When it comes to the arrival of a new baby, there are so many things to think about. What you use to care for them, clothe them, feed them, and create a thriving environment for them shouldn’t come with a bundle of worry. After all, the arrival of your new bundle of joy should be just as it sounds- joyous. As a company that lives and breathes baby gear, we know that the number of baby products on the market is endless. 

When picking out items for your new baby or even a gift for a loved one or friend, don’t focus too much on the label or name brand. Instead, we encourage you to hone in on things that make up our core principles, such as sustainability, quality, durability, and safety. 

No matter what you decide is suitable for your baby, we encourage you to choose eco-friendly items, aiming to keep both you and our beautiful planet safe and cared for. 

What Are Sustainable Baby Products?

Sustainable baby products are ones that put the health of the planet, and your baby, at the top of their must-have list during the design and creation process. These types of products use safe and durable materials, often made from recycled materials or manufactured in a way that reduces the brand’s carbon footprint. 

Sustainable products in the baby industry range from diapering, bathing, and feeding to clothing, nursery, and play.  The good news is that with the rise of more organic-tailored eco-friendly brands, there is no shortage of options on the market.

Why Choose Sustainable Products for Your Baby?

This may be a bold statement, but sustainable baby products are the way forward. When caring for your baby, why not care for the planet simultaneously? Whether you’re new to the idea of living more sustainably or simply hoping to find products that feel like a more wholesome purchase option, we are here to help. 

There are endless reasons to choose sustainable products for your baby, but our favorite reasons to opt-in to eco-friendly goods is because they:

• Reduce carbon emissions.
• Decrease the amount of waste at landfills.
• Are made from recycled materials.
• Keep your baby safe and cared for.
• Are made from materials that are durable and long-lasting, allowing you to use them for years to come (especially important as your family grows).
• Come from companies that actively work to give back to their own communities and continually follow green business best practices.
• Do not contain harmful chemicals or bad additives for your child and the planet. 
• Directly impact efforts to save the environment for generations to come. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite and easily-accessible eco-friendly products for babies.

Clothing 

Patagonia Furry Friends Fleece Bunting

Patagonia is a dream brand for us. It lives and breathes many of the same eco-friendly values that we do. When it comes to keeping your baby warm during the cooler months, especially as a newborn, we couldn’t think of a better option than the Patagonia furry friends fleece bunting one-piece. 

It comes in various colors and designs, has an easy-zip closure, and has the cutest little bear ears on the hood. At $79, it is the perfect staple piece to act as a blanket, coat, and warm pants in one.

The best part? It’s 100% fair trade sewn and made of 100% recycled polyester high-pile fleece. So not only will it keep your baby warm, it will help keep our Earth happy, too. 

Finn + Emma Footies

The self-proclaimed perfect balance of style and sustainability, Finn + Emma is a great brand to outfit your baby in when it comes to eco-friendly options. Like us, this brand is on a mission to change how clothing is manufactured to ensure an Earth-first mindset. 

All Finn + Emma products are made from 100% organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and all-natural wood. Additionally, their garments and accessories are “produced in fair trade settings that focus on social and economic independence for local people, women especially, working to provide for their families in a safe and fair environment.” 

Although we love all of their products, we couldn’t think of a better recommendation than their footies. The staple piece for growing babies, footies are the ultimate go-to babywear for all occasions. From sleep outfits to a trip out of the house, footies are cozy and provide the right warmth for baby. 

Check out the cutest designs and color options here.

Diapers 

Bamboo Mio Miosolo All-In-One Reusable Cloth Diaper

We know that the idea of cloth diapers can feel scary, especially for new parents who have been pushed to purchase the ever-popular disposable ones. The Bamboo Mio Miosolo all-in-one reusable cloth diapers are a great option that grows with your baby from newborn to potty-training stage.

Within the diaper, everything is attached, just like a disposable diaper. It has a unique core with exclusive features, like a tuck-in pocket to quickly smooth out the back and pull-out tabs for tidier poop disposal.

At only $23.99, this is an affordable alternative to standard disposable diapers. All the colors and designs are a fun bonus. 

Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm

When it comes to all things baby, diaper rash comes with the territory. There are numerous reasons your baby may experience diaper rash, including skin sensitivity, chafing, or irritation caused by a wet or soiled diaper. Whatever the reason, in most cases, it's completely normal and can be cured pretty quickly using a soothing solution like Earth Mama’s organic diaper balm. 

Made of 100% organic ingredients and natural oils like beeswax and calendula, this formula is zinc and lanolin-free and safe as a first-aid option for the entire family. Applying just a little bit of this non-sticky balm after a diaper change is a perfect way to help with and prevent further diaper rash breakouts. 

Elkin Diaper Bag Backpack 

At POTN, We are all about celebrating products that go the extra mile for babies and Mother Earth alike. So, although it may seem biased, we couldn’t help but recommend a baby gear item that is near and dear to our hearts: our very own Elkin Diaper Bag Backpack. This bag is a functional and affordable addition to compliment all of the diapering needs of a growing baby. 

Here are some of our favorite things about this all-in-one diaper bag backpack:

• Water-resistant exterior fabric made with recycled, sustainable material
• Easy to clean liner made of 100% recycled plastic
• Insulated exterior pocket to keep bottles and snacks cool
• A sleek, removable changing pad that easily wipes clean and is made from material that is safe for your baby
• Padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable
• Oversized, embossed vegan leather zipper pulls for hassle-free opening
• Wide, “frog mouth” opening for easy access 
• Reinforced seams and straps for durability
• Affordable cost at just $99.99

The truth is: even if we didn’t make this one ourselves, it would be on our must-have list for the best sustainable baby products. 

We have a new line of eco-friendly products that are excellent gifts for traveling families. Our XO Collection consists of the following:

• XO Alden Weekender
• XO Elkin Backpack
• XO Travel Kit

You might find the following articles relevant when shopping for a diaper bag:

• Diaper Bag Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Bag For You
• Diaper Bag Checklist: What To Pack In Your Baby's Diaper Bag
• Elkin vs. Avalon: A Head-To-Head Diaper Bag Backpack Comparison

Nursery 

Oeuf Rhea Crib

Ouef is a sustainable children’s lifestyle brand based in New York City. It is built on the idea that “children deserve good design and a better world,” and we couldn’t agree more. 

A crib is a must-have staple item in your home when you’re expecting a new bundle of joy. The Ouef Rhea Crib is the perfect combination of style and sustainability wrapped into a sleeping oasis for your child. 

Some features of this crib to highlight include:

• Made from sustainably sourced wood
• Finished with non-toxic water-born paint and coating
• Promotes a healthy sleep environment
• Neutral color palette to go with any room decor

Burt’s Bees Organic Cotton Jersey Fitted Crib Sheets

Burt’s Bees has been an industry leader in the movement to integrate more sustainable and organic products into society’s everyday use. One of our favorite products is the Burt’s Bees organic cotton jersey fitted crib sheets. They are soft and cozy for a restful night’s sleep. Imagine the feel of your favorite cotton t-shirt turned bedding, and that’s what you get with these.

These sheets are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. They’re naturally warmer than standard knit sheets making baby’s transition from arms to crib easier. Available in various colors and designs, you are sure to find one that meets your aesthetic goals. 

Play

3 Sprouts Play Mat

If you’re hoping to make playtime clean-up a little bit easier, the 3 Sprouts play mat is the solution. A playmat that converts to a toy bag makes that big mess on the floor a thing of the past in seconds- every parent’s dream, right?

The perfect size for a growing baby at 44’’ in diameter, this playmat is also gentle on their skin as it is made of 100% cotton. So grab their favorite toys and let them explore and play to their heart’s content, knowing clean-up will be a breeze. 

All Aboard Pacific Northwest Book by Lucy Darling

Yes, books are an essential component of playtime, especially when they’re about sharing and celebrating the beauty of the world and diverse landscapes all around us. 

Lucy Darling has a collection of travel-themed books that highlight various places and environments. From Paris and NYC to a deeper look at our love of mountains and national parks, the books share whimsical stories and vintage-style bright and colorful illustrations. 

