With all the contemporary focus on transitioning our lifestyles to be more environment-friendly and sustainable, people have begun to incorporate new and innovative ideas which include parenting.
This is a noble sentiment and a great move considering that doing so will guarantee a better life and future for the coming generations.
Many times, the fight to conserve Mother Earth comes down to the battle between convenience and sustainability. Just look at the products marketed for babies and children.
With disposable nappies, food items in layers of packaging and various toys made of non-biodegradable plastic being rampant on the market, it is hard to be green.
That said, choosing to go down the road of sustainable parenting will involve a lot more effort on your part, and could initially incur a lot of upfront costs.
Nevertheless, it is a choice that comes with a myriad of benefits, and your child will thank you for making these sacrifices. Besides, trying new things is always tricky, and it only gets easier with time and practice.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help as you seek a more sustainable way of parenting.
Breastfeeding
Nowadays, most mothers choose to breastfeed if they can. By going au naturel, you will be saving yourself lots of money and avoiding the rubbish that comes from formula tins and bottle packaging.
However, for some, breastfeeding is not an option. That is just part of the parenting journey. Read on for some other ways you can contribute to sustainable living.
Switch to Cloth Diapers
Disposable nappies have been the must-have for parents. However, this practice produces tonnes of waste, all of which goes to landfills or even pollutes water sources.
By switching to cloth nappies, you can help to reduce waste. Initially, the nappies may be expensive to buy. In the long run, though, there is money to be saved by using cloth nappies.
Using fewer baby wipes, or even none whatsoever will also cut down your carbon footprint. Using squares of cotton fabric can work just as well and can be soaked and washed along with the cloth diapers.
Assess Necessity
As a parent, you can fall into the mindset that you should provide your baby with all the best new things. However, this is an unsustainable choice in the long run, especially when children often outgrow items or lose interest in them quickly.
It would be better to use hand-me-downs for particular necessities, such as clothes, toys, cribs and strollers. If you do not already have these items, try sourcing them from other parents in your area.
This is what we did when our four kids were little. We bought very little that was brand new. Even today, we pass on clothes and receive clothes as they are outgrown or no longer needed.
Buying toys that last is an investment. It would be amazing to have toys from your childhood to pass on to your children. They have sentimental value then.
Make Your Baby Food
Baby food is typically just fruits and vegetables converted into mush. And yet, food companies will sell this in tiny glass jars that can be exorbitantly priced.
Making your baby food, at times, can be hard, but trying to find time to do so is so worth it. Not only does it save you money and reduce waste, but it is also healthier for your infant.
Shorten Bathtime
Babies are messy; it is a known fact. That said, they need to be cleaned and kept fresh. However, consider cutting down their bath frequency or at least shortening bathtime to save on water.
Let siblings share a bath can be a great fun experience for everyone. This saves you time and helps conserve water as well.
Natural Fabrics
Natural, organic fabrics such as cotton, bamboo and linen can be used in your baby's everyday life. Using such materials for their clothing tends to make them last longer than their synthetic counterparts.
At the same time, natural fabrics are milder on your child's skin. These fabrics are perfect to layer on your baby capsule or stroller - Maxi Cosi, for example, offer baby capsules lined with "Cool Baby" bamboo fabric which draws moisture away from your baby's skin, keeping them cool on warm summer days while remaining easy to clean and comforting for your child.
Get Out and About
Expose your child to the beauty of nature as early as you can. The sun and fresh air will invigorate them. Besides, your baby is never too young to be enjoying the wonders of nature.
As you will be out of doors, be sure that your child is suitably dressed and protected from the elements. With positive experiences amidst greenery, your child will quickly become an eco-warrior too.
