Nursery Tips for putting together your child's Nursery

Are you a new Mommy or perhaps a Mommy to be and are perplexed by what furniture to put in your new baby's nursery? Maybe you are a grandparent trying to help your children find the perfect decorations for the nursery...We have some ideas to help you out with designing the modern nursery room for the newest addition to the family.

At Vanny Bean Organics we carry many different organic nursery furniture options to fit your needs. Start by looking for your larger items and decide what is important to you. There are many choices and options when it comes to nursery furniture. Knowing the difference between non-toxic organic furniture pieces and regular nursery furniture can help you make the decisions that are right for you.


We suggest looking for a bassinet/crib first. During the first few weeks bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a hard transition and a bassinet maybe a better fit for your little one so that it can be transportable and easy to use. Vanny Bean recommends the Argington BAM Bassinet for all your crib, bassinet, and bedding needs. The Argington brand is fused with a love affair of Eco friendly green, art, and architecture. Each furniture piece is taken into careful consideration to provide an all natural green furniture piece to enjoy for generations to come.

The BAM Collection can be converted into a bassinet, crib, and toddler bed all for one low price considering the hip 3 in 1 combo and comes in 3 different colors. Another crib that we are found of is the Arial crib by Nursery Works which provides a crib and toddler bed conversion when the conversion kit is purchased. The sleek modern lines will have you falling in love with patterns all over again.

Pamper yourself with a plush rocking chair and Ottoman its an added perk that is so worth it! You will cherished story times, napping, and one on one time. Look for chairs that are covered with organic or natural fibers such as Nursery Works rockers, if you have a wooden rocker our modern perches will be a great addition to your collection.

For some new parents a nursery changer is a must. I survived without one, but wished that I had one during the first year. At Vanny Bean we have a variety of diaper changers to choose from. Some of our top favorites including the Sahara by Argington, Moderne changer by Netto Collection. Vanny Bean has the top of the line diaper changers for every need.

Finding for a modern dresser can be hard to do but Vanny Bean has many options to choose from for organic Eco friendly nursery furniture. You'll love our BAM wardrobe for dressers, it is the ultimate in organization for your baby. Our Sahara dresser is an inexpensive alternative to the BAM wardrobe and provides lots of storage for your little one.

Looking for the essentials is key to stocking your nursery. You will need diapers we highly recommend gbaby diapers they are Eco friendly and flush able, how cool is that! You will also need a hip diaper bag to stock all those diapers, bottles, ointments, re usable nursing pads, check out our unique diaper bags by Rock Love Peace designed to meet your diaper bag needs.

If you live in an apartment or don't want to paint designs onto your walls these removable wall decals add a safe alternative to toxic paints for your nursery room.

We hope that this gives you direction and ideas on where to take your nursery. Remember, you are the inventor and can take the designs to their wildest imaginations with core key nursery pieces.

As Always, As Friends

Vanny Bean

Should you wash your childrens clothing when purchased?

Imagine your new baby that comes home from the hospital, how sweet, precious and such innocense. So the question comes about in the 'nesting period' of should you wash baby and children's clothes before wearing them?

Many people go back and forth debating about wether children's clothes should be washed before wear. With an experienced career in apparel production and working for a childrens apparel company, I can say that washing your child's clothing is a must. Many children's products are not washed in the factories which means in the cut, make and sew process hundreds of people are touching the garments as the apparel industry is highly labor intensive. During the process, the fabric is normally bathed but not necessarily washed in the end process.

So the question becomes again Should You Wash Your Babies Clothing before wearing? In our opinion and expertise, yes...There are many toxic chemicals found in your 'norm' baby clothes unless you look for organic clothing. The harsh chemicals can lead to allergies and rashes on your new babies skin.

Vanny Bean Baby Organics works to provide you with organic baby clothing that is hip, trendy, and stylish for your newborn baby. With brands like Sama Baby, Rattle Me, and Modern Me, we have a wide variety of organic childrens clothing to choose from.

As Always, As Friends,

Vanny Bean

And the Story Begins...Organic Baby Paints

I have asked my dear friend Sarid to do a blog guest appearance as she is the CEO and found of Wee Can Too. Wee Can Too is an all natural, non toxic, ecofriendly, organic, and did we mention edible paint for your toddlers and babies. Sarid is a stay at home momma who has a passion for her children and organics. She has a steadfast growing love of just how fun and exciting the organic world can be and has a growing paint business that is faster growing than her hands can go....While stopping off at a local store to deliver her  organic baby paints, the store owner gave Sarid the upmost of compliments that I wanted to share with all of you, because sistas it's not just that these paints are organic and non toxic for your little hands running around, they are so much more and I just want to share it with you... Sarid writes:

As I made a routine delivery to one of our local stores, I was blown away by a wonderful story:

A mother of an autistic 4 year-old girl told the owner that she was an avid fan of our organic edible paints (always so great to hear). She also said that her daughter was now potty trained and she felt that the artistic therapy of the paints was in result of that.

