If you’re a parent of a baby or expecting a baby soon and you want to become a greener parent for your baby, there are a few simple suggestions below to help you along the way.

Baby-wipes. Baby-wipes are used a lot to clean up baby messes. To be more eco-friendly switch from baby-wipes to washcloths to clean your baby between diaper changes. For more convenience buy eco-friendly baby-wipes, such as the ones from seventh generation or you can make your own from the recipes here.

Diapers. Switch from disposable diapers to cloth or reusable diapers. Don’t worry; this isn’t as inconvenient as it use to be. There are innovative eco-diapers today that are pre-folded, biodegradable or even flushable (ex: gdiapers) making it easier for the busy green parent to keep living green. Note: Cloth diapers are cheaper than disposable diapers in the long run saving parents money they can place in a green college fund.

Clothes. Save the clothes you had from previous children, swap baby clothes with family and friends, buy baby clothes from resale shops, or ask for clothes on freecycle. As always clean the used clothes (with environmentally friendly laundry soap) before you use them on your baby and check any labels for harmful material. If you must buy new clothes for your baby buy it made from materials such as organic cotton, hemp or bamboo.

Books. Books can be passed down, bought at thrift stores or checked out from the library. Please remember to clean these used books (with an eco-friendly wipe or washcloth) before letting your baby handle them. Babies stick everything in their mouths, even books.

Toys. Toys can be passed down too, but make sure that they are safe (no chipping, broken parts, choking hazards, recalls etc.)

New environmentally friendly, non-toxic toys can be bought at environmentally friendly stores. For example, at Planet Happy Kids, the teething ring is made from sustainably harvested wood and the colors used are environmentally safe and non-toxic.

Bedding. Bedding can also be handed down. If you choose to buy bedding or other nursery items only buy what you’ll need for the nursery. Kids out grow everything so fast there really is no need to buy a lot. Hand-me down cribs and other hand-me down furniture is okay too as long as it the items meet today’s safety requirements. For some Crib Safety tips go to NSC.

Breastfeeding. Breastfeed instead of bottle-feed if and when you can. Not only is breastfeeding healthier for your baby, you and the environment, breast milk is always available, sanitary and pre-warmed. You will never have to worry about forgetting your baby’s food or storing a heavy bag with a breast pump and plastic bottles. You wont have to store an entire cabinet full of plastic bottles and plastic nipples either. Because you will use fewer bottles you will also do less bottle washing, which will save water, soap, time and money.

Eco-bottle. If it is not possible for you to breastfeed or if you need to switch between the two, there are eco-friendly bottles such as glass baby bottles or a bottle made of non-polycarbonate plastic.

Organic baby food. Make your own baby food with out of organic fruits and vegetables. When you make your own baby food you know exactly what goes in and what does not go in the food or you can buy organic baby food and snacks.

Read labels. Read food labels. Read product and clothing labels so that you know what’s going into your baby and what on your baby.

Don’t smoke or let anyone smoke near your baby.

If you have any more tips please share them with us in the comments section below.