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© Ecologicalmom.com 2009-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.

Useful Links

Green Tips to Save Resources at Home and Office (and save you some cash)

Saving resources is not only good for the environment, but also great for you and your family. Your kids see their parents as role models. Our daily attitude will teach them how to take care of themselves and the environment, respecting our community.

Click on the links below for great and easy tips to save money and resources at home, office and on the road:

What you can do at home

What you can do at the office

What you can do on the road

Check out the Consumer Report for Greener Choices of Products

There are so many ways to improve the quality of our planet. It is as easy as setting ourselves a goal to implement one smart green change a month! We can do it!

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Travel Packing: Check List for Babies and Toddlers

Bringing a baby or a toddler to a domestic or international trip is fun but requires some serious preparation, and additional equipment. Having an umbrella stroller is very helpful to navigate through airports, and at destinations. Also, bringing some comfort food items, such as cereal or Cheerios, can be a huge plus while the little one gets acquainted with different food. Depending on where you are staying, bringing a portable crib, such as the Pack & Play can be very useful, and is usually light enough to carry around.

Another very valuable item is a large diaper changing mat. You can buy a piece of fabric that is water proof on one side, and cushioned on the other. That allows you to change diapers anywhere. Many countries lack the convenience of public restrooms' changing tables. Now for the small items:

Minimum carry on luggage: diaper bag with diaper, rash cream, wipes, extra pants, t-shirts (for mom and dad too, in case of an accident) and sweater, blanket, socks, pacifier, toys and books, bib, spoon, bowl, enough food for the flight or road trip hours, sippy cup and water for taking off and landing (the cabin pressure can be painful for those little ears).

Minimum checked luggage: baby monitor, washcloth, body wash, thermometer, Mylicol, sunscreen, cotton balls and swabs, nail clipper, diaper, rash cream, brush (tooth and hair), changing mat, nasal aspirator, Tylenol, nasal saline solution, bottles, sippy cups, spoon, bowl, bibs, cereal, enough food such as cheerios, organic jarred food for a couple of days, pacifier, toys and books, bug repellent, and enough clothing.

Checkout my posting for additional travel packing tips.

Baby Food Recipes

Pediatricians recommend the introduction of solid foods at 6 months of age, although some doctors are ok with starting it a couple of months earlier. We think that breastfeeding at least until 6 months of age provides the ideal nutrition for babies.

Homemade solid foods for babies are the easiest to make, and a lot more nutritional than jarred foods. Preparing one single vegetable, legume, chicken, or fruit each time is very simple and fast. A very easy technique is to freeze the food in cubes, like ice cubes, and defrost 3-5 cubes per meal. Make sure you mix different flavors each meal for outstanding nutritional value, including a protein (chicken, fish, etc), a green and a yellow vegetable, legumes, and grains.

Freezing Baby Food is Very Easy!

All you have to do is boil or roast the veggies, legume, grains, etc, and blend it with a bit of water (see recipes below). Transfer the content to clean and sanitized ice cube trays. You can buy cube trays specifically made for baby food at baby stores. They come with a cover (e.g.kidco trays). Or, if you use regular ice cube trays, cover them with a plastic film before placing them in the freezer.

Sanitizing the ice cubes is important, and easily done through the dishwasher.

After about 10-15 hours in the freezer, the content is frozen. It is time to transfer the cubes to a labeled and dated plastic bag. Store in the freezer. We recommend using it for a month to guarantee freshness and taste, however several sources confirm that it is safe to freeze the food for 3 months without any problem.

Veggies and Legume Recipes (Stage 1)

Stage 1 is appropriate for babies 6-8 months, during the initiation to solid foods.

All of our recipes suggest the use of organic ingredients. If you can, opt for organic food, especially when your little one is growing so quickly! (Scrow all the way down for a list of non-organic vegetables and fruits with the highest and lowest load of pesticides available in the market).

Click here to see all Stage 1 recipes.

Veggies and Legumes Recipes (Stage 2)

Stage 2 is appropriate for babies older than 8 months.

Click here to see all Stage 2 recipes.

Fruits (Stages 1 and 2)

Some moms believe that fruits should be introduced a couple of weeks after the vegetables. The reason is purely taste! Fruits are sweeter and babies may not like vegetables if introduced to fruits first.

Good options to introduce fruits are apples, pears, bananas, avocado, papaya, plums and prunes.

Click here to see all Fruit Recipes (Stages 1 and 2).

Great Finger Foods

Around 9 to 10 months of age, a baby has developed enough motors skills to allow her to use the fingers to pick up food. This is a good time to start introducing finger foods. Kids usually have fun and enjoy developing their independence at this age, and this will work as a transition to eating with utensils at a later stage.

Click here to see all Finger Food recipes.