If this is so, (goosebumps) I have already obtained my goals here with these paints!

I am holding my darling second child (11 months old) on my lap as I type one-handed right now. I feel blesssed everyday with my family and my life. To have a hand in this type of growth only makes me more appreciative of this amazing world and my position in it.

To that momma who shared her story, I say thank you. What a compliment and to think that children are able to focus from the tactile textures in the paint is amazing and I feel very blessed to hear the story and to found such a wonderful, successful, and growing company that helps others.
With pure love and admiration...
Sarid

Finding a hobby you really enjoy...

Hobbies are those great outlets that keep every mother sane. Finding a hobby that is healthy and makes you happy can sometimes be a challenge but if you are able to give yourself at least some free time in the day to do something you enjoy, your stress level will reduce itself and your joy will increase. Some hobbies are meant to do with the children too and can also be a creative outlet for them too.

If you love to excercise but can't seem to find the time and have little ones, use a running stroller and get out and go! Take the dog for a walk with the kids, even the little things can make a big difference in joy and stress levels. Do a workout video a few times in the morning before the kids are up....It will have you pumped for the whole day. Try a workout class at the gym where there is daycare included. If your children are old enough, try a bike ride in the evening, helmets included of course.

Take the photography class you've been meaning to take, or what about the paint class you've been looking at for the past year? Now is the time while summer is hear!

If you love to read, start a neighborhood book club. Why find the books that Oprah is recommending, why not rely on your friends and yourself to see what you are interested in studying together and take the challenge. You are sure to feed off each others minds.

Get out there and go, What are you waiting for?

Summer with the Kiddos

Summer has always been my favorite time of year, probably because it takes me back to my childhood. How do you make the most of your summer when it already feels like it's over before it's begun? I do that quite frequently, I will go through all the 'To do's' in my head and psych myself out and before I know it I have my summer done before it's begun. This summer I have vowed not to do that, I am going to take summer one day at a time and relax. That seems to be quite a challenge with this working career mom by day and business by night, but hear me out all you moms that are in the same position.

When you get the extra time to spend with the kids, go for a walk or a bikeride. If you are a runner, run by them while they are ridding their bikes or take the dog for a walk once you get home from work. It will make you more refreshed and focused and you will be glad you did.

I normally don't get to the pool much, but we love it! And why not, it's entertainment for the kids all day and is inexpensive. We have vowed to hit the pool twice a week this summer to make the most of the summer. One week night and one weekend day....even if it's a partial day.

Another great idea is going to the farmers market this summer, especially if you don't have your own garden. It supports local farmers in your area rather than going to the grocery store and giving to a corporation and it's a chance to get to know other local people who are producing your food and the taste is so much better since it's fresh to the table!

Another idea that will leave a lasting memory for your kids is to hit a waterpark or a baseball game this summer and make sure you apply sunscreen. Kids love observing and being in the action and both are activities where you dont need to constantly tell your kids to 'be quite' or 'hush'.

Last but not least, most theatres now are doing a kids movie day at really great discounts where you bring your kids into see a movie that's already hit the DVD but you want the sound effects of the big screen. Or movies in the park for summer are always a great hit, bring your popcorn and blanket for a night in the park.

We have vowed to make it a Summer not to forget before it's started.

Love your friends at www.vannybean.com

Baby Tummy Tubs

Check out our latest edition of Tummy Tubs:
http://www.vannybean.com/item_1513/The-Original-Tummy-Tub.htm


The Original Tummy Tub
The New Concept in Bathing Babies! The benefits of the TummyTub are acknowledged in maternity hospitals and homes throughout Europe. Endorsed by doctors, midwives and health visitors. TummyTub was designed in the Netherlands by caregivers to ease the transition from the comfort of the mother's womb. Babies naturally adopt the fetal position and it is amazing to see how quickly they calm and relax.

Why use the TummyTub?

For nine months your baby feels safe, comfortable and secure in the womb. After birth everything changes for your baby, who suddenly experiences bright lights, new sights and sounds, hunger, gravity and an ever-changing world. The TummyTub has been developed in cooperation with physicians, midwives and nursery nurses, to ease the transition from the secure environment of the womb to the new world. The unique womb shape helps your baby to relax, and become calm in the familiar fetal position.


