4th Trimester Non Toxic Baby Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello & Happy Sunday!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a little late getting to this guide, but it just solidifies that caring for a newborn leaves little time lol. Throughout my pregnancy I created guides to disclose various events taking place as well as different items I found that were essential along the way. You can find all those pieces here. 

 

While I thought I had everything covered before his arrival, I found that there were still items that would serve me well in the 4th trimester and help in the coming months. From organic mattresses to sheets, medicine and even bamboo plates.. 

 

These were some of my favorite last minute finds for that fourth trimester!!

 

 

 

What’s a fourth trimester?!

While pregnancy has ended, there is absolutely a fourth trimester after having a baby. Sadly, it’s one that is never mentioned and there is actually a lot going on with you physically and emotionally after giving birth. Although all pregnancies are different, I plan to write about the arrival of our son and the recovery I experienced. I hope that through disclosing my journey, it will better help you navigate yours. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVOCADO GREEN MATTRESS

MADE WITH NATURAL & ORGANIC MATERIALS

 

It started in 2015, when we wanted a green mattress — made from non-toxic, natural and organic materials — that we could actually afford. But instead of options, we found snake oil and charlatans. What was being marketed as green, all-natural or non-toxic was, in truth, hardly so …

 

NATURAL, SAFE & RESPONSIBLE WILL BE OUR MANTRA

Unlike other mattress and bed-in-a-box companies, our products are handcrafted in the USA without petroleum-based polyurethane foam, without toxic flame retardants, without dangerous pesticides, and without risk from volatile chemicals and gases. Our luxury products are healthy and respect the planet.

 

Learn more about the company here

Learn why organic is best here

 

Our natural mattress features GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic certified wool, GOTS organic certified cotton and up to 1,414 pocketed support coils. No polyester, polyurethane foams or toxic fire retardants are used. Or explore our Vegan Mattress made without wool.

 

OPTIONAL PILLOW-TOP

For a luxury-plush feel, you can upgrade your green bed with an attached plush European-styled pillow top, filled with an additional 2-inch layer (for a total of 5 inches) of 100% GOLS organic certified latex rubber foam. At 
13-inches thick, it’s ideal for side and back sleepers, athletes, and those in need of pressure relief or a luxurious feel.

 

Learn more about the product here

 

 

Why Avocado: When a baby is on the way, your focus is all things baby. However, something to consider though is your own health! If your mental or physical health is not in check, everything will being to fall apart. That being said, since I knew we’d be spending more time in bed with our babe a new mattress is a must. Our mattress had survived years in NYC and 2 moves after that. It was safe to say that whether it was the quality of our mattress, our sleep, or the simple fact that our son would be spending more time in our bed, it was time to say goodbye to ours!

Choosing our new mattress was easy as I had my eyes on the Avocado brand mattress for quite some time. They offer organic cotton mattresses and even a vegan option today. I selected that option with a pillow top for added cushion and it’s really been a game changer with our sleep. I can rest easy knowing that I’m supporting a great company, a non toxic product, one that’s free of animal products and improved sleep. There are definitely times where we only get a handful of hours in of sleep with a newborn, but you can guarantee that those hours are deep sleep! I can’t recommend Avocado enough and will absolutely get our next mattresses from them in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about Pact here

 

 

 

 

Crib Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pact Sheets and Pillow Cases:

 

 

 

Why Pact: Pact offers solid colors and striped prints in everything from sheets to women clothes, and even baby. I was excited to stumble across this company as they have a great price point, no loud prints and everything is organic. I was on the search for organic sheets as the baby crib/sheets are all organic as well. It’s safe to say that the baby would and has spent a lot of time in our bed so it just made sense. I typically don’t seek out organic sheets, but have spent out on sheets where 2 cost around $100.

However, I’ve never purchased organic sheets, but I’m just honestly so glad I tried these! I felt better about the purchase and the texture and quality behind Pact sheets is worth every penny. The fabric is soft as butter, washes well, the cribs sheets are great and practical for a nursery and even the baby clothes are well made, affordable, and great for winter given the thickness. I highly recommend checking out Pact. I’ll be getting a backup set of sheets asap!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPPAbaby is an innovative American company with one mission: To make high-quality baby products that fit the needs of your new life as a parent, while appealing to the sense of style you’ve always had. To do this successfully, UPPAbaby draws on a three decades of experience in the juvenile industry and on our own inspirations as parents of young children. We look for ways to make our strollers and baby products lighter, more savvy, easier-to-use, even fun.

