Thanks to Gugu Guru and the highlighted brands* for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions in the post are my own.
This post contains affiliate links and clicking on a link may result in a small commission for me at no extra cost to you!
You know, one of the very first thoughts that comes to your mind when you find out that you are going to bring a new life into this world is, ‘I want to make sure that I do everything in my capacity to bring up my baby in the most cleanest, the healthiest, and the safest environment possible’. And if you weren’t already, you suddenly become cautious of all the things you use on a day to day basis – from food to clothes to everyday products to even the environment you live in. And being cautious only increases, by several folds, when you start shopping and preparing for your precious one’s grand arrival.
Lorena Canals* Rug (safe and free of Volatile Organic Compounds), Baby Blanket & Basket / The Land of Nod Toys / Pink Blush* Robe / Amazon book
As I said in this post, over the past few years (and long before I even became a mom), being mindful of and making slow but steady changes to what I put in my body and on my skin has been extremely important to me (and so should be everyone else’s as one’s overall health should be a top priority for all). Given we live in a world filled with harmful chemicals and processed food, it’s not as simple as it sounds to go-green and lead a life (at least not a very inexpensive one) consuming only natural and organic products, though that would have been ideal.
So, parent or not, let’s take these baby steps…
To make small but lasting lifestyle changes,
To reduce our carbon footprint,
To make this world a better place to live for our future generations.
And for right now, let’s look at a few ways to Green Parenting…
- Breastfeeding: It’s laying the right foundation to your baby’s growth and development. Breastfeeding is the ultimate way to make sure your baby gets the best and the most nutrients possible. And it surely also is the first step towards Green Parenting.
- Bottle feeding: When breastfeeding is not an option or as the baby grows, bottle feeding becomes a necessity. Always be sure to buy plastic bottles that are free of BPA, PVC and Melamine (and when possible opt for glass or stainless steel utensils, cookware etc).
- Homemade or store-bought organic food: Preparing food for your baby at home is the best way to ensure they are getting all the nutrients without any added artificial flavors, or preservatives. Alternately, when you opt for store-bought food for any reason, look for certified organic brands that make Non-GMO food without any added preservatives, sugars or salts.
Nurturme* Baby Food – organic, Non-GMO verified, no added preservatives, sugars or salt
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- Clothing and bedding products: It is quite important to buy clothing or at least bedding products that do not contain toxic chemicals as these products are constantly in contact with the baby’s skin. Look for products made from organic cotton or sustainable fibers such as bamboo and hemp with non-toxic dyes.
Finn + Emma Footie – made from 100% organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes
(Layers of Protection = Layers of Love :))
Aden + Anais* Organic Crib Sheet / Dream Blanket
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- Skin care products: Some of the most toxic and harmful products out there belong to the skin care line. Be extra cautious while buying baby skin care products as you do not want to expose your baby’s extra-sensitive skin to any harsh chemicals. Opt for products that are free of parabens, phthalates, and stay away from artificial dyes.
- Diapers: What’s a baby product you can’t live without? Diapers! While ideally I would have loved to use reusable cloth diapers but in reality that isn’t always as convenient or easy to use. So look for eco-friendly disposable diapers made with plant-based ingredients that are free of other toxic chemicals.
- Toys: The most loved classic toys such as rattles, soft toys etc are also made by some companies using eco-friendly and sustainable organic materials. The final products are free of lead paint and other chemicals, which are safe for both the baby and the environment.
The Land of Nod Toys (gifts from a dear friend, Carleeh)
- Cleaning Products: Given all the harsh and toxic chemicals in many cleaning products, using just about any cleaning product defeats the whole purpose of us trying to provide a safe environment for our kids. Look for natural and eco-friendly alternatives that are safe for you, your baby and also the environment.
- Hand me downs: I know we all want to splurge and buy all brand new things for our baby, especially when it is our first one. But given how quickly these tiny humans grow, hand me downs from close family/friends is a great, sustainable option to consider. Just be sure to check which hand me downs are hygienic, safe and acceptable.
You might also like New Mom Style Guide & Nursing Essentials
Other generic ways to incorporate Green Living and Green Parenting…
- Healthy eating: When pregnant as well as breastfeeding, the healthier the diet of the mom the better it is for the baby. Not just that, healthy eating habits of parents also influence kids in developing healthy eating habits. Think home cooked meals as opposed to store bought processed food or frozen meals.
- Homemade products: Though it can be time consuming, try to make as many products (such as cleaning products etc) as possible at home using natural and safe ingredients. DIY all the way!
- House plants: Growing indoor plants isn’t just for enhancing your home decor but it also purifies the air creating a better environment for your baby (and yourself).
- Check labels: While I do not want to be the crazy lady who obsesses over labels and ingredients, it’s become absolutely essential to completely eliminate certain ingredients from our lives. So, when in doubt, check the ingredients and run it through the EWG database.
Having said that, the brands highlighted in this post are a few of my favorites as they make some of the best eco-friendly and safe products, and I do not have to think twice before adding them to my cart.
While it is impossible to make changes to our lifestyle overnight and all of this can feel way-too-overwhelming, especially when you have a newborn who already keeps your hands full, small baby steps can certainly help new parents provide a better environment for their kids.
What is/are your Green Parenting tip(s) or your favorite Green Living product(s)?
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
xoxo,
Kusum
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