Bananas, sweet potatoes, and avocados often make the cut as the first foods for babies in the United States; many of us also kick off solids with baby cereal. But how about fish, seaweed, and peanuts? Check out the eclectic first foods parents in other countries feed their babies.

To some of us, the things people around the world feed their little ones might seem strange or adventurous. (Some of the foods I don't even have a taste for -- but I'll admit I'm a slightly picky eater for an adult.) But I think we can learn a thing or three about what others are giving their babies as first foods.

At the very least, I hope this list will inspire parents to introduce more flavors to their early eaters (with their pediatrician's okay, of course), perhaps allowing them to expand their palate and maybe, just maybe, prevent them from growing into school-age kids who'll only eat pizza and mac and cheese. Hey, it's worth a shot.

We wish we'd thought of #10! What first food did you feed your baby?

 Image via ©eranyardeni/iStock

Organic foods are everywhere nowadays, and that includes infant formula. As a parent, your number one priority is protecting and ensuring the health of your baby, and one of the biggest choices you make is what you'll feed them. So does organic live up to the hype? To help you make the choice between organic and non-organic infant formula, check out these points.

What makes it organic?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the marketing of organic food. For infant formula to be labelled organic, 95% of its ingredients must come from farms that use sustainable agriculture practices. That means they don't use conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Also, any animals used to produce organic foods must not have been given antibiotics or growth hormones.

What does that mean for baby?

Pestcides, bioengineering, radiation. That all sounds pretty scary, but does it really have an impact on infant health? The simplest answer is, we don’t know.

According to Jillian Trabulsi, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Director of the Graduate Program in Human Nutrition at the University of Delaware, “There’s no scientific evidence-based research to recommend organic over nonorganic infant formulas. We need to see the data and then come to scientific conclusions. And at this time we just don’t have that evidence base.”

Trabulsi is also the co-author of The Handbook of Dietary and Nutritional Aspects of Bottlefeeding and in year 4 of a 5-year study on the topic. She says that many hypothesize that it's healthier to eat organic foods, but there’s just not enough evidence to make that assertion yet.

Which offers better nutrition?

Organic foods have a reputation of having additional health benefits but nutritionally, organic and nonorganic infant formulas are both suitable food sources for infants.

“In terms of nutritional differences, there’s just not a lot of big differences,” says Trabulsi. "The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) oversees both manufacture and content of infant formula to make sure that they’re safe and that they support healthy growth in infants that consume them. So formula in the U.S. must meet federal nutrient requirements. Whether its organic or not organic, it has to meet those guidelines.”

But still, check the label. Some organic formulas contain lower levels of fatty acids, like DHA, that are important for visual development, and also may contain lower levels of iron, another important nutrient for growing babies.

Am I always going to pay more for organic formula?

Organic foods are notoriously more expensive than their non-organic counterparts. And if you're choosing between a regular formula and an organic formula of the same brand, you'll almost always pay a little extra for organic.

But if you do some comparison shopping, you'll find that many organic formulas only differ in price by a few cents per ounce. So it's possible to go with an organic option without breaking the bank. Just check with your pediatrician to be sure they recommend the one you choose for your baby.

What else is going to help me decide?

Choosing between organic and non-organic formula really boils down to doing your research and going with what works for your baby and family. For example, some parents try a formula that doesn't seem to agree with their baby and switch to another to see if it helps cut down on tummy troubles. Others stick with one brand from birth to toddlerhood. Ultimately, you may need to decide whether or not you believe sustainable farming practices are worth the cost of an organic formula.

"What I really highly recommend parents do is read labels," says Trabulsi. "And then they can ask either their pediatrician or a registered dietician or nutritionist about what they see on that label."

Morgan Webb Battista is a working mom and lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and little girl. She spends weekends hiking, shopping for local food, and eating donuts.

Photo via iStock.com/Halfpoint

By some estimates, a parent can plan to change over 3,000 diapers during baby's first year. That is a lot of diapers, and as the baby transforms from a tiny little newborn lump into a squirming, kicking, wiggly baby, diaper changing can get a lot more difficult. Now you don't have to just change the diaper -- you have to do it while also preventing your little stinker from flinging himself off the changing table.

Having a wiggly, dirty-diapered baby can turn even the most mild-mannered mom into an Olympic-caliber wrestler. If most of your attempts at diaper changing start by first having to pin your opponent, perhaps you might be interested in some other ways to safely change a squirmy baby's diaper. (Don't worry; no babies were harmed in the creation of this list.)

1. Sing a beloved song.

"Singing works for us. We have one song that we sing, and we only sing it for diaper changes. As my son gets older, he has started trying to sing along with us, which is both adorable and helpful, since it distracts him from trying to kick like an Irish step dancer." -- Leah C., Des Moines, Iowa

2. Turn on a soother.

"This sounds weird, but I do most of the changes on the floor in my daughter's room, with the shades drawn. The room is slightly dark, so I can put on this machine that projects pictures of fish onto the ceiling. She is entranced." -- Kellie L., Fort Collins, Colorado

3. Use pants to your advantage.

"Nothing grosses me out more than when my kid kicks during a change. Especially when there is poop. So I've found that what works is not taking his pants all the way off. I keep his little sweatpants around his calves and then I can keep both feet together with one hand, and that makes it easier to hold them up and off the diaper." -- Naomi C., Albany, New York

More from The Stir: 10 Places to Never Change Your Baby's Diaper

4. Give him what's usually off-limits.

"In our house, the remote control is strictly forbidden for kids to play with, so of course my 13-month-old wants that more than anything else. He also hates to sit still for a diaper change and I hate having to pin him down with my leg (which I've totally done), so I got a cheap remote from the store to let him hold during diaper changes only. It has no batteries and doesn't work on anything, but it captures his attention for a minute or two." -- Bonnie S., Tucson, Arizona

5. Enlist a sibling...

"Diaper changes are when having an older child is super helpful. My 3-year-old is totally into being my helper, so I have her hold her sister's hands during the change, and they play peek-a-boo. Big sis feels useful, and little sis stops trying to escape. Win-win." -- Gayle M., Appleton, Wisconsin

6. ... or your partner.

