Top Products for Eco-Babies
Whether you’re prepping for a new arrival or looking for ways to be more eco-friendly with your little ones, you’ll find a variety of ideas and swaps to help you be a little more sustainable and reduce your waste. You can also save money in the long run too!
We are believers that small swaps are better than none, so any positive change will still make a difference!
You can easily mix and match your options to find what best suits you. Perhaps try reusable wipes and/or reusable nappies at home, and use disposable ones when you go out if you find that more manageable.
We’ve broken down our favourites into the following sections:
- Easy and attainable swaps
- Equipment
- Baby Skin
- Clothing
- Feeding Time
Easy and attainable swaps
Reusable Wipes
As a family we love Cheeky Wipes reusable wipes – read our blog about our experience with them. Reusable wipes are much more effective at cleaning bums than disposable ones and you will avoid all those plastic wet wipes going to landfill.
Reusable Nappies
This will massively reduce your amount of waste and will save you money in the long run. Some local councils offer money (around £30-£50) to parents buying cloth nappies, so it’s worth checking out.
The Nappy Lady website has a wealth of knowledge and advice so check them out for all your cloth nappy needs.
Check out the Bambino Mio MioSolo Reusable Nappy Set from JoJo Maman Bebe here.
Wet Bag
An essential if you use cloth reusable nappies or reusable wipes. However, it’s also useful for any poo-namis when you are out and about and need somewhere to put soiled clothes. This is a great alternative to plastic disposable nappy bags and makes the switch to managing reusables so much easier, especially if you want to leave the house!
Equipment
The most sustainable way is buying second hand. So check out online sources like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or visit your local charity shop. Purchasing items that grow with your child, or items that can be passed onto siblings or friends can be more sustainable.
Please note, however, the advice is to buy new car seats and cot mattresses.
Convertible Changing Bag
Made from recycled plastic bottles, this convertible changing bag helps the planet as well as with nappy changes. Rucksacks are also so much easier to use when you no longer use a buggy.
Checkout the Babymel Georgi Eco Convertible from JoJo Maman Bebe here.
Ergobaby 360 Baby / Child Carrier
Suitable for newborns (with the insert) up to toddlers, with a weight limit up to 20kg. We loved this carrier and even after lots of use it was still like new when we sold it on to its next family. It’s well made, easy to clean and very comfortable.
Boori Cot Bed
Made from sustainable wood and environmentally friendly paint, this Cot Bed is from an award-winning brand backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty. Winner of the LBP (Loved By Parents) Best Ethical Brand 2019, for dedication to minimising chemical emissions in the home and reducing environmental impact.
Teething Toys
When your little one starts teething, help them soothe their gums with something to chew on.
The Sophie La Giraffe teething toy is made from sustainable rubber and recyclable packaging.
Check out the So’pure Teething Ring here.
Or take a look at this lovely eco-friendly Natural Peace Sign Teether, made from non-toxic solid beech wood which won’t splinter and is naturally antibacterial. Hand-sanded to a smooth finish and left totally natural, which is great for skin or allergy concerns.
Check out the Fresh Thinking Co Natural Peace Sign Teether here.
Baby’s Skin
When they are little, babies don’t need any sort of products on their skin. But as they grow there’s lots of great products available.
Coconut Oil
A lovely natural product and one that worked great for us on cradle cap is Coconut oil. You can usually find in a local supermarket, or take a look at this 100% raw organic coconut oil from Boots.
Weleda Products
Weleda has a lovely range of organic and natural baby products. They also have products for mums such as nipple balm and stretch mark oil. They use FSC certified packaging and recycled/recyclable as much as they can.
Clothing
Clothes can last a long time, and there’s always deals for second-hand clothes online. Or if possible why not borrow or swap clothing with friends or family. People often sell clothing in bundles which make them super cheap per item.
If you are looking to buy new, then try to look for Fairtrade and organic clothing ranges. Organic cotton avoids harsh chemicals and dyes which is less likely to trigger any allergic reactions, as well as being better for the environment in the manufacturing process.
We love the following clothing ranges.
Marks and Spencer’s
Frugi
Toby Tiger
Kite Clothing
Feeding time
Breastfeeding
If you breastfeed then the likelihood is you will need breast pads. So rather than buying disposable pads, try reusable ones like these from JoJo Maman. These were my first sustainable swap and I loved them!
Check out JoJo Maman reusable breast pads here.
If you feel a little self-conscious feeding in public, then invest in a feeding shawl. I used a lightweight shawl that was easy to take out and store in a handy drawstring pouch.
BebeChic UK makes their shawls in the UK and they have made this lovely 100% organic cotton shawl.
Weaning/Feeding
If you decide to use purees then avoid the waste from pre prepared and make your own. Or, an even easier way to wean is to try baby-led weaning (suitable for 6 months+) We love the Baby Led Weaning Cookbook as it packed full of advice and recipes.
Check out the Baby Led Weaning Cookbook here.
There are plenty of reusable food-safe containers available to batch prepare food and store food for your little one.
Reusable face and hand wipes/flannels
Once your baby starts weaning wipes are essential! Rather than buying disposable, go for a reusable option.
Cheeky Wipes have a fab set with a box to keep them in. Or you can simply buy a load of flannels and keep them in a basket in the kitchen!
Tableware
Instead of plastic tableware, try sustainable bamboo. We love this beautiful bamboo set.
Free from phthalates, triclosan and PVC.
Check out the Petit Collage Bamboo Baby Dinnerware set here.
So these are just a few ideas on ways you can be a little more sustainable. However, the most sustainable way is to think about what you really need, try second hand and re-use where you can.
Prices correct at time of review.