Taking big steps toward baby’s carbon footprint
Gerri Hunt -- Kids Today, 12/31/2008 12:00:00 AM
When Barry A. Cik was tapped with the task of finding a mattress for the grandchild he was expecting five years ago, he was disillusioned when he visited retailers.
As an environmental engineer with hazardous materials expertise at the master level, he was aware of the dangers of toxins. When he saw polyurethane foam and vinyl mattresses on the sales floors, he immediately asked for other options. The response? “There is nothing else.”
“I knew all about vinyl/PVC, polyurethane foam, and the various chemicals contained in them, and there was now ay I was going to put my grandchild to sleep within a few inches of these chemicals,” said Cik. So he began doing research online.
“All of the organic baby crib mattresses contained either latex, wool or both, and were not waterproof,” he said. “If the mattress were to get wet, it would grow mold and fungus without any effective way to clean it. The wool/latex issue left a lot to be desired, considering their known allergenic properties.”
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| The Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Mattress has organic cotton filling, non-toxic waterproofing and fire protection, seamless design and a dual firmness option, $259, (800) 91-PEDIC. |
So he and his two sons founded Naturepedic, specializing in baby and juvenile mattresses that have no allergens or biocides; have non-toxic fire protection, waterproofing and dust-mite protection; and firm construction, per CPSC guidelines. The mattress covers use a patent-pending process of manufacturing food-grade polyethylene. The products are made in the USA, and certified by GreenGuard.
“At first, stores were reluctant, but consumers are coming in now and forcing stores to carry our product,” said Cik. “Consumers are doing research and finding out about potentially harmful products.”
Naturepedic was prepared—they already had documented independent lab testing to prove that there are no phthalates in any mattresses. And retailers and consumers have responded—their products are now carried in 250 stores across the country, and have won numerous awards.
“It comes down to one thing: for every decision we make, we ask, what is going to give us the highest probability of not harming the baby?” said Cik. “Babies spend up to 70% of their early life sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. At Naturepedic, we believe a baby’s health and safety should not be negotiable.”
Around the same time Naturepedic was getting started, Jesse Johnson co-founded Q Collection, designing healthy, environmentally-friendly adult furniture and upholstery/textiles.
“Then we looked at the children’s market and saw that there wasn’t a lot being made,” said Johnson, who is also CEO. Q Collection Junior was launched in 2007, and is now in 100 retail stores.
Johnson and fellow co-founder Anthony Cochran had two goals when they started the company. First was the absolute health and safety of the children who sleep in their cribs and on their bedding. And second, to dramatically minimize or eliminate the harm that the making of furniture and bedding does to our planet.
“We are unique, with the first cribs that have gone through third-party indoor quality process,” he said. “We have an internal checklist of things we are not willing to use, like formaldehyde and polyurethane in our paints and finishes.”
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| The Solare dresser/changing table from Q Collection Junior is made of certified and locally-sourced 100% hardweood ash; non-toxic, water-based materials; and no formaldehyde, $1,625, (212) 529-1400. |
Their entire line of children's furniture and bedding is made to the toughest environmental standards anywhere. Everything they do is designed to eliminate anything harmful or toxic in the products themselves, or in the way they're made. “It is the reason we exist,” says their mission statement.
GreenGuard tests to two levels, the stricter one for children’s schools, which is the level Q Collection Junior meets, although they make residential products.
“That’s important for a child spending major time in a crib,” said Johnson. The furniture is made domestically, of certified wood from within 115 miles of where it is produced, and the packaging is biodegradable.
The juvenile side of the business has grown dramatically. By 2008, it was 50% of the business.
For 2009, Q Collection is debuting the Luna 3-in-1 convertible crib; the Alberto Winged Glider; and 100% organic cotton bedding in Roxy, a watermelon pink color.
“Our new collection has a lot of momentum, and we’re likely to meet our sales target,” said Johnson.
Business has been “very good” for environmentally friendly baby accessories company Lotus Bèbè, in its very first year.
Owner Kathleen Raulin was looking for products made of bamboo fabric, and ended up designing her own.
“I said I’m going to bring it to market if no one else will,” she said.
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| Lotus Bèbè's Bamboo Baby Blanket comes in green and pink with 100% silk brown trim, $59, (800) 298-0803. |
Lotus Bèbè’s collection includes luxury soy blankets, bamboo and soy blankets, petite blankies, burp cloths and changing mats.
“The chemicals used in the growing and manufacturing of conventional textiles can contribute to an overall decline in both our health and the environment, with sensitivities and health problems becoming more common,” said Raulin. “The many benefits of using bamboo and soy can help keep our children and our earth healthy.”
In 2009, Lotus Bèbè will be prototyping several products, including towels, washcloths and mitts. “I’ve got a bunch of ideas,” said Raulin.
For manufacturer Smart Gear, it was the opportunity and need for eco-friendly toys that spurred the business to open.
Jason Cohen and his brother, Sam, started the company in 2004, but didn’t bring any products to the market until 2007. They did a lot of research, including visiting retailers and factories, attending trade shows, and talking to teachers and parents.