"There's no way around it. If you have a kicky baby with a seriously poopy diaper, you need to make it a two-person job. Double coverage. One to clean, one to contain. This is why marriage was invented." -- Torrey J., Saint Paul, Minnesota

7. Do it during a feeding.

"I sometimes will wait until my son is taking his bottle and then change him. If he's eating, he's distracted enough to not make the process take longer by squirming the whole time." -- Dede E., Charleston, South Carolina

8. Quit fighting.

"I change diapers to the tune of 'Wheels on the Bus.' I start the song and motions with the original verses and then I add 'the stinky diaper goes bye-bye' while I lift his bottom up and down with one hand and clean with the other. I try to work with his need for movement, not against it, I guess." -- Olivia W., Edina, Minnesota

9. Change the venue.

"Honestly, I just focus on speed and safety. No more changes on the table; we go to the floor. I sing and talk and make faces to distract her and then I change that diaper so fast it looks like I work in the pit crew for car races." -- Cassie D., Moscow, Idaho

10. Opt out entirely.

"I make my husband do it. Does that count?" -- Sara J., Denton, Texas

How do you keep your baby still during diaper changes?

Photo via iStock.com/LifesizeImages

According to pediatricians, reading to your baby is both a sweet way to bond with him and an important activity to make sure he's developing critical language skills. And sometimes that bonding and learning activity incites tears ... from mom, especially if the reading material is on our list of the top 15 all-time baby book tearjerkers.

I should warn you that even the sight of some the book covers on the list is enough to make you feel sniffly, so grab some tissues and make sure you're hydrated before you click on!

Photo via iStock.com/canovass

You packed up that diaper bag and all its dozens of pockets with the essentials, non-essentials and just-in-cases, vowing never to leave home without it. But then along came a thing called reality. These days you consider yourself lucky if you don’t forget the baby, let alone the diaper bag!

Here are five places to stash a stack of diapers – just in case!

In the Car
In your car, in your husband’s car, in every car you ever drive! Keep a pack of Pampers in the trunk – just remember to replenish as you use them.

In Your Purse
When you’re in a frantic rush, you’re more likely to grab your purse than the diaper bag. Because face it, that’s where your credit cards are!

At Grandma’s House
And Aunt Janice’s house, and cousin Jennifer’s apartment, and anywhere else you visit frequently. They’ll be happy to give you space on a shelf in the linen closet for your baby supplies. It’ll make them feel as special as they are.

In Your Work Bag
Stash one or two in the pocket of your work or computer bag, because there’s going to be that inevitable day when you rush from work to daycare to the pediatrician and forget to grab the baby’s bag (with its own stash of spare diapers) from daycare.

In Your Disaster Kit
Although of course we hope that the biggest disaster you’ll ever face will be forgetting your diaper bag, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. When you put together your home disaster preparedness kit, add some Swaddlers, just in case!

Where have you been stranded without a diaper for your baby?

Image ©iStock.com/carebott

Choosing to supplement with formula can be a decision that has both logical and emotional ties. You've worked hard to breastfeed your baby so far and the thought of offering your baby food from another source might not initially sit well. But for one reason or another, it may be time to add some formula feedings into the mix. Once you've made your decision, there are some important things to consider.

You may be struggling to wrap your head around how this whole process of supplementing will work (particularly when your brain is sleep-deprived). That's why we took the most common questions parents have when starting to supplement to the experts.

How will I know my baby is getting enough to eat?

When you introduce formula, it changes your routine and you might feel overwhelmed making sure baby has had just enough to eat. But it will help if you keep a consistent flow and pace. "There is a big difference when a baby nurses at the breast as opposed to taking a bottle," says Leigh Anne O'Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). "There are chemical receptors in the brain that let the baby know when she is satisfied. This is why paced bottle feeding is so important -- watch the baby, go slow, and see if the baby settles down."

How can I prevent my baby from having nipple confusion?

Many parents worry that their baby will start rejecting the breast once they latch on to that bottle. "Nipple confusion is typically really a flow preference," says O'Connor. "If the mom keeps nursing and uses a truly slow flow bottle, offers paced bottle-feeding and does not overfeed the baby, then in most cases the baby will go back and forth between breast and bottle."

More from The Stir: 10 Things Never to Say to a Formula-Feeding Mom

How can I keep up my breastmilk supply?

If you've started supplementing with formula, keeping up your breastmilk supply can become a major concern. Fortunately, the answer is pretty straightforward, but it will require spending some time with your breast pump. "For the most part, milk supply is based on breast stimulation," says Taryn Mickus, IBCLC and owner of Milk Nook Lactation Support. "Every woman has her own magic number of daily breastfeedings and/or pumping sessions she needs to do to maintain a full supply. The average is 8 per 24 hours. Conveniently, babies also need to eat a minimum of 8 times per 24 hours. So the best way to keep your supply up if you need to supplement with formula is to pump once each time your baby gets a bottle of formula."

Will supplementing with formula actually make my child sleep longer?

That old wives' tale that babies who are formula-fed sleep longer is actually not an old wives' tale at all. "The proteins in formula are much larger than those in breastmilk and harder to digest," she explains. "This means that the formula sits in baby's stomach longer than breastmilk." And so your baby might not get hungry again for longer. Of course, it's not a guarantee -- and it could only buy you a few more minutes of sleep -- so getting some extra Zzzz's shouldn't be your reason for using formula.

Will formula make my baby's poop different?

Yep. If thus far you've only breastfed your baby, chances are you've been fortunate enough to avoid any truly foul-smelling diapers. Once you add formula to the mix, it's generally a different story. "By changing the food type, all humans will have some change in their bowel movements," says Thomas M. Seman, MD, FAAP, president of North Shore Pediatrics in Danvers, MA. "When a child has formula, the poops are typically a little less watery but still thin. Occasionally they may be a thin pasty consistency."

Worried you won't know if the change is a sign of a problem? "As long as the poop is easy to pass there is no issue," says Seman. If baby seems constipated, talk to the pediatrician.

Photo via iStock.com/balenopix

There's something incredibly fascinating about giving birth that you can't always put into words. Somehow, some way, life works together. Have you ever heard of babies crawling to their mother's breast to feed? It's okay if you shake your head in disbelief. Just know, it happens.

So, wait, babies are crawling -- like a 7-month-old? Not exactly. Take a look:

[code][/code] 

This video from the Global Health Media Project has been gaining a bit of attention, and rightfully so. Following three new mothers and their babies just after birth, the international organization hopes to show a baby's natural instinct to "breast crawl," and its success.

In case you didn't know, a breast crawl is when a newborn -- who's placed on Mom's tummy, typically for the first hour after birth -- finds and moves to mother's breast on his or her own. Honestly, it's quite fascinating to watch, as a good number of us would likely never expect for a newborn to inch his or her way to the boob -- at least, not without a ton of help.

