Green parenting is beneficial to not only the environment, but also to you and your baby. As a more discerning eye has been cast toward what really goes into consumer products on the market, especially for children and babies, the importance of using organic, safe materials has become more prevalent than ever. Raising an eco-friendly family requires a little more work, but it’s worth it in the long run, since it results in a happier baby as well as planet Earth.
- Say Yes to Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers
The debate between disposable diapers versus cloth ones has been a major topic for many eco-friendly parents in the past few years. There are pros and cons to both, such as cleaning requirements and upfront expense, but for many parents, dealing with cloth diapers can simply be too time-consuming.
However, there is an in-between option. WebMD recommends that if you don’t want to use cloth diapers, the best disposable alternative is nontoxic, hypoallergenic, free of chlorine and environmentally friendly.
The Honest Company offers baby stuff made completely of organic materials that meet all of these criteria, including diapers and wipes. Using disposables make your life a little bit easier, but you can do so guilt free if you’re buying into the greenest of the green. These diapers are made of plant-based biodegradable materials and come in a variety of fun patterns and colors to liven things up.
- Avoiding Harmful Chemicals in Toys
Toys can help shape a childhood from infancy right on through adolescence, but they must be safe. In a baby’s most formative years, toys’ colors and interactive designs can help stimulate the mind, facilitate learning and provide entertainment. However, you also need to be cautious about the materials from which your baby’s toys are made.
In the past ten years, stricter laws and guidelines have been set about what kinds of materials are safe for consumers in all areas, and that includes children’s toys. When you’re looking for eco-friendly and safe toys for baby, beware of soft plastic. Experts warn that soft plastic toys produced before 2009 can potentially be made with high levels of PVC which contains lead. In 2009, a consumer protection law went into effect to prevent high levels of certain harmful substances in children’s toys. Be vigilant about what you give your baby to chew on!
- Your Baby Doesn’t Need the Runway
When you’re parenting green, clothing is especially important since it’s a material that remains pressed against the body throughout the day. Babies have delicate, sensitive skin that’s easily irritated, not to mention they outgrow clothing in the blink of an eye. Therefore, it is suggested to forego the designer duds and sticking to organic materials, such as hemp, cotton, bamboo, or wool that are made without toxic chemicals. These garments will also wear better and last longer, and you won’t be shelling out huge sums of money unnecessarily because you saw a cute baby outfit in a window. It also creates less waste and garments piling up in a bag to donate to the nearest thrift shop. As an eco-conscious parent, you need to remember that not only are organic and natural materials healthy for baby, but they can also be good for your bank account. It’s all about sustainability and longevity.
- Ditch the Tiny Overpriced Jars
Baby food is one of the most expensive things you’ll need when raising a child, but it’s completely unnecessary. Knowing what goes into your little one’s body is as essential as knowing what they’re playing with and wearing, if not more so. However, making your own baby food from organic foods of which you know the origin is very easy and cost effective. Making your own organic baby food is as simple as obtaining a blender, mason jars for storage, and organic fruits and veggies.
She points out the fact that you’ll know for sure that the food is BPA free and that it can be stored by freezing the food in the jars. It’s also an opportunity to introduce new foods to your baby. One of the biggest benefits of green parenting is knowing exactly where all the materials you’re using in everyday life originated, both for yourself and your baby. Avoiding over processed food, old toys, and expensive designer clothing with lots of dyes is all part of the process of parenting a truly eco-friendly family.
Keeping it green may not be as easy as tossing the cheap brand of disposable diapers in the trash, but remember that you’re also not contributing to a landfill. Your baby is also not outfitted in diapers with toxic chemicals and substances. It may seem like small steps to opt for the organic, environmentally friendly baby products on the market, but it ultimately results in a better world for all.
