Bringing Up a Sustainable Baby

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it’s also one of the most nerve-wracking! As you prepare for your new arrival, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of ‘things’ a baby needs. From bottles and sterilizers to nursery furniture and sleepsuits, your home can quickly feel overrun with baby equipment and paraphernalia.

No matter how eco-conscious you are, it can be hard to imagine staying green while you’re raising your kids. However, there are ways to maintain an environmentally friendly lifestyle when you have a growing family. To get started, take a look at these top tips for bringing up a sustainable baby:

Feeding Options

Breastfeeding is the most sustainable option when it comes to feeding a new baby, but this doesn’t mean you won’t need any equipment. If you’re buying a breast pump, for example, choose one with silicone cups, rather than plastic.

If you choose to bottle-fed, there are plenty of alternatives to plastic bottles. Glass bottles with silicone grips can be a great option but, if you’re wary of using glass, why not a stainless-steel bottle? There’s no risk of BPA leaching with either glass or stainless-steel so you can be confident that these are a safer option for your baby, as well as the environment.

Diapers

Standard disposable diapers can’t be recycled, which usually means they end up going to a landfill where they’ll emit greenhouse gases and harm the environment. Fortunately, cloth nappies are a great alternative that won’t harm the environment for years to come. While many parents-to-be balk at the idea of washing diapers, adding a disposable liner makes it easier than ever to use them. What’s more – you can save a considerable amount of money by choosing reusable diapers over disposable ones.

Wipes

Wipes are an easy way to keep your baby clean and fresh, but you don’t need to resort to using disposable ones. Disposable wipes tend to have an array of chemicals added to them, which can aggravate a baby’s sensitive skin and they can’t generally be recycled either. By using cloth wipes, you can simply wash and reuse as often as you need to and avoid using potentially harmful chemicals on your baby’s skin.

Toys

When you’re picking out toys for your little one, you’ll be bombarded with plastic playthings. Of course, these inevitably end up in landfills or being burned in order to dispose of them, which causes significant harm to the environment. Fortunately, there are a number of companies that produce 100% wooden toys made from sustainable materials. Similarly, you’ll find biodegradable rubber bath toys and cuddly toys made from 100% cotton.

Living Sustainably as a Family

People often assume that having children makes it harder to live a sustainable lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to. As you adjust to a new routine with your baby, it’s easy to incorporate eco-friendly options. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure you have everything you need to enjoy living sustainably with your growing family.