“Smart Gear was founded by the need to bring meaningful innovation and contemporary design to a range of baby and children’s products that has traditionally been functional but not in tune with the sense of style of today’s modern parent,” said Cohen, president.
But he doesn’t consider himself a tree-hugger type.
“I’m an average consumer, and if I can do something to help the environment, I’ll do it. I’m not fanatical about it, but it makes a better world for our children,” he said.
And that seems to be the attitude of many consumers.
“Looking back at 2008, people started taking a proactive role and choosing eco-friendly products,” said Cohen. “Business is really good. Even with the economy the way it is, we’ve been growing every month.”
He attributes part of that success to the value of the wooden toys Smart Gear makes.
“People see wooden toys, and they see more value,” said Cohen. “You can get (children) Elmo, but will find they play with toys that have more value.”
Smart Gear is a strong advocate of safety, using non-toxic paints and finishes. They only use wood from replenishable sources, and even their catalogs are printed on recycled paper.
“The only difficulty is that we have to test and test and test,” said Cohen. “That’s a concern for a lot of smaller companies.”
But Smart Gear meats EU safety standards, which Cohen said are slightly higher than US standards.
The company also distributes Wonderworld products, after finding they were a great match to what Smart Gear makes.
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| The Eco Doll House from Wonderworld for Smart Gear comes complete with room settings and family. Themes include recycling, planting trees, solar panels, bicycling and collecting rain water. Finished with water-based paint, $175, (732) 663-0000. |
For 2009, there will be 25 new Wonderworld products, such as pull toys and pretend-play toys. And among Smart Gear’s products, there will be a line of plush handmade in Turkey that is 100% organic “inside and out.”
And not only can parents reduce their baby’s carbon footprint through the products they purchase for the youngster, they can teach children about the environment very early.
One of the best-sellers for the new year is the Wonderworld’s Eco Doll House.
“It is off the charts,” said Cohen. “We’ve gotten a lot of comments on our Web sites. It teaches children about recycling from an early time.”
The Eco Doll House comes complete with room settings and family. The house features a windmill, solar panels, a rain barrel, a recycling bin, a scooter and a vegetable garden.
“We showed it for holiday ’08 delivery, and every piece we had available was pre-sold months before they arrived,” said Cohen.
Other green products from various manufacturers include:
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The Project Table and Stool Set, part of Ecotots’ Surfin Collection, is made of 100% formaldehyde-free FSC Certified birch plywood with eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based stains, $400, (866) 490-9800. |
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Hand-crochet Alpaca Butterflies in a wooden display box from Oeuf, $52, (718) 965-1216. |
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The Organic Collection from Stephan Baby includes this all-natural cotton mint onesie, $16, (800) 359-2917. |
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The imported Ginkgo Rug from Company C is untreated 100% natural wool and tufted, $440-1,960, (800) 818-8288. |
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The Natural I crib mattress from Colgate Juvenile Products has an organic cotton cover, natural cotton batting cushioning, and firm support from natural/renewable coir fiber from coconut shells, (404) 681-2121. |
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Argington’s Giza table is solid birch and birch ply, with a choice of birch, ebony or red maple (shown) finishes, (718) 218-8508, $170. |
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The Animal Organic Cotton group from Raindrops Organic features embroidered items in ivory cotton and pointelle knit. Bibs and hooded towels are organic cotton, terry cloth, $9-42, (630) 968-5100. |
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The Cornstarch Dumbbell Rattle by Green Sprouts for i play. is PVC-, BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free. Made with EcolGreen bio-Polymer, a cornstarch-based eco-friendly plastic. Classic dumbbell shape for easy gripping, $10 (828) 254-9236. |
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Plant a Tree for Me, at right, from Child to Cherish includes an organic swaddle blanket, organic 3-piece layette set (0-3 mos.) with hanger, and “To” and “From” chalkboard, $7, (800) 776-7002. |
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Amy Michelle’s Ecobaby totes come in black and or with a world peace insignia. They are made from recycled excess fabrics blended with recycled PET bottles. The shoulder bag converts to a back pack, $75, (303) 279-0690. |
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This modern bookshelf from Spot On Square is painted with an eco-friendly, non-toxic paint on your choice of eco-conscious materials: bamboo, FSC certified birch or painted recycled/reclaimed MDF in white, $499-625, (800) 308-0046. |
