One mama's Perspective on Living Lightly on our Earth

Sharing information, products and experiences to help keep our children safe, green and happy!

Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Choosing the Right Crib Mattress for your Baby!

When you're planning for baby to arrive one of the most important purchases is the crib mattress. Your baby can spend up to 20 hours sleeping in the newborn phase! That's a lot of time spent on a crib mattress- you want to be sure you've chosen a toxin free, safe and comfortable mattress for your baby.

All of our mattresses at Abby Sprouts in Victoria BC Canada are Green Guard Certified- this means they've been tested by a third party and given their seal of approval so you can sleep easy.

Quality Crib Mattresses range in price from about $200-500 depending on the manufacturer, materials and type of mattress you choose.

Be weary of companies trying to jump on the natural baby wagon and marketing their product as natural by putting a bunch of green leafs or alike on the packaging. What you want to know is if there is any chemical flame retardants and what type of plastic has been used if the mattress is waterproof in addition to what the inside of the mattress is made from. Steer clear of vinyls, Polyurethane foam and brominated flame retardants as well as any mattress without firm edge support. 



If budget is a primary concern and even spending $200 is going to stretch your family budget. The basic Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress is a great budget friendly option that will suit your needs without compromising your values. Bonus it's lightweight so changing sheets is actually quite easy! (If you're looking for an added feature there's a 2-Stage Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress as well which means one firm side for Infants and a softer side for toddlers).
 
 
 
 

If you're looking for the best of the best, choose a Naturepedic crib mattress.

Naturepedic is the only company that uses low density, food-grade polyethylene for the purpose of waterproofing and dust mite proofing. Strict independent testing confirms there are no phthalates or any toxic chemicals in this polyethylene. A waterproof mattress is important when dealing with messy babies because any moisture in the mattress could cause mould to grow. If you opt for the non-waterproof make sure to get a waterproof crib mattress protector!

None of the Naturepedic baby or crib mattresses contain any wool or latex (which can be allergens). They use certified organic cotton as the filling material. There is no polyurethane foam in their mattresses. With Naturepedic’s innovative design, the mattresses passes all Federal and State flammability standards without the use of any fire retardant chemicals or barriers. They use organic cotton fabric, organic cotton fiber and PLA fiber (made from plant starch).

All Naturepedic baby and crib mattresses are GOTS certified. They are certified to the GOTS standard by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) and Control Union (CU). All Naturepedic mattresses passed independent testing by the strictest GREENGUARD Select standard.
In a Naturepedic mattress, there are no flame retardants or flame retardant barriers, no perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), no antibacterial treatments or biocides, no glues or adhesives, no allergens, and no GMO cotton or other GMO fibers.


Naturepedic Offers a Full Line of Crib Mattresses to choose from which makes it a challenge for the indecisive!





There is 3 Main Types and here's the Jist of Each:
 
 

The Classic Lightweight Crib Mattress by Naturepedic:

  • The Mattress Core is wave foam support system instead of coil inner springs. 
  • Lightweight Means Easy to Change Sheets. Perhaps less durable than innerspring models though if you're planning to use for subsequent children. 
  • Polyethylene Food grade Waterproofing.  
  • Budget Friendly 
 
 

The Ultra Crib Mattress with Inner Spring and Organic Cotton Fill, Seamless:
  • Features a Durable 252 Inner Coil System 
  • Filling is just organic cotton + steel inner coils
  • Polyethylene Food Grade Waterproofing featuring seamless edges so there is no where for liquid to enter unlike traditional mattress edges
  •  Available in Regular Infant Firm on Both Sides or Dual Firmness ie. 1 Infant Side and 1 Toddler Side
 
 
 
 
The Non-Waterproof Quilted Organic Cotton with Innerspring Mattress
  • Offer 252 Coil Durable Inner Spring System
  • More mature Quilted Organic Cotton Top
  • The entire crib mattress is certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This ensures that your crib mattress meets a healthy non-toxic standard and is truly organic!
 
Give us a call at the store at 250-294-8978 or come into Abby Sprouts Eco-Friendly Baby and Kids Store at 1841 Oak Bay Ave. in Victoria BC Canada

We do offer free local deliver for crib mattresses too!
 
 
 






Tuesday, January 18, 2011

It's our first Anniversary!! A Giveaway, Some Reflection, Making Plans & SALES!

Our first year of business!

 :: Hundreds of New Customers

:: New Friendships

:: Midnight Oil Burnt

:: 1000's of cloth diapers

:: Plenty of Fun Shopping
:: 2 Baby Fairs

:: 7 Community Events

:: Survived

:: 1 Holiday Location 

:: Many Boxes Shipped

:: Abby's another year older!

