Hold Them Close

Babywearing is all the rage, as more and more moms experience the benefits of keeping baby snuggled close while still having their hands free. Celebrity moms have been snapped toting their little ones in stylish carriers lately, too, which makes it even more a growing trend. And this is one trend I hope doesn't go out of fashion.

Valparaiso Mom Ashlee Allen, owner and founder of Nest Baby Slings, was eager to design a functional, comfortable, and stylish carrier after her son was born 12 weeks premature. There is a Nest sling for every kind of style--for both Mom and Dad--whether you're a little funky or conservative. The bird and branch printed Sparrow [$90] in soft fall colors is the perfect little nest to keep your baby in while you maintain your style! Wee ones can even wear their dolls and stuffed animals, too, in a Nest Hatchling Sling [$25]--a child-size replica of your favorite Nest Baby Sling.

As a bonus, 10 percent of all Nest profits are donated to Project Xavier, a foundation providing support to preemies and their families. Shop for Nest Baby Slings at nestbabysling.com, where NWI Parent readers receive free shipping through 12/31/08 with code NWIPFS.

This Little Piggy Went Organic

We all know that eating organic is good for our kids, but wearing all natural and organic materials is just as important! Unfortunately, products free of harmful chemicals that also restore and sustain are not always easy to find. Maggie's Organics uses certified organic fibers in all of their products--most famous is their wide selection of organic socks. Maggie's one-of-a-kind socks come in baby sizes on up to adult. The Cuffed Anklet Colors [$12 for a 3-pack] keep your little one's piggies safe, and you can get your tie-dye on with the Tie Dye Bold Crew Sock [$13] for adults. A perk to being made all natural is that they are more durable, too. No more holes in socks? Now that's what I call sustainable! Find Maggie's Organics at maggiesorganics.com.

More Than Just Paper Bagging It

iLunchbox.com is a brand new website and valuable resource center dedicated to the pursuit of a healthier lunch for school-aged children. Log on and find realistic and easy menu ideas with a focus on lunch and portability, with great "off the shelf" recommendations when you just don't have time to make something from scratch. And for those (like me) that often have their children buy lunch at school, you'll find help and inspiration on improving your school's hot lunch program.

iLunchbox offers weekly blogs, monthly webcasts, and social networking. Get in the game and submit your own recipes or sound off on their weekly polls. Helpful articles will keep you in the know, such as proper lunch-packing safety as well as hot topics like recalls and alerts, and dealing with food allergies. Take these tips beyond just the lunch sack--incorporate them into after-school snacks and family meal times. It's certain to become a way of life for moms and dads making lunches every day, everywhere. Learn more at ilunchbox.com.

Clean and Clear

From baby to teen to Mom and Dad, Arbonne is making itself right at home among families. The Arbonne ABC Baby Care line is a favorite among many new parents. Keeping baby's skin baby soft, Arbonne's Baby Care products assist the skin's ability to retain moisture while only using ingredients that are pure, safe and beneficial. And sound the trumpets! The never-ending search for that magical diaper cream ends here with the Herbal Diaper Rash Cream [$14], a gentle, water-repelling cream made of zinc oxide, avocado and peach.

Jen Matuska of Chesterton has a one-year-old son and another baby on the way. She gushes about using Arbonne's ABC Baby Care, "The diaper cream was a lifesaver! We of course used a few remedies, but product-wise, Arbonne was the only thing that worked!"

Term papers, deadlines, and school sports spell breakouts! Arbonne offers several natural skin care lines including Clear Advantage, for teenage acne as well as the all-too-common adult acne. The Clear Advantage System [$66] includes an Acne Wash, Refining Toner, Acne Lotion, and Skin Support Dietary Supplement. Try Arbonne products completely risk-free as any product will be happily exchanged or refunded. To order, or to locate a local consultant, visit arbonne.com.

Win! Enter to win a Hand Dyed Baby Bodysuit and Cuffed Anklet Socks by Maggie's Organics [$34], a Nest Sling in Cherry Bomb [$90], and the complete set of Arbonne's Ensemble Baby Care plus Arbonne Intelligence Rejuvenating Cream [$130]. Visit Stephanie's "Close to Home" blog at nwi.com/parent and enter by October 16, 2008.

Congratulations! To the winner of last issue's "Close to Home" blog giveaways: Mandy Wenglarz of Schererville, winner of the Personalized My Clean Plate Club plates and EZ School Supplies!