To the new mother, I know saving the earth and polar bears is not your second-nature. It's already a struggle with newborns and you crave for practicality and convenience, anything to make your life easier. I get it. 

This post is about making small steps to positive changes. We're not talking about anything drastic like cutting plastic out of your life or using cloth diapers from day one. Instead, they can be anything positive that you find comfortable enough to achieve. 

1. Wash baby clothes in cold water

Cold machine wash is usually recommended for baby clothes. This setting will not only protect your baby clothes, but also save your energy bill. 

2. Make homemade baby food when you can

Once your baby starts solids, go for organic if you can and make homemade baby purees to cut down on the store-bought pouches and jars.  

Why organic? Pesticide exposure can be much reduced if we opt organic for certain fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group recently highlights the fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides in 2019, and you'll be surprised that strawberries top the list with spinach and kale in second and third places. Check out the full list below:

3. Reusable nursing pads

For breastfeeding mamas, have you checked out those reusable nursing pads made of organic cotton or sustainably-sourced bamboo? They are softer and feel way more comfortable against your skin than the disposable ones. Just throw them into your washing machine after. 

4. Embrace hand-me-downs and opt for organic cotton

Try to limit buying fast fashion, instead choosing organic cotton for babies. It's more eco-friendly and cost-conscious to invest in a few good quality pieces and embrace second-hand clothes. Some Facebook groups have thoughtfully selected range of preloved baby clothing. 

5. At home, clean baby under running water instead of using baby wipes

Recommended for babies with eczema, nappy rash and sensitive skin, start cleaning your baby's next poo explosions under running water. When you start being conscious of the amount of baby wipes you're using, you're more likely to think about whether you need that extra wipe.

Eco-friendly parenting is here to stay and it's the start of your family's journey to a sustainable lifestyle. Enjoy it, take it slow, do less but better, and in time you will find your balance with the natural world. When you start feeling empowered to make these small changes, you feel good and motivated to embrace more positive changes.  

Mamas, what are your favourite eco-parenting tips and tricks? Leave us a comment below xx