Hey there! As a new parent, one thing that has become increasingly important to me is finding ways to reduce my family’s environmental footprint. That’s why I’ve embarked on an exciting journey of Discovering the Best Organic and Eco-Friendly Baby Products that align with our values of sustainability and conscious living.
Bringing a new life into the world is an extraordinary and joyous experience but it’s also important to acknowledge the environmental impact that comes with it. Having a baby contributes to increased consumption and resource usage. From the diapers they wear to the toys they play with, babies generate a significant amount of waste. Disposable diapers alone take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and the production of baby products often involves the use of non-renewable resources and generates greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, as children grow, their needs evolve, leading to a continuous cycle of purchasing new clothes, furniture and gadgets. Understanding and addressing the environmental impact of raising a child is crucial for creating a sustainable future for them and the generations to come.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences and recommendations for the best eco-friendly baby products I’ve come across. Join me as we pave the way for a greener and brighter future for our little ones!
-
Diapers:
Let’s start with one of the most essential items for any parent—diapers. In another article I already told you about the different nappy options for your newborn, but now we will focus on reusable nappies.
Traditional disposable diapers can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. However, I’ve discovered a fantastic alternative: eco-friendly cloth diapers. These reusable diapers are not only gentle on the environment but also gentle on my baby’s delicate skin. With adjustable sizes and cute designs, cloth diapers have become a stylish and sustainable choice in our household.
If you are considering it, a friend of mine gave me some very useful advice: she told me to start using this type of nappy between 3 and 6 months of age, especially as a first time mum. This is mostly so that we don’t stress too much when we are learning.
At this stage you can use disposable but organic or biodegradable nappies, which not only help with the environmental impact but also help take care of your baby’s delicate skin. Thankfully, there are a lot of alternatives that prioritise sustainability.
These diapers are made from plant-based materials, such as bamboo or certified organic cotton and are free from chlorine, fragrances and other harmful chemicals. Brands like Eco by Naty, Andy Pandy and Kit and Kin, offer organic or biodegradable diaper options that are gentle on both your baby’s skin and the planet. However, it’s important to note that even with organic or biodegradable diapers, proper disposal methods, such as composting or following specific guidelines for biodegradable disposal, should be followed to maximise their eco-friendly benefits.
-
Baby Skincare:
When it comes to my baby’s skincare routine, I’ve opted for natural and organic products that are free from harmful chemicals. Many conventional baby skincare products contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates and other potentially harmful chemicals which can affect a newborn’s sensitive skin.
Look for brands that prioritise using plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances, parabens and sulfates, like Earth Mama, Weleda (my personal favourite is the Baby Calendula Nappy Cream, for example) and Burt’s Bees which offer a wide range of natural and organic baby lotions, balms, oils and washes. These products are made from plant-based ingredients, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and synthetic additives.
These eco-friendly options are not only safer for my little one but also promote a healthier planet. Because many of these brands prioritise sustainable sourcing, recyclable packaging and environmentally conscious production practices, further reducing their overall ecological footprint.
-
Baby Feeding:
Feeding my baby in an eco-friendly manner has been an exciting exploration. Instead of disposable plastic bottles, I’ve chosen BPA-free glass bottles that can be reused and recycled. For food storage, I’ve switched to reusable silicone pouches and glass containers, reducing our reliance on single-use plastic bags and containers.
Additionally, I used reusable cotton breastfeeding pads, which are environmentally friendly but also ideal for my sensitive skin, especially when you are a new mum and it is your first time breastfeeding.
-
Sustainable Clothing:
Babies grow so quickly which means their clothes need to keep up with their growth spurts. Instead of purchasing brand-new outfits every few months, I’ve discovered the joy of second-hand baby clothing. Thrift stores, consignment shops and online platforms offer an array of gently used clothing options that are not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly.
Believe me, I understand the urge to buy things for your baby especially when you see them in the shops. But it’s true that they grow very fast.
In my case, I didn’t buy anything NB size because I always knew he would be a big baby. So I bought everything size 0-3. Actually, I found a second-hand shop near my home and bought 10 pyjamas for £1 in perfect condition.
Remember, it’s all up to you! it worked for me! and my baby had new things anyway. In the end it’s all a balance.
-
Eco-Friendly Toys:
Toys are an essential part of a baby’s development but they often come with a significant environmental impact. Opting for toys made from sustainable materials such as wood, organic cotton or recycled plastic is a great way to reduce waste. Additionally, choosing toys that encourage creativity, imagination and learning ensures that they are not only eco-friendly but also beneficial for your baby’s development.
You can also always look for ideas to use items and materials we have at home to make sensory and creative games and activities for our babies and toddlers.
Embarking on a journey to embrace eco-friendly baby products has been an eye-opening experience for me. From diapers to clothing and toys, there are numerous sustainable options available that not only benefit our babies but also contribute to a healthier planet. By making conscious choices and supporting eco-friendly brands we can create a brighter future for our little ones, where sustainability and responsible living become second nature. Join me in taking these small yet impactful steps towards a greener world!
Remember, each decision we make as parents has the potential to shape a better future for our children. Let’s embrace the beauty of eco-friendly baby products and leave a positive legacy for the generations to come.
