Bringing a baby into your life is one of the greatest joys in the entire world. There is nothing like spending those quiet late nights, albeit tired, holding your precious bundle of joy and just thinking about the life you’re going to have with each other and the memories to come. When we had our first baby (she’s now 4 and three quarters
iEco Artist | Naturally Creative
old), the trend for all things sustainable and green in the baby world wasn’t quite as available as it is today. The big baby stores didn’t have natural & organic sections back in our early days so seek those out first. Most baby things have an equivalent organic or natural cousin so keep a look out and be vigilant. Be careful about “natural” because there is no true definition of “natural” whereas “organic” has a specific procedure and guidelines that are mandated by the government. The following sites do have natural & organic products for your new arrival’s needs:
1.) www.Babies R Us.com – Full section for natural and organic section, including eco clothes, organic cotton bedding, bath & skin care, gear, furniture, etc.
2.) www.BuyBuyBaby.com – You have to look at each product section and click the organic, BPA free, etc. section
Of course there are many multiple sites on the web that have green baby items as well.
(The following is an awesome excerpt from The Eco-nomical Baby Guide: Down-to-Earth Ways for Parents to Save Money and the Planet by Joy Hatch and Rebecca Kelley page 33-34)
-Express yourself…when asked
While it’s rude to solicit gifts of any kind, some may ask you what you want or need. This is the time to make your wishes clear.
-Register for green gear
Well-intentioned friends and family often purchase baby items that you might not necessarily want for your child: crates of disposable diapers, boxes of plastic toys, and endless newborn outfits that your child will wear for less than a week. So how can you guide gift-givers toward your green choices? Check to see if any local, eco-friendly baby boutiques have registries. If you’re nowhere near a store, then Internet provides several options.
-Consider a diaper shower
This is a fabulous idea to help you deal with the front-end expense of buying cloth diapers or gDiapers. Consider registering at a store or an online diaper outlet that carries alternative diapers and accessories, which can cost quite a bit depending on the brands and styles you want. When pressed for gift ideas, the host can encourage guests to pay for some months of a diaper service.
-Delay the gratification
Asking for gift cards or certificates or consignment shops can help you grapple with later costs in baby’s life. Think about asking for housecleaning or meal delivery in those first weeks of parenthood. In short, think outside the gift registry box.
-Take it Back!
Perhaps the path of least resistance…simply accept not-so-green gifts in the spirit that they are given. And then return what you don’t want — or donate it to charity.
I love these tips for a green shower. Did you have a green baby shower? What is your favorite green baby item?
Posted by Marianne of www.iEco Clothes.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.