:: Wooden Toys Rediscovered

:: Local Artisans Supported

:: A little Media Coverage

::  Made in Canada Products Promoted

:: Love the support of our customers
:: Hard Work

:: Thankful

:: Baby Slings Tried On
:: Blocks Stacked

:: Unexpected Turns



Now Let's Celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!!

The Prize is THREE $25 Gift Certificates!

How to enter: Find your favourite product we sell at Abby Sprouts and leave review, so you can help other parents and customers decide if it's right for them. When reviewing a product please consider the build of your child (for cloth diapers) etc and any other details that you think would be helpful. 

Scroll to the bottom of the product listing page and if there is no other reviews click the link that says 'be the first to write a review'.

Once you've left your review come back here and leave a comment.
Thanks for Entering and All your support!

Time for the Sales! 


Coupon Code: CD5

10% Off All Baby Carriers 
Coupon Code: BC10
 
 
 Coupon Code: Toys15

Coupon Code: N20

Organic BellaBands on Sale too!

Coupon Code: SC15

 Giveaway and Sale End January 27, 2011!


I'm so thankful to have made it through the first year because this was merely a dream before Christmas of '09 when my brother bought me the domain name abbysprouts.com and then it was onwards and upwards. Now I'm loving the online business and most of all the new people and customers I have met and befriended over the last year.

There is still dreaming though- new dreams! A location was never in the stars before but we are quickly out growing our space for storage of all our fantastic products and I really love chatting with customers in person. I'm slowly warming up to the idea of opening up shop, brick and mortar style. I've been having fun perusing real estate listings for now and I have a few dream locations but I'm not sure the rent price tag will cooperate. Abby is getting older way too fast and she'll be begging to go to preschool before I know it I'm sure (seriously where is the pause button?).When the right spot comes up though, I think I'll be ready to jump in just like the online jump!
Don't forget to enjoy the sales and leave a comment after you review your fave product so you have a chance at winning!
 







Saturday, January 8, 2011

We survived Christmas and Boxing Week- Phew! So What's Next?

Our kiosk space at University Heights is now packed up and we're back to online based sales and free cloth diaper demos from home for now. It was so wonderful to meet so many local customers in person and to bring more awareness to eco-friendly products.

 My sister Jenn, worked many hours at the booth too so I'm sure many of you had a chance to meet her as well. 

The Green Toys Tug Boats were super popular along with our fantastic wooden stacking rainbows (which we're currently sold out of!). All be it a very small space it was a great chance to get my feet wet with a little brick and mortar reality before making any big decisions on that front. While I really love the online business, it's growing steadily and Abby will be in school before I know it I'm sure so I'm beginning to take a look around at possible locations for Abby Sprouts. I have a feeling it will be along road to find the right space at the right price and terms etc but it's fun to look and dream of course. 
Our Clementine Art Crayons were constantly admired by passer by's too.

So What's Next? For now, I'm considering all the extra's that come with a a 'real' location and how that will all play out. I'm also wondering about the importance of parking, accessible buildings, windows and corners, displays, signs and all the other fun stuff that comes with setting down roots for Abby Sprouts in Victoria. Of course, the online shop will continue and probably grow to include more variety as time goes by. I'm always open to new products, requests and special orders.  All what ifs and possibilities are fun and exhausting! 

Our Ever Popular and Awesome Priced ($17.95) Chef Set made from Recycled Milk Jugs!

So I believe a Thank you is in order to all our fabulous customers new, old and loyal because we've had a fantastic first year and are hopeful for many more to come. It's such a great feeling to be supported and encourage to continue with an ethical family style business and I of course could not have done it with out all of you fantastic customers and the huge help from my family up front and behind the scenes.



I hope you have all had a wonderful 2010 and let's go for even better 2011.



Monday, December 6, 2010

Eco Friendly Stocking Stuffers For Newborns and Babies!

Even though babies have yet to start grasping the concept of Christmas and stockings, big brothers and sisters, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, oh and parents, of course, are thrilled to see what come in their holiday stocking and to start the tradition for years to come.

 First, you need a stocking- right? A little more gorgeous than your average unpersonalized 'Baby's First Christmas' Stocking
 Vintage Wool Stocking made by the same mama who makes the beloved teething bonbon in Victoria, BC, Canada

Here's some of our favourtore Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the youngest babies on your list:


An Organic Cotton Binky Bib (Canadian Made) and a Natural Soother to complete the set for a drooling baby.