The Global Health Media Project recommends that baby be left undisturbed on Mom's chest for an hour after birth. Wiped clean, except for his or her hands (it's thought the scent of amniotic fluid on the baby's hands has a similar smell as the mother's breast), the new bundle of joy will start to demonstrate feeding cues, and thus, slowly begin to move to the breast.

And if that's not amazing, most newborns will find the nipple on their own, even attaching to the breast themselves.

More from The Stir: 10 Breastfeeding Myths Debunked

Because of this, experts at the Global Health Media Project organization recommend interfering as little as possible, as it might confuse a baby's natural instinct. In fact, they believe birth attendants should wait at least one hour before they provide newborn care (so long as things are okay, I assume) -- that will give Mom and baby a chance to bond and feed.

I never heard of this before, but seeing is believing. I had skin-to-skin contact with both of my children, though it certainly wasn't for an hour. What's interesting, is that my now 6-month-old wiggled (well, not fast fast, but quicker than my firstborn) his way to my boob not too long after he was born.

It's pretty amazing to see.

Seeing as birth customs differ around the world, I wonder if more medical facilities in the U.S. will allow for this to happen during the first hour after childbirth.

Image via Global Health Media Project/YouTube

"Are you napping when the baby naps?" After the birth of my first child, that was the question I'd often get from people after they'd see my bleary, dark-circled eyes. "Sometimes," I'd say, but really the truth was "never."

I consider myself a fairly laid-back person, but ironically, I have trouble lying back and doing nothing when I know there are things to be done. So, save for a handful of times, I had a difficult time stopping and getting the shut-eye I so desperately needed during my baby's naps. There was a sink full of dirty dishes; laundry begging to be folded; emails that needed to be answered. How on earth was I supposed to fall asleep under those circumstances? Things. Must. Get. Done. 

When my beautiful, sweet angel fell asleep -- which, truth be told, wasn't very often in the first few months -- I got things done. I cleaned. I paid bills. I prepared things for that night's dinner. And, of course, when I had finally checked everything off my to-do list and sat down to relax for a few minutes, my baby would wake up. 

Needless to say, the first few months of my daughter's life were downright exhausting. I cuddled and played with my sweet baby whenever she was awake, but aside from that, there was never a minute of the day that I wasn't "doing something." If she was sleeping, I was doing. 

More from The Stir: Adorable Newborns Cozily Swaddled Redefine #CuddleGoals (PHOTOS)

Two and a half years later, when my son was born, things unfolded quite differently. I definitely still had my OCD tendencies, but being that I had a toddler and had long-succumbed to the fact that a house is never going to be neat when there are kids living in it, I was able to do a better job at letting things be. When I could, I snuggled up on the couch and slept next to my son. When he'd finish nursing and was passed out, milk drunk, I'd plop him onto the bed and lie right there with him. I definitely wasn't always napping and snuggling when he slept, but I didn't have the feeling that I needed to get stuff done nearly as much as I did the first time around -- partially because now I was well aware of how fleeting the newborn stage is, and partly because I was just more easygoing about certain things. 

Both of my children know that they could not possibly be more loved, despite their different "newbornhoods," but I definitely think my decision -- and yes, in some ways it was a decision -- to just let things be when my son was first born has affected the kind of mother I am. I'm not, nor will I ever be, the type of person who can live among a mess or who can relax at night when I know there are dishes in the sink, but now I know it's okay to let them go sometimes. 

They say nothing changes you in this world like becoming a parent for the first time -- and they're right; it's the most shocking, life-altering thing in the world. But, even though you've "been there, done that" by the time your second rolls around, I think baby number two changes you just as much. They may not be the one who "made" you a mother, but, in my case at least, they make you a different, dare I say, better mother.  

And who knows? It just might be because of the extra nap-time snuggles.

Image via iStock.com/MichaelSvoboda

When you're a new parent, there are few experiences as nerve-racking as giving baby his first real bath. Newborns are awfully small and slippery, and the potential for disaster seems so high: What if the water is too hot? Too cold? Soap gets in his eye? Or what if I can't get those neck folds clean and they start to stink? It's easy to let the anxiety motivate you to spend a ton of money on every bathing gadget and tool imaginable.

But as experienced parents will tell you, once you get the hang of it, bath time is actually fairly simple and can be fun for both you and baby. The good news is that you also don’t need to spend a fortune to gear up for that first bath. Here, moms who've been there and done that share the items that will make bath time a breeze -- and those you simply don't need.

Baby Bath Must-Haves

Secure bathing area: There are no hard and fast rules about where you must bathe baby. Whether it's your kitchen sink or a portable plastic tub, you want somewhere that makes it easy for you to hold on to your little wiggler. Brandy T. of Des Moines, Iowa, says, “I suggest having a setup that allows you to be standing during the bath. I think it's easier to hold on to a newborn when you aren’t bending over, like in a tub. If you use one of those plastic tubs, put it on the kitchen counter, so you can stand and keep a hand on baby.” Once baby's bigger, heavier, and moving around more, you'll probably want to switch to the tub.

Thin washcloths and gentle baby wash: You don’t want to scrub baby too hard or use a regular bar of soap (too drying for new skin), so definitely stop in the baby section for those soft baby washcloths and a baby wash that best suits your little one’s skin. I always liked a mild all-in-one soap and shampoo for newborns, and for my baby with sensitive skin I preferred a fragrance-free option.

Hooded towel: Not only are the hooded bath towels for infants adorable, but as Kelsey J. of Saint Paul, Minnesota, says, “Babies get cold quickly, so you want to wrap them up right after bath and cover their little heads so they don’t get the shivers.” Lay the towel out in advance, so you can use both hands to lift and lay your wet baby in it quickly after the bath.

Baby hair brush: If your little one has cradle cap, the bath is a good time to gently wash hair and use the brush to clean off any loose flakes.  

More from The Stir: There Is No Bath Seat Safe Enough For Your Baby

What You Don't Need

Tub thermometer: Yes, it is important to make sure the water isn’t too hot, but you have skin, right? Go old-school and use your elbow or run your forearm under the tap. If it feels hot on your more sensitive skin, it will feel too hot for baby.

Fancy sink insert: “I bought this adorable flower-shaped insert that was supposed to make giving baths in the sink more comfortable for the baby," says Janelle R. of Ames, Iowa. "That thing never dried all the way, so it ended up being a breeding ground for mildew. Yuck. Besides, I was more comfortable just holding her.”

