If you are wanting to take steps to become more eco-conscious, then making that change has never been easier with the array of eco-friendly baby products that are available today.
We all want our children to grow up in the best possible environment, but with all the nappies, wipes, clothes and toys you can get through, it can take its toll on the planet. But by choosing more eco-friendly and sustainable products, it can really make a difference.
How can I be more eco-friendly?
It can be difficult making big changes and sometimes it is easier to choose convenience, especially with children. However, the changes you make to become more eco-friendly, don't have to be huge.
By starting small and even committing to changes when you have the chance and time, can make a difference too.
Recycle: when you're in a rush to clean, it can be easier to just throw everything into the bin without really thinking about it, but there's probably a lot that we put in the bin which could actually be reused or recycled.
By having different bins in your house you can make recycling easier for yourself. Just label as general waste, cardboard and plastic, and you can even get your children involved with the recycling too by helping them identify and dispose of the different material.
Walk or cycle more: try committing to walking or cycling to at least one place, such as the park, corner shop or even the school run. Not only is it good for the environment but it's a good form of exercise for you and your child.
Switch to reusables: if you like to treat yourself to the occasional coffee treat or use sandwich bags for the pack lunches, making the switch to products such as reusable coffee cups and boxes can make a huge difference on the planet, by preventing lots of waste.
What products are eco-friendly?
Knowing which products to buy can be a bit of a minefield, as shown by a recent survey conducted by Atomik and Water Wipes, which found that whilst parents are trying to be more conscious of the planet their children will inherit, this is causing increasing confusion:
• Three-quarters of parents find environmentally-friendly labelling on baby products confusing
• 89 per cent of the parents surveyed said it is important to buy products that are eco-friendly
• 85 per cent of parents want to do the best for their baby and the planet when choosing baby products
• One in three parents said they sometimes felt judged by other parents, as on occasions they bought baby products that were not eco-conscious.
The best eco-friendly baby products 2023
![Baa Baby Sheepskin Pram Liner](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/Untitled-design-2024-02-01T165249.749.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.baababy.co.uk
The Baa Baby Original Sheepskin Footmuff was awarded Gold for Best Eco-friendly Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Baa Baby's sheepskin Pram Style Liners are hand cut from a single fleece of luxurious New Zealand merino sheepskin, making a snuggly soft addition for your buggy, pram or carrycot. Naturally thermostatic, sheepskin pram liners keep your little one warm in winter and cool in summer so offer perfect soothing comfort all year round.
Our mum tester said: "It's definitely a great product and is so comfy and perfect for the colder weather, my daughter loves snuggling into it in her pram. Its very easy to fit and goes in just like any other pram liner. Not a must have but if you can afford it definitely go for it."
Read our full Baa Baby Original Sheepskin Footmuff review.
Pros
- Great for winter for keeping baby snuggly, doesn't move around like a blanket would
- Natural product, no dyes or nasties
- Works with a range of prams and pushchairs
Cons
- Need to use wool cleaning products
![Mini Humans Baby Personal Care Collection](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/Untitled-design-2024-02-02T171208.801.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
minihumans.com
The Mini Humans Baby Personal Care Collection was awarded Silver for Best Eco-friendly Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Give your mini human the perfect send off to sleep with the bath + bed routine bundle. Gently cleanse their skin and hair, enjoy some bath time bubble fun and soothe and moisturise their skin.
Includes: | shampoo + wash - 300ml / 10 fl oz<br>bubble bath - 300ml / 10 fl oz<br>body lotion - 300ml / 10 fl oz |
![Pure Earth Collection Kids Travel Bed](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/Untitled-design-2024-02-02T172904.508.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.pureearthcollection.com
The Pure Earth Collection Kids Travel Bed was awarded Bronze for Best Eco-friendly Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
This camp bed transforms from a reading chair in less than 20 seconds. Plastic-free, 100% natural materials.
Bed dimensions: | 3x60x180cm (thickness, width and length) |
Chair dimensions: | 60x45x15cm |
Packaged up travel bag dimensions: | 60x45x15cm |
- Super useful travel beds which can be used as a chair in bedrooms or play spaces
- The spongy 100% natural foam mattress provides the perfect cushioning
- No need for bulky storage when bed is not in use
- 100% natural latex foam inside, no nasty plastics
- 100% organic cotton covers with safe, non-toxic dyes
- Free from chemical fire retardants
- Removable, machine washable covers
- Handy travel bag with pouch for blanket
Best bamboo plate
With a suction grip to make meal times easier, these plates are made without plastics and toxins, making them sustainable and eco-friendly. It's also sturdy and easy to clean.
One reviewer said: "We have found this suction plate perfect for our 1 year old son. The suction pad on the bottom does a great job of ensuring it can’t be moved / picked up while he is eating therefore avoiding a mess and a plate on the floor. It can be stuck by applying a little downward pressure then is released easily (by an adult who knows where to pull!)."
