This magazine makes me feel better about the choices I have made in raising my baby. When others scoff at your attempt to have natural childbirth, breastfeed, and use natural products this magazine will remind you that you are not alone! Get the paperless issues at www.mothering.com

We used this for the first six months with our first baby. After that he got too big for it. It was very nice having him so close for the amount of time it lasted since it made breastfeeding and diaper changing less strenuous. Our little ones seem to like it better than a big crib since it is cozier. I suggest having a king-size bed so everyone still has enough room to rest comfortably.

Pocket diapers are an easy way to save money. Just stick a highly absorbant insert inside the diaper and babies mess is contained. Throw in the washing machine and dry on low! The price is well worth it considering how long they will last you. My son has been in the same mediums for about two years now.

An alternative to making your own (which costs about half as much).

Wooden toys are a much healthier alternative for your baby (and the environment) rather than plastic. They are becoming more and more popular.

No leaching chemicals in this plastic. I've heard that you can switch out the nipples to use Avent ones which are said to be firmer.

I was sooo excited when my baby boy grew out of his travel system seat but didn't want him to have to sit in those nasty, uncomfortable shopping carts. The Floppy is thick, comfy, and covers the whole seat. Even fits into large Costco type carts with no problem. When you're done with it, just stuff it into the built in sack.

Even better than playing a cd is to memorize your favorite lullaby. Sing it to them at each bedtime and they'll grow up to cherish the song.

Great for processing baby food and just the right size for making delicious smoothies for your toddler. My son's favorite is an organic peanut butter and banana smoothie (make sure they don't have a peanut allergy before feeding them peanuts though).