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This premium Merino Wool onesie from Outside Baby is cut and sewn to fit for layering and every day wear. Machine wash and dry, 100% sustainable, $30, (541) 387-4554. |
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Little billie wall art from Olli & Lime is 3x2.5’, and printed on recycled paper, $90, +44 1242 519393. |
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The Davenport Crib from Baby Appleseed is made of various hardwoods, and is available in four finishes, $699, (626) 333-1919. |
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The Warmies Wipes Warmer from Prince Lionheart is specially designed for Warmies Reusable Cloth Wipes, which are made from bamboo fibers and are naturally anti-bacterial, undyed and unbleached, $34.99 (805) 922-2250. |
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The Manhattan crib from Kids Collection Organic, handcrafted by the Amish, is brown maple, and shown here in Acres stain, $1,672, (330) 893-4122. |
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The Serene nursery collection from CoCaLo uses 100% organically grown cotton and environmentally friendly dyes, $235.99/four-piece set, (714) 434-7200. |
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Eden Baby Furniture’s Moderno Collection includes a crib and dresser with white/expresso two-tone color. The crib converts to a toddler, day and full-size bed, $999, (714) 997-9772. |
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The ‘Fragile’ onezee from GoBaby is 100% organic cotton, $12, (800) 589-6645. |
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My First Kitchen from HaPe Intl. is natural birch and maple, accentuated with water-based stain from Germany, $85, (800) 661-4142. |
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The carnival black Laminated Buckle Bag from Kalencom is easy to clean, has a magnetic closure, roomy interior with pockets inside and out. Includes insulated bottle bag, changing pad and zippered pouch. AZO free, no phthalates/ DEHP, DBP or BOP in the PVC, $70, (504) 943-0123. |
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Sesame Street Table Toppers from Neat Solutions protect children from germs on restaurant tables. The toppers and packaging are eco-friendly, $8.99/pack of 18, (704) 895-3430. |
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The Bum Bum Balm from Dimpleskins Naturals is a 100% natural diapering salve, $10.95, (604) 395-6262. |
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This soft, cute and cuddly child-size lamb from Noonoo doubles as a rattle. One side is bamboo and the other organic cotton. Freehand embroidered imagery is on bamboo lamb front. Eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, naturally organic and sustainable, (603) 964-4647. |
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Food themed bibs from Frog Kiss Designs have a 100% cotton fabric front and soft, absorbent towel backing. They are handcrafted from all new, repurposed towel remnants from their hooded towel collection, resulting in less landfill waste, $12-14, (203) 335-2298. |
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Baberoo has Organic Cotton Baby Socks, $15, (925) 743-9831. |
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Peas on Earth is an organic cotton gift set from Baby Kaed, $38, (888) 488-8018. |
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Kushies Organic Bedding is made of 100% soft organic cotton materials. The line includes crib sheets, portable play pen fitted sheets and bassinet/carriage fitted sheets, offered in a warm color palette. Comes in a reusable organic cotton drawstring bag that reduces its carbon footprint, $13-25, (800) 841-5330. |
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The Baby Daily Lotion from Epicuren Baby is luxurious, chemical free and all natural, $20, (800) 690-1610. |
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Natural Mat mattresses are handmade in England from the finest natural and organic raw materials, $399-625, (973) 691-5200. |
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The All-in-One cloth diaper from Bumkins is PVC-, phthalate-, BPA-free waterproof material and 100% cotton flannel. Features Velcro closure and internally sewn elastic, $24.95, (480) 481-3618. |
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Italian-based Picci introduces the Natura Collection, made from 100% certified organic materials. The hypoallergenic ivory and sage green ensemble features cotton grown from natural fertilizers and free from chemical treatments, fabric dye using no heavy metals and soft stuffing free from impurities and derived entirely from maize, $450, (973) 691-5200. |
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The MaxSpring Mattress from Maxtrix is bio foam-encased steel spring coils, soft organic cotton ticking, and is odorless and hypo-allergenic, $299/twin, (203) 683-4895. |
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The Organic Textured Block Baby Blankets from Manual Woodworkers & Weavers is 100% organic cotton and chemical free. The two-layer blankets are 45x33” and come in three colors, $32, (800) 542-3139. |
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This organic cotton kimono bodysuit by Nui Organics is butter soft with external seams, and packaged in a reusable paper mache gift box, $35, (888) 823-6480. |
