For new mums in today's eco-modern era it's easy to get lost amongst the colliding ideas and opinions of everyone from the yoga mum neighbour to the guru author of the latest eco baby book. We've come up with a checklist of key areas to consider, along with a list of natural and organic products to help you be more eco-conscious in your babies first years.Material Matters
It's worth spending a bit more on bedding and mattress's that are made from organic cotton as they are softer on the skin and free of defoliant pesticides and insecticides (like Parathion which is 60 times more toxic that DDT). Also it's best to buy reusable nappies and make use of hand me downs as children grow so quickly it's likely they'll need another jumpsuit before you finish the lull-a-by.
Tub time
When it comes to washing certified organic shampoos, soaps and laundry detergents are hard to find, but are available. There are also plenty of baby products that are gentle on baby skin and made from natural ingredients. It's important to remember that children need to develop a natural resistance to germs so the excessive use of antibacterial chemicals can potentially do more harm than good in the long run.
Colour me fun
Decorating the playroom and nursery can be eco-and baby-friendly too. Use paints that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOC), solvents, petrochemicals and fungicides. The deterioration of paint leads to the ‘off gas' of fumes, health effects of which are many. earthborn, Self-coat and Biofa offer a good selection of eco-paints. Also avoid toys with plastic as these are non-biodegradable and oil based.
Feeding bub
Breastfeeding is the natural favourite and when it's time for solids organic whole grain cereals are best. Baby bottles made of glass, polypropylene, or polyethylene are best as plastic bottles contain chemicals that have been found to be a health risk.
No burnt chops for Mum
When it comes to feeding mum go for unprocessed, organic food where possible to ensure maximum mineral and nutrient intake and avoid exposure to pesticides and other contaminants. It's recommended pregnant women have 400 micrograms of folic acid a day (one portion of fortified breakfast cereal contains only 0.4 mg of folate) and adequate vitamin C to help the body increase the absorption of calcium, iron and folic acid into the body.
