The child brings new responsibility, and indeed a completely new life. These difficulties may seem insurmountable at first, but by making a few small lifestyle changes, you can take care of both your baby and the environment at the same time, because what is good for our mother Earth is also best for the baby. Here are some tips to know.
Low VOC painting
As soon as there are plans to have a baby, follow these eco-friendly tips to create a kid`s room that will benefit both your child and the living environment. The Environmental Protection Agency defines indoor air as one of the five most dangerous factors to humans. The main cause is fumes from paintings and varnishes. To avoid this hazard, choose non-toxic paintings and varnishes or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for wall and surface coating. As a result, you will not only keep your family healthy but also reduce the number of pollutants that enter the soil through garbage dumps.
Non-toxic flooring
Another important point for a children’s room is the flooring. Hard surfaces such as ceramic tiles, natural linoleum (hypoallergenic and decaying), bamboo, cork, recycled glass tiles are generally better for living conditions. If you want to lay a rug, keep in mind that many manufacturers use environmentally friendly, recyclable materials. Natural fibers with minimal chemical additives and less toxic adhesives can also be used. Do not use petroleum-based carpets, choose a carpet based on recyclable materials or no base.
Linen diapers
This is an item that a child cannot do without. Even taking into account the fact that young parents are well aware of the more affordable price and advantages of linen diapers over disposable ones, about 10 thousand tons of used disposable diapers end up in garbage dumps every day. You should know that they contain cellulose and plastic and take about 500 years to decompose! Despite a few extra washes per week, linen diapers are an obvious environmentally-friendly choice. If this is not enough for you, we note that linen diapers are healthier for your baby, as they do not contain chemicals that cause allergies and other medical problems.
Organic clothing
Choose an eco-friendly style for your child with organic clothing. First of all, your baby’s skin is very sensitive, not to mention that it is thinner and contains more pores than an adult’s. Because of the high absorbency of the skin, children are more at risk of getting into trouble from chemicals used to make normal baby clothes and pesticides used to grow fibers like cotton. Organic clothing does not contain toxins because cotton is grown for it without pesticides. Plus, organic farming practices create a cleaner environment through healthier soil and improved water, which means your child’s living conditions will be healthier as well.
Here are some environmentally friendly materials:
• Organic cotton is more breathable than its inorganic counterpart, and therefore reduces the risk of rashes;
• Bamboo – hypoallergenic;
• Soy – naturally soft and retains heat well;
• Hemp is highly absorbent and durable.
There are many websites online where you can find descriptions and prices for organic baby clothes. Plus, don’t forget about the rudimentary recyclability of handing over things from other environmentally conscious moms. You can also reuse items that have become small, making them, for example, household items or clothes for dolls.
Environmentally-friendly wash
With the arrival of the baby, the washing frequency also increases. With a few small changes, you can easily reduce the impact of extra washing on the environment and your baby’s health. Start with the detergents, fabric softeners, and antistatic agents you use. Most of them contain high amounts of chemicals that not only harm the environment but can also cause health problems for your family, such as allergies, liver damage, and even cancer. Avoid detergents with obvious warning labels, as they indicate high levels of harsh chemicals. You should look for products based not on petroleum products, but on plant substances. Save energy by washing only when the machine is fully loaded and using warm or cool water instead of hot water. This can cut washing costs in half. If you are unable to hang your laundry outside, dry several loads of laundry one after the other in a tumble dryer that is already warmed up.
Nutritious baby food
Of course, breastfeeding is the best option, but if it is not possible, give your baby powdered milk formula. Avoid canned infant formula, as metal cans (or sometimes plastic containers) are known to leak chemicals into the liquid.
When a baby is switching to solid foods, it is best to make their baby food with organic fruits and vegetables. Machines for making food for children will come to the rescue, which greatly simplifies the processes of steaming food and turning them into a puree.
At grocery stores, buy organic food for your baby whenever possible, as it does not contain pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or other toxins that can harm your baby. During the years of development, the baby’s body is more sensitive to chemicals used in conventional farming methods. Research has shown that these chemicals are linked to problems with the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems, and can also cause cancer.
BPA Free Baby Bottles
Read labels on bottles and sippy cups carefully, because some manufacturers use bisphenol A (BPA). When plastic containing this dangerous chemical heats up, BPA can enter your baby’s food and drink, possibly causing developmental problems. Also, research other plastic products for this chemical. Also, use silicone nipples, as latex impurities are associated with allergies.
With these simple tips that require little effort, your newborn baby can start life as an eco-friendly baby. Green life is not only beneficial for newborns, this lifestyle is important for the world in which he or she will grow up.
About the author
Melisa Marzett is an article writer who works for reviewer and travels a lot. She is much a reader, an observer, and a discoverer. Also, she is an animal rights activist and stands for eco-living.