Our favorite? All Aboard Pacific Northwest, a 22-page board book that touches on everything the PNW offers, including skiing on Mt. Bachelor and the Seattle Skyline. Share a love for your favorite location with your baby early on and add your favorite memories to the moment. 

Feeding 

According to National Geographic, only 9% of all plastic produced is recycled, leaving a vast majority of plastic waste in landfills and our environment. As often as possible, we shy away from plastic usage. 

We recognize that a majority of baby bottles are made from plastic. Although they provide claims of being BPA-free and safe for your child, as part of raising eco-friendly children, opting for glass baby bottles seems to be the most obvious choice for both your baby and the planet. 

When faced with deciding what bottles to buy or add to your baby registry, one of our favorite sustainable options is the Philips Avent glass natural baby bottle with a natural response nipple. These bottles are pharmaceutical-grade glass that’s thermal-shock resistant, meaning they won’t break with the changes in temperature from sterilization to cooling in the fridge or cooler.

Help reduce plastic usage by opting into glass bottles for your baby. In fact, we discussed various ways that you and your family can reduce plastic usage throughout your home in our list of 33 eco-friendly home tips.

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

As your baby grows and begins exploring solids, a high chair is necessary. However, with all the options available to you, it can feel overwhelming to choose one that meets your family’s needs, fits in your dining space, stays within an affordable budget, and keeps your baby and the environment safe.

The solution that checks all of the boxes is here. The Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair is all of that and more. At just $279, this chair grows with your child at an affordable price. In addition, this chair can be pulled right up to the dining table so your child can eat alongside you. If you prefer, you can add on an adjustable tray for easy eat-anywhere convenience. It is made from solid European beech wood and is safe and sturdy for your child. 

Bathing

California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash 

Our skin is our biggest organ and the gateway to the rest of our body. What we put on our skin matters, especially for babies. With a plethora of options to care for your baby during bath time, it’s hard to discern what’s good and what’s not. 

California Baby Super Sensitive shampoo and body wash are fragrance-free, tried-and-true options to use during tubby time. They are 100% plant-based, and USDA certified. They are the ideal duo for newborns or those with skin sensitivities or allergies. 

The best part? If you grow to love their bathing options, they have an entire line of baby care products that meet the same high-quality standards. Good for your baby; good for the environment. 

Loulou Lollipop Hooded Towel Set

Take it from us: bath time is not complete without a hooded towel. There is just something precious about seeing that peekaboo face under a hood after a happy bath time experience. Like clothing, you should choose towels that are made from sustainable and gentle materials to keep your child safe and cared for.

Loulou Lollipop hooded towels are 70% rayon from bamboo and 30% cotton. They come in the cutest designs and colors, are machine washable, and have an absorbent terry backing. 

An added bonus? They’re great for bath time but can easily double as beach towels or the perfect accessory for a day at the pool.  

How We Found The Best Sustainable Baby Products

With all the research and evidence available now, we know that organic and sustainable products are better for people of all ages. They are especially great for babies who have thinner, more permeable skin. By choosing organic products and those made without toxic dyes, additives, or harsh chemicals, you protect your child’s skin and overall health and safety. In addition, you are also actively supporting environmentally-friendly practices and sustainability measures to save the planet. 

When we review and consider sustainable baby products, there is specific criteria we hone in on. We often look at things like:

• Materials
• Supply chain & labor practices
• Green business practices
• Community & charitable giving

When we find products and companies that use sustainable, recycled, and organic materials, fair labor practices, eco-friendly design and manufacturing, and actively participate in and donate to their community and communities in need, we know we’ve found our people. 

Wrapping Up Our List of the Best Sustainable Baby Products 

Although there are different benchmarks for everyone, when it comes to finding companies and products they love, for us, it’s simple. We support brands that go the extra mile for our children’s safety, raise up their community, and follow practices that help us sustain our environment for all future generations.

Whatever baby items you need this season, we hope you choose ones that keep your child safe, are made sustainably, and support and uplift communities that need us most. Each purchase you make makes an impact on those around you. So choose to impact the lives of others positively while saving the planet. The future of our world depends on it.