• Last updated 8/24/12 by Mothering Editorial

Talcum powder can be irritating to a baby’s respiratory system. You can make your own powder out of any combination of these natural ingredients found at your natural foods store: Powdered oris root Finely ground oatmeal Finely ground rice flour White cosmetic clay Experiment to see which consistency and ingredients you like. You may add a small amount of finely crushed lavender flowers or rose petals for a mild scent, but make sure their texture is compatible with that of the powder. You could also keep a small lavender or rose sachet inside the... read more

• Last updated 10/18/09 by Mothering Editorial

Issue 98, January/February 2000 Harsh perfumes and chemical emissions have long been known to induce asthma-like symptoms in children and adults. Now, researchers have found that disposable diapers might be a trigger for asthma. A study published in the October, 1999 issue of the Archives of Environmental Health found that laboratory mice exposed to various brands of disposable diapers suffered increased eye, nose, and throat irritation, including bronchoconstriction similar to that of an asthma attack. Six leading cotton and disposable diaper brands were... read more

• Last updated 10/18/12 by emilyfrischmann

  Bugs, bugs, and more bugs!  Some are cute and cuddly, others outright nasty.  Then there are those sneaky ones that can devour a garden seemingly overnight.  I have a no nasty rule in my home and on my property, meaning that I will happily spend an entire day pulling weeds because I refuse to use horrible chemicals on my plants, and on the land.  Because I love to garden, and am definitely not a fan of bugs in my home (even if those daddy long legs do keep other bugs at bay, they still have to go), my arsenal of natural and safe pest control is... read more

• Last updated 11/2/12 by Cynthia Mosher

I’m a lover of all plants in all of their forms, but do seem to be on an essential oil kick lately.  They are the most potent form of herbs, and when used appropriately can do wonders.  So to continue on my essential oil rant, here’s a list of do-it-yourself cleaning products that are not only safe and super easy to make, but work just as effectively, if not more so, than anything that you’ll find at a store.   All Purpose Spray 1/4 cup white vinegar (kills germs, cuts grease, deodorizes & dissolves mineral deposits) 2 cups water,... read more

• Last updated 3/28/12 by Mothering Editorial

The ABCs of Going ClothBy Elizabeth GawlikIssue 147 It’s the middle of the night and my baby is squalling. I reach into the hamper for another diaper and discover that only two are left. I realize it’s time—not to run to the store for diapers, but to do a load of laundry. I am one of a growing number of parents who use cloth diapers. I chose cloth for a number of reasons, including budget, the environment, and my baby’s comfort. I’ve learned from my experience that cloth diapers can be easier to use than I would have imagined, and can fit into any budget or... read more

• Last updated 1/26/13 by Cynthia Mosher

Thank you to Rachel Jonat from Minimalist Mom for this guest post. This is part one of three posts on minimalist living. Read post two. Stay tuned for more posts from Rachel and check out her site for even more great information. When my son was 10 months old, when the shock of motherhood had worn off, I looked around my home and knew something had to change. Like a lot of unsuspecting parents, I had assumed that being off work with a new baby would be a time for both baby bonding and home organizing. I could never have imagined the joy of staring at a... read more

• Last updated 10/18/12 by emilyfrischmann

Thanks to a freak storm bearing a name no one recognized, Washingtonians are being thrust into figuring out how to live without electricity.  The Derecho not only created a post-apocalyptic scene around town, it also led to some pre-industrial conditions.  Hundreds of thousands of people were without power.  In the middle of a heat wave.  The worst heat wave ever. I feel a little bad commenting on these circumstances since I still have power, and a gorgeous ceiling fan is whirring over my head.  But I do think that I have some experience to bring to bear for... read more

• Last updated 10/31/12 by Cynthia Mosher

sponsored post Three years ago, Tracy Puhl joined the GladRags team as a customer service representative.  Now, at just 26 years old, Tracy owns Portland-based GladRags and runs it with a team of awesome ladies who are dedicated to showing women how simple, environmentally friendly and even fun it can be to switch to reusables.  In her free time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, knitting, and volunteering in the community.  The Mothering team caught up with Tracy and asked her about what got her into reusables and her insider... read more

• Last updated 2/6/12 by Mothering Editorial

By Debbie LindgrenWeb Exclusive - February 20, 2009 Keeping children healthy and safe is the goal of parents worldwide. Experts agree that one of the easiest ways to avoid spreading germs is to wash your hands, particularly prior to eating. However, sinks and bathrooms are not always available. This has prompted children's gyms, party centers, schools, and parents to provide hand sanitizers for children since they are prone to putting their hands in their mouths as well as touching things that, well, they shouldn't. Contact with surfaces such as playgrounds, doors,... read more

• Last updated 1/25/13 by Melanie Mayo

Thank you to food expert and Edible Living blogger Sarah Copeland for this guest blog. Keep an eye out for her forthcoming book “The Newlywed Cookbook: Fresh Ideas and Modern Recipes for Cooking With and For Each Other.” Babies learn to enjoy and prefer nutrient rich foods not just from tasting the foods you eat as parents, but also by interacting with the taste, textures and colors of food at their source. Even before they are ready for solid foods, babies can begin relating positively to healthy foods by picking, touching, and eventually tasting fresh... read more