— What you must have in your nursery before your baby arrives!
It’s no expert knowledge that a newborn baby requires delicate handling and one needs to be ultra careful when it comes to selecting the products the baby is going to be surrounded with.
However, selecting the right new baby products is by no means an ordinary skill, especially in light of the enticing packaging and heavy advertising taken up by the baby product companies.
Below we list out some eco-friendly new baby products you’ll need for the first weeks and months of your baby’s life.
1. Organic Cloth Diapers
One of the first things your baby will wear is a diaper. And although the debate between disposable and cloth has been raging for years, most environmentalists will tell you that the winner is cloth, hands down.
Today, there are so many options on the market that you can choose from a variety of styles, colors, and functionality. There’s a perfect cloth diaper out there for your lifestyle and your baby’s personality.
Just look for cloth diapers that are made from organic cotton, wool, bamboo, and other natural fibres’, and stay away from PVC plastic covers as well. Your baby will thank you for caring for her health by choosing these eco-friendly diaper solutions.
2. BPA-Free Bottles
( Photo by timlewisnm )
Feeding baby during and after the transition from nursing requires some tools as well, but you don’t want baby bottles that are full of BPA – a hormone-disrupting chemical used to create rigid, polycarbonate baby bottles and water bottles.
Instead, choose BPA-free plastic or go for something less modern like glass baby bottles. Also look for options that are made without the use of PVC plastic as this is carcinogenic, so not good for you or for your baby.
3. Safe, Organic Baby Bath Products
( Photo by Chesi – Fotos CC )
Bath time is a great time to bond with your baby, but you don’t want to poison her with toxic washes and skin care ingredients. Look for safe new baby products made with natural, plant-based ingredients, scents, and colors, and those without ingredients like parabens, phthalates, diethanolamine, or coal tar dyes.
Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database for a list of nontoxic new baby products you should be using.
4. Nontoxic, BPA-Free Infant Tub
( Photo by abbybatchelder )
And what bath time would be complete without an infant tub? Available in either bucket style that mimics the shape of a womb or in rectangular style that stores more easily, these tubs keep baby safe while you wash and cleanse her. Just be sure to find one that’s made BPA-free to protect your child from this hormone-disrupting chemical.
5. Safe Infant Car Seat
( Photo by Debs (ò‿ó)♪ )
Your first trip with baby – home from the hospital – should be as safe as possible for your little one, so be sure to buy an infant car seat that’s certified within normal safety standards for your country.
If you’re looking for some expert guidance on choosing the safest new baby products for your infant, check out this guide on HealthyChildren.org. And as always, look for a car seat that’s eco-friendly by opting for things like recycled plastic, organic cotton, and PVC-free construction.
6. Organic Baby Carrier Or Wrap
( Photo by rabble )
Car seats are great for those vehicular trips, but if you’re traveling by train or bus or just going for a walk in the park, why not try out an eco-friendly baby wrap or carrier. These hug your infant close to you, keeping them warm and safe. Look for baby wraps made of bamboo and organic cotton, and those created without the use of toxic dyes as well.
7. Natural High Chair
This is an essential piece of furniture once you start to feed baby out of a bottle or bowl. Look for high chairs that are PVC-free and made from natural materials (like sustainable wood) and nontoxic finishes.
And to make your high chair even more practical, look for one that will grow with your child, like the Droog Design Highchair or the Primo Poppy Plus II Convertible Wooden High Chair.
8. Organic Baby Clothes
( Photo by Magic Madzik )
Known by many as a baby layette, this is just a collection of clothing for your newborn that can include anything from swaddling blankets and onesies to cotton hats, safety mittens, and pj’s.
You may also want to add booties and undershirts in the list of new baby products. Be sure to go for fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo, and look for nontoxic, plant-based dyes to ensure a safe sleep for your little one.
More Resources:
Safe Baby Pregnancy Tips – Visual Instructions For Expecting Parents
