Tips for a more eco-friendly pregnancy, birth and beyond
Having a baby might not feel very green at times when you consider there is a lot of additional waste. However, there are lots of easy product swaps that are not only kinder to the environment but also kinder to you, your body and your baby (as well as being purse-friendly!).
Reusable pantyliners
This is a great way to start becoming familiar with eco-friendly options. You may notice that you have a heavy discharge in pregnancy. Some people prefer to use a pantyliner for this. If you use one daily, that’s a lot of pantyliners! Reusables are kinder to the environment but also super comfortable to wear. Mama Designs Reusable sanitary pads in maxi and maxi plus for post-birth use are a great alternative to disposable pads following birth and can be used immediately post-birth. They can also be used when your period returns for your heavier days. They are far more comfortable than disposable pads and some people have also said that they made the healing of stitches and tears much quicker. These are surprisingly easy to care for and can be cold rinsed and then popped into a normal wash.
Reusable Breast Pads
Bamboo breast pads can replace disposable pads when breastfeeding. Bamboo is super absorbent and naturally antibacterial. They are more gentle on the breast itself as the chemicals and material of the disposable breast pads can irritate the skin. You can wash and reuse them many times over and after you have finished breastfeeding, you can use them as cleansing pads!
Eco Wipes
Bamboo washable wipes are a lovely replacement for baby wipes because unfortunately most wipes contain chemicals and can only be used once and then discarded. Not only are bamboo washable wipes kinder to your baby’s skin and yours, but they will also save you money on buying disposable wipes. You can also use them for weaning, bath time, and any other time you would use a normal wipe. You can use them with warm water or fill a reusable spray bottle with a mixture of baby wash and water (you could also add a drop of lavender oil or tea tree oil).
Use baby products with a longer life
Large muslins for swaddling can be reused for years whereas newborn specialist swaddles have a short life. Large muslins can be used during the baby years through to toddler, pre-schooler, and beyond! They are great to have in the back of the car as a comfort, to wipes noses or any other accidents, in the summer as a light blanket, or to take on holiday (somehow always useful1). They are good for trips out, make great breastfeeding covers, makeshift tents, dens, or sunshades! This makes them a sustainable baby product.
Baby Sleep Bags
Babasac is a multi tog baby sleeping bag and 2 in 1. It has removable inner layers that mean it can be used all year round. This can save you money as you don’t have to buy several other togs and then store them throughout the year. They are also sized to last with the middle and biggest sizes lasting 12 months and 18 months.
Buy Preloved
Consider buying pre-loved or borrowing some products from friends (especially things that won’t be used for that long e.g. a moses basket). Newborn outfits (although they look super cute) are often barely worn. If receiving gifts, consider asking for something you will really need or vouchers to spend somewhere. You could also consider renting clothing bundles as your baby grows (we love Bundlee for this).
Check out more eco and sustainable items on Mama Designs!