Best reusable nappy set
![Modibodi Reusable Nappy 4 Pack](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/modi-bodi-reusable-nappy-pants.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.modibodi.co.uk
Designed for multi-tasking modern parents, each nappy can be simply thrown in the wash, meaning no soaking, no special detergents, no scrubbing and no stains, all whilst being free from harmful chemicals. Each four-pack of reusable nappies comes in unique, modern and stylish designs, provides 12 hours' overnight protection, and they can hold up to one litre of leaks!
One review said: "I’m a big fan of these nappies. I am new to using cloth nappies and the thought of starting was daunting, so chose to get a four pack to start off with. These are so easy to use and easy to clean when I add the disposable liner and they are so cute too! I have tried one or two other brands that didn’t fit as snuggly or that were harder to clean, but these are perfect. I’ll be buying more."
Best biodegradable wipes
![Cheeky-Panda-Wipes](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/cheeky-panda-wipes.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Made entirely from bamboo, these wipes are biodegradable, compostable, and naturally hypoallergenic. They're infused with 99 per cent water and one per cent aloe vera and fruit extract, so they're soft and sensitive for little bottoms and faces. They break down in three to five weeks, and the packaging is made from recycled plastic too.
One reviewer said: "I recently tried The Cheeky Panda wipes and I have to say, I'm converted. These wipes are absolutely wonderful. They're great for sensitive skin, plus they're also biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly choice. What's not to love!"
Best cloth nappy detergent
A plant-based non-bio laundry detergent that's tough on reusable nappies, but gentle for baby's skin. The detergent sinks deep into the fibres of cloth nappies that leave them with a fresh scent. It's made from coconut and sugarcane-based cleaning ingredients. They also do a bundle with a detergent, bottle cleaner and surface cleaner.
One review said: "This is a winner - got it for my daughter to use for cloth nappy liners - works wonders - she left it and i use it on my husbands shirts - brings them back to white - amazing stuff."
Best sustainable travel cot
![Micralite-Sleep-Go](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/micralite-sleep-and-go.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.micralite.com
Made from recycled plastic bottles, the Micralite stone has mesh panels to allow for maximum airflow. It pops up and down with ease, is lightweight and easy to store. The neutral shade makes it perfect for any home, and the fact it's made from sustainable materials makes it the perfect eco-friendly travel cot.
One review said: "Well designed. Easy portability. The zipper is useful and can be opened only from outside the cot for safety."
Best compostable nappy bags
These disposable nappy bags are just as effective as their plastic counterparts but, because they’re made from natural cornstarch, they’re also fully compostable. By swapping to these, you'll be able to reduce your carbon footprint significantly. The bags come packaged in a roll inside of a cardboard box, so make sure to open the box along the perforation to ensure smooth handling of the bags.
One review said: "I like that they’re eco friendly as I’m trying to reduce harmful waste. They’re sturdy and do the job, although I wish there were more in the pack."
Best natural rubber teether
![Sophie La Girafe Teether](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/sophie-the-teether.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Sophie is one of the most popular baby toys on the market and the good news is that it’s also one of the most environmentally friendly baby eco products. Made from 100 per cent natural rubber sourced from carefully managed farms in Malaysia, Sophie is fully biodegradable and a green alternative to plastic teethers.
One review said: "I bought one of these when my daughter was little and now I’ve got one for my little boy. He loves it too! I think it’s really helped him with his recent teething. Perfect"
Best one-size-fits-all reusable nappy
![Kit u0026amp; Kin Reusable Cloth Nappy](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/legacy/root/kit-and-kin-nappy.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
kitandkin.com
This reusable, award-winning cloth nappy has been made from sustainable and plant-based materials, and will keep your baby's bottom dry and comfy for up to 12-hours. Made using ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a world first for this product category, it promises to be one of the most sustainable and innovative options on the market, helping to clean up oceans and landfills around the world. The three designs available are also super cute.
One review said: "I’ve been using these since my baby was newborn as I wanted some earth friendly nappies to go along with cloth nappies! They are amazing and after a year I’ve still never had any issues, and love the designs every time we go up a size! I always recommend to everyone!"
Best eco-friendly highchair
![Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/legacy/root/stokke-tripp-trapp-chair.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.stokke.com
This highchair is the epitemy of sustainability - it's made from wood responsibly sourced, it's manufactured as close to the source site to reduce emissions, and it's intended to have longevity and grow with your baby from newborn all the way up to adult! This strong, durable, and long-lasting piece of furniture has been designed with adaptable parts to transform it from a seat for newborns, to tots, to adults weighing up to 136kgs.