How much water should I use?
You decide on how much water you need to bath your baby. The water level markings on the tub are intended only as a guide, as not every baby is the same size. However, in the first few weeks after birth it is important that there is sufficient water to cover your baby's shoulders. This will ensure your baby does not get cold.


How do I hold my baby?
In the "sitting" position the rounded shape of the TummyTub helps to support your baby. You only need to support your baby's head under the chin. The advantage is that you always have one free hand to wash and comfort your baby. In the "floating" position you have one hand under your baby's chin, the other at the back of the head or you can place both your hands under your baby's armpits.

Is it safe?
Yes! The tummy tub is perfectly safe. It has the TUV German & the UK British Standards safety certifications. It has been designed in such a way that the water creates the stability. It is important to remember that you should never leave your baby unattended while in the TummyTub. You must always be there to give support and reassurance. ASTM (USA), TUV (Germany) and BSI (England) tested and approved. The TummyTub is permitted to carry the seal GS (Proven Safety).

The low down on eco friendly cottons...people!

Adapted from Your Naturally Healthy Home: Stylish, Safe, Simple, by Alan Berman.

Organic Cotton Vs. Traditional Cotton? Ordinary cotton is treated with a variety of chemicals as it goes through the processes from plant to fabric, and residues remain even after washing. This interesting and informative chart, found in Your Naturally Healthy Home, follows the myriad of traditional cotton chemical treatments involved in cotton cultivation, harvesting, scouring, dyeing, printing, and finishing, and compares them to the methods of processing organic cotton.

Cultivation
*Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers that may be highly toxic and cause environmental problems.
Global Consequences: Chemicals cause decline in soil fertility and erosion; aerial spraying affects other crops; high water use and water supplies polluted.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals remain and are potentially carcinogenic.

*Organic Cotton
Organic matter fertilizes soil and renews soil productivity; less water used.

Harvesting
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Herbicides used to defoliate and make picking easier.
Global Consequences: Chemicals pollute ground and rivers; harvesting machinery compacts the ground and reduces soil productivity.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals remain and are potentially carcinogenic.

* Organic Cotton
Hand picked (no defoliation, machinery, or chemicals); hand picking means less waste.

Scouring, Washing, and Bleaching
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Chlorine (see xxx on care2), hydrogen peroxide, APEO (alkylphenoloxylate, a hormone disrupter), EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra-acetate; binds with heavy metals in rivers and streams and activates them), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react with sunlight to form ground-level ozone.
Global Consequences: Synthetic disinfectants are slow to biodegrade; chlorine emissions pollute atmosphere.
Health Consequences: Traces of chemicals are carcinogenic and can affect the nervous system.

* Organic Cotton
Natural spinning oils biodegrade easily; natural processing such as potato starch used; no chlorine used.

Yarn Dyeing
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Compounds of iron, tin, potassium, and VOCs.
Global Consequences: Large quantities of water used for washing out dyes.
Health Consequences: Water polluted by heavy metals.

* Organic Cotton
Natural vegetable dyes or low-impact synthetic dyes; or cotton is color grown.

Printing
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Solvent-based inks containing heavy metals, benzene, and organochlorides.
Global Consequences: Waste water is polluted with heavy metals; emissions form harmful ozone.
Health Consequences: Toxic residues cause problems of the central nervous system, respiratory system, and skin, as well as head-aches, dizziness, and eye irritations.

* Organic Cotton
Natural vegetable and mineral inks and binders are used.

Finishing (easycare, stain resistance, fireproofing, mothproofing, softening, deodorizing, anti-static, and mercerizing treatments)
* Traditional Cotton
Chemicals Used: Formaldehyde, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, bromines, urea resins, sulfonamides, halogens, and bromines.
Global Consequences: Waste water has a high acid content; emissions to atmosphere.
Health Consequences: Chemical traces on the fabric can cause burning eyes, nose, and throat, as well as difficulties with sleep, concentration, and memory. Can increase susceptibility to cancer; emissions of chemicals from fabric increase with temperature.

* Organic Cotton
No enhancement fishes used.

Transportation
* Traditional Cotton
In addition to the above, there are environmental consequences of transporting huge quantities of chemicals from the manufacturing plant to the place of cultivation, as well as the additional journeys involved for all stages of cotton production, from the raw material to place of manufacture, finishing, and then to distributor and user.