Ecorattle was fortunate enough to receive a couple items from the phenomenal Barley and Birch line and we’re happy to report that they’re just as snuggly and all-natural as we would expect.

The company, which proudly makes sure every aspect of their business remains carbon neutral, uses only only certified organic cotton and water-based inks in their kid’s clothing. 10% of all profits also go towards “a variety of organizations working all over the world to improve the lives of others.” In other words, this is a company that is the epitome of sustainable and ethical business.

It also helps they have a sense of humor. Check out any of B&B’s pages and you’ll find some really funny captions to go along with their cute baby models. I particularly like, “Owen was determined to save all the trees even if it took all afternoon.”

For our review, we were provided with an Oak-Print onesie and an Octopus tee. Both items were printed on 100% organic cotton using water-based and toxin-free inks. They come in a variety of sizes up to 24 months. Our little guy looked adorable in each one — and the prints were fresh and very colorful. My only recommendation would be to wash the items first before wearing as some of the natural dye did rub off a bit around the legs. This could also be due to the fact that our guy was wet down there, but washing once would probably avoid this altogether.

Overall, we were very pleased with Barley and Birch’s clever designs and natural materials — and highly recommend their clothing as either a gift or for your own little person. Have a look at the full collection here.

(My son Indy modeling his B&B octopus tee…)

As my husband Michael receives eco-friendly items in the mail quite frequently it has become the norm for us to get a first hand look at some of the new green products out there. I am usually mildly interested. Ok, really interested if it happens to be Jurlique or Burt’s Bees facial products, but most of the time it isn’t considered an event.

Not so for the Kicky Pants striped bamboo pajamas. They were a hit from the moment I took them out of the package.

These pj’s are ultra-soft and made in beautiful natural colors. Not only were they easy to get on and off a squirming baby but they were the perfect weight for summer sleeping. Turns out that Kicky Pants not only makes awesome pajamas they also make a whole line of beautiful eco-friendly bamboo and cotton children’s clothing and maternity clothing. I was impressed with the family owned and operated company, their easy to navigate website and the top quality of their product.

Great company, great pajamas……now only if they made them in my size.

Photo: Our son Indiana in the Kicky Pants striped bamboo PJs.

If your kid becomes bored with this toy, there seriously is no pleasing him or her. I mean, c’mon, this solar-powered robot kit is actually 6 toys in 1! One minute it’s a robot dog — the next it’s a wind turbine, a boat, a plane, or a solar-powered car. And for under $20, the price is ridiculously awesome too. From the website,

The good news is that you don’t need a degree in robotics to start with, or have to try and figure out which screw is A678b and how part D456 slots into F9097a!! The diagrams are big and very easy to follow, there are only 25 parts and no screws are involved!

Sign us up. We need this thing now! For more details, jump here.

It’s kind of amazing how prevalent ziplock bags have become. There was a time not too many years ago when baggies were limited to only a few school lunches. Now, almost everyone has them daily — and they come with new features like plastic zips that offer convenience but add to the waste and energy needed to make them.

Mom Crystal Figlietti was thinking the same thing — and with her three kids burning through plactic baggies, she decided to take action and come up with an eco-friendly alternative. Dubbed the Fresh Snack Pack, (and available in different sizes) each PVC-free, non-toxic plastic and reuseable bag can hold a sandwich, fruit, or other goodies. They’ll also survive the rigors of your child’s backpack and daily abuse — making them a wonderfully “green” alternative to ziplock bags.

They’re available here for $4.50 and $5.50 each depending on the size.

via ohdeedoh

Remember your first Radio Flyer wagon? Even if you didn’t own one (like me), there was probably some friend you knew that did. They were perfect for everything from lugging around stuffed animals, to lemonade stand supplies, to being pulled down the street. Ah, to be a kid.

Well, Radio Flyer has their own green version of the classic original with the Earth Wagon. It’s made from 100% recycled post-consumer HDPE (plastic milk jugs) — over 230 in all. The green and tan colors are infused throughout the boards, so color won’t scratch off and painting is never needed. It is identical in size to Radio Flyer’s famous Town & Country model.

