Motherhood: it’s a whirlwind of love, sleepless nights, and stuff. From tiny babygrows to mountains of nappies, babies come with a lot of… well, everything. And while we’re busy nurturing our little ones, it’s easy to forget about nurturing the planet they’ll inherit. But what if we could do both? Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a crucial part of creating a healthy future for our children. Choosing eco-friendly products isn’t just good for the environment; it’s often better for baby too, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. This post is your guide to eco-friendly must-haves for new mums (and seasoned ones!), offering practical tips, helpful information, and a little encouragement as we navigate this journey of motherhood together – sustainably.
1. Reusable Nursing Pads
Leaking is a completely normal, but inconvenient, aspect of motherhood. It can be tempting to opt for disposable nursing pads due to their convenience, but the reality is they create a substantial amount of unnecessary waste. That’s where reusable nursing pads come in.
Made from cotton or bamboo blends, they’re designed to draw moisture away from your bust, keeping you drier for longer. Then once they’re full, simply pop them in the wash and they’ll be good as new.
Pros:
- Durable
- Soft and comfortable against the skin
- Allow the skin to breath
- No wastage
- Contain no harmful dyes and or chemicals
- Washable
2. Bamboo or Cotton Nursing Bras
Bamboo and cotton are natural fibres which are known for their breathability and gentleness on the skin. They’re ideal for mums who are looking for something more sustainable than synthetic fabrics, which are also notorious for generating heat and irritating the skin. Our Milk Bamboo Sleep Bra has to be felt to be believed.
Our Tip: Avoid washing in hot water and using a clothes dryer. The heat is likely to damage the fabric and can cause shrinkage.
3. Organic Clothing
You’re not the only one who will benefit from sustainable fibres. When buying bub’s clothing, look out for organic, sustainable fibres. They’re less likely to irritate baby’s delicate skin and will feel comfortable and snuggly on.
4. Food Storage Containers
Invest in a number of storage containers in a range of different sizes. These are particularly helpful when baby starts to eat solids. Opt for stainless steel and avoid plastic containers that contain BPA, which can release harmful chemicals when heated.
5. Washable Nappies
Whilst washable nappies are not everybody’s first choice, they are undoubtedly more environmentally friendly. If you’re considering washable nappies, research first. Find a brand that suits your needs and commit to using them. Make sure you buy plenty of spares for those days when extras are required, or when you don’t have time to wash them. It’s also important to have plenty of washing line space and buckets for soaking.
Our Tip: Opt for cold water and a biodegradable washing agent in the cleaning process.
6. Muslin Face Cloths
Muslin face cloths are soft and gentle on baby’s skin. They’re incredibly versatile, and can b e used in the bath, for wiping baby’s face after eating, or their bottom during a nappy change. They’re a much more sustainable solution to wet wipes.
Our Tip: When out and about, keep a few damp muslin clothes in a waterproof bag. Once they are used they can be placed back into the bag and washed later at home.
7. Wooden Toys or Fabric Toys
Avoid toys made from plastic and cheap, mass manufactured toys. As parents, it can be very easy to purchase too many toys for our children. Most of them are only played with for a short period of time and then left in a corner.
Invest in quality wooden toys and other handmade gifts. They are more likely to be cherished and loved longer.
8. Quilt Made From Reusable Fabrics
Handmade quilts and beautiful linens add such a wonderful touch to a nursery, and are eco-friendly too. Reusing old fabrics saves them from landfill and breathes new life into them. They’re also more likely to be kept and handed down from generation to generation.
9. Recycled Nursery Decor
You don’t need to invest in brand new items of furniture when designing a nursery. Often second hand pieces have more character and can add a lovely warm vibe to an environment.
Our Tip: Consider older items of furniture, which can be given a new life with a quick sand and some paint. Add new handles or collage elements to the pieces to create personality.
10. Eco-Friendly Skincare
Baby’s skin is particularly delicate and prone to rashes and other skin conditions if exposed to harmful creams and washing solutions.
Choose a sustainable product that is gentle on the skin and contains no harmful chemicals that could pollute the waterways.
Our Tip: Purchase shampoo bars and soaps that contain minimal packaging. Not only do you reduce container waste but you will also end up using less product when it’s a bar.
11. Reusable Shopping Bags
Invest in some good quality canvas shopping bags and some cotton mesh drawstring bags for fruit and vegetables. This way you can avoid using plastic supermarket bags during your weekly shop.
Store emptied bags in the boot of your car after unpacking your groceries to ensure you always have them with you.
Our Tip: Always carry a small fold up reusable bag with you. That way you’ll always have a bag on hand in case of an unexpected purchase.
Simple Ways to Help the Environment
Recycle
Save clothing and toys for future children or to donate to a friend. Charities are also always looking for quality baby items, so if you don’t have anyone to give them to, they’ll ensure they go to a good home.
Shop at a Farmers Market
Support local businesses and buy direct from the growers. The produce is likely to be fresher and requires a much smaller industry to grow and sell.
Grow Your Own Fruit and Vegetables
The ultimate way to control what you’re putting into your body is by growing it yourself. If you don’t have room for a garden, join a local community group and work on a communal garden which will flourish and grow an abundance of fresh produce for everyone to share.
You and your family can enjoy a range of different fresh foods that are free from hormones, pesticides, and genetically modified varieties.
Shop Eco-Conscious Companies
Your buying habits impact the environment. Choose to shop with companies that are making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment.
Our Tip: Shop less and spend smart. Buy only what you need and avoid purchasing things that you are unlikely to use everyday. Choose quality over quantity, always.
Shop Second Hand
Visit a second hand store and check out the offerings. People often donate near new items of clothing. On occasion you may even find pieces that have never been used.
Breastfeed If Possible
The art of breastfeeding is organic and natural. At its core, breastfeeding requires nothing more than mum and baby. No wastage, no washing up, no electricity, no highly manufactured food supplements required. Simply put, it’s nature working at its best!
Consider your choices and make a few small changes. It’s a start to making our planet a much healthier happier place to live. The choices we make today help to determine the type of environment our children get to grow up in.
Katie is the proud mum of two beautiful girls and has been responsible for all the designs, style and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now.
Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to both mum, baby, and the environment.
She is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive, and beautiful one for all mums, understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood and help make breastfeeding easier, through experience-driven innovation.
