When I first saw the five page registry checklists from bump.com and Target, I was shocked. Would my baby really need all that stuff? What if every one of the over 4 million babies born in the US every year got a complete set of all that new stuff? (I wish "stuff" was a four letter word, because that is how I feel about it. Ick!)
After I reduced and reused as much as possible, I did a ton of research looking for green baby products that really work well. Here are my top three strategies for greening your baby registry checklist and my printable Green Baby Registry Checklist download. It fits on one page (not five). This is what worked for us, so I added some blank spaces for you to write in your own must haves.
When there is no nursery to outfit, so many items are suddenly unnecessary: crib, bumpers, mattress, dresser, changing table, and the list goes on.
I am a light sleeper, so I knew if I had baby in bed with me full time I'd be getting even less sleep than I already am with three feedings a night. Getting a sidecar co-sleeper that joins up with the side of our bed was the perfect solution. I love that it converts from a bassinet to a full-size play yard, so it grows with baby, even further reducing the amount of stuff you need.
A week of watching DH carry sacks of used sposies to the dumpster and I had enough. I just know all my diapers from baby-hood are still sitting in a landfill somewhere, and that is really not something I wanted to pass on to the next generation.
Beyond just cloth diapers there are several other traditionally disposable must-haves that have a reusable alternative. Instead of disposable wipes, we use cloth. Instead of garbage bags, we use washable diaper pail liners to hold used diapers. We have small wet bags to hold used diapers when we're on the go. I even use washable cotton nursing pads.
allows you to add products from any site on the web to your list. That way you can select the greenest of all the products out there, even if they're not available on Amazon.
The really great thing about this is that it allows you to add handmade green items from Etsy. There's no better feeling than supporting the small businesses on Etsy and receiving their beautiful one-of-a-kind creations.
If you want to add something from Etsy, I recommend contacting the shop owner to set up a reserve listing for you. That way when your friends and family go to purchase it, you know it will still be available. Keep in mind listings on Etsy last only four months.
Title image from Caitlinator on Flikr. This post linked up with Sorta Crunchy and Hippie Housewife.
After I reduced and reused as much as possible, I did a ton of research looking for green baby products that really work well. Here are my top three strategies for greening your baby registry checklist and my printable Green Baby Registry Checklist download. It fits on one page (not five). This is what worked for us, so I added some blank spaces for you to write in your own must haves.
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3 Tips to Green Your Baby Registry
1. Co-sleep
To be honest, I didn't have much of a choice about co-sleeping, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Living in a one-bedroom there is really no place for baby to go but in our room. This is a perfect excuse for anyone who wants to give me a hard time about co-sleeping.When there is no nursery to outfit, so many items are suddenly unnecessary: crib, bumpers, mattress, dresser, changing table, and the list goes on.
I am a light sleeper, so I knew if I had baby in bed with me full time I'd be getting even less sleep than I already am with three feedings a night. Getting a sidecar co-sleeper that joins up with the side of our bed was the perfect solution. I love that it converts from a bassinet to a full-size play yard, so it grows with baby, even further reducing the amount of stuff you need.
2. Cloth Diaper
The first week of BabyE's life we used chlorine free disposables. They had a handy cut out for the cord, and we didn't want to deal with getting the meconium out of cloth while adjusting to life as new parents.A week of watching DH carry sacks of used sposies to the dumpster and I had enough. I just know all my diapers from baby-hood are still sitting in a landfill somewhere, and that is really not something I wanted to pass on to the next generation.
Beyond just cloth diapers there are several other traditionally disposable must-haves that have a reusable alternative. Instead of disposable wipes, we use cloth. Instead of garbage bags, we use washable diaper pail liners to hold used diapers. We have small wet bags to hold used diapers when we're on the go. I even use washable cotton nursing pads.
3. Shop Etsy
I registered with Amazon Baby Registry because their Universal Wishlist Button allows you to add products from any site on the web to your list. That way you can select the greenest of all the products out there, even if they're not available on Amazon.The really great thing about this is that it allows you to add handmade green items from Etsy. There's no better feeling than supporting the small businesses on Etsy and receiving their beautiful one-of-a-kind creations.
If you want to add something from Etsy, I recommend contacting the shop owner to set up a reserve listing for you. That way when your friends and family go to purchase it, you know it will still be available. Keep in mind listings on Etsy last only four months.
Free Printable Green Baby Registry Checklist (15 kb)
Layette
- Gentle laundry detergent (I used to make my own, but now I use Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid.)
Nursery
- Co-sleeper or Play Yard with removable bassinet
- Organic Cotton Waterproof PlayYard Pad
- 2 fitted Organic Pack N Play Sheets
- 2-4 receiving blankets
- Baby Monitor
- Teething toys (Everybody loves Sophie!)
- Cloth grasping toys
- Soft or board books
- Puppets (That just sounds like fun!)
Changing
- Changing table pad
- 2-3 Changing table pad covers
- 2 Washable cloth diaper pail liners
- 3 dozen organic cloth baby wipes
- Container for cloth wipes
- Organic Cotton Cloth Diapers
(1 dozen per day, adjust for how often you plan to wash)
- Diaper Covers
(3 per dozen diapers)
Bath
- 3-4 Soft washcloths
- 2 hooded baby towels
Feeding
- 4-8 bibs
- 2 dozen burp cloths
- 6-8 pairs washable nursing pads
- Nipple Cream
- Nursing Cover
Medicine Cabinet
- Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors
- Thermometer
- Nasal Aspirator (Nosefrida Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator
is amazing! I really like that it's washable.)
Travel
- Diaper bag
- Changing pad
- 2 Small Washable Wet Bags
- Wipes Holder
- Baby carrier/ sling (Ergo Baby Carrier
and Moby Wrap)
- Sun shade for car
How did you green your baby registry checklist?
Title image from Caitlinator on Flikr. This post linked up with Sorta Crunchy and Hippie Housewife.
What a great list! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the checklist! I have some friends that are expecting and can really benefit from this :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat list Wish I had this when I was registering for my baby shower {5 years ago :)}!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, but I'd throw in some non-petroleum jelly for diapering. I think there are some that are cloth diaper friendly :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, love the free printable and your brilliant ideas. Very inspiring list!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I'm sending this eco-friendly baby registry list right on over to my very pregnant friend. Thank you!!
ReplyDelete