Whether choosing the most gentle and chemical-free product range for your tiny tots or protecting them from harmful bacteria in the environment, eco-friendly baby products are one step you can take to provide a healthy home, wardrobe and bath time routine for your child.
The first time I had to decide on a baby brand for my little one, I literally researched for three days straight about every ingredient and every claim the brand makes. That’s how challenging it can be for parents to decide what kind of products our babies will be exposed to. Back then, I decided to use eco-friendly baby products, and I have stuck to them for the immense benefits they provide.
Not only do these products ensure the nourishment and safety that your wee one deserves, but they also help to contribute towards building a green, sustainable planet for our beloved children to grow up in. And these are not some imaginative futuristic products I am talking about. These are tried & tested and easily accessible from baby oils, lotions to reusable diapers.
On top of providing your baby with the ultimate comfort all day long, eco-friendly baby products could also save some money from your baby care fund. Eco-friendly baby products like reusable cloth diapers last up to 12 hours, making them an excellent alternative for sustainable, economical living. This is one switch I am so thankful for making.
The benefits (and things to look out for) when shopping for eco-friendly baby products…
Free from harmful plastics
Plastic is a common component of baby toys and fabrics; it is all around our babies. But they can come with unsafe chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) that affect natural hormones in human bodies. Switching them to eco-friendly baby products like wooden toys will also help to prevent the plastic overload in our environment.
Antibacterial and antifungal by nature
If you recently started noticing bamboo toothbrushes and combs everywhere over the plastic ones, then you know what I’m talking about. Bamboo baby products are not just eco-friendly, but they are also 100% naturally antifungal and antibacterial.
Reduction in polluted landfills and water
Discarding products that have high amounts of harmful chemicals and materials will ultimately overburden our landfills. These will eventually end up polluting water bodies on our planet. By making use of eco-friendly baby products that are biodegradable and sustainable, we are ensuring a better environment for us today and a sustainable environment for our children tomorrow.
Ditch parabens, phthalates…
We see skin and hair care brands promoting “paraben-free”products for adults because these chemicals are not good for our bodies. So, product choices should be made with even more care for babies just starting in the world. Read the label to know which ingredients we choose for our babies to provide them with wholesome nourishment. Baby oils, creams, lotions that are “fragrance-free” is a good start.
Avoid cotton pesticides and insecticides
It has been drilled into our brains that cotton is an excellent fabric for our skin, but I was astonished to know that 10% of the world’s pesticides and 25% of the world’s insecticides are used to produce cotton. Fortunately, we live in a world where organic options are available that do not harm our bodies and the earth. Switch your baby cloth, diapers, wipes, pads to organic cotton or other recycled materials. Even if you use reusable cloth diapers, see that the material is made from finer quality cotton or other eco-friendly baby products.
Sustainability and economic benefits
Slowly the ‘use and throw’ culture is moving out, and we, as responsible adults, should only add to it by using products that last longer, like bamboo, hemp or recyclable skincare containers. This way, we also reduce the burden on our pockets. Imagine saving up to 75% of money by using washable and long-lasting cloth diapers for 3 years!
Making resources more efficient
Living on a planet where conserving resources has gained prime importance, we can do our part by using eco-friendly baby products that produce far less waste. We will be saving water and electricity too.
All in all, the benefits of using eco-friendly baby products far outweigh the effort required to make the switch.
Photography by Kristina Paukshtite
