Baby Registry Must Haves For The Sustainable Mum
/Becoming a Mum opens you up to a whole new world of products, whether they’re baby, maternity, postpartum or nursing related it can be very overwhelming trying to determine exactly what you’ll need once your bundle of joy arrives. It's also pretty common that a lot of the necessary products aren’t very helpful when it comes to living sustainably and reducing your waste! So for all of you eco Mamas out there I’ve compiled a list of the must have items that will help you start your new adventure with a baby as sustainably as possible.
Modern Cloth Nappies
This is a big one and the most obvious contributor to that waste factor I mentioned, yes your baby will go through approximately 2,500-3,000 nappies in its first year on earth, wow! Thankfully there are amazing and easy to use solutions out there these days in the form of modern cloth nappies (or MCN’s as I’ve discovered after reading a few too many Mummy blogs!). The initial cost may seem like a large outlay but in the long run you’ll be better off and will also be saving half a wheelie bin of rubbish from ending up in landfill every week according to Pea Pods. Their adjustable sizing system for nappy covers, bamboo inserts and 100% biodegradable bamboo liners mean these nappies will last your baby from newborn right through to toddler all while being sensitive on their delicate skin and much better for the environment.
And if you’re struggling with the idea of reusable nappies there are more environmentally friendly disposable options, like Thank You Nappies that use sustainably sourced wood pulp in their lining and no chemicals. Plus your purchase helps provide maternal and child health care for Mums and Bubs in need.
Plastic Free Dummies & Teethers
I imagine babies aren’t the best at keeping track of their stuff, making dummies one item that you could easily go through a lot of! And with so much plastic already out there in the world why would we unnecessarily add more to it, not to mention risk our babies putting hazardous materials in their mouths. Hevea Planet has a simple solution, offering pacifiers and teethers made entirely of natural rubber sourced from rubber trees, which makes them not only safe for your baby but also completely biodegradable. Babies can go through 10-20 pacifiers in a year so to help reduce waste Hevea Planet also runs an upcycling program to bring new life to used products.
Reusable Breast Pads
If you’re planning on nursing your baby then breast pads are a must, but just like with other feminine hygiene products they can create a lot of waste depending on your flow. Look after the planet and your sensitive and hard working nipples by using washable breast pads like these ones from Breastmates. They’re made from super absorbent bamboo to prevent any embarrassing leaks and provide the most comfort! They can be thrown in the wash, and the dryer if you need them in a hurry, plus according to Breastmates they get better and more absorbent with age. What’s not to love!
Organic Wraps
Having baby close, especially in the early days, is so important and helps solidify the bond between baby and parent...and with the use of a wrap carrier you’re also giving yourself some much needed hands free time! Hug A Bub offers sling and tie wraps, so you can choose your preferred way to carry baby, all made using 100% certified organic cotton and certified Fair Trade manufacturing. As well as being better for the planet this will ensure maximum breathability for you and your baby, especially during the warmer months. Plus for every wrap purchased Hug A Bub will plant a tree in countries devastated by deforestation.
Organic Skincare
When it comes to bath time we all want to make sure we’re using the safest products possible on our baby’s delicate skin, so investing in organic skincare is key. This bis made easy with Australian made and owned brand Bubba Organics which offers a full range of products for bath time and changing all made locally from 100% natural ingredients, ensuring your baby care products are free from harmful chemicals and not tested on animals. Bubba Organics focuses on minimising their impact on the earth through all aspects of their business including using locally made eco friendly packaging, and as a new Mum the bottles pump functionality will be a lifesaver when you have your hands full.
Organic Cotton Bedding
Putting your little one down to sleep (which hopefully happens often!) you want to be confident they’re resting peacefully with organic cotton sheets that are free from any harmful chemicals and provide maximum breathability. With the amount of time babies spend in their bassinet or cot, investing in organic sheets is well worth it and Babu has you covered on all fronts with a variety of sizes available. Using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, bottom sheets are fitted at all four corners and top sheets are fitted at the bottom two corners for maximum safety. You’ll even find organic cotton swaddles and bath towels to ensure baby goes from bath time to bedtime sustainably!
Sheepskin Rug
When it comes to a multi use and long lasting product you can’t go past a sheepskin rug to keep your baby protected and comfortable. Used for generations as the perfect mat for playtime which can also go from your cot to your pram to a simple floor rug or chair throw down the track. Ecowool sheepskin rugs are New Zealand made from happy, healthy sheep that roam free in unpolluted alpine pastures. The natural qualities of Ecowool sheepskin rugs keep baby at the right temperature, absorbing up to 30% of their own weight in moisture without feeling cold or clammy. They’re also tanned to infant use standards and have minimal fibre loss. Tummy time never looked or felt so good!
This article was originally published on The Green Hub
