Remember your first pregnancy? If you were like us, you were so excited to create a baby registry in preparation for the multitude of showers being thrown for you, but that excitement quickly turned into anxiety as you stepped into the baby store. Who knew that there could be so many baby products, and why are they all so necessary? Or are they?
The truth is that much of what we had to have the first go round wasn’t really necessary (useful, but not necessary). In fact, as we prepared for baby #2, we realized that much beyond milk, diapers, and a car seat, babies don’t need much. That said, it doesn’t mean that we all don’t still enjoy buying baby products. However, having a little experience goes a long way towards choosing smarter, more natural, higher quality products. When you know better, you do better. Period.
With that in mind, today we’re thrilled to introduce you to Natursutten and Fridababy.
Natursutten was founded by a mom of three who wanted to create non-toxic, all natural baby products and share the importance of using them with other parents. By using natural rubber, Natursutten has eliminated the protein that can provoke a latex allergy, other allergy causing substances, artificial color, cancer causing substances, hormone disturbing substances, chemical softeners and parabens, PVC, and phthalates. Their toxin-free baby products that include glass baby bottles, pacifiers, and teethers ensure a more chemical-free future for our children and our environment.
Glass Baby Bottles
Whether you decide to formula feed or breastfeed, chances are that you’ll eventually be on the search for the perfect baby bottle, and we are really loving Natursutten’s glass baby bottles!
But why glass? While we love the retro appearance of these glass baby bottles, the simple truth is that glass is the safest alternative to plastic baby bottles. Even BPA-free plastic bottles may leach toxic chemicals. Glass bottles are also great because…
- Glass bottles are more thermal and will keep contents warm or cold for a longer time
- Glass is so much easier to clean
- Glass is a natural resource
On a more sentimental note, glass can last through multiple babies, even generations of babies, where as plastic bottles have to be replaced every now and then. Just imagine, your grandchildren could be fed by the same bottles that you used to feed your babies with.
Made of borosilicate glass from France, these bottles are dishwasher-safe and thermal shock-resistant so you can boil or freeze them, or even drop them without scratching (we’ve tested them – they won’t break). Also hygienic, this type of glass is often chosen for laboratories.
If you’ve struggled to get your breastfed baby to take a bottle, give these a try. The nipples are made in Italy of all-natural rubber, which is free of harmful chemicals. Its natural softness creates a feeding-experience that more closely simulates breastfeeding. The anti-colic double-valve ensures a more even milk flow, preventing colic and gas. And, all parts are free of BPA and other harmful chemicals that can leach from plastic bottles!
Butterfly Pacifiers
Another item you’re likely to use with your baby is a pacifier. Many of our babies prefer to pacify on mom, but that doesn’t mean we won’t give these natural rubber pacifiers a try.
Made from the rubber of a Hevea Brasiliensi tree, Natursutten makes two types of pacifiers (original and butterfly) in two nipple variations (round or orthodontic) and three sizes (small, medium and large, based on age). Interestingly enough, it takes about 30 days to make just one Natursutten pacifier because of the curing process for natural rubber, along with the fact that many steps are completed by hand.
While these natural rubber pacifiers may cost you a little more than others, they are by far softer than silicone and won’t leave marks on your baby’s face. Furthermore, they are uniquely hygienic given the one piece design, with no joints or cracks where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. We’ve been trying them for a few weeks and notice that these are much more readily accepted than other pacis.
- The Original pacifier has a large round shield that gently touches baby’s nose in order to simulate breastfeeding in a natural way, and comfort baby in the same way he or she would snuggle up to mom.
- The Butterfly pacifier has a cut-out on the top which gives the shield a butterfly shape and makes more room for baby’s nose.
Both the original and butterfly pacifiers have the option of a round or orthodontic nipple. The round nipple is most like a mother’s breast and allows baby to use the same sucking motion that they would use while nursing. However, if you find that your baby really loves their pacifier and you’re worried about the effects of that paci on your child’s teeth, you may want to check out the orthodontic option.
The orthodontic nipple is designed to prevent tooth misalignment and orthodontic issues later in life, as baby teeth come in and eventually give way to adult teeth. It features a nipple that is flattened on the bottom and rounded at the top and is specifically designed to support the shape of your baby’s developing palate and jaw. While sucking, the nipple will flatten in your baby’s mouth just like mother’s nipple to provide the most natural sucking action and reduce pressure on the gums and developing teeth. Studies have shown that orthodontic pacifiers cause less open bite or overbite problems than traditional round pacifiers.
