a professional organizer for a range of clients including Fortune 500 managers, lawyers, investment bankers, artists and stay at home moms, she helps people clear clutter and establish efficiency and order in their homes and their lives. Check out Appleshine for more organization tips, videos and even some ideas on how to responsible reuse or recycle your unwanted items.