If you’re preparing for a new baby, the list of items that you “need” might seem neverending. If you practice sustainable habits in your everyday life and make an effort to be environmentally conscious when spending money, preparing for a new baby can be a struggle. It can seem overwhelming to think about all the new items you will need to purchase for the baby and you might be wondering if you can do so sustainably. Whether you are having your first baby with the help of tuboplasty or welcoming your fourth child, preparing for a baby can be stressful. Here are a few ways to make your registry more eco-friendly.
1. Ask for Hand Me Downs
Although people normally expect new items to be gifted to them ahead of a baby’s birth, the more items that can be acquired secondhand, the better. Since the babies grow so fast and many items get very little use, they are perfectly acceptable to be reused or regifted. Ahead of your baby shower, delivery date, or another occasion where you anticipate receiving gifts, ask friends and family members if they have any secondhand items from their children that they could gift you instead of making a new purchase (this will save them money as well!)
2. Go For Natural Materials
For any items that are not being gifted to you second hand and are being purchased new for your baby, avoid materials like plastic and opt for natural, non-toxic materials. This can be applied to items like strollers, cribs, diapers, household cleaners, and more. Ensuring that the items you are receiving are not made of materials that contribute to environmental harm is one of the best ways to begin creating your eco-friendly registry.
3. Decide What You Really Need
If you are preparing for your first child, you might feel overwhelmed with all of the possibilities of items you might need. Although it may be stressful, waiting until after the baby is born to buy items you are unsure about will reduce clutter in your home and prevent you from contributing to unnecessary waste by having several products you don’t need.
Living a sustainable lifestyle is not easy, especially when you are making changes to your household or family and need to make purchases accordingly. Creating a baby registry can be a helpful tool, and these 3 simple tips will help make your registry and all of the gifts you receive at this helpful time as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
