You’ve heard me describe myself as a “faux-hippie”, right? Looking at me, you may not think I’m hippie at all; however, I’m actually pretty crunchy, especially when it comes to babies. I think there are levels to crunchy though, which poses the question,
“How are crunchy are you?”
crunchy (adj.)- Adjective. Used to describe persons who have adjusted or altered their lifestyle for environmental or health reasons. Crunchy persons tend to be politically strongly left-leaning and may be additionally but not exclusively categorized as vegetarians, vegans, eco-tarians, conservationists, environmentalists, neo-hippies, tree huggers, nature enthusiasts, etc. (UrbanDictionary.com)
If you’re a regular follower of my blog, you know that I’m a toxin-Nazi and cautious about both my exposure, and the exposure of every baby and small child in the known universe. My store shopwholeheart.com only features organic and/or nontoxic items because I know that baby products are the runner up for the “Most Hazardous Award” next to household cleaners.
I know some people think I’m more of an extremist when it comes to avoiding toxins, but I encourage all moms and dads to choose products carefully and find a level of crunchy that works for you.
Cunchy Level 1:
- Use disposable diapers, but choose organic, biodegradable options such
as Honest Co. - Breastfeeds, bottle feeds, or uses formula…whatever works, right?
- Buys their own baby food, but chooses organic companies
- Airs out strollers, carseats and carriers to allow off-gassing to occur outside the home
- Washes all clothing, blankets, and sheets in organic detergent prior to use
- Buys organic dirty dozen, but otherwise eats and drinks whatever else they want
Crunchy Level 2:
- Uses cloth diapers and organic wipes (uses a diaper delivery service or
machine washes diapers), but uses ‘sposies as night or when traveling - Makes their own baby food with whatever is around the house
- Breastfeeds when possibly, but uses formula on-the-go
- Buys organic versions or baby gear, strollers, and carriers
- Buys organic cotton clothing for the first few months and pre-washes things that are non-organic
- Buys all organic produce, meats, and dairy
- Uses BPA free bottles like the Mimijumi
- Follows alternative vaccine schedule with pediatrician
- Doesn’t use medications unless there’s a fever or diagnosis
Crunchy Level 3:
- Uses cloth diapers, hand washes or hang dries diapers to save energy
- Makes their own wipes solution and uses reusable rags/cloths for wipes
- Only buys organic/nontoxic strollers, carriers, slings, etc.
- Only buys organic/nontoxic clothing and still prewashes to cleanses products of toxin exposure during shipping
- Breastfeeds exclusively for the first year
- Wears a mask while pumping gas (recommended or preggo mamas)
- Only shops at Trader Joes, Sprouts, or Whole Foods where all food must pass testing regarding toxins, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and mercury
- Uses household items as toys for baby/toddler
- Uses glass bottles like 5Phases
- Wears baby everwhere using a babywearing shirt (Lalabu)
- Makes their own household cleaners
- Wears Belly Armor while pregnant and uses a Belly Blanket later
- Follows alternative vaccine schedule with a naturepath doctor and takes baby regularly to an acupuncturist or chiropractor
- Treats all ailments with essential oils
There’s no better or worse way to raise a baby, but the more you try to limit your baby’s exposure to toxins during the first few years of life, the better their overall healthy and happiness down the road. They have super-human metabolisms right now and are at a much higher risk when exposed to toxins because they can’t process them the way we can.
What do you do to reduce toxin exposure? How crunchy are you?
whole heart 