The theme this month is Baby Bathing. However, since it's October, I've added two bonus articles on Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness. Happy Reading!

In This Issue:

• Organic Baby Business of the Month: Spa Baby
  
  
• Baby Bath Product Review: Baking Soda
  
  
• Healthy Halloween Treats for Babies and Toddlers
  
  
• Coupon offer and Breast Cancer Awareness Opportunity
  
  
• Organic Baby Contest Reminder

Organic Baby Business of The Month

Brandy says she even tried co-bathing, but the disparity between the water temperatures needed for her and her baby made it an unsustainable arrangement.

"Finally, I was exposed to the idea that in Europe it was common to bathe your baby in an upright tub. Immediately, I understood why! Your baby stays warm and relaxed."

The mission for Spa Baby is to give babies the most relaxing bath they will ever have. Along with that, Brandy was careful to incorporate her values with respect to the environment and for raising babies without unnecessary toxins. The plastic tub is free of BPAs, PVCs and phthalates.

"I also really wanted to make sure it wouldn't end up in landfill at the end of it's life cycle. So it had to be recyclable and clearly marked so consumers would know that it could turn into their next Patagonia sweater instead of ending in an unending garbage pile."

Developing the Product

Brandy says that getting the tub made was one of the first obstacles she had to overcome.

"It wasn't until I had given up and had a second child that I proceeded. My daughter was an easy and content baby, but at bath-time her tears flowed.That experience for me was the final push I needed."

It took many tries and a lot of work, but she persevered through several months of trying to get the perfect sample for her tub.

"When the samples first arrived I was so anxious that I had a girlfriend rush to my home to help me open them. Fortunately, the tubs were even more gorgeous than I had expected. Before the kids I had been a hobby potter and I felt like I had a beautiful marriage of form and function in my new Spa Baby."

Advice for Mompreneurs

"I would spend lots of time talking to different suppliers. It seems that you never know enough and the more digging you do the better. Don’t just go with the first one that works!"

She also says Mommy Millionaire: How I Turned My Kitchen Table Idea into a Million Dollars and How You Can, Too! by Kim Lavine is must reading for mom's who plan to make a product. Finally, Brandy said it was her ability to take constructive criticism from others, like her neighbor, was crucial to her winning her first big customer, Toys “R” Us.

"My neighbour (Canadian spelling) helped me continue to think in terms of the retailer. He did a bunch of role playing with me and helped me hone my pitch. You can easily get caught up in your own needs, and space and forget about what is in it for a retailer. Never forget what they need!"

Giving Back

Brandy also looks for innovative ways to support charitable causes through her business. She supports the UNICEF Tap Project, which encourages people to donate the money they would pay for bottled water to local restaurants and instead drink tap water. UNICEF takes the proceeds to provide safe and clean drinking water to children around the world.

"I have done quite a few years of volunteer work with them. They are a great organization. One of the most motivational talks I have ever heard was from one of their staff that works on the ground in South America. I think the idea of not buying bottled water is really catching on and it’s great to support such a worthy cause."

Spa Baby also donates tubs to Vitamin Angels, which provides nutritional supplements to mothers and children in developing countries. They are using Spa Baby tubs as the basket for their “Green Baby Baskets” and selling them in the Santa Monica area to raise money.

"We will look for more opportunities like this. It is one of the best benefits of running a small business, is the tangible help you can provide."

If you want to learn more about Spa Baby or see an adorable video on how to give your baby this pampered bath experience, visit the company website.

Spa Baby tubs are available on Amazon.

Baby Bathing Product Review

You probably have baking soda in your house, but have you tried it in your baby's bath?

I learned from a recent post on Green Baby Guide that baking soda can be used as a bath agent, shampoo, toothpaste, treatment for cradle cap and of course to clean your baby's bath tub and bath toys.

We tried all of these uses with the exception of the cradle cap, and I agree it is a viable option if you run out of your favorite products or find yourself in a budget crunch.

We added a few tablespoons to my baby's bath-water and she enjoyed her bath. I shook a little more in my hand, wet it and lathered it into her hair, which come out clean and shiny. We followed up the bath with an olive oil moisturizer.

For toothpaste we just put a little bit on the wet brush. It works and is probably one of the most natural teeth brushing agents available.

The only drawback I find is that baking soda makes the bath water taste a bit salty. I know this because she gave me a salty kiss after her bath (she chews on her rag sometimes). Therefore I will use it sparingly in the water and as a backup plan rather than everyday for her bath.

All in all, baking soda has been a faithful friend to me and I'm glad to know about and share even more uses of this relatively inexpensive substance as it relates to my baby's bath time.

Healthy Treats for Halloween

I am also looking forward to celebrating with some healthy and toddler friendly Halloween treats. In case you're still looking for some ideas, here is what I found on the web:

• Wholesome Baby Food suggests some toddler treats that sound easy and yummy. Their site includes recipes for Orange Sweet Potato Fries, Baked Apple Slices, Pumpkin Banana Smoothies and Pumpkin Pie. Whether you're planning a party for just you and your baby or all of his or her playmates, you may want to check out some of their baby and toddler Halloween party tips!

• Are you handing out treats this year? Green Your..., the guide to all things green, tells you where you can find many unconventional options such as organic lollipops, baked dried apples and no-sugar added rice crispy treats. They've also got tips on finding eco-friendly costumes, picking a local organic pumpkin and how to grow your own for next year.

• Speaking of pumpkins, Homemade Baby Food Recipes says not to throw away that pumpkin you got for decorating, because you can make lots of baby food with it! Pumpkin n' Pasta, Pumpkin stew with cinnamon and Pumpkin and peach rice are just a few of their tempting recipes.

Exclusive Coupon Offer
and Breast Cancer Awareness

This woman-owned, socially responsible business turns certified organic onesies and tees into wearable art. Each edgy, offbeat design was created by an independent artist using AZO-free, low-impact dyes.

Right now they are running a special to fundraise for Breast Cancer Awareness month. They have slashed the prices of their pink organic onesie and baby tee to $15 -- everyone saves $9 off every tee. Plus, they will donate an additional $3 for each one sold until October 31st, when the cute quality tees return to their normal price of $24.

Hani, one of the owners says, "the items come in adorable recyclable gift boxes so if you don't have a girl, they still make great gifts to stock up on -- especially since our shipping is a flat rate."

For more information about the special visit their website.

On top of that, Fierce Hugs has created a special coupon just for our readers. Type in ORGBABY for $5 off of your next purchase! You can combine it with the above offer through the end of October or use it at your convenience because it doesn't have an expiration date.

Organic Baby Contest Reminder!

As a result, we've received more than a hundred reviews written by other moms in our new expanded product review section!

You still have a few days to get your reviews in and if you've already done so, you can enjoy learning about other organic and non-toxic products for your little one!

Learn more about what you can win from our wonderful sponsors here:

If you received this from a friend and want to subscribe, please visit this page.

Finally, let me know what you'd like to read about in this newsletter. I'm happy to answer some of your burning questions and share some of the tips I receive from you.

Until the next time,

Erika
Organic Mom and Publisher
http://www.organic-baby-resource.com