Towel warmer: Heather H. of Lansing, Michigan, is still rolling her eyes about this well-meaning but useless baby shower gift: “My mother-in-law bought me a $50 baby towel warmer. Do I really need that? No. All you need is a nice soft and dry towel to warm up and dry baby. I returned that sucker fast. I’d rather spend that money on diapers.”

Tons of toys: My 3-year-old will happily play in the bath for an hour as long as she has her bucket of toys, so I do think bath toys are a great buy eventually. But new babies definitely don’t need toys. You’ll generally want to get them in and out of the bath pretty quickly so they don’t get chilled and so their skin doesn't dry out. Once they're able to grasp objects and play, they’ll enjoy a plain plastic cup as much or more as they would a fancy squirty toy that's likely to become a mildew trap.

Spa tub: A baby tub with jets? A shower attachment? All the latest bells and whistles? Buy it if you want to, but remember #1 on the must-have list: All you really need is a safe, shallow place that makes it easy to hold on to baby. If you don't get the spa tub, you and baby will probably never miss it.

You’ve taken hundreds and hundreds of photos, but the most memorable of all just may be those mobile baby shots. Keep your camera ready for these eight don’t-miss pics that you’ve simply got to capture! 

What are your favorite pics of your newly mobile baby?

Image ©iStock.com/onebluelight

Most -- if not all -- of us are guilty of feeling a little anxious when we're not with our kids. Sure, our nerves eventually calm down with time, but my goodness, there can be sooo many emotions that fill our heads. A husband and new dad posted a funny "instructions" list his wife made for him, and it's gone viral.

The list of instructions recommendations left by Mom was enough to help Jacob take care of their 3-month-old during her two-day absence.

As you can see, Mom thought of just about everything.

[code]

View post on imgur.com

More from The Stir: 4 Ways to Survive Separation Anxiety

OMG, this is so detailed!

I can relate to having certain feelings about my children's well-being. Granted, I don't recall writing a list of instructions for my husband, but I have been known to call one too many times -- you know, to see if the kiddos are fed, and didn't burn down the house.

Hey, it happens.

At least Dad -- sorry, King Jacob -- had a fun response, as he likely understands the nervousness that comes with the parenting territory ... especially when you're new to the game.

It'll get easier!

Image via BallBall14/Shutterstock

When you're the parent of a baby, there's one thing you want more than almost anything else: sleep, glorious sleep. Helping your baby develop a good nighttime routine is an important step to helping her get more sleep. And what happens when she gets more sleep? Yep! You get more sleep.

The standard advice on helping baby get to sleep usually involves some variation of the “four Bs”: bath, bottle/breast, book, and bed. While these steps are the standard for a reason, we reached out to moms to find out the full details on how they get their little ones in the mood to snooze. Read on and get ready to yawn!

1. “We start our bedtime routine with a family walk. We started it as a way to help our toddler make the transition from playtime to bedtime. I’ve also found that the fresh air and the motion of the walk seems to help the baby relax too. We do a lap around the block and then go inside and do jammies and stories.” -- Karen V., San Diego, California

2. “Our routine involves feeding the baby and burping, and then I sing her the same four songs in the same order while swaying with her on my shoulder. She is always very sleepy by the time I’m done.” -- Beth F., Moorhead, Minnesota

3. “My husband and I alternate days. This way my son doesn’t get used to only falling asleep on mom. I nurse when it's my turn; I pump a bottle when it's my husband’s turn. I think this helped him get used to being fed both ways, which means that either of us can take care of him when he wakes up in the middle of the night. Yay!” -- Lacey P., Cleveland, Ohio

4. “I do a baby massage with lavender scented baby lotion before I swaddle her for the night. I swear it relaxes her!” -- Nina M., Chandler, Arizona

More from The Stir: Milestones: When Will My Baby Sleep Through The Night?

5. “When our baby was first born she was very fussy at bedtime. My husband figured out that she calmed down a lot when she got skin-to-skin contact. So now we give her a bath and then she snuggles with my husband in just her diaper (he has his shirt off) for a few books before we do pajamas. They both like it.” -- Jackie B., Des Moines, Iowa

6. “What works for us is the white noise machine. We have an old creaky house and our baby is a light sleeper, so we could get her down but keeping her down was the problem. The gentle white noise helps muffle our footsteps and other house noises. We turn it on as the last step of the routine.”-- Kate W., Norfolk, Virginia

7. “If you happen to have twins, I recommend having them share a crib when they're little. I think they're comforted by the nearness of their ‘womb-mate,’ so we rock them together and put them down together.” -- Sookie W., Casper, Wyoming

8. “Don’t freeze the baby! I was so worried about the baby having SIDS that I don't think she was warm enough. No blanket, ceiling fan running, thin PJs. No wonder she didn’t sleep! Now with my second baby, I still run the ceiling fan but I put him in a cozy sleep sack too as part of the bedtime routine.” -- Jessia R., Cambridge, Massachusetts

9. “The tried-and-true in our house is a bottle, a book, a song, and a few minutes in the rocking chair. Nothing fancy, but it works!" -- Elizabeth A., Phoenix, Arizona

Image via iStock.com/barisonal

If you've just welcomed a newborn, you're probably wondering how to strengthen your bond with this new family member. Well, the good news is, you're probably already doing almost all of it.

Suzie D'Angelo and Courtney Durfee of Hudson River Doulas work with parents before and after birth to empower them with confidence and knowledge so they can bond as a family. Here, the doulas and moms share their personal and professional findings on the everyday things parents can do to deepen the trust and love between them and their babies.

1. Cuddling her against your bare skin. "Skin-to-skin and cuddling is vital to emotional trust," says D'Angelo. "Babies want and need to be near our hearts, milk, and warmth. It's not often in nature that you'd see a baby too far from their mother. I always tell my mamas that baby clothes are cute, but baby should be skin-to-skin on mama and daddy as much as possible so they stay warm, calm, happy, and nurtured. Skin-to-skin contact also helps to establish a healthy nursing relationship."

Your heartbeat and warmth are familiar and comforting to your baby, adds Durfee. "Skin-to-skin contact can also ease the discomfort of any shots or blood work for baby."

