Having a baby as an eco-parent can be a chore, but thanks to new companies and innovative thinking, it can be done without much hassle or large dents to your wallet. I have compiled a list of things and products to help new parents keep their babies happy and healthy throughout these important years.

Diapers

Having a baby means outfitting your little one in some eco-friendly diapers. Consider using cloth diapers, like the ones from Fuzzi Bunz, a company that makes reusable diapers that have micro-fleece inner liners to sooth your babies bum and wick away moisture as well as reinforced leg openings to protect against leakage, and you can even customize them by adding super-absorbent inserts into the pocket insert for extra protection. Most cloth diaper companies make their diaper covers with adjustable waists and snaps to allow your baby to grow with the diaper, which means you don’t have to spend major amounts of money on new ones, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns all extremely cute. Our environment is inundated with disposable diapers and by using cloth diapers you can really make a difference. To save even more money look for secondhand cloth diapers at resale shops, Craigslist, parenting organizations like birthtothree.org, or put an ad out in the local family newspaper.

Another option now is biodegradable diapers like gDiapers, which is a new innovative eco-friendly disposable diaper company that sells an organic cotton outer shell with a snap in liner where you can place a flushable disposable liner. This is a happy medium for those who need a more convenient option but care for the environment.

Here are some resources for eco diaper websites:

• Fuzzibunzstore.com
• Happyheinys.com
• Woollywraps.com
• Gdiapers.com
• punkinbutt.com
• fuzbaby.com
• ecodipes.com
• clothdiaper.com

Because of the recent scientific findings that plastic bottles contain leaching chemicals like bisphenol A, that can seep into your babies bottle contents and potentially cause many health problems for your child down the road, opt to buy glass or stainless steel bottles. Some options are:

• KleenKanteen.com, a light-weight, durable stainless-steal alternative to plastic that won’t leach and is easy for babies to hold on to.
• Lansinoh.com, a manual breast pump and bottles that are bisphenol-A free and made out of a 100% chemical additive free polypropylene, which is the preferred plastic for breast milk storage. It is not only healthy for your baby, but it is affordable as well.

The best way to get back in shape or stay active as a new parent is to strap your bundle of joy into a baby carrier and go for a walk, hike or even a concert. Look for a carrier that is made from organic materials, easily converts to back, front, or hip positions, and is made almost completely of soft materials so it will keep your baby comfortable. Look for a carrier that will allow you to be hands free and will keep your baby’s weight evenly distributed over your body so you won’t be strained or hurt. My three favorite carriers are:

• ERGObabycarriers.com
• BabyHawk Mei Tai w/Minkee, Patapum Baby Carrier v.2.30, found at http://store.attachedtobaby.com/BabyHawk-Minkee-Mei-Tai.aspx

Outfitting your baby’s bed is very important if you plan on using it! I know many parents, including myself, who have spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect crib and mattress, bedding and stuffed animals, just to realizes a couple of months after having your baby, that you are never going to use it…at least not for six months or so. A more logical option is to buy an organic mattress that is versatile enough to be used on a co-sleeper and a crib for later use. Studies have shown that non-organic mattresses contain toxic flame-retardants (PBDE’s), and made out of materials like cotton that has been bleached, dyed or chemically treated. Invest in a mattress that is made from a 100% Organic material and contain natural flame-retardants such as baking soda and silican. Another budget option is to just invest in an Organic mattress cover that you can place over a conventional mattress, or re-use the mattress from a friend, which will block out all toxins emitted from the mattress. Also, by re-using a mattress from a friend, you are assured that most of the toxic emitting materials have already been released so it will be less toxic for your child. When preparing your baby’s bed, remember to buy Organic linens and stuffed animals made out of recycled and/or Organic materials.

Resources:

• Janice’s mattress covers, starting at $84.95, www.janices.com (very affordable)
• No compromise crib mattress, $259, www.naturepedic.com
• Custom Futons in Organic Cotton and Hemp, $55, and the White Lotus Crib Mattress for $300 at www.mamasbaby.com.
• Green Sage Store has crib mattresses, clothing, home accents, and furniture, this is a good mid priced range store. They also have a Auction/Salvage link, where you can post an ad to sell your used green stuff, as well as look for other used green products. www.greensage.com
• The website Gaiam has an Outlet link that has rock bottom prices for sheets and comforter covers. www.gaiam.com/retail/Outlet
• Peacetoys is a great website to find stuffed animals (called foundlings) stuffed with unbleached cotton clippings and wrapped in 100% Organic cotton, starting at $9.95. www.peacetoys.com
• Eco-baby, a great place to find fun and natural baby accessories. www.ecobaby.com