The Eco Stork

Keeping babies happy and healthy is a constant challenge, when environmental hazards pose threats to their developing systems every day. "The thing with kids and babies that people need to be aware of is that they're not little adults," says Maureen O'Neill, senior policy advisor for children's environmental health at the Environmental Protection Agency. "In terms of dermatological exposure, they take in more than adults; the amount of air they take in is larger. Any contaminants getting in have more impact pound for pound."

One easy way to reduce chemical exposures is to avoid personal care products with suspected hormone disrupting chemicals such as paraben preservatives and phthalates, often found in synthetic fragrances. Fragrance-free natural products can eliminate risks associated with lavender and tea tree oils, which may contribute to enlarged breast development in young boys, according to a forthcoming study previewed in Science News. And clothing baby in natural fibers like organic cotton is one further step in preserving the environment for his future.

Baby Clothes: Speesees organic cotton baby clothes are all made under fair labor standards and use heavy-metal-free dyes. We like the "je-'raf" baby kimono in redwood ($24; www.speesees.com, 415-552-5808). Dress babies with 'tude in organic-cotton onesies from Baby Garage emblazoned with vintage tattoos, rockstars or a '69 Camaro ($24.99; www.babygarageonline.com, 310-869-3337). NunoOrganic outfits kids from birth to kindergarten in European-certified organic wool and cotton (T-shirts, $29, pants, $59; www.nunoorganic.com, 914-762-6159).

Accessories: Despite the polyester fill, Grembo Organics Turtle Tummy sleep bags wrap baby in organic cotton chambray and fleece ($78; www.grembo.com, 888-GREMBO5). Another good gift: Bamboosa BambooBaby blankets ($25; www.bamboosa.com, 800-673-8461). Nature's Baby shampoo and body wash ($16.95; www.naturalbaby.stores.yahoo.net, 800-922-7397) and Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby lotion ($14.95; www.earthmamaangelbaby.com, 503-607-0607) are both lavender and tea tree oil-free.
Gift Sets: OrganicWear USA's dye-free, organic cotton clothes and blankets come wrapped in recycled packaging (from $29; www.organicwearusa.com, 310-666-8675). Sage Baby's layette includes an organic cotton bodysuit, lavender-free lotion and a wooden rattle ($59; www.sagebabynyc.com). The New Mom Organic Baby Basket from Global Exchange includes organic cotton blankets, diapers, clothing and a teething bear ($148; www.store.gxonlinestore.org).