New and Expecting Parents’ Guide to Sustainability
Before having a child I had a lot of plans for how I wanted to raise my future children in the most eco-friendly manner possible. But once you have a child, (particularly if you physically bore the child) you realize just how hard it is to accomplish basic tasks like showering when you're a new parent, let alone follow all the eco-friendly ideals you planned for.
Every parent and child are different - so I have a number of tips to parent in a more eco-friendly manner. But remember, parenting isn’t easy! Remember to give yourself a break if you don't do everything exactly as you'd hoped to. These are simply ideas so you can choose what works for you and your family
Before Baby Arrives
This is the BEST time to set yourself up for success. It’s before you're really in the thick of it. Just try not to leave everything until the third trimester when your energy is running very low.
Second-Hand Everything
Between thrift shops, online consignment, hand-me-downs, and Facebook Marketplace there are a wealth of options for second-hand maternity wear, baby clothes, and pretty much all baby stuff.
Some online marketplaces and consignment stores I love are:
Rebel Stork for vetted goods and overstock including furniture, car seats, and strollers.
Beeja May for maternity, nursing & baby clothes
Facebook Marketplace and Upcycling groups for everything in between
Shop Local
For items you can't find second hand or don't make sense to get second hand, try to shop local! We’ve curated a few local vendors in our shop and you can find everything from toys to maternity wear locally if you know where to look. Some great local options are Yo Mama Maternity, The Fourth, or even Canadian Tire! Remember, local can mean your town/city, province or it can even mean Canadian over US based companies.
Sustainable Baby Registry
If you’re having a baby shower and putting together a registry try and keep it local or second-hand! Here’s what I chose to do: I created a shareable google document with links to local companies and even a request for gift certificates to local and second-hand shops like Once Upon a Child. I also made it clear in the document that we love and appreciate second-hand finds and supporting local. This encouraged our friends and family to do the same when purchasing gifts for us.
We received some wonderfully thoughtful gifts including some of our friend’s kid’s favourite books. Allowing friends and family to gift second hand items can also relieve some financial stress from friends who want to join but can’t afford to purchase gifts new.
Once Baby Arrives
This is when you will learn what will and won’t work for your family. So take the time to breathe and remember that your sustainable goals are allowed to change now that baby’s here and with every new stage of your growing little one.
Diapering
There are many options to make diapering more sustainable. Cloth diapers and/or reusable wipes are a great option (together or separately; regularly or occasionally). You can find tons of cloth diapers second hand if the initial price tag doesn't fit your budget and you can use cotton t-shirt rags as wipes. Cloth diapers may have a larger upfront cost but will save you money in the long run.
Does cloth sound like too much work? Consider doing cloth at home and disposables while you’re out. If you have the budget and don't want the laundry, consider a cloth diaper service. We were gifted a few months of Happy Nappy and loved the ease of it. Having a diaper sprayer toilet attachment can make cloth diapering much easier but using your toilet or tub works too.
If cloth isn't in the cards, some disposable diaper companies are reducing waste by removing plastic from their packaging and may be a good option to consider. Another option that’s available in Edmonton & Calgary is diaper composting - to help keep diapers out of our landfills.
Toys & Books
Kids (and especially infants) can have a short attention span for toys and books. As they grow, instead of constantly cycling through toys and books which can get expensive and occupy a LOT of space in your home, consider frequenting your local library, looking into little free libraries in your area, and even check to see if there’s a toy rental company near you.
Refills
If you already shop refills for items like shampoo, body wash, laundry soap, etc. you can continue to do so with your little one. Simply choose unscented products and/or look into whether they have baby formulas like Carina’s baby shampoo and bodywash.
As Baby Grows
As your baby grows, there will be new sustainable focuses in your life. Here is what I have learned so far about what you can do as they grow.
Feeding
When they start eating ways to reduce food waste include: food catcher bibs allow you to offer dropped food to baby again, offering small amounts first then more if they’ve finished everything on their plate. The freezer is your friend! Batch cooking and meal prepping help you save time and avoid wasting ingredients. One tip that was shared with me is to have a “use first” drawer to ensure the oldest food is used first and avoid food going bad by getting lost in the back of the fridge.
Outgrowing
Babies grow. And fast! When your kiddo has grown out of clothes, toys, or equipment, don’t throw them away. Remember all the second-hand options you used to obtain them can be used to give them another life with someone else. Or, you can gift them to another parent you know who can use them!
Wearing Out
Our growing babies and kiddos often grow so fast that they only wear things once but sometimes as they grow they’re tough on clothes and wear them out. But being worn out doesn’t mean that they need to be thrown out! Even tired items can be given new life. Be sure to look into a textile recycler near you!
Of course these are all options that I’ve discovered and each parent has to find what will and won’t work for them. As a new parent, I’d love to hear how others are parenting more sustainably - add your go-tos in the comments.
