Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, including organic and non-toxic items that you feel good about using near your baby. There are definitely ingredients you want to stay away from, but there are a lot of really great products out there that are practical for caring for your baby, but that give you the peace of mind you want when you become a new parent. From prams to diapers, formula to car seats, it pays to do your research and find out more about what you’re exposing your little one to.
Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you and have a comprehensive guide to choosing the best natural baby products for your family. These are chemical-free and safe for even the newest baby. With items like these on your baby registry, you’ll be ready for everything that new parenthood throws your way.
Sleeping
Where your baby sleeps is a primary concern since your little one is going to be spending quite a lot of time slumbering during his or her first few months. When you choose a pram, car seat, used or new, or are looking for a non-toxic baby carrier, it’s a good idea to look for those made with natural cloth materials and plastics that are BPA free that don’t contain any phthalates. At the same time, you should be looking for items that are minimally processed as they’re less likely to contain worrisome ingredients or by-products.
Furniture
Furniture is another important consideration as your nursery will be full of it. Upholstered baby furniture often contains foam that that is treated with flame retardants. While it might be ultra-comfortable, those flame retardants often contain chemicals you won’t want permeating the air in your home. Look for chairs and gliders that are made with foam that is free of toxins and that are covered in natural cloth, such and hemp, silk or linen.
When it comes to the crib, changing table and dresser, stay away from pressed wood made from medium density fiberboard as it leaks toxic gases into the air. Mild exposure to these chemicals can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose and throat and can also give your baby an upset stomach. Since you definitely don’t want that to happen, the materials used to make your crib, glider, changing table, bassinet, and other items in the nursery is an important thing to consider.
Another thing to think about when it comes to anything that is made from wood is the stain, paint, and sealant that is used on it. Look for options that use low VOC paints, beeswax, or natural oils. Stay away from items that are second hand or produced in a way that makes it difficult to determine where it came from and how it was made. These items might be perfectly safe, but you won’t know, and it’s best to forgo them in favor of something you know more about. The same goes for blankets, clothing, car seats, prams, and toys.
The company websites are a good first place to look for more information about items are processed and created. You can also call or write to the manufacturer to learn more about what the item is made with and how it’s put together.
Brands
If you’re wondering what brands you should be looking at, that’s a smart move. Knowing which brands are non-toxic, organic, and natural is a great first step in outfitting your nursery and your baby’s registry with items you can feel good about.
Petunia Pickle, SwaddleDesigns, The Oeuf, Vista Couture, Naturepedic, YourEcoFamily, and Plover are great places to start for things like receiving blankets, crib bedding, furniture, and crib mattresses. Natursutten, RazBerry and Organic Veggies are brands to look for when it comes to teethers and toys that your infant will put into his or her mouth.
Kate Quinn Organics, Organics by Tadpole, L’ovedBaby are brands that offer safe natural clothing options. When it comes to skincare, consider choosing products by vedaBaby, Erbaviva and Treehugger.
This isn’t an exhaustive list but is a great place to start. As you become more familiar with what’s out there, you’ll find that it gets easier and easier to make selections that are safe for your family and that keep everyone happy and healthy.
Making it happen
Going natural is a process and one that won’t happen overnight. It’s a lifestyle. For that reason, it makes sense to understand that it’s going to take some time and you’ll have to put some effort into learning everything you can about the options available for your little one. Once he or she begins to eat formula and solid foods, you’ll need to take the time to learn more about the brands that offer the choices you want or learn how to prepare those items yourself.
No one said it was going to be easy, but the payoffs are huge, and you’ll be so glad you put in the work to ensure a healthy and happy start in your little one’s life. After all, that’s what we want for our little ones as parents, am I right?
About The Author
Shobita is an architect and mum of 2 stubborn toddlers. As a young mum living in London, she has been extensively researching safe and non-toxic products for her little rock stars. Now she takes you along with her on this non-toxic journey and on her hunt for the best and safest baby products out there.
Going natural has been the best decision I could have made for our family. As you say, its not easy, but its decision and an investment worth making.
I have become big on using organic and natural products since having my son and this article is great. As far as baby formula goes, it is the most important thing in your babies life besides it’s parents. All vital nutrition comes from breast milk or formula.
Thank you for sharing will definitely be trying out these natural products
Great article there.
This is a really good idea. For an unemployed mom-to-be like me most of these products expensive.