Going Green with Baby
Author: Stef Daniel
Pregnancy can bring a shift in the way a woman thinks. You suddenly might be more caught up in the idea of being globally conscious and looking for highly sustainable baby care items in the hopes that your baby will be given the best. If you do any sort of research, it is easy to develop fears about the chemicals and toxins that are in everyday baby items from furniture, sheets, and paints to diapers and baby food. While going green is never a bad thing, remember that while green products are ideal, especially for a baby, there are a lot of items being sold and marketed with an organic twist in the hopes of preying on the conscious of women just like you.
In today's world, it is possible to go completely green when it comes to your baby. When you choose clothing or linens, you will see that there are tons of organic fabrics like bamboo, organic hemp and cotton, or wool that are best suited for a baby's sensitive skin. These crib sheets and adorable outfits are priced a bit higher but are less likely to irritate a baby's skin. Considering that the skin is the largest organ of the human body, going green when choosing blankets, sheets, and clothing is definitely beneficial. Of course, how you wash them is another factor. Most green moms choose natural detergents free of heavy cleaners, fragrance, and other chemicals.
The cloth versus disposable diaper dilemma is a constant battle in the eco-friendly times of today. While cloth diapers don't fill up landfills, they are consuming high amounts of energy in their cleaning and sanitizing. There are organic and biodegradable diapers available on the market today, costly of course, but something to look at if you are committed to going green.
When it comes to the nursery, you have to also be careful about organic or green friendly products. Furniture and mattresses, especially if they are pre-owned, can contain toxins and parasites as well as chemicals like lead. Hipper choices are the all cotton hammocks and cots made for infancy to 6-7 years. If you do use older furniture, make sure that it is free of any lead paint, chipping wood or mold before placing it in your child's room. If you are painting the nursery, use paints that are natural (made from dyes) or low VOC paints and make sure the room is aired out for several days before placing a baby in it. The same is true for carpeting. Experts advise new parents to make sure that all products used in a baby's room (furniture, carpeting, paints, lines, mattresses) withstand an airing out period outdoors where the chemicals can be released.
From bottles to toys, there are plenty of green options available for savvy moms. The trick is finding products that truly give back to the environment and aren't just labeled organic in the hopes of making some extra sales. While most green friendly products are more expensive, they can reduce the incidences of SIDS, baby asthma and frequent illnesses or allergies common to young babies.
Thinking about the environment is important. Considering that your baby will be living in this world long after you will and that the things we do now to preserve and save the environment will have a lasting impact on future generations, makes pregnancy an optimal time to think about going green. It may not be feasible for you to go green in every aspect of baby care, however replacing the items you use most and that you know will end up against your baby's skin or in their mouth is a perfect place to start. Be a smart shopper and no matter how great your intention and desire are, don't fall victim to feeling guilty should you choose a pack of disposable diapers. Balance in all things baby is key.
