January has a funny way of making everything feel bigger than it needs to be.
Big plans. Big resets. Big expectations. And often, a pressure to suddenly do everything “better” - including when it comes to sustainability.
If that already feels like too much, here’s the good news: eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean all-or-nothing. Some of the most meaningful changes are small, boring, and repeatable.
Here are a few gentle swaps you can make today for a softer start to the year. No impossible standards here.
Swap disposable wipes for lotion + cotton (or reusable pads)
This is a simple and surprising change that you will THANK yourself for when you're little one no longer gets diaper rash and that peachy bottom of theirs is literally sparkling.
Many parents assume wipes are the most practical option. But for everyday diaper changes (especially pee-only ones), lotion on a cotton pad or reusable cloth can be gentler on baby skin and reduce waste.
And really, the only extra step is pumping a little lotion onto a pad...which probably takes the same amount of time as removing the dry wipes from the top of the pack to get to the wet ones.
Why it works:
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fewer disposable wipes going in the trash
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less friction on delicate skin
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fewer toxic and drying ingredients being reapplied over and over
You don’t have to eliminate wipes entirely. You might want to keep a packet handy for your diaper bag (but it's worth noting that we do offer a travel-sized lotion that's the PERFECT size for your diaper bag!)
Swap petroleum-based products for a beeswax balm
Petroleum jelly is everywhere. It’s familiar, cheap, and often the default for dry skin, lips, noses, and diaper care.
The thing is, petroleum-based products are designed to seal - not to support skin’s natural function. They create a tight barrier, which can be helpful in some situations, but they don’t offer much beyond that.
A beeswax-based balm is a much better alternative.
Beeswax protects skin while still allowing it to breathe. It can be used for:
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dry cheeks and lips in winter
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sore noses during cold season
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hands that get washed one too many times
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diaper care when faced with the first sign of a rash
One small jar can replace several single-purpose products - which is often better for your shelf and the planet.
Swap paper towels for cloths (just for some things)
You don’t need to banish paper towels from your home. Just choose a few everyday moments where cloth works just as well.
For example:
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wiping hands after meals
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cleaning up water spills
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drying fruits and vegetables
Old kitchen towels, cut-up t-shirts, or designated cloths work perfectly. You’ll likely find yourself reaching for paper towels less often without really trying.
Swap “just in case” buying for using what you already have
Many of us buy eco-friendly products on top of what’s already in our cabinets, which can increase waste rather than reduce it.
A more eco-friendly approach:
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finish what you already own
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replace items only when they run out
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choose eco-friendlier versions next time
Sustainability doesn’t require you to turn your entire house into a sustainable haven by this time next week. It works better when you go slowly, replacing one product at a time.
Swap fast baby clothes for fewer, better-loved pieces
Babies grow quickly, which makes clothing one of the least eco-friendly parts of being a parent.
Instead of buying lots of new items:
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look for second-hand or hand-me-downs
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choose neutral, durable basics that your baby can wear again and again
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accept that babies don’t need a new outfit for every occasion
- remember to donate or sell clothes once they no longer fit
Clothes that are worn, washed, and loved are more sustainable than anything bought “just in case.”
Swap over-washing for spot cleaning (especially in winter)
In colder months, skin often does better with less washing.
Instead of daily baths:
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opt for short baths a couple of times a week
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spot clean hands, face, and diaper area as needed
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moisturize consistently
Less water, less soap, and calmer skin usually go hand in hand.
Swap pressure for progress
This might be the most important one.
Eco-friendly living isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about making choices that fit into your actual life - the one with naps, snacks, crumbs, and very little free time.
One swap is enough.
Two is generous.
More can probably wait.
Petites pensées
A gentler start to the year doesn’t come from changing everything at once. It comes from choosing a few things that feel manageable (and letting them become a natural part of your daily life before researching the next swap you can make!)
Less urgency.
More intention.
Happy 2026!