Going Green For Baby

When we become parents, many of us (if we didn’t already) embrace green living in the hopes of raising our kids in homes that are both safe and eco-friendly. If you’re looking to incorporate more green values into your own family life don’t know where to start, here are five important areas where the products you use can make a difference.

Consider low- or no-VOC paints for your home. If you are considering repainting your home, opting for low- or no-VOC paints can create a healthier environment for your family. Typical household paint contains up to 10,000 chemicals, 300 of which are known toxins and 150 of which have been linked to cancer. Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These chemicals aren’t something you want to spray on your body or keep inside your house. Fortunately, there are many brands of colorful, low- or no-VOC paint available.  At the Prenatal Yoga Center, we have been using the Benjamin Moore Natura line for many years. Recently, we repainted our apartment and used the Benjamin Moore Aura line.

Recycle or reuse. I have really learned to embrace the idea of recycling and reusing everything from maternity and baby clothes to books and toys. That’s why I love hand-me-downs! Sharing products not only saves money, but reduces waste and your carbon footprint.

When buying new items, aim for sustainable materials. You can find maternity and baby clothing–as well as bedding– made from organic cotton or even bamboo, which is one of the world’s best sustainable resources. Pay attention to what is used in toys, bottles, and feeding products as well. There are several wonderful companies that manufacture their products from BPA-free and recycled plastics or sustainable wood with non-toxic paint. Some of my personal favorites are Green Toys, Dwell Studio, Green Sprouts, Haba, Plan Toys, and Wonderworld. Giggle also has a line of organic cotton bedding.

You can also find eco-friendly baby furniture. There are many companies that employ eco-conscious manufacturing processes that promote sustainability; we chose an Argington crib. Other companies to consider are Oeuf and Stokke.

Pay attention to what’s in hair and body products. Not only is it important to surround your family with eco-friendly furnishings, but also consider what products you put directly on your and your baby’s body. There are many skin and hair care products that have questionable ingredients you can steer clear of. Some of the “big ones” to avoid are: DEA-related ingredients, parabens, petrolatum, sulfates, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). For a full list potentially hazardous ingredients in personal care products, click here.

Fortunately, there are many companies that are committed to healthy, eco-friendly and safe products for mama and baby! My personal favorites are: Nine Naturals, California Baby, Arbonne, Derma e and Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Choose diapers wisely. There are several diaper options available for a green lifestyle:

Cloth diapers
. These come in a wide range of materials: cotton, bamboo, terry cloth, and even flannel. They are reusable (less waste!) and a cheaper option than disposable diapers; however, they are less absorbent. If you are going this route, you can use a diapering service, which will collect your used nappies, wash and fold them, and then return them to you. Of course, you can always launder them at home, too.

Biodegradable diapers. These are made from materials designed to break down quickly, and are also usually free of chemicals and post-consumer materials. Some biodegradable diapers, like gDiapers, can be flushed; many brands can also be composted.

Eco-diapers
. Not all the eco-diapers are compostable, but most are free of chemicals, fragrances, dyes and latex. They are typically made from alternative materials like wood pulp, corn-based materials and bamboo.

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LeapUp Learning

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">At our Mandarin Chinese Immersion Day Camp we will take your kids on an exciting, imaginative journey to famous Chinese cities. History, geography, architecture, unique customs and traditions, food and more will be introduced to kids in an interactive, fun and immersive language environment. Age appropriate activities such as games, storytelling, art projects, music and theater, sports and cooking as well as special demonstrations or performances.</span></p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

<div>Surrounded by 140 acres of natural beauty, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is the perfect place for your child to joyfully express their creativity. We offer 1, 4, and 8-week day camp programs for students K through 12. Classes are taught by exceptional educators and professional artists in music, art, theater, creative writing, chess, and more. Bus transportation is available from Long Island and NYC to our woodland campus in Wheatley Heights.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Scholarships</strong></div> <div><br />We believe that every student who wants to attend Usdan should be able to. Usdan has offered need-based scholarships since our opening in 1968 and on average 45% of our campers received some kind of scholarship. We welcome you to apply.</div> <p> </p>