SeattleBirthNet:  Organic and Natural in Seattle Childbirth Education and Labor Support for Expectant Families

Back Cloth Diapering Cloth diapers have numerous benefits for today's family; they can be considerably less expensive than disposables, they are environmentally responsible, they keep babies bottoms cooler, they don't contain chemicals like disposables so they are much gentler on babies' skin, and most babies have fewer rashes with cloth. Cloth diapers have come a long way – pins and plastic pants are no longer necessary. Velcro and snaps make them nearly as convenient as disposables. How to do I start? The internet is full of cloth diapering resources. A great place to start is www.thediaperhyena.com. Online message boards are another great way to get information and communicate with other moms. The sites www.parentsplace.com and www.mothering.com both have great message board focusing on lots of different subjects, including cloth diapering. www.naturalbabies.com--There is great selection and great customer service. This site also has a great sampler in the diaper packages section. This is a great way to try out different types of diapers to see what works best for your baby. www.organicbebe.com is another great source of cloth diapering products. This site also has numerous other products for sale from wooden toys, to strollers, to organic formula. www.kellyscloset.com is also a great site to buy diapers. They have a wide selection, speedy service, and free shipping. There is a whole industry of Work at home Moms (WAHMs) who make and sell diapers. www.familyauction.com is a great auction site where WAHMs sell their creations, many of which are really beautiful. This site also has many links to WAHM sites so you can buy directly. www.ebay.com is a great source for everything including cloth diapers. Organic Foods The Puget Sound is one of the best places in the county to eat organic. There are numerous ways to bring organic products into your home. Check out your local grocery store for increasing organic products. New USDA organic labeling and standards make it easy to find organic items. Many stores now have health food sections. Also, tell the produce clerk and the store manager that you would like to see more organic products in the store. Farmer's Markets are a fun way to shop organic.  They run seasonally in neighborhoods throughout the Seattle area and beyond.  Buying directly from the farmers also tends to be cheaper than shopping at a store.  There is also the benefit of unusual varieties of produce not found in groceries - not to mention beautiful flowers, gourmet food items, live music, and delicious baked goods.   Go to www.seattlefarmersmarkets.com for information.   PCC Natural Markets are great source for all things organic. From produce, to baby food, to crackers, to natural cleaning and skin care products. PCC also offers an “organically grown babies” class. Check out www.pccnaturalmarkets.com for store locations and class information. Whole Foods is another mecca of organic products. They have one store in Ravenna and are opening a second store on the eastside. And don't forget Trader Joes--you can't beat the prices!   Go to www.traderjoes.com/ Don't want to leave home? Pioneer Organics is for you. A weekly delivery service that brings a big box of organic produce to your front door. Go to www.pioneerorganics.com for more information. Other sources of information for organic and natural products and lifestyle: www.earthsbest.com/ organic baby food www.organic4babies.com/ organic kids wear www.ecobaby.com/ organic baby wear, linens, and house products www.babyminestore.com/ organic baby wear, European products www.mommasbabyonline.com/ dozens of diapering, baby, and household natural products