We explore ways to deliver greater comfort and safety for baby, with convenience and style for Mom and Dad. We even challenge the homogenous look of most baby products, by creating sleek designs and more sophisticated, modern fashions. UPPAbaby strives to deliver the personal attention and customer service that you expect and deserve.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

 

 

  

 

The UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller is thoughtfully designed to adapt as your family grows. Boasting new luxurious fabrics and full-grain leather details, this versatile premium stroller can transport up to 3 children while strolling like a single.

Learn more about the VISTA stroller here

 

Why UPPABaby: Long before I was even pregnant, I was familiar with UPPAbaby. They were known to have high quality designs that were modern, will outlast other designs, and were able to convert to a 2-3 seater and still look sleek. That being said, I was excited to explore their product to see if it really does deliver! I will say that the assembly was seamless while others are not, it comes with a bag to help store the stroller, it compacts well for transport, you can gauge the quality in the materials, and I just loved the idea of that white!

After caring for a newborn for a month, it’s safe to say that white is well, dangerous lol. However, I loved the look and it’s one of their more newer pieces. I can’t wait to see how it holds up over the years as our family grows. Stay tuned! Oh, and their stroller blanket is the softest one I’ve yet to own. Don’t skip the UPPAbaby accessories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We believe everyone should have direct, affordable access to information about their genetics. That’s why we offer a full line of DNA tests that can give you new insight into what makes you unique. Armed with this information, you can make more educated, proactive lifestyle choices — the foods you eat, the way you exercise, the talents you focus on — based on your genetic profile.

 

Learn more about the Orig3 company here

 

 

The Behavior DNA Test is a gene profile that offers a deeper look into the role your DNA may play in how you think, feel, act, and react. If you’ve ever wondered about the links between your personality and your genes, this is for you.

• How might your DNA impact your tolerance to stress and pain?

 

 

 

 

The Nutrition DNA Test is a gene profile that provides insights into the ways your DNA may have an impact on how your body responds to food and nutrients. Discover which foods may be beneficial, what you should potentially avoid, and what might make you feel better.

• Are you inclined to like — or dislike — certain foods?
• How well is your body potentially able to absorb and process vitamins?
• How might your genes impact weight loss and gain?

 

 

 

The Skin Aging DNA Test is a gene profile that reveals your skin’s genetic predisposition toward aging:

• Might your skin be particularly sensitive to wrinkling?
• Might your collagen break down quickly?
• Could your body be susceptible to decreased antioxidant activity?

 

 

Why Orig3: In recent years, at home DNA tests have become more and more popular. Today you can get endless information about your genetic makeup. While I’m up to speed on everything in regards to myself, I knew it would be interesting to see how my son compares. Orig3 offers DNA tests for everything from skincare to personality traits and more. Having prior knowledge as to what your child can excel in or nutritional issues that may present themselves is priceless information. I love this company as they offer larger packages and even smaller ones depending on what you’re looking for. You do a simple swab, send off the kit, and receive your results in just a matter of weeks directly on your phone. Stay tuned for our results!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When our daughter was born, we wore her in a sling. We experienced how convenient babywearing was and how much it benefits both parent and baby. A few years later, our son was born and we discovered the ease of ergonomic carriers. We have tried many different carriers and never found one that completely satisfied us, so we had our Ba Noi (Vietnamese for Grandma) sew us one to our specifications. It was close to perfect.

 

Learn more about Tula here

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discover – Tula Explore Baby Carrier

 

1. Every carry position your baby will need, including facing out
Multiple positions to carry baby including front facing out*, facing in, and back carry. Each position provides a natural, ergonomic position best for comfortable carrying that promotes healthy hip and spine development for baby.

2. No bulk, innovative body panel with an easy-to-adjust design
Adjusts to find a perfect fit as baby grows from newborn to early toddlerhood. Can be used from 7 – 45 pounds, no infant insert required.

3. Breathable & lightweight cotton
Responsibly designed and made with care from soft and breathable 100% cotton that’s easy to clean and machine washable.

4. Padding where needed for extra comfort
Padded shoulder straps provide optimal neck & shoulder comfort and offers quick adjustments for multiple wearers. Wide padded waistband helps evenly distribute weight. Padded leg openings to keep baby comfortable.

