Green Baby Products From Whole Foods Market

For many women, getting pregnant-or trying to-is the definitive time to move toward a healthier lifestyle, from mom and baby's diet to household products to a little pampering for stress management.

Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of healthier alternatives to support a growing family's wellness. Mary Thurber, a Whole Foods Market expert, will explain "how-to" makeover mom's diaper bag with natural alternatives that work just as well as their conventional counterparts.

VIDEO AND PRODUCT DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP...

DIAPERS
Natural brands are free of chlorine bleaching, synthetic fragrances and often made from recycled material. The right choice for diapering depends on what works best for you because each more eco-friendly style has its pros and cons. From disposables, to reusable covers with flushable or disposable liners, to non-disposable cloth diapers, there are varying opinions regarding the effects on water use, energy consumption and landfill space. Most important is to keep baby dry and comfortable .

Suggested Products:
• Seventh Generation Diapers & Training Pants Soft, cloth-like comfort; non-irritating to sensitive skin for a happy baby. Non-toxic absorbent polymer for a happy planet.
• Whole Foods Market also offers 365 brand diapers Seventh Generation Wipes Soft cloth, whitened without chlorine bleach Free of dyes, fragrances and alcohol; gentle on baby's skin.
Convenient one-at-a-time dispensing.

BOTTLES
PBA is a harmful chemical that is used in a variety of baby bottles, as well as other plastics to make them hard. Look for bottles made of plastics such as polyethylene (#1, #2, and #4) and polypropylene (#5).

BPA-Free Bottles
•Avoid BPA (bisphenol-A), polycarbonate plastic and phthalates
• In 2006, Whole Foods Market was the first retailer to stop selling baby bottles made with BPA or phthalates
• Look for bottles made of plastics such as polyethylene (#1, #2, and #4) and polypropylene (#5)

LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Babies are always putting things in their mouths and crawling around on the floor. Eco-friendly cleaners can help limit exposure to certain chemicals on surfaces and in the air. Chlorine bleach or ammonia can be harmful to people, pets and the environment.

Suggested Products
• Seventh Generation Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Tough on stains, gentle on baby and baby's clothes
• Free of dyes and fragrances
• Biodegradable and never tested on animals
• In general, for baby laundry, avoid chlorine, artificial scents, phosphates

BABY CARE PRODUCTS
Baby skin is very sensitive and is still developing while it begins to do its jobs: regulate body temperature, hydrate and protect. Artificial colors, preservatives and scents may diminish skin's effectiveness and cause irritation that is not always visible.

COTTON
Organic cotton is just as important as organic food. Conventional cotton crops use more pesticides than any other crop, about 10% of all pesticides used in the world each year.

Suggested Products
• 365 Everyday Value organic cotton balls, swabs, quilted rounds. Look for these products, as well as organic cotton bedding and clothing for babies.