13 eco-friendly baby care items that will keep the planet (and baby) happy

Imagine what a pile of 5,000 used diapers looks like. Now multiply that by every baby who has ever used disposable diapers. Yikes. Luckily there are plenty of eco-conscious brands out there that are changing the diaper landscape. One of our favorites? Kudos. Powered by a team of MIT engineers, they’re not just the only disposable diapers with the Cotton Natural™ seal (which means they’re powered by 100% clean cotton lining), they actually work and work hard. The double layer construction makes them ultra absorbent, even overnight and the clean ingredients are gentle on the most sensitive bottoms.

According to Motherly’s Editorial Operations Coordinator, Hayli Craig, “These diapers may have completely changed my mind about what diapers could be. After months of seeing drab-ish colors soiled by blue lines, Kudos proved diapers can be fun and functional. We started giving our little one more solid foods, which has inevitably led to more diaper rashes. Thanks to these being designed with 100% cotton, we saw less red this week.”

Pro tip: If you are between diaper sizes or think you’re getting ready to move up in size, go ahead and size up in these!

Price is for one month subscription, with diapers costing between .37-.65 depending on size.

Admit it: You probably burned through about a thousand baby wipes in your baby’s first month of life. And while saving the planet may not have been the first thing on your mind during those late-night changes, turns out there’s a better alternative. Caboo Tree-Free Baby Wipes are made from sustainably harvested oeko-tex certified bamboo spunlace, giving each wipe the strength of bamboo and the softness of sugarcane. They’re also one of the most cost-effective options on the market. Wipe away!

Pro tip: Each wipe is also enriched with Vitamin E, chamomile flower, and aloe leaf for a more soothing touch on baby’s most sensitive parts.

Of course the most economical option is to go reusable. (That said, we know it’s not the easiest or most convenient all the time!) OsoCozy Flannel Wipes are made from soft flannel and durable enough that tons of rave reviewers mention having them in rotation literally for years. They wash well without shrinking and absorb like a champ!

Price is for 15 wipes.

With a unique, modern aesthetic and a convertible design which can evolve from a crib to a toddler bed, Nestig’s Wave crib can grow with your family even as your little one’s room decor evolves. The brand is also truly committed to practicing sustainability across every step of the process—from the time the cribs are hand-made in Brazil at a family-owned factory to when the crib is shipped directly to you.

Pro tip: There’s generally a short wait time for delivery, but that’s because they only produce

Finish off that eco-friendly crib with the mattress it deserves! Since babies can spend up to 20 hours per day sleeping, it’s imperative that the surfaces they’re snuggled up to are free of chemicals and toxins. The Avocado Organic crib mattress is handmade with certified organic cotton, wool, and latex that is responsibly and sustainably harvested in India making it one of the safest choices on the market. Everything in their affordable eco-friendly line is made in LA at their GOTS certified factory and comes with a 25-year warranty. Now that’s something to rest easy about!

Pro tip: With a clever dual-sided design, it features a firmer surface for infants and a softer one for toddlers, so it grows right along with them.

To keep on the same theme, organic cotton crib sheets are a great idea as well.  Keababies fitted crib sheets are not only made from organic cotton that’s breathable and soft, but they’re incredible wallet-friendly as well.

Pro tip: The jersey fabric is nice and stretchy which makes changing them so much easier!

Swaddle blankets are like the Swiss army knife of mamahood. From naptime snuggles to nursing covers (and even emergency spit-up catchers), there are countless ways they come in handy. Naturepedic’s super soft, breathable baby swaddled are made from 100% organic cotton and free from GOTS-prohibited chemical treatments and dyes as well.

Pro tip: Environmental sustainability is part of Naturepedic’s mission. They’re a member of 1% for the Planet and regularly support tons of environmentally focused non-profit organizations like The Ecology Center, Women’s Voices for the Earth and Toxic-Free Future.

The last thing you want to worry about during playtime is questionable toy materials. We love these Organic Farm Buddies from Apple Park because they’re made from 100% organic cotton and hypoallergenic sustainable corn fiber filling — even the packaging is made from recycled paper printed with soy ink!

Pro tip: They also make a line of GOTs certified baby apparel that’s as adorable as it is eco-friendly.

While most baby bottles are BPA-free, there’s still a risk of any kind of plastic leaching into your baby’s food and drinks — especially when heated. Skip the stress with a set of Philips Avent’s Natural Glass Bottles, which are designed to resist breakage and sterilize easily.

Pro tip: The glasses are also recyclable so you can keep the good going after your baby moves on to a sippy cup.

Originally launched in the UK, Totter + Tumble’s luxe and stylish mats are made from  non-toxic PVC memory foam that’s free from BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, formamide, formaldehyde, EVA and flame retardants to provide new walkers a cushy place to crash and teeny ones a safe spot to lay and play. Their stylish and subtle designs look right at home in any room of the house and since they’re reversible you can just flip it over for an instant room refresh. We also use them as yoga and pilates mats outside of play time and when (if?) we’re finally done with it, they’re recyclable!

Cleaning without the use of any chemicals? It’s totally possible! The Force of Nature Cleaning and Sanitizing System converts salt, water and vinegar into an impressively powerful multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant. And natural doesn’t mean less effective! The resulting formula kills 99.9% of germs and is on the EPA’s List N (the disinfectants approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.)

Pro tip: Since Force of Nature is free of all the yucky stuff like dyes, preservatives, surfactants, bleach, quats, and alcohol, you can feel safe using it on any surface your baby comes in contact with.

For such small people, babies sure do make their fair share of laundry. And while there are plenty of baby-safe detergents out there, only one has been developed specifically for baby and baby’s environment. Healthybaby—the brand responsible for the first EWG-verified diaper—is leading the charge when it comes to creating home cleaning products that are gentle on baby’s microbiome, nontoxic and neurologically safe for baby’s home environment. Their laundry concentrate is 100% plant and mineral-based and made in California in a solar-powered facility. (Check out their EWG-verified home and skincare systems as well!)

Pro-tip: Each bottle provides about 80 loads which means less waste in landfills.

If you’re like us, you probably always feel a twinge of guilt tossing those pre-made baby food squeezy packs. Skip the guilt (and keep the convenience) by filling your own reusable pouches from WeeSprout. These leakproof pouches are BPA-, lead-, phthlate- and PVC-free, and you can use them again and again. Plus, they’re more cost-effective so your wallet will thank you too.

Pro tip: The pouches are dishwasher safe on the top rack, just rinse before you pop them in your dishwasher. And when you’re ready to move on, they’re fully recyclable!

There’s nothing more pure and precious than your baby’s skin—which means the products you put on it should be as well. Kiss Kiss Goodnight’s line of baby care is not only plant-based and made with the gentlest botanicals in the world, it’s also evidence-based, assuring that it won’t disrupt their microbiome and delicate skin-barrier. With high-quality organic and wild-crafted ingredients, their nourishing formulas are as wonderful for eczema, cradle cap and diaper rash as they are for the planet.

Pro tip: Their unique and hydrating cleansing balm isn’t just for babies. Mamas, you might just find it’s the best eye make-up remover and shaving cream you’ve ever used.