Host a Green Cleaning Party for Earth Week

We've talked a bit about green cleaning and making your own cleaners. Hopefully you've tried a couple and are liking them? If so, or if you need a good kick start to try some out, spread the green cleaner love a little and host a green cleaning party for Earth Week - April 19th through the 25th! Read more about hosting a party and download party supplies from Women's Voices for the Earth. This is a fun activity for a small to medium sized group, and if you can't host a party during Earth Week, do it another time - add it on to book club or poker night! My only caveat - I've heard from one person that the homemade laundry detergent clogged up her washer, so maybe skip that one. The other green cleaning recipes are simple, cheap, and work well. Have fun!

Infantino Slingrider Recalled

From The Sling Lending Library:

Infantino has finally recalled more than 1 million of their Slingrider "slings"! The bag-style sling-like devices have finally been pulled from the market. Please read the AP news article for details.

The company will take back your slings and offer you another product (PLEASE no more of their carriers!) in exchange.

Ebay has already pulled the carriers from their site, Amazon hadn't as of this posting and they are still on Craigslist - although some nice person has posted the recall on that site.

If you'd like to print cards to have on hand to pass out to any Slingrider owners you may run into, updated cards (including recall info) can be found here.

Happy, safe babywearing!

Don't miss the Fair this Saturday!

Really folks, you don't want to miss the Healthy Kids and Green Parenting Fair this Saturday, March 20th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Park Community Center (4851 South Tacoma Way). In addition to the baby carriers I mentioned below being given away between 11 and noon, there are other prize drawings every 15 minutes throughout the Fair, including cloth diapers, BabyLegs, and a nursing pillow. It's going to be a great event!

Safer Babywearing

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has come out with a warning about certain types of baby slings leading to three infant suffocation deaths last year. I first heard the bad news about the popular "bag slings", or any sling that leads infants into a chin-to-chest position, from Tanja of The Sling Lending Library at the first Healthy Kids and Green Parenting Fair, in November of 2008. Don't miss Tanja at this year's Fair, coming up this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Park Community Center (4851 South Tacoma Way). In addition to having her full array of slings and carriers and sharing tips and tricks for successful babywearing, she's coordinating a babywearing fashion show at 11 a.m. She'll talk more about the dangers of bag slings and show you the correct ways to carry infants in slings, as well as demonstrate the joys of toddler wearing (and maybe even a preschooler or two!). Don't miss the Fair, and all the better if you can make it for the fashion show. Door prize drawings from 11 to noon include a sling, wrap, pouch, and soft structured baby carrier. If you are lucky enough to win, Tanja can show you how to use your prize! Hope to see you all there.

Healthy Child, Healthy World

Just a quick tip today, to direct you to one of my favorite organizations and websites: Healthy Child, Healthy World. Always a great source of information, including a recent article on the Top Ten Toxic Products You Don't Need and the very cool, interactive Health eHome. Their book is a fantastic baby shower gift, and their new video makes me cry, and is a great one to pass on to your friends. Check it out!