As Ed and I excitedly gear up for baby number three, also known as “The Grand Finale Baby”, we have tried to keep money and the planet in mind. When we registered for our first child we were not as eco-conscious as we are now…we now wish we could turn back time and set up a more “green registry”. We originally chose items that were cute and popular rather than environmentally responsible and sustainable.
Our wonderful family and friends showered us with gifts for our first born, Ellie, who is now 4 ½. We were lucky enough to re-use most of her items for our second born, Annabelle, who is 22 months and counting! However, for our third child, and first son, some things were a little more difficult to pass down to him. By the third go round many items had there fair share of use and others were not suitable for a little boy such as the (incredibility cute) pastel pink moon boots, “Daddy’s little girl” t-shirts or the pink butterfly onesies, pink blankets, pink socks, pink sleepers…you get the idea.
If I could go back in time and register/purchase for my first born, keeping in mind for kids in the future or other kids in the family, things I would definitely get the following items:
- Cloth diapers – Total dollar amount of cloth diapers, and environmental impact, are much lower than disposable diapers. The most recommended is gDiapers, but do your research.
- Glass bottles – Plastics leach into the baby’s milk and food where as glass bottles DO NOT leach. Here are the different brands out there that we see and have only heard good things about.
- Gender neutral - These items can be passed on to BOTH a boy or girl, brother or sister, niece or nephew.
- Organic baby clothing (organic fabrics: bibs, onesies, sleepers, washcloths, etc.) – Organic cotton is pesticide free, fertilizer free and less irritating on a baby’s thinner more sensitive skin.
- Natural baby products (shampoo, body wash, detergents, etc.) – These products are directly on our kids skin on a daily basis and do not use chemicals, dyes, perfumes, etc. Some great products we use are:
- Wooden toys vs. Plastic toys – Baby mouths and toys go hand-in-hand so we’d feel better if the petroleum based plastic wasn’t in our baby’s body.
- Melissa & Doug are our favorites!
Of course, there are many other options out there and we wanted to hit the major items with the most impact for your newest arrival and the environment. The major advice we’d give is take your time choosing and and do your research. I hope this helps you to plan for your exciting new addition to the family! Congratulations, it’s a wonderful journey!
Comment what would be on your dream green registry?
Marianne
Posted by Marianne of www.iEcoClothes.com | Eco Clothing and Fun in One. We specialize in organic cotton t-shirts for kids that are simple, give back (through planting a tree for every tee sold), and show eco friendly ways to have fun.