2. Looking into her eyes. Eye contact is a form of communication with our babies. "Babies take in their new world visually along with their other senses. The world is amazing to them, and parents and caregivers are their favorite sights to see," says D'Angelo. It builds trust and is "one of those incredible powers that we mammals use to fall madly in love with our babies." D'Angelo adds that eye contact can be very stimulating to a baby, so you may want to do a little less of it during late-night feedings and diaper changes. 

3. Feeding her. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feedings are a time to be calm, nourish our babies, and bond. You can even strip baby down and hold her close for extra skin-to-skin contact. D'Angelo says, "I look at it as our built-in break to sit calmly with our babies and feel them nuzzling into you. Feeling their body shift from hungry to milk-drunk is a serious reason to feel accomplished and proud of your hard work, love, and dedication."

More from The Stir: Easy and Sweet Ways to Bond With Baby While Bottle-Feeding

4. Babywearing. When you wear your baby in a carrier or sling, you don't just have the advantage of being hands-free. You feel the warmth of each other's bodies. This keeps the bond when you're on the go. "My husband has found with our second son that cuddling him close in a baby carrier soothed all fussiness," says Durfee. "It definitely helped get baby to sleep more easily, and it allowed him to bond with baby while still getting things done around the house."

5. Sleeping close. "Moms who co-sleep, in the same bed or a side car crib, actually get more sleep than moms who don't. Babies are less fussy and can be more quickly soothed and fed which quickly adds up to more sleep, more bonding, and a happier mama and baby in the morning," says Durfee. "We're better able to quickly respond to our newborn's cues if we're in the same room as them. The immediacy of their needs being met is what helps to build trust. Trust is a key developmental stage that every human deserves."

If you decide to co-sleep, it's extremely important take every safety precaution, adds Durfee. "Co-sleeping is not for everyone, and care should be taken to ensure that everyone is safe in every sleep situation."

More from The Stir: Co-Sleeping With Baby: What's Your Safety IQ? (TRIVIA)

6. Comforting baby when she cries. "Responding to baby's cries builds trust, fosters communication skills, and creates a strong emotional foundation for baby," says Durfee. "The only way they can communicate is through body language and eventual cries. Babies are sensory creatures who rely on us to provide those needs and comforts which can help lead to a lifelong foundation of trust and bonding. It's worth every sleepless night, too."

7. Giving her a massage. D'Angelo feels that baby massage is "one of those beautiful rituals that we can do to slow us down and just be with our baby."

8. Singing. It doesn't matter if you're a skilled vocalist or if you can barely carry a tune. "Our babies are born knowing our voices and heartbeats," says D'Angelo. "Especially during the newborn period, our gift of music is nothing short of amazing to use as a tool for bonding with our littles."

"I've seen babies stop mid-fuss for a good tune," she adds, "so if all else fails, sing to your baby. Just today while protesting an afternoon diaper change, my 3-month-old quieted and then started to laugh as I sang our normal good morning song." Now that's bonding.

Image via iStock.com/castenoid

This post is sponsored by Dreft. All opinions are my own. 

Brand new babies are so much fun. They just eat, sleep, and let you drink in their newness. Then they start smiling and laughing and just when you think they can't get any cuter, they graduate from newborn milestones to older milestones. After having three babies, I have realized that I love the older baby milestones even more than the newborn ones. I think it is because they share your excitement because they are old enough to understand that they are doing something new too. Here are a few of my favorites:

Returning To Sitting Position- Learning to sit on your own is cool and all, but when you figure out how to go from laying down to sitting all on your own, the world is your oyster! My little girl would get so frustrated when she would move from sitting to her stomach to get something, and then find she couldn't get back! You could see how proud she was of herself when she figured it out.

Crawling- So many parents hate when their kids become mobile and into everything, but I just can't be mad when I see that newfound independence in their eyes.

Turning The Pages In A Book- We are major book worms at our house, I start my kids on books when they are brand spanking new. The first time they reach out with their chubby, dimpled little fingers to turn the page of a board book, my heart just melts.

Learning To Wave and Clap- I think sometimes these milestones get missed and passed over, but they are some of the cutest! I love how once a baby starts clapping or waving they just can't stop. Sometimes I pretend they are just cheering me on as I park the car or prepare their lunch.

Sign Language - Sign language has proven to be a huge help at our house. Since babies can't speak, baby sign language is a great way to help them communicate their wants and needs. We start with our kids around 5-6 months, but they can't sign back for quite some time. It can feel pointless and frustrating. Then all of a sudden they start signing back to you, their little brains are amazing!

First Word- What did your little munchkin say first? My oldest said, "Uh Oh!" and my little girl said "Mama!". I can't wait to hear what my youngest comes up with first, she seems to be trying really hard to say hi when she waves.

Drinking Out Of A Straw - For me this milestone is one of those that makes it seem like your baby is all grown up. Their little chubby cheeks work so hard to get the liquid up the tube. Too cute.

Favorite Foods- Eating solid foods is a whole new ball game. It is so much fun to see what kids like, and even more fun to see what they hate. Trying new foods always makes for the best faces (and the cutest messes). After three kids I have learned that in messy times I turn to Dreft. Dreft Stage 1 is perfect for newborns and once those older baby milestones start rolling in you are ready for Dreft Stage 2 Active Baby Liquid Detergent which is specially designed with your developing baby in mind. That’s why it helps remove 99% of baby food stains and all the messes baby finds while crawling in grass and dirt. It is an absolute lifesaver. You can spend less time worrying about laundry and more time basking in all the new things your baby can do. Who knows, now that they can, they might even applaud your laundry victories.

Click here to learn more about Dreft.

What is your favorite older baby milestone?

Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Aimee of A Mom’s Take was a second grade teacher, and loved every minute of it. Now she spends most of her day on the floor building trains, tucking in baby dolls, reading stories, and laughing with her kids. She loves to spend time with her family, travel, read, watch movies, be outdoors, and eat!

Image courtesy of the author

There is so much happening and changing in your life after you have a baby. Whether it’s your first baby or third, remember The 7 Photos You Must Take During Your Baby’s 1st Year. Thank you to Dreft for sponsoring this post so that I can share all about my baby memories.

We had just about a month warning before Emmy was born.

This wasn’t a crazy headline story about me not knowing I was pregnant… it’s just another twist in the usual adoption story people tell. It normally takes years to adopt, and we got our new bundle of joy in 30 days! It’s unheard of and it was so exciting, but we also were left with much less time than the usual 9 months to prepare for a baby. I have no regrets about anything, except I wish I had taken more pictures. I felt like we were playing catch up the whole first year and I missed taking some pictures of special moments.

