For many new parents, having a child is a remarkable experience that introduces a fresh way of living for numerous families. As the awareness of our environmental impact grows, it's wise to embark on your parenting journey by making eco-conscious choices.
In this article, we'll discuss various approaches to protect the environment while caring for your baby, through sustainable alternatives during your pregnancy and your baby's first year.
Preloved Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothes can be costly and are worn for a brief period during pregnancy. Opting for preloved maternity wear saves money and prevents clothing waste.
Online platforms like Vinted offer excellent options for second-hand maternity clothing. Numerous websites also focus on high-quality preloved maternity wear.
Cloth Nappies
By choosing cloth nappies, you can prevent disposable nappies from ending up in landfills.
They are user-friendly, and various options are available. You can purchase second-hand nappy bundles or invest in new ones from brands like TotsBots, Bambino Mio, or Little Lamb. The initial cost of cloth nappies may seem high, but they can last until your baby is ready for potty training.
Repurposing Baby Bottles
If you use bottles to feed your baby, you may be unsure what to do with them afterward. Many baby bottles are recyclable or reusable and can be shared with other families.
Since baby bottles are cleaned and sterilised, they can be reused multiple times without issue.
Glass baby bottles can also be passed along or recycled at your local recycling centre. You can check local baby banks to see if they will accept your preloved baby bottles for families in need.
DIY Baby Food
Weaning your baby around 6 months can seem pricey, with baby food in supermarkets sold in small jars and additional baby items like high chairs, bibs, and feeding trays to purchase.
Preparing your baby food at home is both cost-effective and sustainable. Use any leftover fruits or vegetables from your fridge, reducing food packaging waste and utilising excess food.
Baby Garments Babies quickly outgrow their adorable outfits, leading to an excess of baby clothes that no longer fit. Consider these ideas for tiny baby clothes:
Save special clothing items in a keepsake box for future reminiscing or passing down to grandchildren.
Donate good-quality baby clothes to local charity shops or baby banks, including baby socks, bibs, and hats.
For heavily stained clothing items, recycle the fabric at fabric banks instead of discarding them.
Organic Fibres and Materials
Choose eco-friendly items for your baby and their nursery.
Organic clothing fibres like linen and cotton are environmentally friendly, unlike polyester, and biodegradable. They are also gentle on your baby's sensitive skin. When selecting nursery furniture, opt for sustainable materials like wood that are natural and chemical-free.
Adopt Green Cleaning Products
As your baby arrives, you'll want to make your home safer and more baby-friendly. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products to eliminate toxic chemicals from your living environment and ensure your baby's safety.
Many effective cleaning products can be made from household items. White vinegar is an excellent antibacterial agent, which can be diluted with water for cleaning surfaces. Lemon effectively cuts through grease, while natural sunlight can help remove stubborn stains and odours.
New Fawn Photography – based in Newport - specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography for families in and around South Wales.
Want to know more about Maternity Photoshoots? Visit the dedicated page
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