Non-Toxic, Low Waste, Eco-Friendly Baby Registry
At its core, low waste living involves getting creative and making do with what you have. This doesn’t change when you have a baby, but I’ve found (personally and with my clients) that sticking to low waste living principles becomes harder.
Why is it harder to avoid waste with a baby?
Well, for starters, there are SO many products marketed as MUST HAVES for babies and new mamas. And, when we’re over-tired and scrolling, it’s easy to believe that we need ALL THE THINGS for our babies. (Marketers are very good at their jobs).
Because of this, it’s important to start controlling what comes into your home from the beginning.
Let’s start with your registry!
My biggest piece of advice when creating your baby registry is to first try to get items second hand from family and friends. This helps prevent perfectly good baby items used for a relatively short period of time from going to landfill. There’s extra love in products that your family/friends’ babies have used! Plus, most people are MORE THAN HAPPY to offload unused items to you that are just cluttering their homes.
Once you’ve spoken to friends and family about pre-loved items that they no longer need, then start building your registry for new items. In general, here are some tips for building a low waste registry:
Think of longevity of the products- how long will baby use this item? Is it durable? Will it last for the next baby? Is it multi-purpose?
Prioritize non-toxic options for the big-ticket items that baby will be in for a lot of time (and register for gift cards for those items as well as the item itself), and
Think of what you and your partner will need immediately.
Remember that you can always order items after the baby is born :)!
To help you create the perfect registry, here’s a list of some of my absolute favorite items*! They’re ones I actually used for my first baby and plan to use for my second. Of course, they are non-toxic, sustainable and eco-friendly!
Non-toxic, eco-friendly products are often more expensive. But, when you truly embrace low waste living, you’re not buying a bunch of cheap little items that add up to waaaaay more than a few higher quality items.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
SLEEP
- Naturepedic Crib Mattress (code: abbysfoodcourt15 for 15% off)
- Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Bag, 2 months-2 years (I suggest having 2, code ABBYSFOODCOURT10 for 10% off)
- SwaddleMe Original Organic Swaddle
- The Sustainable Baby Co. MoonBay™ for lounging, resting, playing (+ 1 extra cover)
- Boon jewel 100% Silicone pacifiers
- Rest Sound Machine by Hatch (use link for 10% off or order from Amazon)
TEETHING
- Oli & Carol Kale & Broccoli Teething Toys
BREASTFEEDING & FEEDING
- The Sustainable Baby Co. MoonWomb™ breastfeeding pillow (+ 1 extra cover)
- Mason Bottle Glass bottles Essentials Set (code FOODCOURT25 for 25% off)
- 100% Gauzy Cotton Pre & Postpartum Top by Mason Bottle (code FOODCOURT25 for 25% off)
- Stokke Tripp Trapp® Chair + Newborn Set
- Tiny Cup & Straw Set by EZPZ
- Mini Mat by EZPZ
- Tiny Spoon by EZPZ
DIAPERING & SKINCARE
- Organic Cotton Cloth diapers by Esembly
- Diaperkind Gift Certificate (cloth diaper laundry service in NYC, NJ, Nassau County, Austin, TX)
- Dyper Bamboo Disposable Diapers (+ diaper composting option!)
- Organic Cotton Cloths by Esembly
- Laundry Detergent + Agitators by Esembly
- Wipe Up Wash by Esembly
- Rash Relief Cream by Esembly
- Everyday Balm by Esembly
- Babo Botanicals Baby Shampoo & Wash
- Mina Baie Diaper Bag (get the largest size in whatever style you choose, trust me!)
- Naturepedic Changing Pad (code: abbysfoodcourt15 for 15% off!)
- Naturepedic Changing Pad Cover (code: abbysfoodcourt15 for 15% off!)
CLOTHING (organic cotton/hemp/bamboo/low impact dyes)
- Brora Cashmere (these booties are amazing)
PLAY
- Toki Mat (I like the extra large one)
- Three Pears Bobbin Baby Play Center (it’s beautiful and has many uses- it grows with baby and turns into a table!)
For MAMA
- THINX postpartum set ($10 off using this link) – size up 1-2 sizes for comfort
- NYSSA FourthWear Postpartum Underwear
- Majka Products to support lactation & postpartum recovery- protein powder, lactation cookies and more! (code abbysfoodcourt10 for 10% off)
MISCELLANEOUS
- HATCH 24/7 nursing jumpsuit (Code: ABBYCANNON15 for 15% off)
- HATCH Everyday Nursing Bra (Code: ABBYCANNON15 for 15% off)
BIG TICKET ITEMS (see my full post on these products here)
- Bumbleride Era Stroller and/or Bumbleride Indie Twin (if registering for your second child))
- Nuna Car Seats: Nuna EXEC™ & Nuna PIPA™ Lite
Have I left something out that you found essential for your baby registry? Let me know in the comments!
*This list contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting me, my work, and the brands that I trust!