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Nursin’ Smart Grow-With-Me Silicone Nursing System from Innobaby grows with the child from birth through toddler years, $17.99+, (847) 387-8777. |
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The Carolina Classics Chateau convertible crib from Greenhaven Studios easily converts to a toddler- and full-sized bed with purchase of adaptable pieces. It is handcrafted using solid sustainable hardwoods that are formaldehyde free, with finishes that are Low VOC and GreenGuard certified, $1,700, (704) 765-1850. |
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Flower Power from Lambs & Ivy is contemporary, trendy bedding that is 100% organic cotton and made with earth-friendly dyes. $169-179, (310) 322-3800. |
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Monsters Play All Day from Alex contains three boxes of games in a tiered box with a handle. Made of recycled paperboard with a water-based varnish and printed with soy ink, $35, (800) 666-2539. |
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The Wee BE Organic Gift Bag Collection from Babe Ease is a 100% organic cotton (natural or brown/brown trim) baby cap, Clean Burper burp cloth, baby blanket and drawstring tote, $78, (800) 635-3899 |
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Simple and clean ABC blocks from the Maple Landmark woodshop. Using a kid-friendly font, letters are burned into cubes crafted from responsibly harvested local forests. Also a heart, smiley face, and teddy bear. The blocks have no finish on them and the set is shrink wrapped, $19.50, (800) 421-4223. |
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Way Basics’ Cube3 is easy to build shelving made from recycled paper, and it is recyclable, $49.25, (949) 892-5279. |
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The Baby K’tan Organic Baby Carrier has a patent-pending double sling design, and can be used in eight positions and up to 42 lbs. It is organic cotton with no hardware, is natural colored, and certified by GOTS, $64.99, (866) 937-5826. |
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SwaddleDesigns Organic Line now has printed blankets, and is made using earth-friendly processes and fabrics such as certified organic cotton, $32, (206) 525-0400. |
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Dandelion’s PET Diaper Bag is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. It comes with two adjustable shoulder straps and mini straps and can be carried four different ways. Set includes Diaper Bag, changing pad and Grab-and-Go mini bag. The mini bag has room for diapers and wipes and a pouch sized to fit the changing pad, $74.99, (888) 222-3053. |
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The Keep-Me-Tidy Disposable Diaper Sacks from Classy Kid are degradable and contain the stink and airborne germs. Great for soiled or wet clothes too, $3.29, (800) 406-5010. |
GREEN BUYER'S GUIDE:
| Products and price ranges | ||||||||
| Company, location, contact information L=Low, M=Medium, H=High | Furniture | Gear | Toys/plush | Textiles/rugs | Gifts/layette | Decortative accessories | Body care | Other |
| ACME Furniture Inc | LM | LM | ||||||
| City of Industry, Calif., 626-964-3456 | ||||||||
| Youth furniture, bunk beds and cribs. | ||||||||
| Alex | LM | |||||||
| Northvale, N.J., 800-666-2539 | ||||||||
| Little Hands, a line of preschooler products, introduces new eco-friendly learning toys and games. Eight games are made with recycled paperboard with a water-based varnish and printed with soy ink. Four toys are made with wood from sustainable forests, natural ink that is non-toxic, botanical-oil based. | ||||||||
| Amity Home | M | |||||||
| Azusa, Calif., 626-334-6771 | ||||||||
| Organic cotton quilts packaged in non-PVC vinyl bags. | ||||||||
| Amy Michelle Baby Bags | M | |||||||
| Golden, Colo., 720-840-7230 | ||||||||
| Baby bags designed and manufactured to provide all the convenience, function and versatility moms need, without sacrificing the sophistication and elegance women want. Recently launched “greener side of the street” bags with its offering of eco-baby totes. | ||||||||
| Argington | M | H | ||||||
| Brooklyn, N.Y., 800-482-0522 | ||||||||
| A number of designs and fabrications. The Wonders Collection features a combination of solid birch wood with low-emission birch multiply; glues, finishes and stains are 100% non-toxic; and many pieces convert for future reusability. | ||||||||
| Babe Ease, LLC | M | LMH | ||||||
| Pelham, N.H., 800-635-3899 | ||||||||
| Shopping cart and high chair covers, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, toys, books and changing pads. Several 100% organic items, including the Wee BE Organic gift bag collection. | ||||||||
| Baberoo — The Baby Innovators | M | M | M | |||||
| Alamo, Calif., 925-743-9831 | ||||||||
| Organics include socks, leggies and skincare. Only the cleanest and purest products will touch baby's sensitive skin. Only use certified organic cotton, free of pesticides, free of herbicides, and free of synthetic fertilizers. | ||||||||
| Baby Appleseed | MH | |||||||
| City of Industry, Calif., 626-333-1919 | ||||||||