Even though I probably can’t fit in it, I still want one. You can pick up an Earth Wagon for $150 at Green Home.

We love bamboo fabrics — and the designs from Kicky Pants for kids and moms alike are making us giddy inside.

There’s an incredibly wide selection (something picky moms will definitely appreciate) — but what I dig most is how darn comfortable everything looks. How about some Kicky Pants for dad? Here’s a bit more about the company:

A comfortable and incredibly sustainable bamboo clothing line ideal for mothers and babies, Kicky Pants offers playful and charming styles while being extraordinarily breathable, soft and cozy for all seasons. Kicky Pants was created in 2008 when Erin Cloke was on bed rest while pregnant with her second child. Challenged to find age-appropriate clothing for her boys, she was inspired to design a line that would “celebrate innocence,” and be eco-friendly at an affordable cost. All fabrics and designs are exclusive to Kicky Pants, and the process is maintained from the fabric mill to the finish.

Have a look at their full range here. We’re going to try and get some samples to give you a full review later.

Sure, wooden building blocks are fun — but if you’ve got a little archeitect with larger aspirations, this Spaceframe kit from Offi might just rock their world.

Sporting rigid felt-like forms made from recycled plastic bottles, the Spaceframe is a modular system that leaves endless possibilities for building. How about a fort? Or a rocket ship? A space pod? A castle? Not to mention the fact that the pieces are big (no worries about swallowing) and the final designs are even BIGGER! Plus, I imagine that knocking this down in the end would be a blast as well. Mommies with Style gave it this review,

Not one day has gone by, since the Spaceframe arrived, that it has not been played with. My kids are begging for a second set and if my husband does not give in first, I will probably get one more. Because then I can build a magical tower, that is taller than me! It’s no wonder that Fortune magazine named this one of the top 25 toys of the year – it’s an empire waiting to be built.

Needless to say, I want one. I think my son would appreciate it too. You can pick up a Spaceframe kit for $99 (marked down from $199) here!

Doubling as both a beautiful work of art — as well as a fun toy for kids — these recycled Play Kitchens by Rafinesse & Tristesse are a classic example of reuse and recycle. From the website,

Our products are based on the concept of using as much recycled material as possible. We rework them into high quality miniature sinks complete with accessories. We offer our sinks with or without a back wall and in addition with bordure, clocks, hooks and cupboards. If required we will try to provide specific copies, but we cannot make any guarantees. As we recycle most of the material, we use what is available.

You can check out the Splish Splash Sink and Frizzle Sizzle Stove — each hand-made from repurposed olive tins. We also love their Tin Tuffet for those that just want to sit and watch the kids play house. Unfortunately, these beauties are currently only avaiable in Europe. You can check out all the details here.

via Re-Nest

We’ve seen all sorts of clever companies redesign the standard baby bottle — but these silicoe versions from Prince Lionheart are truly different.

Obviously, it’s got the bottle shape — but this is probably one of the first to replicate the tactile experience of breastfeeding. Additionally, they’re BPA, Phthalate, PVC latex and lead free — as well as unbreakable, microwave and dishwasher safe. They’re almost the perfect bottle. Here’s a bit more from the site:

Our silicone nipples have a one-way venting system reducing the incidence of these symptoms and have also been shown to reduce risk of middle ear infections. How it works: Most bottles with venting holes allow air into bottles as babies drink. Prince Lionheart‘s SILICONE bottle collapses as air is released giving baby a bubble-free bottle feeding, reducing the likelihood of colic reflux and spit-up.

You can pick up a 4oz pack of three here for $28.

The standard refrigerator box as a play toy has given way to more intricate and complex designs. To be sure, a giant box is still a blast for kids — but if you’re looking for something with a little design flair, this cardboard Calacastle is a great choice.

Not only is the Calacastle fully recyclable, but its blank 41″ x 41″ x 49″ walls can be decorated any way children see fit — and may also be configured in a variety of ways. Plus, it’s available right now for only $70 — which sure beats having to splurge on a fridge for a giant box! To see more details, jump here.

via ohdeedoh