Clean and simple: 3 ways to purify your home for baby

It’s a scary thought that no one wants to entertain, but our homes could be a potential wonderland of toxins. Between household cleaners, personal care products, and even myriad plastics, there’s a great deal of unwanted chemicals circulating about our living spaces. As you prep for your little one’s arrival, add cleaning up around home to your pre-baby to-do list. Here’s how to get started:

Ditch plastics

The National Institutes of Health has raised our alarms about the plastic industry, putting even BPA-free plastics in the hot seat. With plenty of well-documented research behind them, the NIH warns that all plastics contain health-hazardous synthetic estrogens, BPA-free or not. The good news? Almost anything plastic can be found in a safer, more sustainable alternative. Look to glass, metal and bamboo for starters. No need to go overboard either: Focus on healthful alternatives for items that hold food (we’re looking at you, Tupperware) and have potential for winding up in baby’s mouth. Check out Finn + Emma’s wooden teething rattles. Each features a whimsical creature made from sustainably harvested wood, finished with non-toxic vegetable seed wax, and filled with cooking beans. No need for plastic there!

Make your own cleaners

Corrosive, harmful chemicals around your newborn? We don’t think so. Ditch the heavy-duty sprays in favor of mixing up your own cleaning concoctions. Keep these simple ingredients on hand: Vinegar for deodorizing and sanitizing, baking soda for scouring, and an essential oil or two to bring a heavenly scent to it all. Anti-DIY? Look to greener, gentler brands such as Honest Company and Seventh Generation for cleaning solutions you won’t mind using around baby.

Go natural

In recent years, natural and organic personal care brands have taken over the market, making it a cinch to score anything from lipstick to diaper cream. For moms, we love Axiology lipticks; Soapwalla deodorant, and Belli Skincare. For baby? The options are almost endless, though we’re especially partial to the full lines of bath and body products from Hip Peas and Zoe Organics. Both companies offer more healthful alternatives to lotions and washes, each with luxurious textures and heavenly scents!

With so many eco-conscious and natural brands on our store shelves, it’s easier than ever to find products for your home, yourself, and baby. Tell us, are you cleaning up your home for your son or daughter’s arrival? Let us know what steps you’re taking by joining our discussion below!

By Emme Lukasik

Emme Lukasik is a long-time journalist and new mom. She lives in Los Angeles with a patient husband, wild child of a daughter, and a rambunctious collie named Isla.