 

 

Oso – Tula Baby Blanket Set

 

Luxurious Softness
Made of 100% Viscose, which is produced from specially processed bamboo pulp that gives our blankets a plump, fluid softness that maintains a light feel while being ultra-soft.

Lightweight and Breathable
Our viscose from bamboo fabric is specially woven to create a luxuriously soft fabric that is breathable and maintains its thickness and durability, which allows for airflow to baby’s skin, making it easier to regulate temperature and stay comfortable.

 

 

Why Tula: I had seen this company here and there with searching for carriers. While I love options, as a first time mom, I was somewhat overwhelmed with which carrier to choose. You can go with a light wrap or the more heavy duty options, but you never know what’s going to work for you and your babe. I loved the Tula designs as they switch them up a lot, the price point is good, and the carrier doesn’t seem as bulky as other ones on the market. Something also to consider is that this carrier holds weight up to 45lbs making it usable for much longer. On top of carriers they also offer other times with a great price point, like these bamboo swaddles that comes in packs. I’m curious to see how this carrier works for us! Be sure to check back late fall for more feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seraphine Maternity started in 2002 with a vision to revolutionize the maternity wear industry. Being the mum of two boys I wanted comfortable and well-designed clothes that are on trend. Clothes so beautiful you would want to wear even if you weren’t pregnant!

 

Our flagship stores in London, New York, Paris, Dubai and Hong Kong offer the one stop shop for all your maternity wardrobe.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

  

 

Skin to Skin top

 

• Soft stretch cotton – gentle on mum & baby’s skin
• Recommended by midwives
• Designed for skin to skin kangaroo care
• Suitable from birth
• Hand’s free when sitting or reclining
• Wrap ties offer a flexible fit
• Easy nursing access
• Sleeveless
• Machine washable

 

When caring for a newborn, nothing compares to direct skin to skin contact. Hold your little one close in our innovative skin to skin top and feel the instant calming effects and benefits of kangaroo care for both you and your baby. Made in the very softest cotton with the perfect level of stretch, this essential sleeveless top is designed to be gentle on both mum & baby’s skin.

The structured fabric provides great support and the wrap ties secure baby in the optimal position, allowing you to enjoy hands-free cuddle time while sitting or reclining. This clever camisole can also be worn as a regular wrap nursing top, providing easy access for breastfeeding – layer it up with a cardigan for easy at-home style.

 

Benefits of the Skin to Skin Top:

• Soothes baby
• Stimulates oxytocin
• Boosts milk supply
• Regulates baby’s body temperature

 

Why Seraphine Maternity: I fell in love with this company the minute I browsed their website. SM is based outside the US and they offer an array of eye catching modern maternity clothes from dresses to even coats with built in carriers. They have countless options! I personally loved the idea of the skin to skin top as studies show endless benefits to this approach. The top can be quarter sleeve or a tank top and simply wraps around your babe. I’m excited to report back as to how this piece worked for us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

Illustrated Bamboo Set

 

Introducing our FIRST EVER illustrated dishware: kid sets SEA & TREES. A tiny reminder during meal time that Mother Nature and her creatures are so important to respect and to protect! These designs are packed with color and will mix and match with all our monochrome products.

The 4-piece Kid Set, made with FSC certified bamboo fibre and soy inks, has been designed for pint-sized hands and eating habits. Practical, dishwasher-safe and eco-friendly, this set is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Pop it in your beach bag, or take it camping! Cup, plate, bowl and spoon are sold together in a premium gift box, ready to offer to the little ones in your life.

 

Designed for everyday use, at home, or on the move, this product is an alternative to traditional plastics, disposable or fragile dishware. To extend the life of our products, we’ve combined biodegradable bamboo fibre, a highly renewable natural resource, with a 100% food-grade melamine binder.

 

• BPA, PVC and Phthalates free
• Top-rack dishwasher safe
• Suitable for hot and cold foods and liquids
• Not suitable for microwave

 

Bamboo Kids Divided Plate

Our bamboo fibre divided tray features 3 roomy sections and is available in a bold new palette of colors. While it’s perfect for a toddler discovering new foods, parents can also enjoy that it’s 100% non-toxic, great for indoors or outdoors and dishwasher-safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Re-Think It began by producing an all-purpose scrubber called the Original Power Puff, featuring a long handle made out of recycled milk jugs. In 2011, Re-Think It unveiled it’s Re-Play line of infant and toddler dishware. Now sold worldwide, the line features affordable, durable, and sustainable children’s tableware in wide color palette, manufactured from recycled, FDA approved, food safe plastic. New for 2018, Re-Play has expanded it’s product offering to include “grown-up” sizing. These exciting additions help transition Re-Play from a children’s tableware company to a family tableware company.