| The eco-friendly furniture line includes Davenport crib, which converts into a toddler bed with included toddler conversion kit and full size bed (full size rails sold separately). | ||||||||
| Baby Kaed | M | |||||||
| Oceanside, Calif., 888-488-8018 | ||||||||
| Organic cotton gift sets. | ||||||||
| Baby K'tan, LLC | M | |||||||
| Hollywood, Fla., 954-889-3502 | ||||||||
| 100% Organic Cotton Soft Baby Carrier has a patent-pending double sling design for use in over 8 positions from birth to 42 lbs. Eco-friendly organic cotton with no hardware. Available in organic natural color and certified by GOTS. | ||||||||
| Bumkins Finer Baby Products | M | |||||||
| Scottsdale, Ariz., 480-481-3618 | ||||||||
| Organic products include the All-in-One cloth diaper, featuring PVC, phthalate and BPA free waterproof exterior and a six layer, 100% cotton flannel interior; and an unbleached organic cotton Chin Bib 2-pack with sage trim. | ||||||||
| Child to Cherish | LM | |||||||
| Brea, Calif., 800-776-7002 | ||||||||
| Organic layette gift sets in decorative keepsake suitcases and gift baskets which include 3-piece layette set and organic swaddle blanket items Tree seedling gift items. | ||||||||
| Classy Kid Inc. | LM | LM | LM | |||||
| Las Vegas, 800-406-5010 | ||||||||
| Clean & Green products are convenient, disposable products that help parents to protect their children in public places from surface germs and provide easy clean-up. The Boo-Boo Care Line provides child-friendly first aid products to help relieve the emotional stress of an injury for a child. | ||||||||
| CoCaLo Inc. | M | M | M | |||||
| Costa Mesa, Calif., 714-434-7200 | ||||||||
| Naturals is a brand new eco-friendly line that is 100% organic cotton, with environmentally friendly dyes, and polyester filler. Inspired by nature and an alternative to traditional baby products. Line includes bedding, wall art, window treatments, lamp shade and blanket. | ||||||||
| Colgate Juvenile Products | LMH | |||||||
| Atlanta, 404-681-2121 | ||||||||
| 'Green' crib mattresses, pads and covers offer a range of features, prices, and Earth renewable/sustainable components: organic and natural cotton, bamboo, coir fiber, and foams made with plant oils. Crib mattresses: Natural I, EcoClassica I, EcoViscoClassica, EcoSpring Diploma, EcoSpring Ultra II. EcoPads: contour pad, portable crib, and cradle. Bamboo wet-proof crib fitted mattress cover. | ||||||||
| Company C | M | |||||||
| Concord, N.H., 800-818-8288 | ||||||||
| Natural Grounds rugs are made with 100% natural wool, greatly reducing the amount of dye used, and they are RugMark-certified. A portion of every rug sale goes to support RugMark, a non-profit organization that works to end child labor in the rug industry and offer educational opportunities to those children. | ||||||||
| Cottage Dreams | H | |||||||
| Upland, Calif., 909-579-0810 | ||||||||
| Custom bedding for: Cribs, cradles, twin, full, queen & king size beds. | ||||||||
| Dandelion | M | M | M | |||||
| Winter Park, Fla., 888-222-3053 | ||||||||
| The product line focuses on environmentally-conscious materials and packaging in simple and engaging shapes and colors. The line includes infant rattle and teether toys, developmental toys, toddler feeding and diaper bags. | ||||||||
| Dimpleskins Naturals | M | |||||||
| New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, 604-395-6262 | ||||||||
| 100% natural baby care, made from only pure, cruelty-free, and organic ingredients. The signature diapering salve, Bum Bum Balm, is zinc-oxide free, so it's great with cloth diapers. | ||||||||
| Ecotots | M | |||||||
| Indianapolis, 317-291-3888 | ||||||||
| High-quality, full-line of environmentally friendly, real wood modern furniture and furnishings for kids which assemble quickly and easily without any tools or hardware. Products are wholly designed and manufactured in the USA from renewable, FSC Certified, formaldehyde-free real wood, and are available in a variety of eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based finishes. Founding members of the Sustainable Furniture Council. | ||||||||
| Eden Baby Furniture | MH | |||||||
| Orange, Calif., 714-997-9772 | ||||||||
| High quality baby crib, dresser and other casegoods. | ||||||||
| Epicuren Baby by Episencial | M | M | ||||||
| Los Angeles, 800-690-1610 | ||||||||
| Luxurious all-natural, chemical free line of skin care products designed specifically for the developing skin of babies, toddlers and young children. Made exclusively of all natural ingredients, with a high concentration of organics, products are manufactured in a solar powered facility and packaged in recycled and FSC certified materials. | ||||||||
| ERGObaby | M | |||||||
| Pukalani, Hawaii, 888-416-4888 | ||||||||
| Baby carriers and accessories in 100% cotton and 100% organic cotton designs. Carriers distribute baby's weight evenly on the parents' hips to avoid back, shoulder and neck pain, plus they support baby's hip, spine & pelvis by offering a correct sitting position. | ||||||||
| Frog Kiss Designs | H | |||||||
| Fairfield, Conn., 203-335-2298 | ||||||||
| The Take-me-Out Bib is a cool & hip food-themed bib, with a 100% cotton fabric front and a soft and absorbent towel backing. Handcrafted from repurposed towel remnants from their hooded towel collection, resulting in less landfill waste. | ||||||||
| Fun Furnishings | M | |||||||
| City of Commerce, Calif., 800-386-7632 | ||||||||
