Dealing with a newborn, especially your first, is a challenge and a half. Thank goodness for doctors, midwives, moms and books to guide us through those first few months.

But what about those who don’t have access to that much needed information? The Information Blanket is a newborn blanket with basic info on size, feeding, and illness warning signs. Buy one for yourself, and they will send one to a country with a very high infant mortality rate.

So while we are sleep deprived and exhausted, we can feel good knowing we are helping out a fellow mom who isn’t as fortunate as us. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

US$40USD for a blanket for you and a blanket for Uganda, http://theinformationblanket.org

They say clothes make the man. We say lingerie makes the woman.

Wearing sweet and sexy undergarments by Global Love not only increases your feminine mystique, it also helps empower women in developing countries, with five percent of proceeds going to FINCA, an organization that offers microfinance opportunities to women. Go adorably retro in the Moonlight in Moscow set ($36), or play it coy with the Paris 2 a.m. bodysuit. For those who like just a little bit of lace, we love the sweet and sexy Marion knickers.

As Elle (The Body) MacPherson once said: “If you’re wearing lingerie that makes you feel glamorous, you're halfway there to turning heads.” —Jennifer Nachshen

At www.globlove.com

It’s important to us to show our support for causes we believe in.

Now we can match our ethics to our outfits with Défi Canderel’s Good Luck bracelet designed by Clio Blue. Whether you get the sporty cotton-rope version ($75) or the elegant silver-dipped link bracelet ($185), you know the proceeds will go to a good cause.

We’re happy to help. Especially when jewellery is involved.

At the Bleu Comme le Ciel counter at Ogilvy, 1307 Sainte Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-842-7711.

J.P. Gaultier and La Perla, McCartney and Gap: we love a good design collaboration.

Now non-profits S.W.A.P. and Montreal Couture have joined forces with Quebec designers to create Style & Conscience, a web boutique that produces locally made fashion items four times a year.  Its first creation is a pair of suave satin-lined handbags made from upcycled leather coats. The versatile 007 ($262) has multiple zips, pockets and key chain while the Mini-Me companion clutch ($194) has removable straps and optional tony tassel ($40). We love that each one is made by special order (so no excess inventory) and all profits are re-invested into future fashion collaborations.

Two is always better than one.

Available by pre-order until July 31 at www.styleandconscience.com

Instead of forking over $5 a day for that cappuccino with foam, why not save your dough and brew something at home.

Ever since we discovered Krups CANFAR Espresso, we’ve started grinding our own beans and discovering our inner barista. Made from organically grown beans, it’s the perfect blend of flavor and acidity, and 100 per cent of net proceeds go to HIV/AIDS research.

We’re loving our new morning grind and we're putting all of our saved pennies toward a flashy Krups Espresseria Automatic machine (from $1300).

Take that, Starbucks.

www.krups-canfar.com

No need to steal from the rich to feed the poor, all you have to do sign up for a shift at Robin des Bois.

From busboys to waiters, this cozy Plateau bistro is run completely by volunteers with all profits (even tips) donated to local charities.

And thankfully they haven’t skimped on service, ambiance or food. We were more thanimpressed with the delectable duck salad ($14.50), haddock tagine ($17.50) and cool glass of Pinot Grigio ($7).

Chef Sébastien Courville (the only paid member of staff) uses organic and locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh herbs and edible flowers from the restaurant’s back garden.

Be sure to make a reservation, tables at this small eatery book-up fast, and so do the volunteer shifts.

Robin des Bois, 4653 St-Laurent Blvd., Montréal, www.robindesbois.ca