Re-Play was founded on the belief that mealtime is family time. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Re-Play offers products that are affordable, durable, and sustainable – ensuring you spend less time worrying about mealtime and more time enjoying family time.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

 

Why Replay: In searching for non toxic plate options I found a few bamboo, but also Replay, which is comprised of milk jug cartons! While I don’t consume dairy, I loved the idea of creating a product from the endless waste that is produced from the dairy industry. Unlike the bamboo options these are microwave save and the price point is even lower. I loved how these were more durable, affordable, and come in an array of vibrant colors. I’ll be using these items with baby recipes so you’ll be seeing more of their products! I’m excited to see how these work for us. Be sure to check back for a full review. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mommy’s Bliss was founded by Roshan Kaderali, a mom and pediatric nurse, midwife and doula who had used Gripe Water to ease infant colic and fussiness for years while working in Scotland. When she moved to the U.S., she was astonished that the “magical” Gripe Water formula she relied on wasn’t available here. So she set out to create Gripe Water and Mommy’s Bliss was born.

 

 

  

 

As our company has grown, our mission hasn’t changed: help moms everywhere bond with their babies by creating effective, trusted products that incorporate wise ingredients from around the world. Learn more about the company here

 

Items Sampled: 

• Everyday Probiotic Drops
• Probiotic Drops with Vitamin D
• Probiotic Drops 15 Day Boost
• Gas Relief
• Vitamin D Organic Drops

 

 

Why Mommy’s Bliss: Believe it or not there is a lack of organic options when it comes to baby medicine. That being said, once I found MB I was elated as they offer so much! I didn’t think I would be using anything in the medicine realm with a newborn, but the Gripe Water and Gas Drops are essential. Gripe Water alleviates everything from fussiness to hiccups and the Gas Drops are great for the obvious! While a doctor will say that there is no proof behind these concepts working, I found that they truly work and can’t imagine being without them.

In addition to these two products they also offer probiotics and Vitamin D drops. Since breast milk lacks vitamin D the drops are a great option and the probiotics help to further colonize the gut bacteria to build up their immunity. When babies are born their gut is nearly sterile and has only been colonized by the placenta. Once born their gut is colonized by coming out of the birth canal. Babies born cesarean don’t experience this as much, so I’d  recommend it even more. I can’t wait to try the remainder of the MB products and report back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So why cleaning products? Well, because 1) cleaners and laundry detergents have a major impact on our air quality and overall health, 2) switching to healthy cleaning is much easier than kicking a sugar addiction, 3) the world is in need of truly safe cleaners that work and 4) everyone cleans! 

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

CONCENTRATE FEATURES

• Concentrated formula can be diluted for virtually any cleaning use
• Removes heavy dirt, grease, grime, and stains
• Fragrance-Free
• No harmful VOCs so no need for ventilation
• Dilutes to make cleaners that leave no residue behind
• Gluten-Free
• Hypoallergenic, no nuts or tree nuts
• No parabens, phthalates, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, alcohols, ethoxylates, or SLS
• Kind to Life: not harmful to people or pets when used as directed

 

 

Why Branch Organics: When it comes to caring for a newborn, the last thing we think about is the cleaning products. Ironically, they should be one of the firsts! I had seen Branch Organjcs a lot online and was curious about the quality behind the brand. Once I learned you have to mix the products I was a lil overwhelmed, but it’s honestly so seamless, more cost effective, and the products work! They offer blends for everything from detergent to shower cleaner and more. I’ve currently been working with the all purpose and it truly works better than any traditional household cleaner. When put to the test cleaning a table, it was able to remove things that other natural cleaners did not.  Be sure to check back this fall to get feedback on all their products!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like many things in nature, ATTITUDE was born in the spring — spring 2005, to be exact. Founded by Jean-François Bernier (JF) and Benoît Lord in Montreal, they set out to create a legacy their kids could and would be proud of.

ATTITUDE is a Canadian company built on innovation and imagination: All-natural personal care and household products of the highest quality, with the lowest impact on our families and the planet.

