What’s Best for Baby

We’ve been working with our retail partner Sprout San Francisco for 14 years and recently we caught up with their long-time gear buyer Calle Goerke and chatted about all things baby, parenting, strollers and the importance of what’s best for baby when it comes to choosing products.

 Q+A with Calle - soon-to-be Mom of four:

First and foremost, what is the best thing about being a mom?

There’s truly nothing I love more than being a mom. While it can be challenging, it’s also the most rewarding experience. Just this week, I watched my kids try new things, and it hit me—my favorite part of motherhood is giving them new experiences and getting to relive those moments through their eyes. This summer, we traveled as a family, and seeing their excitement exploring new places was amazing. And just last weekend, we took them to a Gulls hockey game! Our son is obsessed with sports, and watching his face light up seeing hockey live was the best.

We want to say congratulations as you are expecting your fourth baby. When are you due and what will be the age gap between your youngest child and your new baby?

Thank you! We’re so excited. After losing our son Huey last year when he was just 2.5, we weren’t sure if we would expand our family or what the future held but ultimately, we are looking forward to this next chapter, so this baby feels like such a gift for all of us.  I’m due in early July, and by then, Goldie will be 6 and Otto will be 2. It’s going to be a busy, joyful house, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

You are a busy woman as you raise your young family and are a gear buyer for Sprout San Francisco retail stores. How many years have you been a gear buyer & can you give us a little background about Sprout and the mission?

I’ve been with Sprout San Francisco for almost 12 years! I actually started on a whim. I wasn’t happy in my marketing job, and Paul asked, “What makes you happy?” Without thinking, I blurted out, “Baby gear.” It was a funny answer for a 23-year-old with no kids, but I’d been a nanny for years and had lots of opinions on strollers and car seats.

I applied to a few baby stores, and Sprout immediately felt right. We were small but growing, and our owner, Suzanne, encouraged “all hands on deck” so I felt like I was involved in helping Sprout grow, more than just an educator or salesperson.  I quickly dove into the gear and would really stay up to date on the newest products. I loved working in the store, helping families choose safe products for their babies, and explaining what made each item "Sprout Approved."  Sprout’s mission is to offer all natural, organic, and non-toxic baby products. Our “Sprout Approved” standard means no harmful chemicals—no BPA, phthalates, PVC, flame retardants, or PFAS. And we do not bend the rules, even for popular products. I love knowing that every item we carry is something I’d feel safe using with my own kids.  I have learned so much from our store that has carried into my choices outside of just baby products and I am so grateful for that education, especially as a mom.

We are very happy to have been working with Sprout San Francisco as a Bumbleride retailer for 14 years, since 2011. Sprouts has a criteria for the products and gear the stores will carry. Can you explain what that is?

Bumbleride is our longest-standing gear brand because you’ve always met our standards. From a gear specialist’s perspective, working with Bumbleride is a dream because you answer most of our questions before we even ask them!

Our criteria have only gotten stricter over the years. Products can’t contain toxic flame retardants or PFAS chemicals. When flame retardants are legally required (like in car seats), they must be from the safest class available. Suzanne even banned PFAS in our stores long before California made it law—she’s never hesitated to drop a product, even a bestseller, if it didn’t meet our safety standards. Bumbleride’s transparency and commitment to safe materials make it an easy choice for our store.

Over the 6 years that you have been a mom; you have always chosen Bumbleride strollers for your sweet kids. What are some of the reasons why? Or, what about Bumbleride's manufacturing health choices are most important to you? 

When my oldest was born, I went a little stroller crazy—I tried so many. And while I liked different strollers for different reasons, I ultimately came back to Bumbleride.

The biggest reason? Durability. It’s easy to focus on those early newborn days, but once your baby grows, you realize how much you rely on your stroller.  I have used all 4 models, and I love them all for different reasons but the constant through all of them is I never have to worry.  For us, the stroller is a daily essential—we walk everywhere. School drop-offs, beach days, park adventures, zoo trips—you name it, our Bumbleride has been there.  The seat is big and comfortable, it’s easy to clean (which is a huge plus for my messy kids!), the recline is simple, the sunshade gives great coverage, I can use it on any surface without hesitation.  It’s sturdy, easy to push, and holds everything we need. Plus, knowing the materials are safe (no PFAS or flame retardants) and responsibly and sustainably made gives me such peace of mind. With a growing family and so much time spent outdoors, choosing Bumbleride is an easy decision.

No doubt there are a lot of decisions to make and lots to learn for a new parent or even an experienced parent wanting to make healthier choices going forward. Do you feel that many are not aware that toxic chemicals are legal on baby products in many states and other countries? 

Absolutely! A lot of customers come in because they think Sprout is just a cute baby store—but they leave with a whole new understanding. It’s shocking to people when they learn how little regulation exists in the U.S., especially compared to other countries.

Suzanne is incredible—she does the hard work of researching, asking tough questions, and holding brands accountable. I’ve learned so much from her about what’s really in baby products—from flame retardants on mattresses to hormone-disrupting chemicals in personal care items. The best part is that we don’t just inform parents of the risks—we immediately show them safer alternatives, so they leave feeling empowered, not scared.

What advice would you give to a first-time parent when it comes to hidden chemicals? 

First, don’t panic. Seriously, becoming a parent is already overwhelming, and it’s impossible to do everything perfectly. Hidden chemicals are scary, but you don’t have to figure it all out overnight.  Start small and focus on the most important things you use the most (baby mattress, personal care, etc.).  Swap out a few key items for safer alternatives and build from there. And trust resources that do the heavy lifting—like Sprout—where everything is already vetted for safety. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s what matters most.

From your experience overall as a parent, is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you were a first-time mom to your daughter, Goldie?

I wish I knew how fast it all goes. Everyone says it, but you don’t fully get it until your baby is suddenly walking into school, and you’re wondering where the time went.

I also wish I hadn’t stressed so much about milestones. With Goldie—and then with Huey—I was constantly worried about whether we were “on track.” Now I know every child develops at their own pace. The best thing you can do is honor the child in front of you and enjoy the ride. I can’t say I don’t still get stressed about it, but I have come to realize I have no control over it and try to remind myself how lucky I am to have these kids, however and whenever they hit that next milestone.

An undeniable part of a healthy family is happy and healthy parents. How do you like to spend “me time”?

I love long walks outside, whether it’s on the beach or just around town soaking up the sunshine.  Paul and I have been on a health journey for the past few years. It started as a way to manage my MS symptoms but grew during our time caring for Huey and is something we both prioritize for our physical and mental well-being. I focus on eating well with an emphasis on whole foods, daily walks, and—when I’m not pregnant—our sauna and cold plunge are two of my favorite things. Paul’s way ahead of me with things like breathwork and deep meditation, but for now, a long walk and some grounding on the beach is my favorite way to recharge. It feels good knowing we’re setting a healthy example for our kids.