If you’re not sure which pacifier will be best for your baby, you may want to give both variations a try. You may find that your baby doesn’t prefer a paci at all, in which case these also make wonderful teething toys. And, if you’re really worried about their teeth, just limit how much or often your baby takes a pacifier. You may even consider taking away the pacifier after your baby’s first year. Either way, just like toothbrushes, be sure to replace your child’s pacifier every 6 to 8 weeks.
Teether Toy
Finally, Natursutten’s teether toy might be one of our favorite items from their collection of natural rubber products. When baby’s first teeth erupt, it can cause the gums to hurt and be uncomfortable. To reduce this discomfort and soothe your baby, it obviously helps to bite something. While there are plenty of plastic products on the market, many of us are looking for an alternative to all the other teething toys that contain potentially harmful materials. The Natursutten Starfish Teether Toy reduces the discomfort while massaging the gums and helping teeth eruption – all without any harmful chemicals.
Made from the exact same, soft, 100% natural rubber as Natursutten’s pacifiers and glass bottles, the teether toy contains no BPA, nitrosamines, PVC, phthalates, chemical softeners, or artificial coloring. What makes this teether different from other teething toys is that it is constructed with two sides of all-natural rubber, fused together by more all-natural rubber – leaving a cushion of air in between making it lighter and softer. There’s absolutely no glue.
SHOP
Glass Baby Bottle | Butterfly Pacifier | Teether Toy
EXPLORE AND CONNECT
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Babies don’t come with an instruction manual, but they do come with a whole slew of challenges and surprises from the everyday to the serious. For example, remember the “NoseFrida?” The ingenious Swedish SnotSucker changed the way moms clean out their baby’s nose, and while the idea of sucking snot grossed us all out, we are ever so grateful for a better way to remove boogers.
With a focus on innovation, the Fridababy family of “fussbusters” has grown, and they are now providing parents with the tools to simply and efficiently care for their bitty and big bundles of joy. Putting a unique millennial touch on some age old practices, Fridababy is committed to empowering parents to safely and easily tackle these common issues at home – one stuffy nose, gassy tummy, or fingernail at a time!
The Windi
If you thought sucking snot out of your kid’s nose was gross, hang on tight.
Many newborns struggle with gas as their little tummies learn how to process milk or formula. If you’re like us, you’ve tried a myriad of solutions with little relief. The Windi, a natural solution for colic, constipation, and other gas-related problems, works instantly to relieve the pain of a gassy belly without the use of a drop or medication, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
The Windi is a single-use catheter that helps babies get rid of excess gas. Designed to be safe and effective, the Windi won’t harm your baby if used as instructed (so be sure to watch the video a few times before you give it a try). Much like pediatricians have been using a rectal thermometer or tube to relieve gas, colic, and constipation for years, the Windi’s soft pliable, hollow tube features a rounded tip that is long enough to reach past the muscle that prevents the release of gas. As an extra precaution, it also has a stopper to prevent an insertion too far. Just be prepared with a diaper, because these bad boys work quickly. Each package contains 10 disposable Windis.
Before we move any further, take a moment to collect yourself after considering the idea of sticking anything in your baby’s butt. Alright, ready? Now let’s talk nail clippers.
The NailFrida
Lastly, NailFrida the SnipperClipper Set solves all the trouble we have with newborn nails. Get rid of those baby mittens and trim your baby’s nails without the fear of cutting off a finger with these uniquely designed nail clippers that feature a safety spyhole that enables parents to see exactly what they’re cutting.
Its curved, overlapping blades allow for safe, smooth, and silent snipping. It’s so impressive that we’d love a bigger set that trims adult nails (no, seriously). In addition, a uniquely shaped s-file is included to round out those itty bitty newborn nails.
Whether you’re a first time parent or you’ve got a little experience under your belt, these smart and natural baby solutions are exactly what you need to survive the first year or so. We just wish we had had the know-with-all to seek them out sooner!
Discover more cool and new products in The Daily Mom Spotlight.
Photo Credits: St. John Photography, Ashley Sisk
