10 Simple Ways To Go Natural For Your Baby
Guest Post by Caroline from Avidiva
In today’s world, we are surrounded by chemicals, toxins, man-made this, and highly-processed that.
We make decisions as to what to purchase and how to spend our days based on what we are comfortable with, and what fits in with our own values and beliefs.
But when you have a baby, suddenly it’s not just you anymore. There is a whole new life to care for, to look after. A whole new human full of potential and ambition. Now, this is a huge responsibility; we start to question EVERY. LITTLE. THING.
It can all be a bit overwhelming, from bottles to bedding, and everything in between. We all want to do the very best we can for our babies.
So we’ve come up with ten easy ways to naturally care for your babe…
1. Replace plastic with glass.
For milk bottles, milk storage, and formula powder. Re-use store-bought glass jars, and gradually swap out your plastic tubs for glass ones. If you still have plastic, just be sure not to re-heat food in these containers as the toxins can leach out and into the food.
For milk bottles, milk storage, and formula powder. Re-use store-bought glass jars, and gradually swap out your plastic tubs for glass ones. If you still have plastic, just be sure not to re-heat food in these containers as the toxins can leach out and into the food.
2. Medicines.
Sometimes life calls for Panadol, especially where high fevers are involved (never take any risks with baby’s health and fever). But if you can, use saline nasal drops and cool-mist humidifiers to treat any colds and congestion. Use alternative pain relief for teething, such as frozen flannels, natural wooden toys, or a good old celery stick to chow down on.
Sometimes life calls for Panadol, especially where high fevers are involved (never take any risks with baby’s health and fever). But if you can, use saline nasal drops and cool-mist humidifiers to treat any colds and congestion. Use alternative pain relief for teething, such as frozen flannels, natural wooden toys, or a good old celery stick to chow down on.
3. Breastfeed.
Yep, controversial, but breast is the most natural way to go (just certainly not at the expense of the mum’s health and wellbeing). No judgement here, I am now a formula mama myself, having given up breastfeeding due to an over fussy bub and expressing taking a toll on my sanity! Breast milk contains antibodies to help baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Best of all, your baby’s saliva talks to your breast milk, so it can make exactly those antibodies that baby needs if they are starting to get ill. It also gives baby less chance of allergies and intolerance, plus it’s a powerhouse of nutritional value.
Yep, controversial, but breast is the most natural way to go (just certainly not at the expense of the mum’s health and wellbeing). No judgement here, I am now a formula mama myself, having given up breastfeeding due to an over fussy bub and expressing taking a toll on my sanity! Breast milk contains antibodies to help baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Best of all, your baby’s saliva talks to your breast milk, so it can make exactly those antibodies that baby needs if they are starting to get ill. It also gives baby less chance of allergies and intolerance, plus it’s a powerhouse of nutritional value.
4. Skincare.
We all know not to use Talc, but have a think about what other chemicals are going into your baby’s skin in their lotion, shampoo and body wash. Choose ones with low EWG, as rated by the skin deep database, for low toxicity. Baby’s skin is highly permeable and only develops in the first few months of life. This means they absorb much more easily than adult skin.
We all know not to use Talc, but have a think about what other chemicals are going into your baby’s skin in their lotion, shampoo and body wash. Choose ones with low EWG, as rated by the skin deep database, for low toxicity. Baby’s skin is highly permeable and only develops in the first few months of life. This means they absorb much more easily than adult skin.
5. Go Cloth.
Australia uses 2.2 million disposable nappies every day! Not only can it save your dollar in the long run (disposables often cost a family up to $3,000 for just one child!), think of all the waste you are saving too! There are many options for cloth nappies and fun designs too, so it’s just a matter of doing a bit of research to find something that suits your family and budget.
Australia uses 2.2 million disposable nappies every day! Not only can it save your dollar in the long run (disposables often cost a family up to $3,000 for just one child!), think of all the waste you are saving too! There are many options for cloth nappies and fun designs too, so it’s just a matter of doing a bit of research to find something that suits your family and budget.
6. Cot Mattress.
Choose one made from organic or natural fibres. Your babe spends so much time sleeping (hopefully!) in their cot, that it makes sense to minimise exposure to synthetic materials and the toxins they can emit.
Choose one made from organic or natural fibres. Your babe spends so much time sleeping (hopefully!) in their cot, that it makes sense to minimise exposure to synthetic materials and the toxins they can emit.
7. Sunscreen.
Choose a natural one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Most importantly, avoid oxybenzone. In the first 6 months, heading for shade and covering up with long clothing are the best forms of sun protection. Babies are much more sensitive to getting burned, but minimising what we put on their skin reduces unnecessary chemicals being absorbed.
Choose a natural one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Most importantly, avoid oxybenzone. In the first 6 months, heading for shade and covering up with long clothing are the best forms of sun protection. Babies are much more sensitive to getting burned, but minimising what we put on their skin reduces unnecessary chemicals being absorbed.
8. Go wooden.
For toys, teethers and anything that baby loves to play with. Not only is wood better for the environment, but it also minimises plastics in the house. The texture of wooden toys is also 100% fabulous, and perfect for encouraging imaginative play. There’s just something about the calming effect and the smell of natural wood…
9. In the air.
Choose air fresheners with natural ingredients or make your own if you’re feeling creative. Use lemon to help eliminate odours, and some lavender to freshen the room and encourage sleep (yes, sleep baby, sleep!)
10. Clothing.
Opt for natural fibres and organic cotton where you can. If you only do this for under layers then you will be minimising direct contact of synthetic fibres, pesticides and chemicals on baby’s super absorbent skin.
Hope these ten ideas help you make some easy swaps and choices for both you and your babe. Enjoy, lovely!
About Caroline:
Caroline is mum to two premmie babes, now 4 and 1 years-old. With tricky starts to life for both babes (and to motherhood!), Caroline has researched, tried and tested many natural, organic products to find those that are good for her babes and the environment too. Her biz, Avidiva, showcases her passion for stylish, but natural goodies and gifts. You can find her on Facebook and on Instagram, too.
"At Avidiva, we have been busy researching, trying and testing and are proud to bring you some of the best teething products, home hacks and tips in the biz. We’re super excited to be launching our exclusive range of natural, low tox teething survival kits. To find out more join the VIP pre-launch party to receive exclusive discounts, offers and teething freebies!"
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