There are a ton of products on the market out there for dandruff for adults and children alike. The problem with the majority of products designed to rid our heads of this sneaky problem, is the chemicals and toxins found in them!  Yes, a infant cradle cap or dandruff shampoo may rid your little one of this pesky issue, but at what expense?  For starters most infant dandruff shampoos warn against getting any in the babies eyes, as it will cause irritation.   With the experience of having a toddler under my belt, I can say with certainty that bathing them without any water in their eyes is a very trying task!   Secondly are the chemicals and toxins found in so many baby products today.   It's so easy for us to assume that since a product is intended it's for babies, that it is "all natural"  and "sensitive".   

I've found the very best method of curing cradle cap and dandruff.

OLIVE OIL!

That's right :) When my 15 month developed dandruff on the front part of his head, I did some research and this is the method that worked best for me, and solved the issue the FIRST USE.

I found it easiest to put my toddler in his highchair, to keep him still and give him some snacks and toys to play with. Then I applied small amounts (dime size) of oil olive to the problem areas of his scalp. Using a brand new toothbrush, (that will only ever be used for this purpose!)

i started both combing the olive oil through his hair, and scrubbing in a circular motion around his scalp, loosening up what was attached. Because I was using an infant toothbrush which is soft, i was no worried about it being rough on his skin! I did this for about 20 minutes until I both exhausted the area I needed to work on, and my toddlers attention span!   Then i took him in the bath and washed and rinsed his hair as normal.


The next morning upon inspection, all residue was gone :) (And has been gone for over a month!)

Do you have any green parenting tips you'd like to share with me? Leave a comment!

Ever get overwhelmed with the amount of baby stuff you need to buy for your little bun in the oven?  Or maybe you are an experienced mom who did in fact spend a bundle on your bundle of joy but realized how quickly the little ones grow out of their clothes! (Often times a small baby will only wear an outfit 1 or 2 times before outgrowing it! These outfits are still in like new condition with minimal wear!)

If you fit into either of those scenarios, consignment sales can be for you!  For the buyer, consignment offers new (don't we all have that baby outfit with tags on we forgot about and is too small now?!) or gently used clothing and accessories for a fraction of retail prices!

For mamas out there who have a ton of great baby pieces that are sitting around but you don't wanna give away for 25 cents at a garage sales, consignment can be a great money maker for you!  When you consign your items, the company promoting the sale displays your merchandise and your asking price at their widely marketed sales. The consignment company charges either a flat fee or percentage of the asking price.

Some tips to remember about consignment shopping/selling:

1. Places like Craigslist and your local mommy boards post sales in advance! Check listings regularly. Most consignment sales are in the Spring March-June.
2. Presales Presales Presales! Because Consignment shops are first come first serve, getting a golden ticket in for presales can be highly beneficial! People consigning their items almost always get presale admission, and often times new moms or moms to be get in on the magic too!
   
3. Last Day of the Sale = BIG SAVINGS! The goal of a consignment sale is to get the merchandise moved!  Most sales offer 50% off the asking price of items (if the consignor so chooses to include their merch in this sale) on the last day or a bag of clothes for X amount of $.
   

Below is a video series showing a recent shopping (binge) and the estimated savings!

Video 1 of 4. 
This video showcases 0-3 month clothing.
Paid $24 Retail Value around $100+

Video 2 of 4 Showcases clothing sizes 3-6 months.
Amount spent: 32$ Estimated Retail: 125$+

Video 3 of 4 showcases clothing sizes 6-12 months!
I paid $12  Estimated Retail $100+

Our final video! Size 18-24m and accessories! (Are you bored yet?!)

I paid $9 estimated retail 100$+

Overall I am really proud of our finds!  Part of greener parenting is using our resources (in this case, money) wisely!  We generated an incredible savings on new and gently loved clothing!  (Now it's time to convince my darling boy that I should use some of this savings on more cute cloth diapers!)

I'd love to hear of your awesome finds at sales and any tips you might have to share!! :)

Ash.