5 Ways to Raise a Green Baby

By Robyn A. Friedman

Organic products are popping up everywhere these days. Supermarkets have expanded their organic offerings by adding to its list of organic food products. Sales of organic products are growing by about 17 percent per year, driven mainly by consumers (especially families) seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Organic products (whether food or fibers) are grown without the use of toxic pesticides, fertilizers, bioengineering or sewage sludge and are manufactured without artificial flavors or radiation. No antibiotics are given to animals used for organic meat, poultry, eggs or dairy products. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved inspector must check out the farm to make sure U.S. Department of Agriculture standards are being met. Manufacturers can label their products "organic" only if a minimum percentage of organic ingredients is contained in a particular product.

Considering an organic change for your family? Here are some things you can do:

Eat Organically
Today, organic foods can be found everywhere. They're available locally at Wegmans, TOPS', Lori's Natural Foods and local farm markets, including the Rochester Public Market. Of course, prices are often higher, but that's due to the rigorous organic standards to which farmers and producers must adhere. The supply of organic food products is often more limited than their non-organic counterparts, so pricing is higher for that reason as well.

Dress Organically
According to the USDA, one-third of a pound of pesticides is used by farmers for each pound of cotton produced in the United States. Traditional cotton farmers use chemical fertilizers as well, several of which are carcinogenic. Many parents don't realize that the cotton against their child's skin may contain pesticides. Even an innocent act such as sucking on clothing can expose babies to harmful chemicals. The last thing you want to think of is your kid absorbing a mouthful of carcinogens. So is it any surprise that many moms are dressing their children in organic clothing?

There are several organic fibers to choose from. Wool, silk, hemp and linen can all be found in organic clothes, but the most common fiber used is cotton. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Farmers replenish the soil, reduce the use of toxic chemicals and preserve the land.

Decorate Organically
Home-improvement expert Pat Simpson, the host of three shows on HGTV, says both carpeting and furniture can release chemicals that might be hazardous to a baby or young child, and advises parents to wait until paint is fully cured - at least three weeks – before putting a baby in a room that was painted. Pat also recommends the use of cedar closets, which protect woolen clothes without the use of chemicals such as mothballs. Lavender is a natural moth repellent and can be purchased at local farms and farm markets.

Diaper Organically