During pregnancy you become much more aware that almost everything has a way of affecting your baby. Making eco-conscious decisions and incorporating green habits during this time will be the first steps towards bringing up a healthy baby.

These days almost every imaginable product or service has a ‘green’ alternative, it can be overwhelming trying to decipher which are actually safe. Companies here and abroad are claiming they are eco friendly and that their products are free of toxins, but are they really?  More often than not the answer is no, there’s a fair amount of greenwashing going on.

Take Aveeno Baby Moisture Cream for example, the label that states that it contains natural colloidal oatmeal is fragrance-free and is paediatrician recommended, that’s got to be good for baby right?  

Whilst those claims are true, upon closer inspection you’ll find distearyldimonium chloride (a known irritant for skin, eyes and lungs) and dimethicone, a silicon-based molecule listed in the ingredients.

This article is from Jenny McDee

Bringing Up an Eco-Friendly Baby

Being a parent and juggling an environmentally sustainable lifestyle can often be a bit of a challenge: which products are going to be safe? What creams or oils can you apply while you’re pregnant? Which laundry powders are safe for baby? Are their any nasties lurking in that commercial baby wash?

Here’s a few things to consider to help care for you and your baby in a healthy, eco-friendly way.

Before baby is born

When you’re expecting a baby, it may seem like everything, from the food that you eat to the air that you breathe, all has a way of affecting your baby. Making eco-conscious decisions and incorporating green habits while you’re pregnant will be the first steps towards the health of you, your baby and the environment. One way to ensure perfect well-being ongoing prenatal care can provide peace of mind for your fetus and throughout a pregnancy. Additionally, prenatal care can risk potential complications while you’re expecting and ensure you’ll have helpful advice during the time you’re pregnant.

One of the ways to integrate a healthier green attitude is to stay clear of the toxins in what you eat such as those found in processed food. As an alternative, prepare balanced meals at home using fresh, organic ingredients will ultimately give you complete control over what you and your unborn baby are digesting. Being pregnant generally means your body is working overtime so in order to support it, free your diet from the pesticides, additives and hormones commonly found in supermarket food and swap them for refined food that is nutritious and full of vitamins.

Similarly, start changing your beauty routine for a healthier approach to be kind to both your skin and the environment. Women’s beauty products usually contain numerous chemicals, some of which are cancer causing, so going green for hair and skin products that will protect yourself and your unborn baby. Choose body lotions, creams and makeup that are free from these toxins and are at least 95% natural that will make you look and feel great while not having a negative impact on the planet.

When baby is born

Bringing a baby into the world can be both joyous and chaotic, but can also create many unexpected changes along the way. Finding ways to be a more environmentally friendly parent is also entering a brave new world of unforeseen purchases among a consumer haven and left confused as to what you need. Despite a baby having minimal needs, there’s more than just buying non-toxic and natural products which are harmless on their delicate skin; think also about organic baby food, cloth diapers and fair trade clothing which are made from linen, cotton and bamboo.

You may think that you need a plethora of lotions and potions for keep your newborn baby’s skin soft and smooth but in this case, less is often more. Choose natural products to build up an essential kit of everything you need. Whether you’re bathing baby, dealing with dry skin or using nappies, ensure that they’re free from artificial colours, additives and perfumes. By opting to use only baby products that are natural, you’re giving a great start to life for your new bundle of joy.

When baby is old enough to settle into their new nursery make sure that it’s been decorated using paints that have zero VOCs in them to minimise any potential side effects. This also applies to any furniture you might want to add colour to. When choosing furniture and other nursery must haves, go for items which have been made from sustainable and organic materials to limit your impact on planet earth while creating a fun and comforting eco-friendly space for baby to be nurtured in.

Natural Products That Are Safe For Baby:

Make your own baby bath wash using this recipe

Buy toxin free natural baby wipe solution here.

Buy chemical free Thinkwise baby wipes here.

Make your own baby wipes with this kit.

Use a baby safe, unscented, natural Castile soap like this one.

Bringing up a family

Exposing your child to synthetic chemicals that can be found in everyday products should be avoided whenever possible, including limiting the use of plastic around the home. Alternatively, choose products from responsible companies who adhere to green practices such as using natural materials, for example. By changing to products which are chemical free and having eco-friendly toys which are made from safe materials, you are not just helping the environment, but also limiting the risks of asthma or allergy issues.

Raising an eco-friendly family doesn’t just mean keeping on top of basic hygiene, but should also include using cleaning products which are free from toxins too. Traditional cleaning products contain a wealth of harsh chemicals that can be harmful to children, adults and our environment. While you can make DIY cleaners, there are plenty of green products worth investing in that won’t compromise on your cleaning standards and give you peace of mind that your family are not being exposed to any hazards.

As your baby grows, introduce them to practicing eco-wise practices around the home as early as possible There are countless little things they can help with which can range from recycling, creating a compost bin to turning the lights off. It can also include spending time growing food in the garden which not only teaches them about where food comes from, but is likely to attract wildlife for them to enjoy. By involving your children to play a part in reducing landfill waste, cleaning the air and caring for Mother Nature, you’re passing on important values for them to learn.

Making small changes and switching to companies that produce natural, ethical and sustainable products will provide a safe environment to bring up your family and prepare the next generation to be responsible citizens of our world.  

Jenny

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