| Eco-friendly foam pieces are covered with 100% organic cotton fabrics. Available in the new green line are: 'My First Chair,' Sofa sleeper and Teen Chair. Beautiful colorful prints in a variety of patterns. | ||||||||
| Go Baby | M | M | ||||||
| New York, 800-859-6645 | ||||||||
| 100% Organic Cotton Onezees and T-shirts for sizes 0-5T are soft and cozy. They are printed with original designs inspired by care labels: for example, “Handle with Care,” “Hand Wash Only,” and “Fragile.” | ||||||||
| Green Haven Studios | H | |||||||
| Cornelius, N.C., 704-765-1850 | ||||||||
| Eco-friendly products with cottage style; made in the USA with sustainable hardwoods and low VOC-GreenGuard certified finishes. Wide variety of colors and treatments, all safe for little ones. | ||||||||
| Halo Innovations | M | |||||||
| Minnetonka, Minn., 952-259-1500 | ||||||||
| The organic line uses 100% organically grown cotton that is free of chemicals, dyes and preservatives. In addition to SleepSack wearable blankets, SleepSack Swaddles and layette sets in whimsical motifs, new additions to the organic cotton collection are coveralls, bodysuits, pants and hats. | ||||||||
| HaPe Intl. Inc. | M | |||||||
| Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, 800-661-4142 | ||||||||
| Eco-friendly toys that support children throughout every stage of development, starting at a very young age to help nurture and develop their natural abilities. | ||||||||
| i play. | M | M | M | |||||
| Asheville, N.C., 800-876-1574 | ||||||||
| Organic cotton layette in matching colors. Organic cotton toys, natural wood rattles and cornstarch teethers by Green Sprouts. Bibs, bottles and products without phthalates, PVC, BPA, and lead. New dishes and toys made with biodegradable/compostable cornstarch-based eco-plastic. | ||||||||
| Innobaby LLC | M | M | MH | |||||
| Hoffman Estates, Ill., 847-387-8777 | ||||||||
| Designed by doctors and recommended by lactation consultants, the Nursin' Smart Grow-with-Me Silicone Nursing System features BPA- and Phthalates-free medical-grade silicone bottles which are safer than glass and plastic bottles. Works from birth through toddler years with its interchangeable accessories. | ||||||||
| Kalencom | M | M | ||||||
| New Orleans, 504-943-0123 | ||||||||
| In business over 35 years, offering luxurious yet affordable eco-friendly diaper bag, accessories and organic layettes. A20 free and use no Phthalates/DEHP, DBP or BOP in their PVC. | ||||||||
| Kids Collection Organic | M | |||||||
| Walnut Creek, Ohio, 330-893-4122 | ||||||||
| All products are made in the USA (Amish crafted and hand assembled). Absolutely no plywood or particle board is used in any construction. Because of a lack of organic wood glues, the glue used in assembling the products is a very low chemical, water-based glue. Mattress spring has four different height adjustments. All cribs have been built to Federal and ASTM standards. | ||||||||
| Kids Preferred | M | |||||||
| East Windsor, N.J., 866-763-8869 | ||||||||
| Naturally Better is a line of 100% organic, super soft plush based on the classic Peter Rabbit stories from noted author and environmentalist Beatrix Potter. The include includes 18” plush of Peter and his sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail. All are presented in environmentally friendly and recyclable packages that double as gift boxes. | ||||||||
| Kissy Kissy | MH | |||||||
| Tinton Falls, N.J., 732-345-5073 | ||||||||
| Layettes made from the softest Peruvian cotton, hand embroideries and traditional designs. Sizes range from preemie to 18-24. Christening and special occasion wear. | ||||||||
| Kushies | LM | |||||||
| Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, 800-841-5330 | ||||||||
| Organic products include Safari Organic layette, with animal embroideries and appliques along with soft solid colors and yarn dye stripes. The Organic Bedding Collection is made from 100% soft organic cotton. | ||||||||
| Lambs & Ivy | M | M | M | |||||
| El Segundo, Calif., 310-322-3800 | ||||||||
| Lambs & Ivy manufactures the highest quality bedding, accessories and gifts. We have built a solid reputation for leading the industry in innovative and unique products. We are committed to the design and creation of a loving and safe nursery filled with fantasy and wonder for every baby. | ||||||||
| Little Twig | H | |||||||
| Manhattan Beach, Calif., 310-648-7985 | ||||||||
| Natural and organic baby personal care products that are pediatrician tested and phthalate, paraben, sulfate and mineral oil free. They are made of biodegradable ingredients and packaged in highly recyclable bottles. New gift sets have a lower price point. | ||||||||
| Lotus Bebe | H | |||||||
| Moorpark, Calif., 800-298-0803 | ||||||||
| Sustainable luxury for baby includes soy blankets made of a soft plush soybean fiber with a 100% silk box pleat trim. Bamboo blankets and bamboo petite blankies come in 3 colors, and all have a deep brown 100% silk trim. | ||||||||
| Manual Woodworkers & Weavers, Inc. | L | |||||||
| Hendersonville, N.C., 800-542-3139 | ||||||||
| Organic textured block baby blankets are thick, soft, cuddly, and 100% organically grown and chemical free. No fertilizers, herbicides nor toxic defoliants are used to produce and harvest the cotton. | ||||||||
| Maple Landmark Woodcraft | M | M | ||||||
