Eco-Friendly Baby Tips
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Going Green is the Movement of This Generation
Many people are becoming more aware of the benefits of recycling, reducing and reusing these days. With so much waste piling up, we have the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and pass along the wisdom to our children.
When eco-conscious living involves a new baby in the family, there are things you can do to improve baby's surroundings and to help them grow up in a green environment. Here are some tips to get you started.
Image courtesy of Little Blue Hen on Flickr.
When eco-conscious living involves a new baby in the family, there are things you can do to improve baby's surroundings and to help them grow up in a green environment. Here are some tips to get you started.
Image courtesy of Little Blue Hen on Flickr.
Green Nursery
Keep your baby safe from toxins
Of course you'll want baby's room to be free of chemicals and toxins. There are ways you can ensure a healthier place for the baby to rest their head. Choose paint that is non-toxic and eco-friendly. There are many brands on the market today that offer this option. You can even buy paint now that helps eliminate odors in the room.Choose an eco-friendly crib made of natural wood and enviro-safe finishes. Most cribs are made of pressed fiberboard and are not finished with natural stains or varnishes. Make sure you ask before you buy. Choose flooring that makes sense for when baby starts to crawl. There are plenty of choices from eco-friendly carpets to cork and other natural materials. Choose wisely now and you won't have to worry when baby starts playing on the floor. All natural cotton sheets and bedding are smart ways to go.
Green Nursery Items on Amazon
Cloth Diapers
They're not your grandparent's cloth diapers...
Landfills are overflowing with the garbage we all produce. If you want to cut down on your household's contribution to the pile, be prepared to use cotton cloth diapers. They are a little more work, but well worth the effort. Instead of tossing piles of plastic and toxins from disposable diapers into the trash, you'll feel good knowing that you will be reusing instead of repurchasing. Today's cloth diapers come in unbleached cotton, so baby will have natural fibers next to his/her skin.Option two? How about organic clothing for a baby? There are plenty of choices out there for organic baby gifts. Organic cotton is great for sensitive skin or people with skin allergies. It also is made to last up to 100 or more washes before it starts to break down, versus conventional cotton which is made to last about 10-20 washes.
Plastic-Free Toys
A safe alternative
Many companies sell toys that are reminiscent of yesteryear in their use of all natural fibers and materials. Opt for toys that do not contain plastics or paints. If you stick to companies that produce only green and environmentally friendly toys and furnishings, you'll have one less thing to worry about. The selection these days is enormous and the toys are fun for all ages.
Natural Cleaners
Simple and natural. What could be better?
Stock up on non-toxic, chemical free cleaning products to use in baby's room and any areas baby will frequent. There are many companies producing all natural cleaning products (such as Simple Green, Method, Seventh Generation and so many more.) So there is a bounty to choose from.Why spray chemicals when there are better and more-natural alternatives? Plus, there's no reason to stop with just the baby room, your whole home could benefit from a good green clean.
Green Cleaning Products
An Extension of Staying Natural
Glass Bottles
Easy to clean and easily green
Older generations may have been on to something when they used glass baby bottles. If you're concerned about toxins in plastic baby bottles, use only glass. You'll feel safer and they clean up very easily. And with today's version of glass, you don't have to worry about breakage. They can stand up to a drop or two without shattering. Helpful Links
- All About Organic Food
- What are the real differences between organic and non-organic foods? Is it much more expensive to eat organic? Where can I find organic foods? These might be questions that come to mind when you are thinking about eating organic.
- Resolve to Save the Planet this New Year
- This year, when you're making your New Year's Eve resolutions, why not include green living strategies on your list? It'll make for better living for you and the planet as well! You can take small steps...
- Choosing a Baby Crib
- You might think buying a baby crib is a hard task. But after you read these tips, you'll find it's not as tough as you thought!
- Nursery Theme Ideas for Girls
- Beautiful nursery ideas for a little baby girl.
- Butterfly Baby Shower Ideas
- A butterfly baby shower theme is perfect for a spring or summertime party when Mom is expecting a baby girl. Here you'll find lots of cute baby shower ideas featuring butterflies.
Natural Foods
Yummy without the sore tummy
Once baby starts eating foods, you can easily make your own. Purchase an inexpensive food mill or processor and you can grind up organic vegetables and meats. Store them in glass jars in the fridge or freeze them in ice cube trays. When it's time to feed baby, defrost a few of the cubed foods and you're ready to go. This is particularly helpful when there's a bumper crop of carrots or berries. You can store your bounty in the freezer for the winter. Repurposed Clothes and Equipment
Ain't too proud to beg
There's no shame in asking for hand-me-downs. Let others with children know that you're perfectly happy borrowing or accepting their gently used clothes, strollers and highchairs. Most moms are happy to hand off items that their children will no longer be using. You can not only save money, but you'll be reusing items that otherwise would have gone to waste.Shop consignment and second-hand stores for clothes and equipment too. Since babies grow so fast, you'll be thankful you didn't spend a bundle on outfits they'll wear just once or twice. And when you're done, you can continue the cycle and donate them to someone else who could use a break.
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Got Comments?
We'll take 'em!
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Tipi
Apr 28, 2012 @ 12:54 pm | delete
- Starting out green in life makes it a way of life forever! Congratulations for being chosen as one of the Best of Squidoo - Earth Day 2012!
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alwaysjules Apr 25, 2012 @ 5:43 pm | delete
- Congratulations on being featured in the Best of Squidoo 2012 Earth Day lenses. Blessed.
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skiesgreen
Apr 21, 2012 @ 1:15 am | delete
- Great lens and tips. Featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012 and also on Earthday and what is wrong with our planet earth, Hugs
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gypsyman27
Apr 20, 2012 @ 8:54 pm | delete
- Very well done 'green lens', informative and interesting. See you around the galaxy...
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---Chazz
Apr 20, 2012 @ 6:51 pm | delete
- Great suggestions. Never too young to go green! Happy Earth Day!
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