Organic Ingredients, Not Always Necessary

We all know that pesticides are not good for our bodies. The exposure to toxic chemicals can have an even more adverse effect in children. The metabolism of a fetus, infant and child is less able to metabolize and inactivate toxic chemicals, being more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides.

Consuming organic food minimizes the problem, but it is generally expensive, and not accessible to everybody. The Environmental Working Group developed a list of vegetables and fruits that contain the highest amount of pesticides, and the ones that are generally clear. So, be wise and don't spend the extra cash when not necessary.

Click here to see the rank of fruits and veggies with the highest and lowest load of pesticides.

Fish and Mercury: What to Avoid

We keep hearing about high mercury levels in fish, but always wondered which ones are safe to consume. The Environmental Working Group released a useful list of what to eat, and when.

Click here to access the list.

© Ecologicalmom.com 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.

Eco & Logical Picks

Here is a list of a few eco & logical products that have been useful for us and our families. We have no commercial agreements with any company or dealer that sell or manufacture these products and services.

G-Diapers

Earth-friendly, semi-disposable diapers. Great concept! Requires some practice, but works pretty well! For more information, check out their site at gdiapers.com

Patemm Pad

A smart and practical solution to the diaper bag. Its round design accommodates squirmy infants and serves as a sleek, all-in-one carrier for diapers, wipes, and even a change of clothes. Patemm.com.

Baby Food Freezer Trays

These BPA-free trays are very useful to freeze homemade baby food. There are a few brands available in the market.
The one we use is from Kidco, Inc.

Beaba Baby Food Processor

The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserver their vitamins and flavors. It then purees and blends them to the desired consistency. It can also be used to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. A bit pricey but definitely worth it!

By Beaba

Diner Placemat

This placemat is wonderful to keep in your diaper bag. It allows our toddler to have a clean surface to eat from at restaurants. Perfect for travelers as well. It is made of a durable material that can be washed countless times. It stays in place with seven strong suction cups, and it contains the mess with its rimmed edges. The scoop catches spills before they land on the child's lap. After meals, it folds, then rolls into the scoop and easily tucks into diaper bag so it is always available when eating on the go. I'm not sure how many options of brands are available in the market. The one we use is from Kiddopotamus.

Earth's Best Organic Food

When we travel, we usually take a few of those containers for the flight and first day, while we are settling in at our destination. We save the containers. They are very useful to store frozen food. The meals are organic, and contains no preservatives, salt, sugar or artificial flavors and colors.

By Earth's Best

Bouncer Chair

God bless who created the Bouncer Chair! That is the best invention ever. Infants and young toddlers can spend hours entertaining themselves in it. One of our best picks for sure! Several brands available in the market.

By Fischer Price

All-Terrain Stroller

This “all-terrain” type of stroller works really well. It is a bit heavy to take on trips, but a great gear to have in the city. The wheels are big and wide, so riding it on smooth or rough pavements is a breeze. And the suspension keeps the little one comfortable anywhere. Its large canopy protects our son against rain or sun.

By BOB

Umbrella Stroller

Our Chicco Umbrella Stroller C6 has been to several international and domestic trips. It is light, goes really well at airports, sand, grass, concrete, you name it! It comes with a carry bag with a strap that makes travel a breeze.

By Chicco

Gate Check Bags

If your umbrella stroller or car seat doesn't come with a gate check bag, you definitely need to buy one before your next flight! Protecting these items from dust, dirt and mold from the airline cargo compartment is a very wise idea. These ones fold compactly to fit in a small attached pouch that's sized to carry in a purse or diaper bag, and they a lot cheaper than branded versions.

By  JL

Travel Crib

This potable crib can be easily carried all over the world! It is also useful at home, serving as a bassinet, in early stages, or a contained space for young toddlers. There are several brands available in the market; Graco's Pack&Play and Baby Bjorn are the most famous. Baby Bjorn is a bit pricey, like all of their products, but claims to be the most portable of all brands.

By Graco

Baby Carrier

Baby carriers are very comfortable for the parent and the baby, and most important, hands are free! When the baby is a little older and has a stronger neck, the neck rest can be folded down so that the child can face forward and look around. We used it comfortably until age 1. Very useful for walks and trips! Several brands available. We tested the product manufactured by BabyBjorn.

Toddler Harness

A must for toddlers' parents, specially at airports, parks, museums.... Keeps you, parent, sane! We found that stuff animal harnesses are cute, but the backpack version is a bit more useful.

© Ecologicalmom.com 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.

Active Lifestyle

Exercising is incredibly important in life. It should be part of our daily routine!
Finding some activities that are pleasurable, fun and enjoyable to do while burning some calories and building up those muscles is key. Exercising is like a relationship for life. You need to work on that, making sure it doesn’t get boring!
Involving your kids in the activities is a good way to do it. Kids like to imitate their parents, seeing them as role models. Living a healthy lifestyle will help them build their own active routines.
There are several ways to involve your kids, from power walking with a stroller, to playing sports, swimming, or simply long walks. Just be creative and enjoy the fun!