| Middlebury, Vt., 800-421-4223 | ||||||||
| Made in Vermont, products crafted from responsibly harvested local forests. Gifts, games and toys in a variety of earth-friendly, non-toxic finishes. Home of award winning Name Trains, Montgomery Schoolhouse and the new Schoolhouse Naturals products. | ||||||||
| Maxtrix | M | M | M | L | ||||
| Bridgeport, Conn., 203-683-4895 | ||||||||
| Adaptable bed systems plus four luxury eco-friendly mattress choices: MaxFoam, MaxSpring, MaxMemory, and MaxLatex. Odorless and hypo-allergenic, the mattresses are made with the highest quality soy based bio-foam, bio-foam encased coils, natural Latex and soft organic cotton ticking. | ||||||||
| miYim | M | M | ||||||
| Brooklyn, N.Y., 718-389-8233 | ||||||||
| The organic cotton toy collection is pure and simple, eco-friendly all-natural from start to finish. | ||||||||
| Muu | MH | |||||||
| Los Angeles, 323-988-7147 | ||||||||
| The Sam Collection is aimed at new parents who want to furnish their home modern and elegantly, with high-quality and durable furniture made of sustainable, non-toxic materials. Hundreds of graphics, color and font options to choose from for personalization and customization. | ||||||||
| Natural Mat | MH | |||||||
| Mt. Olive, N.J., 973-691-5200 | ||||||||
| Mattresses are handmade in the heart of the West Country in Devonshire, England, from the finest natural and organic raw materials. Three mattress products, Coco Mat, Latex Mat and Mohair Mat are offered along with bed linen. | ||||||||
| Naturepedic | M | |||||||
| Cleveland, 800-91-PEDIC | ||||||||
| Baby and children's mattresses using organic and non-toxic materials. No polyurethane foam, vinyl, phthalates, PEDE's, Antimony, etc. No latex, wool or other potential allergens. Recommended by “Healthy Child Healthy World.” Certified by GreenGuard. | ||||||||
| Nava's Designs | H | |||||||
| Van Nuys, Calif., 818-908-9050 | ||||||||
| Award-winning designer of a high-end baby bedding line in business since 1968 and handmade in the USA. | ||||||||
| Neat Solutions | L | |||||||
| Huntersville, N.C., 704-895-3430 | ||||||||
| Products for on-the-go families include Table Topper, Potty Topper, Floor Topper, multi-use pads, XL changing pads, disposable bibs, all-in-one meal kits and meal and play mats. | ||||||||
| NOONOO | M | M | M | |||||
| North Hampton, N.H., 603-964-4647 | ||||||||
| Product line consists of lovey comfort blankets and soft playthings made from felted lambs wool, unbleached cotton, bamboo and silk. Each is handmade and individually embroidered with artwork designed by children for children. | ||||||||
| Nui Organics | MH | MH | ||||||
| Austin, Texas, 888-823-6480 | ||||||||
| 100% certified organic merino wool baby blankets and clothing. Made in New Zealand, they have no harsh chemicals or dyes to harm a babies sensitive new skin. Now launching an organic cotton gift collection of newborn basics and bedding. | ||||||||
| OEUF | M | M | M | M | ||||
| Brooklyn, N.Y., 718-965-1216 | ||||||||
| Products with a simple, clean design. Their mission is that while children don't need many items, they do need some essentials—so they make those essentials practical and stylish, without compromising quality and safety. | ||||||||
| Olli & Lime | H | H | ||||||
| Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK , +441242 519393 | ||||||||
| Designer children's bedding, wallpaper, pillows and prints. Produced using eco-friendly materials, ethically sourced and printed. | ||||||||
| Ore' Originals | M | M | M | M | ||||
| Long Beach, Calif., 800-367-2675 | ||||||||
| Eco-friendly Peek-a-Boo products include a beechwood rattle made with natural beeswax coating, water-based inks that is non-toxic and ASTM and CE approved; and a wood brush set with boar bristles in a natural maple finish. | ||||||||
| Outside Baby, LLC | LM | LM | ||||||
| Hood River, Ore., 541-387-4554 | ||||||||
| Outdoor gear and technical playwear, from PVC-free backpacks to sustainable recycled fleece to warm and dry Merino wool. | ||||||||
| Picci | MH | MH | ||||||
| Mt. Olive, N.J., 973-691-5200 | ||||||||
| The Natura Collection is made from 100% certified organic materials. The hypo-allergenic ivory and sage green ensemble features cotton grown from natural fertilizers and free from chemical treatments, fabric dye using no heavy metals and soft stuffing free from impurities and derived entirely from maize. Embroidery thread is certified organic. | ||||||||
| Prince Lionheart, Inc. | L | L | H | |||||
| Santa Maria, Calif., 805-922-2250 | ||||||||
| Warmies Reusable Cloth Wipes are made from 100% bamboo fiber, and are naturally anti-bacterial, undyed and unbleached. | ||||||||
| Q Collection Junior | M | M | ||||||
| New York, 212-529-1400 | ||||||||
| Healthy, environmentally friendly children's furniture and organic cotton bedding. They have the first and only indoor air quality certified cribs in the world and are the only collection approved by Healthy Child Healthy World. They use only materials that can be proven to be non toxic and appropriate for use around children; produced in the USA of locally-sourced and/or certified wood; and 1% of our revenues are donated to non profits working on issues related to children's environmental health. | ||||||||
| Raindrops by Dee Givens & Co. | LMH | M | M | |||||
| Downers Grove, Ill., 630-968-5100 | ||||||||
