Eco-Friendly Products For Your Baby: Saving Money and The Planet
Having a baby can have a big impact on the environment as a result of all the disposable products which are commonly used. Additionally, they are also extremely expensive. Yet, there are so many great eco-friendly alternatives available on the market which are much cheaper and they can reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Plus, these products contain friendly ingredients, meaning your sensitive baby will benefit too! Creating good habits when it comes to your consumer choices is important. So, make a few small changes in your everyday life to make a big difference in helping the planet as well as saving money.
Reusable Food Pouches
Many baby food products come in plastic pouches that will end up in landfill. A great eco-friendly alternative is to go for BPA, Phthalate and PVC free reusable food pouches. Once or twice a month, dedicate a few hours to making some of your baby’s favourite fruit and veg purees or fill them with yoghurt from tubs that are fully recyclable. Not only is this great for the environment, but it will save you so much money in the long run.
Buying convenient products like ready made pouches comes at a cost, so setting aside some time to create super healthy meals for your baby will be worth it, for their health and your bank account! Create your pouches and then freeze whatever you won’t be using that week. Simply take a pouch out of the freezer the night before you need it and pop it in the fridge, or take it out the morning of and place it in lukewarm water.
Baby Washcloths
Most disposable baby wipes aren’t very environmentally friendly, so using baby washcloths when possible is the best thing to do. Bamboo washcloths are super soft, naturally absorbent and easily washable. You can use them during bathtime, to clean up after meals or to tidy after a crafts session. You will save so much time and money when you opt for something reusable and your baby’s sensitive skin will thank you for it, too!
Disposable Bamboo Nappies
Reusable nappies simply aren’t an option for some people who don’t have the time to wash and dry them quickly enough. So, if you’re conscious of your impact on the environment, opt for bamboo nappies. They’re extremely soft and breathable making them perfect for sensitive skin, the fibres absorb moisture exceptionally well and best of all, they are 100{901e5fc6337b2f57025d45cd7dc097f4e9fd89803e3b0f9c9dd1b8e08f16b403} biodegradable. For something that’s kind to your baby and the planet, give bamboo nappies a go. Whilst these might not save you much money, they won’t cost much more than the average nappy!
Biodegradable Teether
Most teethers are made out of plastics that could be harmful to your baby, so opting for a more natural teether is safer for your little one and the planet. Go for something that is non-toxic, biodegradable and ethically sourced. A teether that you can pop in the fridge for some extra relief is an added bonus, but never put anything for teething in the freezer as this can damage your baby’s gums. Products that are made more ethically almost always last longer than the harmful plastic alternative, so you won’t need to replace teethers over and over again.
Shop Sustainably For Clothes
When buying your baby’s clothes, try to shop from places that offer organic baby clothes and are committed to maintaining a sustainable supply chain. You may need to spend a bit more than you usually would initially, but organic clothes will last so much longer than others. This means that you can pass on all your baby clothes that you no longer need to other families to enjoy, or give them to much needed charities. You could also store them if you plan to have more children and they will still be in great condition, second or third time around. Organic clothes will be super soft and won’t have any unwanted toxins, making it the safest and most cost effective option.
Summary
Making some subtle changes when it comes to how you shop is really simple and can have a big impact on the environment. Not only this, but organic products are much better for your baby as they are often made with more thought and consideration. With anything that your baby no longer uses or needs, do your best to give it to friends and family or donate it to charity for other families to make the most of.