Available in over 44 countries, ATTITUDE has developed a range of products to meet every family’s needs including Bath & Body, Baby & Kids, Household and Pet Care — all free of ingredients of concern* and full of natural wonder.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

 

 

Did you know? Your baby spends on average up to 16 hours daily indoors, so it’s important to keep the ambient air as pure and refreshing for you and your baby. ATTITUDE’s safe and effective Natural Air Purifier – Orange and Pomegranate for baby features activated carbon, a natural highly-absorbent charcoal that will purify indoor air of stubborn odours and contaminants, while gently releasing a natural delightful orange and pomegranate scent that can last up to six weeks. (depending on room size)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever wondered why babies spill so much? It takes them 14 months to develop the hand-eye coordination needed to feed themselves with a spoon! No matter how many times they spill, embrace these delightfully dirty discoveries and keep your child’s clothing looking new with ATTITUDE Nature + Technology™ Concentrated Baby Stain Remover — Fragrance-Free. Using only natural, efficient and hypoallergenic ingredients, our vegan and ECOLOGO Certified formula is safe for your baby’s skin — and the environment!

 

 

 

Did you know newborns are drawn to the smell of breast milk? By two weeks they can tell the difference between their mother’s milk and somebody else’s! ATTITUDE’s Nature + Technology^TMFragrance-free Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid is designed to effectively remove milk residue, grease and odors on baby bottles and other accessories. Made with hypoallergenic and natural ingredients, this enhanced formula is crafted with saponin, a highly effective cleansing ingredient. Rest assured your little lactose lover’s belongings will stay clean and fresh, worry-free!

 

 

 

As a new parent, you know doing daily laundry is necessary to keep your hamper from overflowing. Keep your baby’s clothes clean, safe and soft with ATTITUDE Nature + Technology^TM Baby Laundry Detergent – Extra Gentle – Fragrance-Free. Featuring green tea extract, known to be a natural and effective antibacterial agent, our hypoallergenic and deodorizing detergent is gently formulated to keep onesies, blankets, bibs, cloth diapers and rompers fresh and clean without contaminants that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Plus, it’s ECOLOGO^®Certified so you can clean without worry.

 

 

 

Why Atttitude: Next to cleaning products, baby detergent is a must! They recommend avoiding anything with a scent as their skin is more permeable to ours and is able to absorb chemicals. That being said, I wanted to seek out the best natural detergent. Unfortunately, there are many companies that market themselves as natural, but fail to deliver. Attitude products have the best rating with the majority of their ingredients ranking a 1 on EWG! This Canada based company can be found on their website and Amazon. They offer everything from detergent to air fresheners, dish soap and more. While I’ve only tested the dish soap, stain remover, and detergent, it absolutely works and is effective!! I can’t wait to try everything and report back!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slumberkins was founded as a creative collaboration between Callie and Kelly in 2015, while they were both onmaternity leave together. They knew they could use their education and background to create a moremeaningful children’s product unlike anything on the market.  By infusing each Slumberkins with therapeutictechniques and skill-building exercises through the accompanying Sleepytime Rhymes, the brand waslaunched with the intention of helping children everywhere.

 

Learn more about the company here

 

DESIGNED TO PROMOTE EARLY EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Every skill-building collection features a cuddly creature, affirmation card, and an interactive board book that promotes a valuable life skill.

 

Growth Mindset Snuggler Bundle

This Growth Mindset Bundle provides parents and caregivers a resource to create loving routines that deepen the bond with their little one while teaching the valuable life skill of growth mindset. Narwhal’s story introduces little ones to the concept responsibility and teamwork. Through problem-solving and recognizing when to ask for help, Narwhal learns how to make a difference in the world around him.

 

Promotes:

• Problem Solving
• Responsibility
• Teamwork

 

Self-Esteem Snuggler Bundle

 

Bigfoot’s heartwarming story of acceptance and strength boosts readers’ self-esteem. Through interactive affirmations little ones learn how to say positive things about themselves, providing an early foundation of confidence and self-worth.

 

Promotes:

• Self-Esteem
• Confidence
• Coping Skills

 

 

Why Slumberkins: When it comes to parenting, I was really excited about education toys.  Over the years there have been so many advancements and children have access to learn so much more at a much faster rate. I personally prefer items that are not technology based so I was instantly intrigued by Slumberkins! It’s a stuffed animal concept that pairs with books which focus on emotional skills versus physical skills. In addition to the innovative concept, it’s also a business founded by 2 women. At this time they have about 5 different character options and release new options fairly often. I can’t wait to start a collection! Be sure to check back in late fall to see how these worked for us.