| Infant gift sets, layette wear, bibs, blankets, play wear, sleepers, onesies, etc. Also new organic, embroidered, layette groups in an ivory 100% organic cotton pointelle, and a group in white organic bamboo and cotton, textured knit. | ||||||||
| Robbie Adrian | H | H | ||||||
| El Dorado Hills, Calif., 916-570-3775 | ||||||||
| Luxury organic blankets incorporating piping made of Peace Silk into its line of luxurious fleece blankets. The blankets are available in both crib and adult sizes. Peace Silk is silk made from cocoons where the caterpillar is allowed to naturally complete its life cycle, to transform into a winged silkworm moth, to emerge from the cocoons, find a mate, lay eggs for the next generation. | ||||||||
| Serena & Lily | H | LMH | M | MH | MH | LMH | ||
| Sausalito, Calif., 415-331-4364 | ||||||||
| Elegant nursery crib and child bedding collections, baby gifts, new bedding designs available in “adult” sizes, and a range of new items designed to spark creativity in children. | ||||||||
| Shainsware | L | L | ||||||
| Los Angeles, 818-404-9131 | ||||||||
| Cool recycled accessories that let you make your own statement, and change it whenever you want. | ||||||||
| Smart Gear | M | M | ||||||
| Deal, N.J., 732-663-0000 | ||||||||
| Fun, innovative and educational safe products for children age birth to five years old. Our products meet or exceed the highest levels of safety and quality for U.S. (ASTM) and European (EN71) standards. They use rubber-wood that is of replenishable source, water-based paint, non-toxic color and lacquer constituent for all products. | ||||||||
| Spot On Square | MH | M | ||||||
| Omaha, Neb., 800-308-0046 | ||||||||
| Furniture line reflects functionality, environmental consciousness, and modern design. They use environmentally friendly resources like bamboo, reclaimed/recycled MDF and low VOC finishing processes that don't adversely affect the environment or children. | ||||||||
| Stephan Baby | M | M | M | |||||
| Pierceton, Ind., 800-359-2917 | ||||||||
| Gifts such as toys, plush, blankets, layette, silver, keepsakes, diaper bags and feeding accessories. | ||||||||
| Stokke | H | |||||||
| Kennesaw, Ga., 678-627-0246 | ||||||||
| Eco-friendly children's furniture that grows and transforms with the child so they will always have a use in the home. Renewable beechwood and recycled metal parts are used throughout, along with safe, non-toxic finishes. | ||||||||
| Summer Infant | M | M | M | M | ||||
| Woonsocket, R.I., 800-268-6237 | ||||||||
| The Nature's Purest line is a beautiful natural and pure range bedding collection made using organically grown cotton processed without any chemicals, so it is kind to baby's soft skin and the environment too. | ||||||||
| SwaddleDesigns | M | M | ||||||
| Seattle, 206-525-0400 | ||||||||
| The Ultimate Receiving Blanket, designed by a nurse, is larger than typical receiving blankets, and is the only blanket with swaddling instructions sewn on (patent pending). SwaddleDesigns Certified Organic Ultimate Receiving Blanket is now available in our most popular prints. | ||||||||
| Terra Traditions | H | H | ||||||
| Los Angeles, 323-954-1404 | ||||||||
| Pieces are made to inspire. The classic linen collection with Swarovski Crystal optional are the best to give or receive. There is a soulful nature to the pieces which encourage reflection and contemplation. | ||||||||
| thinkbaby | M | H | H | |||||
| Austin, Texas, 877-446-1616 | ||||||||
| A complete line of non-toxic baby bottles, and sippy cups. All products are free of BPA, phthalates, nitrosamines, lead and PVC, and are recommended by Healthy Child Healthy World. | ||||||||
| Uppababy | H | |||||||
| Rockland, Mass., 781-878-3997 | ||||||||
| The new Vista bassinets are fully lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton, and are extremely hypo-allergenic for baby's skin. | ||||||||
| Way Basics | L | L | ||||||
| Irvine, Calif., 949-892-5279 | ||||||||
| An environmentally sound manufacturing process turns post-consumer recycled paper into superbly strong boards that weigh 62% less than particle board. They are just as solid and structurally sound as any engineered wood furniture. Products require no tools to assemble and you can mix and match different combinations. | ||||||||
| Young America | LMH | |||||||
| Stanleytown, Va., 276-627-2540 | ||||||||
| Following design trends, not fads, they make sophisticated pieces that appeal to even the most particular eye for style. Products remain fully functional as a child's needs and tastes grow. More than two thirds of the revenues come from product made in their factories by their own craftsmen in Virginia and North Carolina. | ||||||||
| ZoLi Inc. | M | |||||||
| Burlingame, Calif., 650-558-1115 | ||||||||
| A line of safe and stylish baby products that are BPA and phthalate free, including a formula & snack dispenser, diaper changing mat, teethers, battery-operated nasal aspirator, and anti-colic baby bottles. | ||||||||
Stay tuned to Kids Today and www.kidstodayonline.com for the latest news in eco-friendly baby and juvenile products.
To sign up for the Kids Today e-weekly newsletter, click here: Subscribe.
To see products by theme, visit Gerri Hunt's blog, "On the Shelf," each week, accessible from the home page, www.kidstodayonline.com, or directly at On the Shelf.