Keep your little one warm and you'll be thankful for the fast diaper changes among the holiday chaos- I mean company.

Beautiful Amber Jewelry with a purpose

Made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Sippy tops and handles available too.



A beautiful toy and treasured first Christmas keepsake for your baby collection.



Our Ever Popular Bottom Balm
Safe for use with cloth diapers too

A favourite of all little ones!

Great for eating or pretending.
'vrooom... vrooom'

Perfect, natural cure all for dry skin, rashes, scrapes and more

Those are some of my faves for baby right now and you can find more teething toys, baby needs, cloth diapers and swim diapers, and natural skin care on our website. 

I hope that gives you some ideas to get started!

We are nearing the Christmas deadlines for shipping so please do get your orders in asap to guarantee arrival before Christmas Day! 

More to come for the toddler years soon

Friday, November 5, 2010

Holiday Shopping in Victoria, BC at University Heights Shopping Center

Abby Sprouts is at University Heights Shopping Center now until Nov. 24 and then Dec. 6 to Christmas Eve. Please come down and see us in person if you're local! Of course, we are still offering Free Shipping over $49 in Canada and over $99 to the USA. 



Our collection of Eco Friendly Toys, Organic Baby and Childrens Clothing,  Organic Baby Needs including adorable hand knits are all on display. Select Cloth Diapers are there as well and we are more than happy to give you a diaper demo and explain the pros and cons. 



University Heights Shopping Center is located at 3980 Shelbourne St. at the corner of McKenzie Ave. Map it here.


Amber teething necklaces are also on display and a great time to come down and choose your favourite in person.

Some of our Holiday Goodies have already arrived and are going quickly! Keep your eyes out for the top Stocking Stuffers coming soon.

Current 'Staff' Picks

Jenn's Fave:
 
The Green Toys Recycling Truck made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Steph's Pick:
I love these natural soy Crayons but all the Clementine Art supplies are fantastic.

Thanks for all your support!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Baby Fair is this Weekend!

Are you going? Want to Win a Pair of Weekend Passes?
Abby Sprouts has 2 Pairs of Weekend Passes for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair to Giveaway!

So Let's talk about the Fair first, before we get to the good, free stuff.

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is different in a good way. 

Highlights for me:

  • Photo Contest, but it's not about the contest (for me anyway) as much as getting a professional picture for only $10 that is donated directly to the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
  • The Shopping is incredible and all in one place, go ahead and compare prices within walking distance
  • You get to get your hands on cloth diapers!
  • It's incredibly baby, child friendly with fully stock change area with diapers, helpful staff and clean changing station!
  • Oh-- Bobs & LoLo are coming and playing 4 shows!
  • Completely Breast Feeding friendly with a baby feeding area in private with couches or pit stops all around. 
  • Shirley, the woman who puts this fair on, is amazing and you might get to meet her.
  • Stroller Parking by donation if you want to wear your baby or let your toddler walk while keeping the stroller near
  • Baby Races
  • We'll be there! Booth 80/81 en route to the photo contest and next to the baby bistro!
  • Some fabulous prize packages to be won including a little something for Abby Sprouts! 
We will have an awesome promo going on for those who come visit us at the baby fair this weekend as well. 

So, how to win, just leave a comment, (make sure to include an email address or means of reaching you!) and tell us what item you are most looking forward to seeing, buying, trying or that we just can't leave behind!




Make sure you come see us at booth 80/81!

 




Saturday, June 5, 2010

Another Winner!!

Congratulations Desiree!! You've won 2 Tickets to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair!

Starts at 10am tomorrow

Email me to arrange pick up.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

2 Vancouver Island Baby Fair Tickets to Giveaway!

This weekend Abby Sprouts will be up in Nanaimo at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Booth #28!!

On Saturday June 5th, I'll be giving a cloth diaper demo for everyone interested!

Here's the blurb from the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Website:
3:00pm - Modern cloth diapering: Benefits & myths plus simple guidelines to help you get started
Considering Cloth Diapers? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stephanie will show you modern cloth diaper options (no pins!), how to use cloth, how to wash your diapers (it's easy!), and let you try cloth diapers out yourself. Learn answers to common questions, why more parents are choosing cloth, what you need to get started, and some helpful tips and tricks. Come and get the answers you need to make the right diaper choice for your family.

Our last pair of tickets needs be given away before Friday so hurry up and Enter!!

