Ecological parenting – where to start

Parenting is one of those life-changing decisions. Sometimes it turns everything upside down, and sometimes it snaps like a missing piece of a puzzle. Our perspective shifts from caring for ourselves to another, little person, and a common future.

This is where the dilemma arises. Are parenting and less waste compatible? Is it possible to be eco at all with children who will, after all, use many environmental resources throughout their lives? Sure, it is, because children are not only a carbon footprint.

What does a young child need most?

When we are flooded with information from all sides, layette lists where everything seems necessary, and marketing beautiful products for children, you need to remember that little people have only a few basic needs. One of the most important is love, closeness, and security. Once we have established this fundamental point, we can look further.

What can you do to get the eco-parent order?

The baby must eat. Of secondary importance is whether it will be breastfed or breastfed. We support all mums in their choices, because they know best what they and their little ones need. Breast milk is the best food for babies and the planet in many ways. And if you want to choose formula milk and reduce the negative impact on the climate, you can choose the vegan version available on the market. If possible, use a glass feeding bottle to reduce the amount of microplastics your baby consumes.

The baby must sleep. Cot, extra bed, hammock, cocoon, shawl, baby carrier or stroller. You can get lost, but such a huge choice is a result of the fact that every child is different and, just like an adult, may have their own preferences when it comes to sleeping. It’s hard to answer the question of which options to choose, but here it is worth thinking about second-hand products.

The baby needs to get dressed. Let’s start with diapers. It’s no wonder that disposable products have become so popular. A parent with a sleep deprivation and having a very limited time reaches for products that allow him to gain at least a moment of rest, and it is completely understandable. However, the flagship product of ecological parents are reusable diapers, which require cleaning, but also do not generate so much plastic rubbish. In addition, natural materials are better for the baby’s skin. These one-offs account for almost 3% of urban waste in Europe. And although waste is one problem, there is also the question of composition, which has little to do with ecology. Another alternative to reusable diapers can also be disposable, but biodegradable ones. It is a compromise that facilitates conscious parenting, and at the same time does not burden our environment so much.

Clothes for babies is another task on the list of young parents. You probably want to have enough stuff just in case, but our word of advice is in one word – moderation. Children of this age grow out of their clothes at a rapid pace. And again, to save the planet here comes the circular circulation and the use of what has already been produced. Second-cycle clothing also has another advantage. They have probably been washed several times before reaching your hands, thanks to which various contaminants and toxins in new clothes will not be a problem.

What about all the other baby stuff?

There are many beautiful and very useful things that will certainly facilitate the beginning of life with a toddler. And when you live in constant fatigue, they can be invaluable. Parenting in line with the idea of ​​less waste is possible. Perhaps not today and not tomorrow, but with time, step by step, you will manage it as well.