Power Walking with a Stroller:

Walking at a fast pace with a stroller is a very good way to exercise. It helps you burn more calories by speeding up the metabolism while strengthening and toning the upper and lower leg and glutes muscles. You can also add several strength exercises with the help of the stroller. The idea is to have a full workout while enjoying the company of your kids.
You can start with about 30 minutes of exercise, and increase the length of your intervals as you improve your fitness. Exercising 5 times a week is ideal!
First you need to make sure your stroller is safe for your little one at a faster speed. You will also need comfortable clothes and good running shoes for yourself.
- Warm up for about 10 minutes by pushing the stroller as you walk.
- Stretch your legs and arms for about 5 minutes.
- Now speed up your walk, at a pace that is just slightly uncomfortable but enough to carry a conversation. Try to keep your pace for 20-30 minutes to start with.
- Find a safe place for a quick stop for the first set of strength exercises. Using the stroller handles, do 20 squats at a slow pace. Stand with about hip or shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees and lower into a squat, keeping the knees in line with the toes. Lower down as far as you can, but never lower than 90 degrees, and push into the heels to go back to starting position.
- Back to power walk for another 15 minutes.
- Find another safe place for a quick stop and lunges! Using the stroller handles, do 20 lunges at a slow pace. Stand in a split stance, with feet about 3 feet apart. You want both knees to be at about 90-degree angles at the bottom of the movement. Bend the knees and lower the back knee toward the floor, keeping the front heel down and the knee directly over the center of the foot. Keep the torso straight and abs in as you push through the front heel and back to starting position.
- Back to your power walk for another 10 minutes.
- Find a safe place and comfortable place for some abs (maybe back home). You can lie down next to the stroller and a routine of abs. Follow your doctor's instructions on types and quantity of post-partum crunches suitable for you.
- Finish with a good Stretch
For video illustration, click on the links below!
Stroller Exercise video I
Stroller Exercise video II

Perfect Accessory for Power Walk Moms

Pedometers are a great motivational tool to track steps as you walk your way through the day, and towards greater fitness. They are perfect for walking, and a great tool to help achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle. Most brands and models display the steps and minutes walked. Some models also calculate calories burned and the distance traveled.

Reducing or Eliminating the Mommy Tummy (Diastasis Recti)

Diastasis recti is a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area. In pregnant women, increased tension on the abdominal wall may lead to diastasis recti. It is commonly seen in women who have multiple pregnancies, because the muscles have been stretched many times.
Before starting your ab workout, you want to identify whether you have Diastasis Recti. It is very easy to find out. Lie down on your back with your knees bent. With your fingers pointing down, hold your fingers on your belly around the navel area. Press your fingers down as you lift your head, at your bellybottom, three inches above, and three inches below. That separation between the two sides of the ab muscle is the Diastasis. Click on the link below for a illustrative video.
Video how to identify your Diastasis Recti
Do not do any cruches after pregnancy, which can make abdominal separation worse. First you need to strengthen your transverse abdominis to reduce or eliminate your ab muscle separation. The transverse compresses internal organs, flattening the abdominal wall (see illustration below). It will serve as a foundations for a more complete ab work.
It is never too late to eliminate or reduce Diastasis Recti. It can be done even several years after your pregnancy.


Knowing the level of your Diastasis Recti is key to choose the ideal ab program for you. Good ways to exercise your transversal are side planks , and keeping a great posture all day long. Below you will find a link to some effective transverse and oblique exercises, from recognized physical therapists. Have a great workout!
BeFitMom

Pregnancy and Postpartum Supporting Belts

The elastic belts developed specifically for pregnancy (and postpartum) provide incredible support. I used the belts during the 3rd and 4th trimesters, every day. They were very helpful with supporting the back, compensating for the additional belly weight. The post-pregnancy belts are very helpful to help reduce the diastasis recti, providing great support for the back as well.
There are several brands available in the market. Below are just a couple from Medela, for illustration (pregnancy and postpartum versions).

Great Exercised to Do with a Baby or Toddler

First, set the mood with some fun and energetic music. Also, the room should be safe enough to allow you and your baby or toddler to be on the floor, comfortably.
Here are some examples of effective exercises to do your your little one (s)
Lower body: Sets of squats, dips, lunges, step-ups, or step-downs holding your child as resistance. You can also leave your child on the floor, bassinet or stroller close to you while you make the movements.
Upper body: Sets of push-ups, triceps dips, biceps resistance weight lifting using weights or holding your baby with both arms up and down. You can use the same resistance to work your shoulders.
Abs: you can use a Swiss ball. Do some abs holding your baby on your lap (bouncing up and down is very entertaining for babies and toddlers!)
Check out the links below for videos with more examples of effective movements to make with your kids (they will love it!):
Video 1
Video 2

© Ecologicalmom.com 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.