Parents today are very concerned about the chemicals their little ones are exposed to. It is small wonder that parents are now thinking about every aspect of what their babies wear, sleep in, and eat from. Dangerous chemicals are turning up everywhere from phthalates in toys to BPA in bottles. Fortunately, you have more choices than ever about what to put in your baby's world - and in many cases you can save a lot of money by going with the more natural choices. Parents often consider, what does a baby actually need?

Parents today are very concerned about the chemicals their little ones are exposed to. It is small wonder that parents are now thinking about every aspect of what their babies wear, sleep in, and eat from. Dangerous chemicals are turning up everywhere from phthalates in toys to BPA in bottles. Fortunately, you have more choices than ever about what to put in your baby's world - and in many cases you can save a lot of money by going with the more natural choices. Parents often consider, what does a baby actually need?

Here are some ideas for reducing exposure to chemicals and saving cash at the same time:

* Sling vs. Stroller. Your baby will of course be most comfortable in your arms - but that keeps you tied up and unable to do what needs doing. You will be happier, and so will they, if you have a comfortable baby carrier. We did not even use a stroller for the first 6 months after my daughter was born. It was just easier to pop her in the Moby Wrap baby carrier or sling and go.

No messing with getting a heavy stroller in and out of the car trunk. We didn't even carry her bulky car seat. We just took her out of the car seat and nestled her in with one of us for shopping, hiking, or going to the grocery store. We knew just where she was (and who was touching her!) at all times.

If you choose a carrier, find a wrap style baby carrier for most comfortable weight distribution or a mei tai baby carrier for babies up to 35 pounds. These carriers are more ergonomic for both of you. Savings are significant and there are very few recalls on these styles. You'll pay $40-100 instead of hundreds for a stroller.

* Cosleeper vs. Crib. With the many crib recalls, I am even more glad that we chose a cosleeper instead of a crib. Cosleeping (having your baby in your bed) is safe if you follow suitable precautions such as making sure there are no gaps for them to get stuck in or fluffy bedding to restrict ariflow. A large organic cotton in=bed cosleeper will keep your little one safe from falling until they are ready for a toddler bed. You'll spend about $180 versus hundreds or thousands for a crib and mattress.

* Cloth diapers vs. Disposables. Cleaning cloth diapers is as easy as running the washer a few times a week. I calculated that it takes me only 18 minutes weekly to wash three loads of diapers. In return, we have spent only about $500 on diapers that will last until our baby is ready to potty learn. Even better, these diapers are still in great shape and will last through another child - making diapering a younger sibling basically free. The average family will save about $1,500 by using reusable diapers.