Welcoming a new baby home is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences for new parents. We prepare for baby’s arrival for months in advance, ensuring we have everything ready when or if baby needs it. While shopping, it is wise to consider the quality of the products we choose.
Sleepers
Most parents stock up on sleepers for their newborns, recognizing these all-in-one outfits are both practical and warm. It is important to consider the quality of the material used. Since our little ones will be wearing these outfits for several hours at a time, their bodies will be directly exposed to the fibers or chemicals used in their manufacture.
Consider looking for organic cotton options. If these are not available, 100% cotton sleepers are the next best alternative. Make sure you wash them at least twice before wearing.
Blankets
Blankets are items babies are wrapped in for hours at a time. Similar to sleepers, you will want to understand what your baby’s blankets are made from; are they natural materials or polyester blends? 100% organic cotton or bamboo are good options.
If you are lucky enough to have someone knitting a receiving blanket for your new arrival, suggest they use organic yarn now available.
Soothers
Many babies are comforted by soothers, which are also known as pacifiers. However, it has been recognized that many of the materials traditionally used in their production included byproducts such as parabens, PVC, and phthalates, and are not suitable for human consumption – especially not by babies.
Healthier models are those made from rubber, which is a natural material, or silicone. If you cannot find either in a store near you, consider purchasing online.
Diaper Creams
The ingredients to avoid in traditional diaper creams are potential carcinogens such as BHA, Talc, Ceteareth-20, as well as Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate. Additionally, avoid synthetic fragrances, parabens, and DEA.
Natural diaper creams will often contain calendula, zinc, vitamin E, tea tree oil, lavender, and aloe vera. Natural diaper creams can be found in health foods stores and in the growing number of health and environmentally-conscious baby boutiques in many larger cities.
Mattress and mattress covers
Most regular mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, nylon, polyester, and vinyl. All of these materials are petroleum derived products.
There are more natural options available made from organic cotton or wool. These products will be free of chemicals and harmful dyes.
Mattress covers – used to protect mattresses from dirt and fluids – can also be purchased in all natural ingredients such as organic cotton.
Diapers
It is estimated by www.knowaste.com that a normal child will go through 6000 disposable diapers before they are toilet trained. That is a lot of waste, pun intended!
Green-minded parents concerned about this massive contribution to landfills are considering earth-friendlier options. Cloth diapers are making a comeback for many young families as they have far less of an environmental impact than disposables.
If you are not ready to go that route, other options in the disposable category are now widely available. With a little bit of effort, parents can find chlorine, fragrance-free, and unbleached diapers in many stores.
Wipes
Along with diapers come wipes – which are best to use? Conventional wipes will often contain chlorine and alcohol, or other irritants such as fragrance.
Better choices include wipes free of bleach, fragrance, as well as harsh chemicals and preservatives, such as those made by Natracare and Seventh Generation. An ideal choice would be biodegradable wipes, such as those by Elements Naturals, made only from plant-based ingredients and decompose within 180 days.
As parents, it is our responsibility to protect our precious children to the best of our abilities. While it is exciting to focus on the aesthetic elements related to setting up baby’s room, we should not forget that our main role is to ensure a healthy home environment. Luckily for style conscious parents, many healthy and adorable options for baby’s room and attire are available. Even if stores in your area do not carry such products, online shopping has never been easier.