At UrthChild, we know that you care deeply about keeping your child safe and preserving the environment for future generations. For any parent--especially a new one--there is a lot you may need to buy and a bewildering number of choices. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find products that are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and made with fair practices.

Through careful research and testing, we have created a collection of products that are not just safe, sustainable, and socially responsible, but also stylish, innovative, and fun. We evaluate each product's impact on your child's health, our planet, and human rights. We test 100% of our products with our own families in our own homes.

We've made it easy for you to leverage our research with our rating system. Each product on UrthChild features our own review that tells you why we like it, followed by whichever of the following icons apply.

Certified Organic or Biodynamic

Products with this icon are certified organic or biodynamic by the US Department of Agriculture or one of their approved accreditation agencies, such as Demeter Association, Control Union Certifications (formerly SKAL), or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Products made with organic ingredients or materials are produced without the use of harmful toxins, such as chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, or genetically-modified organisms. Biodynamic cultivation is a holistic method of organic farming that views the farm as an organism or self-contained eco-system. Biodynamic farming emphasizes the interconnectedness of the soil, sun, moon, planets, water, and living beings and uses specially prepared herbal blends and homeopathic remedies to enrich the earth. Studies have shown that both organic and biodynamic agriculture is more productive, efficient, and environmentally friendly than conventional farming.

Want to try? Robbie Adrian Luxury Organics blankets are made from 100% organic cotton certified by the US Department of Agriculture.

Safe & Non-Toxic

Children's skin, lungs, and liver are far more sensitive to toxins than adults. Also, because of their small body weights, even a tiny amount of contamination can be serious for children. When you see this icon, you will know that the product is free from harmful chemicals, lead, heavy metals, and other toxins often found in dyes, paints, finishes, and skin care products. Please note that all of the toys on UrthChild are completely lead-free and pass both European (EN71) and American (ASTM) safety tests and standards.

Want to try? Natursutten did the seemingly impossible and created a totally natural, non-toxic pacifier.

Eco-Friendly

You can help protect the environment by choosing products made from ingredients or materials that are sustainable, recycled, or manufactured in a low-impact manner. UrthChild loves products that are reusable or have a long useful life, thereby helping avoid the manufacture and dumping of disposable products. Our brands adhere to strict eco-friendly practices by using non-toxic, recycled, or recyclable materials. We also look for companies that run their offices and facilities in an environmentally friendly manner.

Want to try? Isabooties baby and toddler shoes are vegan, which means they have a much lower impact on the planet than shoes made from animal products. The shoes are packaged in 100% recycled boxes with soy-based inks.

Good Value

Price is only one factor. Well-designed, long-lasting products are often a better value than cheap, throwaway products. We also look for products that can be used throughout multiple developmental stages or that can be used for more than one purpose.

Want to try? Check out I'mStillME's combination bib and burp cloth. This multi-functional product will last one child well into toddlerhood, and its durable quality helps ensure its use through multiple children. Also take a look at the UrthChild gift sets, which typically give you 10-15% off buying the products individually.

Baby Basic

There are some products that parents have learned they just couldn't do without. These functional, indispensable items always make great gifts. If you are preparing for the arrival of a new baby and not sure what you need, look for this icon.

Want to try? Because babies spend so much time sleeping, we place a high priority on purchasing an organic crib or bassinet mattress. For a lower ticket item, check out our newborn necessity favorites: Kate Quinn's organic kimono onesie and Earth Mama Angel Baby skin care products.

Be sure to check out our Share & Learn area for more information on why these qualities are important.