How to have an green/ethical baby?

RoCas

Marry a frog

Melissa22_Mum

Buying to much new born stuff, still got loads never worn!

Use re-usable nappies they are costly initially but if you have the time to wash them, not much really in a normal wash, and money then it helps. I wanted to do it myself but it was impossible to get that much money together all at once! try ebay they may have brand new ones even if its only a couple it helps.

You don't need special bottle warmers or baby heaters, use what you've got my microwave was a godsend. I got a steam steriliser from Ethel Austins for 7.00 with six bottles. Yes, I did use the microwave to heat the milk too but I only did so for a few seconds and shook it well to blend away the hot spots. A bit patronsing what you get told regarding microwave heating! You don't have to sterilise anything once the baby reaches 12months so that saves using electric etc!

Buying second hand toys and things from charity shops, give the washables a good, well, washing and that saves.

can't think of anymore right now but I might be back with more...

squashy

Can I mention Sure Start? It's worth checking if you have a centre in your area and register with them as you get lots of support as well as freebies, courses with free creches etc, even family day trips. They are aimed at low income families but I think anyone can sign up as long as your disctrict is covered.

Also, Emma's Diary and Bounty Packs. you do get a few free samples but you will get endless spam and junk mail once you claim the packs so beware.

For second hand baby stuff and even freebies, check out parenting forums such as https://www.hunnybeez.co.uk and https://www.ukparents.co.uk amongst others.

starlite_2

My friend has one of these eco cribs and I love it. It doubles as a travel cot too as it is easy to fold up and very light.
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/lz3103&bklist=icat,4,shop,shocotscribs,cotcribsmosesbaskets

I would second that a baby bath is unnecesary, as is a changing mat. You can bathe with baby in the normal bath which is much more fun for both of you! and use a muslin cloth on the floor for nappy changes. I made my own rather than pay the shocking price of £5 for 3 in mothercare!

Baby cleansing products are unnecesary too. It's better for their skin to just wash them in water, and we used olive oil as a barrier cream, for loosening cradle cap, and soothing dry skin.

I joined a 'buggy' club which was a great way to get out and about and meet new mums. Once a week we meet and go on walks up the Thames, or around local parks.

It's also probably best to buy a really nice comfortable sling, I like wilkinet or hugababy, and use that for the first three months or so. You can then buy a lightweight stroller. We made the mistake of buying huge 2 in 1 pram that , whilst lovely, was only used three or four times as it was so bulky and impractical.

Liney_2

If you are opting to bottlefeed use glass feeding bottles rather than plastic, they can be recycled. NUK and Baby Nova do glass ones available from Greenbaby.co.uk

boysmum3

Without wanting to sound repetitive breastfeed - breastfeed- breastfeed!!!
I agree Sure Start is excellent if one in your area. I have just taken one of my sons today to a cooking with children workshop - which we both enjoyed! Sure Start do all kinds of activities which are mostly free (like the scrap modelling challenge we are going to on Friday!) or minimal cost (£2 for todays 2hour cooking session!).
Free creche places can sometimes be available too.

Sure Start can also help you be green by...yep you guessed it....breastfeeding!! See if your local one have Breastfeeding Supporters - they can be on the end of the phone and visit to help with any feeding teething problems.
Apologies if i seem obsessed...just qualified as a breastfeeding supporter...but its always been my favourite topic.
The money saved will pay for several years school uniform for your child!!!

divorcingjack

Hi all,

What an interesting thread! Some great tips. You might want to look at a Scottish charity for just this kind of thing, their website is https://www.babygroe.co.uk (baby G(reen) R(ecycled) O(rganic) E(thical)) V witty. I think they have a magazine as well.

dj

Julysea

Someone asked earlier in the thread about green parenting magazines - there are a couple of really good ones. The Green Parent and Juno. Both have websites and both are excellent in value and content and have lots of ideas and experiences in this area to share.

snow_flake01

I would agree with a lot that has already been said - washable nappies (fantastic and they look really cute with their huge bum!), make your own food (also helps to make them a bit less picky when they get older), I get a lot of clothes for my daughter from ebay, the occasional car boot and a fantastic shop nearby that sells good quality 2nd hand baby clothes and equipment. Join a toy library (or if there isn't one nearby, set up toy swaps with other parents that you know in the area). My daughter just as happy pottering around with an envelope and a wooden spoon as she is playing with her toys (we still have lots though - 1st grandchild on both sides - but a lot of them will last her until she is school age).

Princessa_2

Melissa22_Mum wrote:

You don't need special bottle warmers or baby heaters, use what you've got my microwave was a godsend. I got a steam steriliser from Ethel Austins for 7.00 with six bottles. Yes, I did use the microwave to heat the milk too but I only did so for a few seconds and shook it well to blend away the hot spots. A bit patronsing what you get told regarding microwave heating! You don't have to sterilise anything once the baby reaches 12months so that saves using electric etc!

We used a bottle warmer for months, and getting up in the middle of the night, heating up the warmer, and then two bottles, seemed to take forever. I felt bad putting them in the microwave as we were told not to, but it only took 30 seconds to warm both bottles and I shook them up well. But by then I also knew how hot my babies liked their bottles, and so knew how long to heat them for. OP, if you really want to use a bottle warmer, you could just place the bottle in a jug full of hot water and heat it that way, works the same way as a bottle warmer really. And not meaning to insult your intelligence but if you do do this, please please leave the jug of hot water in the kitchen. It's easy to rush around when your baby is screaming for milk as one of my friends did, and she spilled some of the hot water on the baby who ended up in hospital with blisters. Baby is fine now though.