Since that time I now encourage new parents to take as many pictures of their new baby as they possibly can. Especially these seven photos you must take during your baby's first year.

1. Newborn picture. One of the pictures I treasure the most is the picture of each of my girls when they were first born. Emmy has been an awesome sleeper since day 1. Since the recent time change I’ve even had to tell her she can’t go to sleep till later. She’s also a morning person and would be thrilled to start her day at 4am. Hence why I don’t allow her to go to sleep at 6pm like she wants. I love looking at this picture, it’s moments after she was born and she just couldn’t stay awake! I was burrowed into a corner at the hospital just cuddling with her. I was in heaven!

2. The month by month pictures. I totally missed doing this. I think I took a week one picture and a month one picture… and then life just got too busy. I know that this was taken on her 2nd month birthday but that’s it. If I had more time I would have bought those sweet little stickers you can have made and then you just stick them on their shirt and take the pictures that way. Totally do it! Those are some of the coolest pictures to look back on.

3. Pumpkin Patch Pictures.  I could stare at this picture for days and days. My absolute favorite pictures are of my kids sitting with pumpkins. I even make them sit on the big ones each year for pictures. My fifteen year old loves me for it… although I think she secretly does enjoy it!

4. Random Pictures. This is another one of my favorite pictures. Emmy and I were hanging out playing patty cake and she picked up my phone and said “pic, pic”! She wanted a picture of us. My heart melts when I think of that moment. I love it so much that I’m even sharing a picture of me with no makeup! Don’t shy away from the random, non-milestone, non-special-event pictures. Those are some of the best!

5. Crawling picture, first steps etc. Just like how the random pictures are some of the best, so are the milestone ones. Keep your camera or cell phone handy and snap those special moments. Now that Emmy is 5, she loves to look back on those times too. PS. She tells me all the time how she was the cutest baby on the planet!

6.  Family Picture. I can’t thank my sister enough for taking this picture. This picture is only missing one thing… Pete! But still I love it. It’s our first “girls” family picture and I think you can tell just by looking at this how much we were already in love with our little one!

7. First birthday cake smash picture. So ours didn’t turn out so well. She wouldn’t touch the cake and she wouldn’t let us take a picture of her and the cake alone, we all had to be in it. Can you see the way she is looking at the cake. It still makes me crack up! You must capture your baby's first birthday cake experience. I love when it’s all smashed on their faces and they are loving the sugar! So much fun!

One thing I learned from years of being a mom to babies is that the older they get, the messier they get… which can make taking pictures harder.

So… to keep your baby’s clothes clean for all these pictures be sure to use Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent.  It is specially designed with your developing baby in mind. That’s why it helps remove 99% of baby food stains and all the messes baby finds while crawling in grass and dirt. Emmy was a very messy eater (another memory that makes me smile) and having a detergent on hand to handle messes is a really good thing. It’s one less thing to worry about, and more time to spend with your baby!

Click here to learn more about Dreft.

What is your favorite picture from your baby's first year? 

Heather Delaney Reese from It's a Lovely Life is an inspirational storyteller and lifestyle writer who loves food, travel, So Cal, tech, Disney & family adventures.

Image courtesy of the author

This post is brought to you by Dreft. All opinions are ours.

I think every mom has two thoughts when they see their baby crawl or scoot for the very first time:

“Yay! What an amazing milestone!”

and…

“Oh jeez. Time to babyproof the house from top to bottom!”

I know when my first son started to get around the house on his own, I worried about all sorts of things. Most of them never happened, but I was determined to make our home a safe place that he could explore and enjoy!

If you’re facing those first crawling moments with your own baby, here are some tips for keeping your house safe and sound while your little ones romp around it!

Kitchen & Bathroom

Since both of these rooms have lots of things that baby can get into, making sure you’ve latched your cabinets is a big must during baby’s time of exploration. You might even want to think about one of those neat fixtures that keeps your toilet closed, just in case your child is as curious as my Charlie, who I once found emptying an entire box of tissues and a pack of crayons into the toilet, warranting a call to our plumber!

The Stairs

A baby gate installed at the top of an open staircase can help give you peace of mind. If you’re not sure about installation, hire someone to install it for you so that you know it’s super safe!

The Living Room

In the living room, especially if you have an adventurous little one, you might want to think about securing bookshelves to the wall in case your crawler turns into a climber! Bookcases just look like mountains to conquer, don’t you think? ;)

There are lots of things to consider when baby starts to crawl, both inside and out. In addition to keeping them safe and happy, you also want to keep their clothing in top shape -- since they are now entering the phase of life where the knees and bums of all outfits start to show much more wear and tear and dirt!

Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby detergent has been specially designed with your active baby in mind. It’s perfect for this inquisitive time in your baby’s life. This detergent, which has been recommended by Pampers® and will work well in your HE and standard washer -- helps to remove 99% of baby food stains and all of the messes that baby comes across while learning to crawl around, even through grass and dirt.

You want to spend your time enjoying your baby during this amazing time in their life -- so let Dreft take care of the mess!

Click here to learn more about Dreft.

How did you start to babyproof when your little one became more mobile?

Amy Bellgardt is the blogging powerhouse and media strategist behind MomSpark.com -  a trendy blog for moms - and founder of her own social media marketing agency, MomSparkMedia.com.

Image courtesy of the author

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Dreft.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

I remember the first year of Mattie’s life.  It was unbelievable to watch Mattie grow. From one day to the next she learned new things, became more alert, affectionate, and started her adventure on becoming who she is today.  Children grow up too fast and many times we don’t realize it until it is too late; which is why I wanted to share a few things parents must do in baby’s first year.

1.) Find mommy friends who understand your position in life -  Having children and friends without children isn't always easy because they can still go-go-go and well, with kids it's not nearly as easy.  I'm not saying delete all your friend’s numbers who don't have children and move so they can't find out.  However, going to hang out at the mall with a baby isn't going to be as fun as it used to be, for either of you.

I found myself ditching the mall for a friend’s house.  We get together several times a week, let the kids play and chat about adult stuff, in adult voices, its great!  Plus, I love having other moms I can turn to when I have questions about things like infant and baby laundry soap. 

When I had Mattie I tried to have everything ready.  I'm going to be honest, being a first-time mommy I didn't even think about special laundry soap for my baby’s delicate skin.  Thankfully my sister-n-law, who's one of my best friends introduced me to Dreft.  Come to find out Dreft has been trusted by moms for more than 80 years and has specially made products for your baby’s different stages, because infants’ and babies’ messes are entirely different. 

