When you’ve just had a baby, the idea of going “green” can feel like another impossible thing on the list (somewhere between sleep training and remembering your own name.)
But here’s the truth: living more sustainably with a newborn doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need to swap your entire lifestyle or start making oat milk from scratch.
Small choices count. Tiny shifts add up. And sometimes, the simplest changes turn out to be the most impactful.
Why go green in the first place?
There’s no shortage of parenting advice out there. But one thing we keep coming back to? Doing what feels gentle, safe, and mindful.
Going green doesn’t just help the planet, it can actually be better for your baby too. Fewer harsh chemicals. Less plastic waste. More breathable, skin-friendly materials.
And long term? It can save you money and help you raise a little human who grows up knowing how to care for the world around them.
In short: going green is good for the Earth - but it’s great for your baby, too.
1. Wipe the wipes
Disposable wipes create a lot of waste and often contain fragrances or preservatives that can irritate sensitive baby skin.
Switching to an organic diapering lotion (like La Petite Crème!) and cotton pads is a one-step swap that’s gentler on your baby and the planet.
Bonus: no more sticky wipe packages exploding in your diaper bag.
2. Buy less, borrow more
Babies grow fast. Like, really fast.
Before filling your house with gear, check in with local parent groups or baby rental libraries. Borrowing bassinets, swings, or even clothes can save you money and space - not to mention reduce consumption.
3. Choose reusable when it’s easy
Cloth diapers might feel like a big leap (and if they’re not for you, that’s OK!), but little swaps (like washable nursing pads or cloth burp cloths) can make a dent in your waste output without much effort.
Start small and build from there.
4. Skip the plastic toys
Babies don’t need much to be entertained. A wooden rattle, a silicone teether, or even the box the toy came in, sometimes less is more.
Opt for toys made from natural, non-toxic materials when you can. Or go secondhand to keep costs low.
5. Shop smarter for skincare
Babies have delicate skin. Choosing skincare products made with organic, safe, minimal ingredients is not only better for them, it’s better for the environment.
Look for USDA Organic, EWG Verified, or Leaping Bunny Certified labels to help guide your choices.
6. Say no to single-use
That free sample pack of tiny travel-size everything? You probably don’t need it.
Look for bulk-size options of products you actually use (hello diapering lotion refills!) and avoid things that are individually wrapped just because they look cute.
7. Don’t aim for perfect, aim for intentional
Sustainability isn’t a checklist. It’s about doing what works for you and your family.
Some weeks, the greenest thing you can do is reuse a burp cloth instead of grabbing a paper towel. And that counts.
Petites pensées
Going green with a newborn doesn’t mean doing everything. It means doing something.
And if that something also gives your baby a rash-free bottom and a safer start in life? All the better 💛