Seattle Mom’s Guide
May 11, 2008
ARE YOU A SEATTLE AREA MOM LOOKING FOR RESOURCES FOR RAISING HAPPY, HEALTHY CHILDREN?Read more here…
I wish I could do this for all markets, and maybe someday I can! But for now I can share some of the local places that I’ve found that have helped me make the transition into parenthood that much easier…and healthier!
Most of my recommendation have a “Green” twist to them, however I’ve also included some other favorites.
As I learn more, I’ll add more so if I’ve missed something fabulous please pass this on my way by emailing: pregnancyandbabyinformation@gmail.com
Simply click on the blue underlined heading to get connected.
Health and Beauty:
Dr. Clint and Dr. Mireille Tuttle: Check out their website for their full bio’s or even Google them and look at the fantastic reviews they have received. This couple is a wonderful asset to the healthy community. I see Dr. Clint Tuttle for the sciatica that came on strong during this second pregnancy and he has helped tremendously. His wife came recommended to me for her pre-natal work. Dr. Clint Tuttle is in Bellevue, Dr. Mureille Tuttle is in Seattle (U-District) so depending on which side of the lake you are on give them a try!
Massage Therapist Joe Bielling: Going back to my sciatica injury, Joe has done amazing things for my comfort and pain management. Not to mention the massage itself is FANTASTIC! Whether you are looking for a prenatal massage or just an all around great massage therapist check out his website. Joe also takes all kinds of insurance plans, so call ahead to see if you need a referral for your particular coverage.
Mode Organic Salon: I go to the one in Roosevelt and I see Robyn. Ok, when I first went, my husband threatened pink hair and bald patches….he could not have been more wrong. I even came to terms that I may have to go darker than my usual California Blonde I keep all year long. Not only does my hair look healthier and more natural than ever before, the texture is better and the color is fantastic…and I am BLONDE! Not to mention the fabulous haircut too. Added bonus, they use no ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals. Even the hair remains are recycled.
They do facials, nail treatments and waxing too (which I have not tried at their Downtown location) but got great reviews online.
* NOTE: Ask for recommendations on products that are Organic, and free of Parabens, Phthalates and Fragrance.
Julep Nail Parlor: Remember those nasty VOC’s and formaldehyde ingredients we discussed that are found in conventional nail polish. You won’t find those at Julep. Located in the U District and in Downtown Seattle and now in downtown Bellevue, you can relax and get pampered…organically!
Safety Websites:
www.healthytoys.org: This is a FANTASTIC resource! Not only can you see what (if any) level of chemicals are in your toys, but you can get piece of mind when people give you gifts, or you have a toy that your child loves but you are not so sure about the safety of it. Not only that, but you can vote on which toys they are going to test in the future. It’s a great place for gift ideas (i.e. 1st/2nd birthday) as well.
www.cosmeticsdatabase.com: Cosmetics database (i.e. Skin Deep) gives you an in depth list of many cosmetic and beauty products on the market and just how safe they are. They break it down by ingredient and give it a ranking on a scale of 1-10. Great for peace-of-mind.
Fitness:
8 Limbs Yoga Centers: With locations in Wedgewood, Capitol Hill and West Seattle you can enjoy fantastic pre-natal yoga classes to help calm your mind, ease your body and prepare you for baby. Check out their Post-Natal program too where baby can join you for an afternoon of bonding with baby and other new Mom’s.
Shakti: Enjoy pre-natal and post-natal classes in their Bellevue and Ballard locations. As of right now I think they are the only pre and post natal program on the Eastside. I went to their beautiful Bellevue studio every Sunday from week 12 till 40 with Emilia.
Bikram Yoga: Talk about a burn! This will torch those post baby pounds fast!! Not to mention heal your back and ease the tension our of your shoulders. I love the Bellevue studio, owner Hillary has done a fantastic job of creating a clean, motivating environment in which to work out and let it all go at the door. Not to mention you can follow your class with an awesome massage right there on site!
Stroller Strides: If you’ve had a baby and are looking to get back in shape, have fun and meet other Mom’s look no further! Stroller Strides is a great program that not only gives you an opportunity for a challenging (and effective!) workout, but you meet lots of other Mom’s, get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and build a community of Mom’s and babies around you. I cannot say enough great things about this program! I love it!!
Play:
Gymboree Issaquah: Recently owner Trilogy Jones and Manager Erin Eddy “went green”. After becoming concerned about the chemicals in conventional cleaners, and the contact they were having with the children, she switched to BabyGanics an natural, safe and organic cleaning line. Now when Emilia is putting things in her mouth, and rolling around on the mat, I can breath a sigh of relief that she is in a clean and healthy environment. Not to mention with bi-weekly themes and the social time, it is a great outlet for Emilia and positively impacts her development.
Kindermusik: I started Emilia in Kindermusik at 5 months and she loves it! Because the classes always have the same kids, she has her little friends that she’s bonded with, I’ve gotten to know some great Mom’s and I think it has been wonderful for her development. Not to mention, they give you CD’s, flashcards, books and toys so that you can “play” with you kids at home. It gives us tools for hours of entertainment.
The Little Gym: The Little Gym is fantastic because it helps develop skills in coordination, social skills and confidence. All of these also helps with brain development. Click on the link above to find a location near you.
Baby Clothing and Accessories:
Little Miss Clippies: Run by Mom’s Elizabeth and Renee, these hair clips are not only the cutest on the market, but they are handmade, unique and affordable as well! Contact Elizabeth or Renee for custom made clips and fun new designs!
Clothing:
Lululemon Athletica: If you have not heard about the greatest trend in fitness wear check out “Lululemon” in Bellevue Square (my “home” store) and now at University Village. Their clothes are fantastic for pregnancy; try the STILL PANT for your entire pregnancy. I wore mine from 3 months until the day I had Emilia. For tops I loved the Power Y Tank. Lululemon is a great alternative to classic maternity styles and will carry over for the few months post baby…and you’ll look cute to boot!
Home:
Alpine Clean Carpet Cleaning: Now that we have a baby who is crawling, it was very important for us to keep our carpets as clean as possible. Alpine Clean does a fantastic job and they use all “green” and natural products. They also do: tile and grout, area rugs, blind and drapery, and furniture cleaning.
Ecohaus: Ecohaus is a gem! We are so lucky to have it here in the Northwest. Here, you can find everything from truly green paint to flooring, stains, carpet and beautiful materials for the home. If you are looking to beautify in a green and eco friendly way Ecohaus is a wealth of information and materials for you.
See websites for locations in Bellevue and Seattle.
Mommy/Daddy Resources:
PEPS: Since 1983, PEPS has helped new parents to connect and grow. Parents come together each week to share the earliest joys and challenges of parenthood and develop confidence in their own parenting abilities. For many parents, their PEPS Group becomes part of their extended family, a supportive community that lasts a lifetime. Click on the above hyperlink to find a PEPS group in your community.
Love and Logic: Love and Logic is a parenting course designed to give parents tools for raising happy children, while keeping a healthy and loving relationship when it comes to the day to day discipline challenges every parent faces. It is a loving approach to discipline that ultimately aims to teach a child how to make independent, responsible choices. My instructor Megan Kophs is a mother of 3 and a fantastic resource. She teaches classes both in Seattle and on the Eastside. Contact her at: mkophs@hotmail.com for class information.
“Green Pages”
Looking for something specific? Click HERE to view the Washington Organic Consumers directory.
Please let me know if you have any local suggestions we can add to this list by emailing me at www.pregnancyandbabyinformation@gmail.com, and watch us grow!
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