A friend of mine had a baby recently, and I’ve been contemplating ways I can be there for him. However, I personally know very little about babies and how to care for them. In researching possible sustainable options, I’ve realized that there is a lot of information out there. Having a baby seems like enough work, so I’d like to do what I can to help you manage your stress levels. For any eco-conscious — but exhausted — new parents, here are a few ways to make both your little one and the planet a little happier.

AVOID DISPOSABLES

Hey, a cleaner Earth has to start somewhere. Perhaps it’s one small bum for you; but making a more sustainable choice could be one giant leap for mankind.

According to WSTP’s own Lizzie Horvitz, each year, “20 billion disposable diapers are added to landfills in the United States, creating 3.5 million tons of waste.” And, the diapers take up to 500 years to degrade. Yikes! That’s a lot of waste. But diapers are an essential necessity for taking care of a newborn.

So, what can new parents do? 

Back in March, WSTP interviewed Liz Turrigiano, cofounder of Esembly Baby. The company makes reusable cloth diapers designed to take your child from diapers to potty training. The cotton inner linings are 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. The outer linings are made with 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.

During our interview, Liz highlighted the ecological reason for switching to reusable diapers, noting, “you need 48 Esembly diapers to carry your baby from birth through potty training compared to upwards of 7,000 disposables for that same baby.” Essentially, reusable diapers solve both environmental and fiscal concerns for new parents by generating less waste. Liz appeals to parents focused on day-to-day concerns as well, noting that while disposable diapers are notorious for “blowing out,” Esembly Baby’s reusable diapers don’t.

If the idea of washing soiled diapers is wholly unappealing, biodegradable diapers made from sustainable materials are still a better choice than traditional brands. One option is the Bamboo Nature Disposable Diapers. Bamboo Nature is committed to environmental sustainability. The company is Forest Stewardship Council certified, and they were the first baby diaper in the world to receive the Nordic Ecolabel and EU Flower ecolabel. Finally, the company is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact.

3. Avoid Traditional Disposable Wet wipes 

Wet wipes are popular among babies and adults alike. For convenience sake, these single-use disposable wipes are prone to be flushed down the toilet. While flushing may mean out of sight, out of mind for us, these wipes don’t just magically disappear. Flushed wipes have terrorized the sewer systems across the country, causing major headaches for city officials. NYC alone spent more than $18 million between 2010—2015 on wipe related equipment problems. Disposable wipes are also an environmental hazard. In fact, a 2014 Guardian article described a UK beach clean-up that found 35 wet wipes for every 1 km of beach. Wet wipes pose a similar danger as plastic bags to wildlife like sea turtles, who can mistake the products for their natural jellyfish prey.

For eco-friendly wipe options to keep your baby’s bum in order, try opting for reusable organic cotton wipes or bamboo disposable wipes.

OPT FOR SUSTAINABLE BABY CLOTHES

As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to wade through the multitude of available clothing options. Thankfully, making a sustainable choice doesn’t have to be complicated. Forbes recommends starting by selecting brands that have been certified by the GOTS, meaning they meet both ecological and humane standards. 

Vogue suggests brands like Go Gently Baby which uses biodegradable garment bags and eco-friendly dyes; and Goat-Milk, which uses organic cotton. (Unfortunately, the clothes are not also made out of goat milk. But come on, the brand is worth checking out for the name alone.)

For parents who are concerned about the environmental impact of the fashion industry — or simply don’t want to drown in tiny clothes their child will rapidly outgrow — there’s a rental option. Akin to adult services such as Rent the Runway, renting baby clothes allows families to return items once the child has outgrown them.

ASK SUSTAINABLE SANTA FOR ECO-FRIENDLY TOYS

As a kid, I begged my parents for an Easy Bake Oven. Likewise, every parent can recount the painful experience of stepping on a scattered Lego piece late at night. The larger problem is plastic children’s toys are designed to have a short life span and are impossible to recycle.

Green Toys is a great sustainable alternative. They make children’s toys out of recycled milk jugs (and other 100% post-consumer recycled material.) For example, there’s this Baby Toy Starter set — complete with toy keys, stacking cups and an adorable elephant. There’s also this Nook LilyPad playmat made from recycled water bottles. Opting for toys like these, each made out of recycled materials, is the better way to go.

Ultimately, holidays and birthday celebrations aren’t about things. They’re about love. Show Sustainable Santa some love by buying sustainably. After all, he likes milk and cookies too.

ELIMINATE PLASTIC WHERE POSSIBLE

1. A Recycled Baby Stroller from Bumbleride

 In addition to all of their fabrics being OKEO TEX Standard 100 certified, Bumbleride fabrics are made from 100% recycled PET (essentially post-consumer recycled water bottles). Additionally, Bumbleride claims their dye process conserves 25-40 gallons of water per stroller. As an added bonus, beginning with their 2020 collection, Bumbleride will source nylon from upcycled fishing nets.

2. 100% Sustainable Rubber Pacifier from Natursutten

The pacifier is made from natural rubber and is free of toxic chemicals. As a company, Natursutten is committed to creating both people and planet healthy products by reaching their goals of being supplied by 100% renewable energy and producing zero waste. Suck on that fossil fuels!

3. Glass Baby Bottles from Natursutten

Protect our oceans and your baby by ditching the plastic bottles for a reusable glass version. These glass baby bottles from Natursutten are BPA free and the nipples are made from all natural rubber.

4. A Sustainable Birch Crib from Ouef

 All of Oeuf’s cribs are made sustainably in Europe, under Europe’s environmental standards. Additionally, Oeuf’s sparrow crib model is made sustainably in an FSC certified facility.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Do what’s right for your family and your living situation. Soldier on, new parents! And remember, no matter what, you’re doing GREAT!