So you’re expecting — congratulations! This is, as you’ll know, a very exciting but also nerve-wracking time as you navigate the transition from a child-free adult to parent.
If you’re looking to “green parent” — bringing up your child in an eco-friendly way as possible — we hear you. It’s a great idea, but it will require a little bit of extra thought and preparation as you search for the best environmentally conscious toys, clothes, diapers and other must-haves.
Here are some tips and ideas for you to prepare for impending parenthood, whilst being as kind to the environment as possible.
Prepare a baby budget
There is always an inevitable cost of bringing a child into the world and if you’re planning to be eco-friendly about it, that budget has to be even more regimented. But it doesn’t have to be stressful if you’ve planned in advance.
The most obvious new costs coming your way are clothing, the nursery, toys, strollers and diapers.
So make a list of your current income and expenses, then spend some time figuring out how much each new item is going to cost and where you need to make changes in your current budget to accommodate.
Make a list of your favorite eco-friendly kid brands
There are hundreds of great brands out there making sustainable clothing, wooden toys and eco-friendly nursery furniture. So start making a list of the brands you want to invest in.
One of the biggest problems environmentally conscious parents face is diapers. Finding disposable ones that do not contain harsh chemicals or latex can be difficult. Dyper sustainable diapers are a great option, as they are made with viscose from sustainably sourced Bamboo, which is gentler on planet earth as well as on your baby’s butt. They also have a smart delivery system, so you don’t have to worry about running out and you can easily add diapers as a one-line to your budget spreadsheet.
Let’s face it, with a newborn in the house, having one less thing to think about is worth its weight in gold.
Prepare a “green routine”
Babies thrive on routines, and if you want to make yours as green as possible, there are a few things you can do beforehand.
This could include making a mobile from sustainably sourced materials to help with the bedtime routine, buying eco-friendly soaps and shampoos for bath time and creating a space with natural fabrics for tummy time.
Make the air as clean as possible
There are a whole host of plants that clean the air inside your house, including dwarf date palm, peace lilies, spider plants or Chrysanthemums. All are proven to purify the air. Plants in the nursery also look fantastic and make a calming environment for you and the baby (just make sure they’re out of reach).
Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
Using eco-friendly cleaning products is especially important as your baby grows and is on the move when their little hands will get everywhere and touch everything. There are some great alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners on the market, or you can make your own from natural products such as vinegar and lemon juice.
The planning makes all the difference
Green parenting is easier now than it ever has been, thanks to a whole host of environmentally friendly and sustainable child products on the market. The key is to plan, budget and ensure you’re communicating to those who will be involved in your child’s life that you want to keep their environment as eco-friendly as possible, so they know the score.
Above all, have fun finding the best products for your baby and get those plans in place before your new little one makes their arrival. Good luck!