2.) Pictures and videos– OMG, NEVER put down your camera!  Seriously, you’ll never get enough of these photos; I say to invest in a smartphone with an excellent camera because you'll want to catch all the smiles and giggles - and remember to keep your eye out for all the milestones baby will be experiencing. 

Take plenty of pictures you'll be glad you did.

3.) Make a Baby's 1st Year Scrapbook – Have fun and do something special for baby now that they will appreciate when they are older.  Things like this make the most meaningful gifts down the road.

4.) Take a photo a day– I wish I would have taken a picture of Mattie every day the first year of her life.  They grow and change so much it would be awesome to see how much your baby changes.  

5.) Find yourself a good babysitter that you trust, and CALL HER (cleaning is a HUGE perk)!–Having a new baby can be stressful on both of you, and it's easy to pull away from one another without realizing it because you're tired, stressed or just need a break.  

Before children my husband and I were always doing things together.  Unfortunately, when Mattie was born things changed and not for the better.  We went out less, which eventually turned into never and eventually splitting up.  It happened so fast, one day we were happy and the next we hardly talked. We got too wrapped up in life and put one another on the backburner for too long.  We worked things out and realized just how important our relationship is, not only to use, but the kids too.  When it was all said and done the only thing we needed from one another was time and love.  Now we make it a point to spend quality time together several times a week.  We don’t always go out sometimes it’s a movie after the kids go to bed, but when we do go out we need a sitter we can trust & you will too!

Hey and you never know you might even luck out and find a sitter who will clean up the house and do a load of the baby’s laundry while you’re out.  My sister is our sitter and she does it for us all the time, just to help out, but I still slip her a little extra cash because I appreciate it so much. 

6.) Slow down and remember to enjoy each moment– PLEASE, slow down and enjoy the moment it's easy to miss moments when you are consumed by everything else.  I remember my mom telling me this, I didn't understand until I had children.  Before I had Mattie I honestly didn’t even realize that babies have a certain smell, now it’s my favorite smell.  I love using Dreft Blissfuls: In-Wash Scent Booster because it keeps her smelling like a baby just a little bit longer. 

Looking back, everything happened so quickly.  Mattie was a newborn and we were using Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent because it’s tough on all those stains only newborns can make yet gentle on their delicate skin.  Before we knew it she was more active, which meant making bigger messes.  Mattie was such a messy baby, lol.  Her nickname is Messy Maddie Lou because I couldn’t keep up with her messes, lol.  If your active baby is the same, toss her in the bath and trust Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby with her clothing because it removes 99% of dirt, grass and baby food stains. 

Click here to learn more about Dreft.

7.) Celebrate milestones in a memorable way– I remember when my mom gave me a bunch of my things from when I was a child.  She saved them all those years and to this day they are priceless. I love looking back at them, it’s like a little piece of my history, who I was, and the fact that my mom saved them made me feel super special and I want to do something similar for my children, starting from the day they are born.

Witnessing baby reaching milestones is exciting, not just for baby but parents too!  Celebrating milestones are a fun way to make something fun to give to your child later.  Grab a book, decorate a box, or dedicate a section in your scrapbook to baby's milestones. Have a good time with it, now and then toss in a USB with some pictures as well as anything else you can muster up and start celebrating those milestones.  Maybe a cute little graduation as baby graduates from a newborn to an active, mobile baby.  You could even get balloons! 

The way I look at things is my kids are only children once and it’s my job as their mother to provide them with the best childhood I can. Until my children are grown I plan on doing my very best to give them the best childhood possible.  Plus, the more you smile and laugh the more memories you’ll share and the closer bond you’ll have with one another!

What is something you would recommend new moms do in the 1st year of their baby’s life?

Jenn Worden is a lifestyle writer who shares her love for life, family, technology, food, and more on Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog. 

Image ©iStock.com/Martinan

This post is brought to you by Dreft. All opinions are our own.

As new moms staring down at our peaceful infants, it’s hard to imagine the messes they’ll make once they really start moving. We almost picture mini versions of our adult selves, eating with utensils by two, keeping those clothes nice and clean with their perfectly places bibs and never, ever getting into mischief. After all, our babies are highly advanced, don’t you know?

Then the toddler years strike and reality hits. Toddlers are amazing, wonderful, inquisitive, active and messy! Today I’m sharing a few real-life laundry situations that you probably aren’t expecting to encounter as a new mom, plus my favorite tips on how to deal with them!

Tips for Dealing with Your Toddler’s Crazy Laundry!

Laundry Every Day!: As a mom of 2, I could actually do laundry everyday if I really wanted to (but who really wants to?)!  Between multiple dirty bibs and dribbles of food that land on my littlest one’s clothing, my laundry pile has increased.  My son just started crawling and is now pulling himself up on everything, so the knees of his pants get super dirty when we are playing outside.  Thankfully Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby Liquid Detergent comes to my laundry rescue and gets those stains out!  I like to toss in Dreft Blissfuls In-Wash Scent Boosters as well for an extra boost of scent, and it is like he never made those mud pies outside (until the next time!)

Holiday food stains: With the holidays upon us, and my son eating everything in sight, there are bound to be more food stains on Christmas Day than any other day.  Between cranberry sauce and smooshed in mashed potatoes, I am not worried about how to get the stains out of his nice holiday clothes.  I just have to remember to get the pics before we eat!

The Incredible Growing Baby: I have seen this with both of my kids and it has nothing to do with clothes shrinking in the wash or dryer. One day my son wears a super cute outfit for the first time, gets it dirty (as active babies will do). Yet a week later when I put the same super cute outfit on him again, he has grown out of it!  You hear it all the time but you just don’t quite understand what it means when people say ‘kids grow up so fast’ until you have your own, and he has only worn the outfit once. Thankfully, Dreft keeps it nice enough that I can pass it on to friends with younger babies! 

The case of the missing sock(s): You may have experienced this phenomenon with your own socks, but with kids, it is like the sock fairy prefers little kid socks!  Before kids I had a few socks go missing, but not like I have with little ones.  I feel like I have to have backups on standby!  I solved this problem primarily by washing the kid’s socks in a bag made for the washer.  Good thing someone clued me in on this laundry must-have before I spent a small fortune on kid’s socks!

There will always be laundry to do.  Make it a little less of a chore by using DreftStage 2: Active Baby on your baby’s clothes (or your entire family’s clothing!)  When laundry isn’t taking up your time trying to get stains out, you have more time to spend watching your little ones grow!

