Is eco-friendly baby stuff worth the hype?

When an eco-friendly label really matters

Bringing a new son or daughter into the world may inspire you to be a better steward of the earth. After all, our actions today impact the planet our children inherit down the line. And what parent wouldn’t want to leave the world a better place for their little loved ones?

Today’s marketplace is brimming with eco-friendly options to fit every need, ranging from chemical-free diapers to organic cotton onesies to cutlery handcrafted from sustainable bamboo. While this earth-friendly product explosion is certainly green, it’s making us conscious of another type of green, too—our money. So, what items should parents ensure are eco-safe, and which all-natural products just aren’t worth the hype?

Here’s when an eco-friendly stamp makes a difference:

Skincare

What we slather onto baby’s skin may make its way into his or her little body too. Thankfully, there are a host of non-toxic, plant-based personal care items that are safe for our bodies and the environment. Several new skincare lines have cropped up this past year, offering a range of gentle and natural products to soothe baby’s skin issues. Look to brands such as Giggle, Burt’s Bees, and the brand new Pleni Naturals for organic shampoos, lotions, body oils, and more.

Toys

Every item a baby sees lands in his or her mouth. It’s just the way little ones discover the world around them. Ensure only the cleanest and greenest make their way into your toy box to avoid pesky chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and lead among others. Sustainably minded companies such as Bitte Shop offer beautifully crafted wooden toys that are kind to the earth and look dashing on display.

Food storage

When possible, choose silicone, stainless steel, or bamboo over plastic when selecting food storage containers and utensils. Many brands now offer dining sets and cutlery in sustainable bamboo, which is environmentally sound and healthier for our little ones. Glass baby bottles and storage sets keep food chemicals from leeching into your baby’s food—and they’ll help reduce your carbon footprint too.

Cleaning products

Harsh chemical cleaners are hard on our bodies—and what we use may run off into our soil and waterways, taking a toll on Mother Earth. What’s more, having a cabinet stocked full of toxic bottles while you have a baby around may be enough to bring on a small panic attack. Get a greener clean by switching to gentler, environmentally sound products, such as those made by Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyer’s. Even better, skip that extra packaging and whip up a batch of cleaner at home using household items such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

By Lizzie Goodman

Lizzie Goodman is a writer living in the Midwest. Since becoming a mom, she's learned to do everything one-handed, often while letting her baby daughter pull her hair and poke her in the face. She believes in the strength and power of women - and really enjoys writing about pregnancy and motherhood.