Being a new parent can be daunting. The desire to give your baby the very best that there is, and then the gazillion product decisions that need to be made – from cribs to swaddles, to feeds, clothes, strollers, baby care toiletries, baby furniture to toys. And then let’s not forget the overwhelming availability of choice in each of these categories, with new terminology popping up every single day.
- Thrift shopping: This is one of the best tips you can truly make use of. Babies outgrow clothes, toys and other utility items so swiftly, and these products are literally used for a span of a few months before they become irrelevant. Not only that, you can actually end up getting these products in mint conditions as parents receive gifts/ buy so much baby gear that they don’t end up using it as much! Look up your community for Facebook groups & small startups, and you will find steal deals and plenty of options!
- Plastic waste: From diapers, that are used daily, to toys, teethers, bottles and tableware, if you begin counting the amount of plastic waste this in totality generates for one baby alone, the results will be shocking! Opt for options like re-usable nappies, silicon bottles, bamboo table ware and wooden or recycled material natural rubber toys. And if not re-usable diapers, then opt for eco-friendlier options that are at least better for the environment Trust us, if you choose to be a little more mindful of these purchases, there are many options available that are earth and baby friendly today!
- Buy minimal: Being a new parent is super exciting and we all want to do the very best for our babies. A lot more than often, this results in excessive purchase of products that your baby may only use for a few months. Choose to buy only when necessary. Buy fewer clothes, they will outgrow them in a short span anyway! Instead of buying multiple toys, give your baby products that are already lying at home. Get creative here, and you’d be surprised how babies will love to play around with simple objects lying around at home. Decorate your nursery with DIY options rather than going overboard with products that your baby won’t even notice, and you’d have to change the décor in a few years anyway.
- Get outside more: We forget the simple joys of nature! Take your baby out for fresh air walks and parks. Engage with them by showing them leaves, flowers, birds and butterflies. Let them soak in the natural environment, and connect with nature rather than giving them an Ipad screen to engage with.
- Re-usables: From single use nappies, to single use wipes, nursing pads and so many other products that are use and throw are a big no! Use products like silicon bibs that are durable and easy to use, re-usable diapers and cotton cloth wipes. Save a buck as well, by purchasing re-usable options that are readily available, and will save you so much waste
- Organic clothing: Organic cotton farming puts less stress on nature because it ensures farmers detoxify the land that they grow their crops on, use naturally beneficial practices like crop rotation and mechanical removal of weeds and do not treat any of their seeds with fungicides. It is free of toxic substances especially, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides and is eco-friendly. Skin diseases and allergies are prevented as organic cotton is antimicrobial, mold resistant and smooth and clothes made from organic cotton allow the skin to breathe. A win win!
- Sustainable laundry detergent & floor cleaners: Conventional detergents may seem like an easy option, but this you know that every time you use chemical-filled detergents, you could be affecting your baby’s health, as well as flushing toxins in the environment? Today, non-eco detergents are more likely to be a mixture of synthetic chemicals and additives cooked up in a huge chemical plant and, unlike traditional soap, they’re generally liquids rather than solids. On the other hand, organic laundry liquids and powders, eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, washing up liquids and toilet cleaners are made with non-toxic and natural ingredients, that are allergen free, and better for your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Make your own baby food: Reduce your waste by avoided single-use packaged food for your baby. There are so many simple recipes out there that are easy to make and store, that are so much healthier than packaged food that is laiden with food colours and preservatives. There are on-the-go silicon pouches available that you can carry these home-made foods in without any fuss!
- Toys & Tableware: Ditch those plastic options for bamboo & silicon tableware and toys made of wood, bamboo & natural rubber. Such a simple shift, that you won’t even realize the difference.
- Natural skincare & Shorter baths: A baby’s skin is new, fresh and more permeable than an adult’s. Not only are babies more prone to infections and illnesses, but they’re also more susceptible to reactions and adverse effects from products that contain harsh chemicals. Their health and the health of their skin will benefit more from very gentle and nourishing ingredients. Natural products exist more seamlessly in the environment — it’s a no-brainer. Also, don’t forget shorter baths & turning taps off while bathing and brushing. A small change, that can reduce water wastage by a considerable amount!
Remember, the idea is not to compromise on what you buy for your baby. One just needs to be more mindful when shopping, and making purchase decisions. Raising a baby in an eco-friendly manner can even help inculcate these habits in your baby early on, which can have such a large impact on their individual choices in future!
You’re not alone. Share your experiences, tips, tricks; post your questions or even challenge what we’ve written! Let’s build an eco-conscious community together!
Happy SHIFTING!