Don’t accuse me of sacrilege by pushing babies as mere accoutrement, but I see so many adorable baby slings out there, who needs a pretty purse with a pet chihuahua?

In fact, I’m almost ready to ready myself (and my uterus) for one of my own just so I can pick out a cute baby carrier. Almost.

With all the hoopla about attachment parenting and the positive potential for better everything if you carry your baby in a sling – how could I resist? But seriously, holding your little warm and cuddly close to your heart does sound sort of sensational, does it not?

It makes perfect sense that mommas everywhere are wearing their babies up close and personal. The benefits of babywearing include baby crying less and learning more – because living at mom and dad’s eye-level can’t help but involve and stimulate a baby more than laying or sitting in a crib or stroller.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

How many times have you leaned down to interact with a baby? And if you aren’t leaning down, what does said baby experience? That’s right, your legs and a whole lot of nothing else. Being in a baby sling engages a baby rather than leaving it lonely.

And yes, I’ve read about the recalls and all I can say is tragic and troubling but please don’t throw away a wonderful way of connecting and being present for your baby without serious thought.

I believe being present is the best way to prevent such accidents from occurring, so please, if you plan to wear your baby in a sling, pay attention and stay connected, which is really the point, isn’t it?

Okay, now let’s have some fun and pick out the perfect accoutrement for your most precious accoutrement.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Maya Wrap Ring Sling (above left) – Maya Wrap, $65.95.

Hemp Baby Ring Sling (above right) – Pretty Momma Sling, $92.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

If the sling thing isn’t for you, ERGObaby makes a slew of front-carrier options that achieve the same positive effects as the sling.

ERGObaby Organic Carrier (above) – ERGObaby, $120-$148.

Moby Organic Stretchy Wrap (above left) – Peppermint, $59.95.

Beco Gemini Carrier (above right) – Peppermint, $129.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Whether you fancy a ring, pouch, sling, wrap or front carrier, attaching your precious cargo to your body, leaving your hands free and fully focused, is simply smart and very present parenting. Try it with care.

The post Baby Wearing: Do You Sling? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Just to bring you up to speed for a minute – Father’s Day is June 20th! This year, get your dad a gift he’ll love, while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet with your purchase. We’ve got suggestions that will suit all types of dads, from the stay at home dad and surfer dude, to the tech-savvy businessman, the sports fan and the sentimental softie. From wooden headphones and hip daddy diaper bags made from plastic bottles, to hemp surf shoes and green soccer jerseys, everything on our list is sustainably designed and sure to be a huge hit with your pop!

Thinksound Headphones

For dads who love their ‘toys,’ and are always in sync with their iPhone and other gadgets, a pair of Thinksound headphones will be the ultimate gift. The company surpasses its goal to “create incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible.” My husband is a self-professed audiophile, music connoisseur and former DJ, and he gives thinksound headphones – which he uses with his iPhone – two big thumbs up for their pure sound and clarity. These high definition headphones are made of real wood from renewable sources and deliver a crisp, natural resonance and unparalleled acoustics. They also feature passive noise cancellation, a 3.5mm gold plated plug, and they are PVC free. We hear Thinksound‘s tag line loud and clear: “clear sound, with a clearer conscience.” The headphones come in black chocolate or silver cherry wood and they retail for $99.99.

Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude

Equip earth-friendly daddies with the ultimate hip and masculine diaper bag: the Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude! This messenger style bag is functional and fashionable, and each bag is made from 25 16 oz. sized recycled plastic water bottles. A dad on the go won’t forget to pack baby’s essentials because the vivid orange interior features a daddy checklist to keep him on track. Bottle? Check. Diapers? Check. Saving the planet by toting an eco-conscious diaper bag? Check. Additional features include a changing pad, a padded shoulder strap, insulated bottle holder, cell phone holder, and more! Priced at $98 each.

100 Percent Recycled Silver Custom Necklace or Ring from Heart and Stone Jewelry

Why should moms be the only ones who get to wear their kids’ names close to their heart? Dads can get in on the keepsake charm action with custom designed 100 percent recycled silver necklaces and rings from Heart and Stone Jewelry. You can design a necklace or ring yourself on the Heart and Stone website, making this jewelry a truly unique and meaningful gift dad will treasure. Prices vary based on design.

Lil Davinci Art Cabinet Frame

Refrigerator doors everywhere can let out a sigh of relief with the introduction of the Lil Davinci art cabinet from Dynamic FRAMES. Now doting dads can instantly frame their childrens’ artwork and store up to fifty previous 8 1/2 x 11 sized creations in the cabinet behind the framed masterpiece of the moment. Less clutter, less waste, and kids will revel in watching dad frame their prized art on a rotating basis. The frame itself is sustainably made from scrap wood. Priced at $25.

Ergo Organic Baby Carrier

The babywearing trend isn’t just for green mamas. Dads can tote their tots all over town in a comfortable carrier, and bond with their little ones in a whole new fashion. The Ergo organic baby carrier is ergonomically designed to provide proper back support for wearers, and safe and healthy positioning for babies and toddlers. Dads can carry their precious cargo on their chest, back or hip with this versatile carrier, which is made from organic cotton. These carriers range from $120-$148.

Sustainably Designed Hemp and Recycled PET VANS Surf Sneakers

VANS aren’t just for kids and teens. Totally tubular green dads can ride the wave of eco-consciousness by leaving a lighter footprint in VANS surfer shoes made from recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles) or Hemp (hemp is a renewable resource and is not treated with pesticides). Both collections feature organic cotton textiles and an array of styles and color options that will suit every father’s taste. Their Ortholite midsoles are constructed from recycled car tires, the inner lining is comprised of Dri-lex bamboo, and the water-based glues and inks used to compose these kicks are biodegradable and more environmentally sound. The manufacturing of these green VANS reduces waste production in half. Only $60 a pair.

World Cup Soccer Jersey

If your dad is a sports aficionado, you probably already know that the 2010 World Cup is this month. Buy him this official USA home soccer jersey to wear his love of the game on his sleeve. In addition to boast-worthy construction, keeping wearers cool and sweat free, this jersey is also made from plastic bottles (100 percent recycled polyester), which is a total score. You can even customize it with dad’s name, number or patch! Priced at $70.

Image: kwanie

The post Spectacular Father’s Day Gifts, Minus the Ties and Paperweights appeared first on EcoSalon.