Click here to learn more about Dreft.

What real-life laundry situations did you encounter during the toddler years that you never thought you’d deal with? Tell us in the comments!

Tabatha Pariseau is a pregnancy and family life writer for OurFamilyWorld; a one-stop destination for all your family needs.

Image ©iStock.com/jandrielombard

This post is brought to you by Dreft. All opinions are our own. 

Setting up your baby’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of becoming a new mom!  All those colors, patterns and furniture to choose from, not to mention cute baby things. It is easy to get overwhelmed, though.  No worries, we’re here to simplify it for you! What do you really need when it comes to your baby’s nursery?  Here are my 5 most practical nursery needs.

Music: I always play music for my baby boy.  I stream classical tunes through one of our smartphones or tablets.  I have done this since he was born. It helps him to fall asleep (at least I think it does, I am not about to test that by turning it off!). 

Detergent: You are going to go through a few outfit changes during the day which will make your laundry pile grow a little higher (even though the clothes are super small!).  I loved using DreftStage 1: Newborn Liquid Detergent for my son’s clothes.  It is the #1 choice of pediatricians, which is not a surprise, as it has been trusted by moms for more than 80 years!  Dreft is formulated to be safe enough for your baby’s new skin as it is hypoallergenic.  I also like to toss in Dreft Blissfuls In-Wash Scent Boosters as well for a boost of in-wash fragrance to keep his clothes smelling like that sweet new baby scent. 

Nightlight: A soft nightlight will help for those middle-of-the-night feedings and changes.  Both of you will be thankful you have a soft glow in the room, so you aren’t blinded by the harshness of a lamp or overhead lighting!  It will help to lull your baby (and you) back to sleep when his tummy is full, and his bum is clean.

Glider: I was so happy to have this in my nursery with my daughter!  Those late night feedings when you are awoken out of a dead sleep (who am I kidding, new moms don’t sleep soundly!)  Picture this, it is the middle of the night, the house is quiet, and it is just you and your baby in the nursery.  Sitting in the glider, feet propped up on the ottoman (because you need that too), the soft glow of the night light casting on your sweet baby’s tiny face and soft music playing, you both fall back to sleep.  Picture perfect moment right there.

Soft blanket: While pediatricians don’t recommend putting a blanket in a crib with your baby, you’ll want a soft blanket for those late night feedings!   However, you want to be sure you have one big enough for the both of you, not just a baby blanket.  For those midnight feedings, I keep mentioning (because they are going to happen), snuggle you and your baby up in a soft blanket while in the glider. 

Keep the nursery simple and minimal, best for sleeping and spending some quality, quiet time with your baby.  You will have plenty of time to load it up with noisy toys once your sweet baby starts to crawl! 

Click here to learn more about Dreft. 

Did you already set up a nursery? What are your must-haves that other new moms should include? Tell us in the comments!

Tabatha Pariseau is a pregnancy and family life writer for OurFamilyWorld; a one-stop destination for all your family needs.

Image courtesy of the author

Child safety is a mom’s number one priority. So, it can be really scary when we hear everyday products are laden with toxic chemicals. (As we were reminded by a recent New York Times piece. Yikes.)

One of the biggies to avoid is pesticide – and you know how to do that. Go organic! If you’re looking for a few ways to go organic with baby’s food and gear, here are some ideas.

Mom’s Diet

While it’s still a debated topic, some studies suggest eating organic while pregnant is healthier for your baby. The USDA certifies food as organic, so look for their seal on any product to know that it was grown and/or raised with few pesticides.

“If mom is eating organic food and breastfeeding, the baby is not getting the pesticide residues that trace in nonorganic foods,” says registered dietitian and nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein.

Organic Formula

If you’re not breastfeeding or you’re supplementing, consider an organic formula. If it’s certified organic by the USDA, 95 percent of the ingredients must not use pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. “I definitely recommend getting organic formula,” says Muhlstein. “There are so many now.”

Before you choose a formula, check the label, she adds. Some – organic or not – could contain high amounts of high fructose corn syrup, processed fats, and added sugars. And talk over your choice with your baby’s pediatrician.

Organic Baby Food

You can buy organic baby food or prepare your own at home. Making baby food may sound daunting, but Muhlberg says, “it’s honestly the easiest thing to make. It’s just cooking the vegetable and blending it. You could really just start using the food you’re serving the rest of the family and just blend it to a healthy consistency.” Plus, homemade food tastes better -- more like the food the rest of us eat -- which, some say, could help your child not end up being as picky as he or she grows older.

Know that even organic produce can have some pesticide residue. So you may even want to consider growing your own. It’ll be pesticide free, cheaper than organic produce at the store, and a fun family activity.

Crib Mattress

“Focus on the things that are going to have the biggest impact. Definitely mattresses because babies spend so much time sleeping,” says Maia James, founder of Gimme the Good Stuff, a company helping parents avoid toxic products.

You can certainly choose an organic crib mattress, but even more important, says James, is to find one that hasn’t been treated with a flame retardant. Flame retardants have been linked to everything from birth defects to lower IQ scores. James says, “Make sure [the label] specifies that it has no flame retardant of any kind.”

Cloth Diapers

The most organic and natural choice for diapering is cloth diapers made from organic materials. But generally any type of cloth diaper will be less likely to contain toxins than disposable diapers do. The biggest reason to go cloth though, says James, is to create less waste.

If you use cloth diapers and send them out to a laundering service, make sure that they use natural and non-chlorine cleaning agents. If you’re going to skip cloth diapers and go disposable, James recommends choosing chlorine-free diapers.

Bath Products

In almost every grocery store or pharmacy, you can find a section of natural bath products, and many major brands are coming out with new formulas that are organic or contain less harsh chemicals. But there are still some ingredients to watch out for when choosing baby’s bath products.

“If there’s one thing to avoid, it’s fragrance or ‘parfum,’” James says. “That is code for a blend of a bunch of chemicals going into making a scent, and the company doesn’t have to disclose them. One of them is usually a phthalate.” According to the CDC, phthalates could impact hormone production and reproductive development.

Confused? Read the ingredients list, says James. The more ingredients, the more likely that one or more may be harsh or toxic. An easy rule of thumb is to avoid products with ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Morgan Webb Battista is a working mom and lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and little girl. She spends weekends hiking, shopping for local food, and eating donuts. 

Image via iStock.com/vgajic