Moms-To-Be Go Green

BOSTON -- For many moms-to-be, pregnancy and childbirth are an awakening to the organic world. But going green can be overwhelming when you are also getting ready for a new baby.

WCVB-TV in Boston reported that one new mom is making going green easier for other women.

Leslie MacKinnon is getting ready to have a new baby and wants to create a green environment for her and her baby. Deirdre Dolan, a guru for moms-to-be in the green movement, recently paid her a visit.

"When I'm at the store I'm definitely reading labels more. I'm more conscientious of how many ingredients are on the labels and if there are any words I don't understand," MacKinnon said.

This is where Dolan comes in. She writes, blogs and explains what should be and should not be in a house with a new baby.

"A really simple test is if it smells bad, if it smells toxic, if when, you know, you're cleaning your tub with it and your fingers start to shred off -- it's not good," Dolan said.

Dolan said cleaners can be organic or chemically-based.

"The thing with conventional cleaners, actually, most cleaners, is that they do not need to list the ingredients because they are considered trade secrets," said Dolan.

Dolan suggested making cleaners with baking soda, vegetable-based liquid soap and water. She said in the bathroom, new parents should stay away from ingredients they can't pronounce.

A big problem, according to the organic mom, is flame-retardants on mattresses and couches. She said that a simple solution is a cotton blanket between the couch and the baby.

"A lot of times you lie down on your couch and your face is pressed right up against it. You don't need to be inhaling this, and you don't need to be inhaling this when somebody is growing," Dolan said.