Five Ways to Green Your Baby’s Nursery

From diapers and wipes to baby blankets and bottles, there is seemingly no end to the number of products available for newborn babies. When you stock the baby’s room, keep the environment in mind with these five ways to make and maintain a green nursery.

1. Dress the Part. Organic clothes, blankets and other essentials are a nice way to do something good for baby and the environment. What’s more, organic fabrics are wonderfully soft and gentle to baby’s delicate skin. Look for organic sheets, onesies, swaddling blankets and other items.

2. Diaper Duty. Cloth diapers are a great way to mind the environment; not only do they reduce landfill waste, but they also reduce the number of chemicals coming in contact with baby’s skin and reduce the risk of some health disorders. Choose diapers that best fit your lifestyle – whether you use prefolds, wool or other organic diapers.

3. Book It. Even your baby’s reading material can be green. Choose books with an environmental bent, such as Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” or storybooks pertaining to nature or the environment. It’s never too early to teach children about the environment.

4. Used – But Not Used Up. Purchasing gently used furniture and accessories is a good way to recycle and to reduce waste. Many baby resale and consignment shops have furniture and other essentials at greatly reduced prices. Before purchasing, make sure that all parts are present and that the items are in no way damaged. In addition, use extra caution when purchasing a used crib or other items that baby will be using make sure it is safe and has not been recalled.

5. Clean Green. Use natural, nontoxic cleaning products when at all possible – not only will they get the job done, but they will keep the fumes and other nasty chemicals from penetrating baby’s space. Make your own all-purpose cleaning solution by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto surfaces, then wipe clean. The solution also works great for cleaning mirrors and windows – wipe dry with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Greening a baby nursery doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult – a few mindful items can go a long way toward environmental responsibility.