In the madness that is preparing for a newborn, it's not always easy to practice eco-conscious consuming. What most people want are the best products for their baby but aren't aware of the environmental impact of these choices—or what eco-friendly alternatives are available.
Now I know what you're thinking, here comes another "green living" lecture...but please know that's not our intention! As parents, we know that you already have enough on your plate and don't need someone (else) telling you what to do or how to live your life.
Our hope is that this list provides a few examples on how we can do the best we can for our children without causing harm or creating more waste on the planet since it is their new home too.
The best part about eco-friendly products is that they are almost always inherently the most baby-safe products on the market because the accountability and standards are that much higher.
Please note: this list is intended for those who do wish to buy new products or do not have access to second-hand items on this list. One of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of waste we create is to reuse or upcycle products whenever possible.
Eco-Swap #1: The Diaper Bag
How is it eco-friendly?
- Material is 100% recycled bottles
- All materials used to manufacture Lassig bags are free of PVC, AZO, Phthalates, Nickel & Cadmium
- Simple and functional design means you can use it beyond the diaper days of your little one
- Bonus: comes with a matching padded changing mat
Eco-Swap #2: The Baby Wipes
How is it eco-friendly?
- Made with 100% unbleached bamboo cloth
- Gentle natural & organic ingredients with no synthetic fragrances or colours
- Wipes naturally biodegrade after use in 3-4 weeks
Do you know the difference between biodegradable and compostable? CLICK HERE to learn more
Eco-Swap #3: The Diapers
Cotton Babies bumGenius Cloth Diapers
How is it eco-friendly?
- Cloth diapers help reduce the amount of disposable diapers in our landfills which are the third most common consumer product in landfills today
- bumGenius cotton insert diapers use certified organic and safe textiles (GOTS & Oeko-Tex Certified Cotton) that are held to high environmental and ethical standards
- Cloth diapers can be reused & passed down unlike disposable diapers (helps the environment while helping parents save money as well)
Eco-Swap #4: The Baby Monitor
Avoid wireless & high frequency digital models or find an old school corded analog one
Now this might be a highly contentious area as many parents need some way of keeping track of their little one while they are in different areas of the house, but there have been growing concerns of radiation and microwave technology around babies while their skulls are still thin and developing.
If possible, keep the baby nursery near your master bedroom and use your ears.
How is it eco-friendly?
- This one is pretty obvious...but many people opt for not having a baby monitor for the child safety aspect
- The eco-friendly consequence of not consuming another typically plastic and non-recyclable is secondary but important as well
Eco-Swap #5: The Baby Wash
DIY Natural Baby Hygiene & Balm Recipes Stored in Reusable Containers - Like these super simple recipes from David Suzuki Foundation
How is it eco-friendly?
- Skip the plastic bottles that most baby wash comes in (even the eco-friendly organic ones)
- Recipes are family friendly, safe for babies and adult (avoid consuming more household hygiene products overall)
- Ingredients are multi-purpose and some are already in your home right now!
Eco-Swap #6: The Nursery Paint
Natural Paints like Unearthed Paint
How is it eco-friendly?
- 100% zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) because of its natural ingredients avoiding harmful chemicals from evaporating into the air of your baby's nursery
- Made from minimally-processed, sustainable ingredients such as clay, lime and reclaimed marble
- Unearthed paints are made in a carbon-neutral factory and shipped with carbon-offset transport
Remember, these eco swaps are in no way *perfect* but we believe they all have steps in the right direction. What eco-friendly baby items do you love? Let us know on our Facebook Page!
Our Most Read Story: Why This Mom Switched Phone Cases to Protect Her Family
Pela Case is a 100% Compostable, Eco-Friendly and Child-Safe iPhone Case created as an alternative to plastic phone cases made from non-renewable resources that end up in our landfills and oceans. Pela is NSF Tested to be free of phthalates, lead, cadmium and BPA.