For your First Entry tell me what you are doing to tread a little lighter on the planet. It can be using cloth diapers, composting, going solar... A wise women told me it's all about being on the path to sustainability. So let's hear where you are on the path!

Tickets at the door are Cash only FYI but we will be accepting Visa and MasterCard as well as Cash at our booth #28!

Additional Entries:
Join Our Newsletter

Follow this Abby Sprouts Blog
Subscribe to the Abby Sprouts Blog 
Tweet this Giveaway Once per day

In order to keep the blog family friendly I moderate all comments so if there is a delay in seeing your comment posted it's just because I haven't checked it yet :)

Leave One Comment for your first mandatory entry and then one for Each Additional Entry!

See you at the Baby Fair this Weekend!

Good Luck!

Monday, March 29, 2010

AMP Cloth Diapers and Accessories are our Newest Editions to Abby Sprouts

AMP Cloth Diapers arrived a few weeks at Abby Sprouts!

I've had the pleasure of testing out these diapers on Abby myself and what can I say, I love them!



So let's start from the beginning of how these ended up at Abby Sprouts. Another mom recommended them to me and boasted that they were made in Canada. Well I was mostly sold on that. Then I went to place an order with AMP and to my surprise the owner herself was the one I corresponded with. Annie as in AMP (Annie Marie Padorie) was I pleasure to talk to and even packed my order herself. I was in a bit of a rush to these in before one of our cloth diaper parties and they arrived with time to spare!



Did I mention there is a lifetime snap guarantee? The factory is also in their retail store in Winnipeg where Annie can watch over the production herself. Needless to say I was in love with these diapers before they even arrived. 



When the diapers arrived I was actually thrilled. The quality was apparent at first glance. The bamboo inserts are incredibly soft and super trim. The colour coding for inserts makes it easy to differentiate and customize the absorbency your little one needs. Blue for 2 layer hemp, Green for Bamboo, Red for 3 layer hemp and then the microfiber. My favourite so far is the sized pocket diapers and one-size pockets. Lavender is my favourite colour choice so far but we also have a lime and a couple others. I think apricot might be the next one. 



The waist and thigh snaps can be adjusted separately for a custom fit and the soft stretchy elastic gathers are all around the back, thighs and even the front. Inserts do not come with the diapers so you can customize the absorbency and choose your fibers. If you prefer a quick stuff, microfiber is usually your best choice and if you prefer natural fibers with antibacterial properties against your babies skin hemp or bamboo are your best bet. 

So What's an All in 2 and a pocket diaper? How is it a Duo and Why does it work so well?

 The above photo is an AMP Duo being used as an All in 2. The benefits to using an All in 2 style diaper is that you can just change the absorbent insert and reuse the outer cover. You can tuck the insert of your choice under the front pocket opening as well. AMP also makes a AI2 (All in 2) that's not a duo and only $15.50. 

The above photo shows an AMP Duo being stuffed with an insert as a pocket diaper. The pocket opening is at the front but does not slip out or bunch up because of the soft, elastic gathers that hold everything place. The front opening keeps you away from any solids when "un-stuffing" the pocket for washing. The soft fleece keeps baby feeling dry when used as a pocket too. 

The AMP Hemp Fitted Diapers are one of the best quality fitted I have seen. The rainbow coloured surging is adorable too. Made from durable thirsty hemp. They also come with a contoured hemp insert. Super soft, eco-friendly fabric that is far more durable than cotton. A great choice if you plan to cloth diaper more than one baby.



AMP also makes wet bags and pail liners in a wide assortment of colours too.

Leave a comment with your email address, tell us your favourite colour, and we'll send you an exclusive coupon code!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Support Smoke Free Playgrounds in Victoria's CRD

One local mom who's the host of CFAX 1070 Real Parenting Show has taken the initiative to go to the CRD and ask for a CRD Wide Ban on smoking on Victoria's public playgrounds.

Find more info on the Real Parenting Blog: http://www.realparentingradio.blogspot.com 

Support this important causes by joining the Facebook group and inviting your friends too. Join now!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

FuzziBunz Just Arrived Today!

 
Our FuzziBunz have arrived! 
I just love this lime green one.

 
I love FuzziBunz Truthful advertising too. The one-size is great for your wallet and works well on baby but will be bulkier when they're smaller.

 
 The perfect size fit (most babes only need small and  medium) is more fitted with less bulk but you'll need to buy two sets one of small size and one of medium. 

The adorable prints are too shabby either.

 
Simple sizing chart for snap placement courtesy of FuzziBunz
We're thrilled to be stocking these in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada but we'll ship worldwide too!