You can choose to have it made in Beech or Oak with a load of colour variations, and we just love the Scandinavian minimalist design. It comes with the basics, so make sure to add the Newborn and/or Baby Set to your order for optimal use and flexibility.
Best eco-friendly nappies
These nappies have also been shortlisted in the 2019 and 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Kit + Kin - co-founded by Spice Girl Emma Bunton - aims to create products that are as gentle on the environment as they are on our babies. These eco nappies feature a top layer, outer lining, leg cuffs and packaging all made from 100 per cent sustainable materials, and the factory is carbon neutral. They're hypoallergenic, with a flash dry layer to keep babies' bottoms dry. We also love that every nappy gives back through the Kit + Kin Foundation, helping to protect acres of precious rainforest and support the communities living in these areas with educational scholarships and healthcare clinics.
Mum Amy said: "I would recommend this product as I love the design of each nappy, its cute little faces on the bottom. They are easy to use and are comfortable and soft for my baby. These nappies are better for the environment so are great for those who don’t like using disposable nappies but aren’t keen on reusable, like myself. They are very well priced for what they are and match others in the market."
Best wooden toy sorter
![Janod Pure Shape Sorter](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/legacy/root/janod-pure-shape-sorter.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.kidly.co.uk
If you're looking for eco-friendly toys, a great place to begin is with classic, traditional wooden toys. This sweet Shape Sorter puts a modern twist on a classic nursery toy. Your little one will enjoy trying to fit the six animal shapes into the holes on the wooden tipi, with beautifully painted illustrations in soft colours that they'll love. This toy is made of plywood and Chinese cherry, with water-based paint that you can easily wipe clean of any messes.
**Suitable for children 18 months+
**
One review said: "Enchanting quality product" and "Lovely toy for my granddaughter".
Best all-in-one reusable nappy
![Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Reusable Nappy](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/legacy/products/5182yRBjzkL._SL500_.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
These reusable nappies from Bambino Mio come in a variety of designs and are fully adjustable, meaning your baby can wear them all the way up until they're potty trained. The cute Bambino Mio Miosolo nappy fits well, sits comfortably and dries quickly after washing. The pull-out tab system makes removing the core from inside the nappy super simple. The nappy itself is not the most absorbent but Bambino Mio has tried to solve the problem with an added booster pad.
Mum tester Lisa said: "The slim design of the nappy means it's extremely comfortable and easy to use with no bulk under clothes. The shape of the nappy meant it was as easy to use as a disposable. There are no pins and no plastic pants that are normally associated with reusable nappies! We loved the pretty patterns and different colours. A fantastic upgrade to a traditional nappy!"
Read our full review of the Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Nappy here.
Best organic comforter
![Small-Organic-Soft-Elephant](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/01/Small-Organic-Soft-Elephant.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.etsy.com
These sweet little elephant soft toys are made from sustainably sourced cotton, and are suitable for little ones from birth. Ethically sourced, they're stuffed with recycled polyester and comes perfectly sized for little hands to grasp hold of. You can choose between the yellow and teal colourways, and we love the Scandi style that makes it cute and modern. This will make a great baby shower gift too for eco-conscious parents.
One review said: "Very sweet little elephant, perfect for my little neice and her jungle room" and "Cute little toy elephant which is an easy toy for a baby who can sit up to play with. It is colourful to attract a babies attention and feels really nice to hold."
Best water-based wipes
Made from 100 per cent renewable plant-based fibres, WaterWipes are now 100 per cent biodegradable, 100 per cent plastic-free, and compostable wipes. They are the world’s purest baby wipes made with only two ingredients: 99.9 per cent water and a drop of fruit extract. They were shortlisted for Baby Wipes at the Motheru0026Baby Awards 2020 and are naturally kind to baby's face, hands, and bottom.
Mum tester Amy said: "I love that these wipes are chemical and odour free. It was a nice step on from cotton wool in cooled boiled water for newborns and I didn’t have to worry about was in the wipes and being left on my new baby’s skin. They felt very clean and natural and good quality, some wipes are very thin or small and come apart but this felt strong and reliable. The packaging also feels high quality and sturdy."
Best bamboo cup
With the ability to hold up to 150ml of liquid, the Bamboo Bamboo cup is suitable for water, milk, juice and smoothies. It is also ergonomically designed to fit your toddler's hand, and the cup itself is good for the environment as it's biodegradable and made from bamboo fibres.
One review said: "Really love this cup so does my toddler. It makes it easy to drink water, juice and even smoothie. Highly recommend"
Best reusable milk storage pouch
If you're breastfeeding your baby and express to create a supply or going back to work, a reusable milk storage bag not only saves you hundreds on pouches, but they're a lot more environmentally friendly. These Haakaa Reusable Bags are easy to use, easy to clean, and can hold up to 260ml. They're also freezable.
One review said: "I bought these as I was beginning to feel really bad about the wastage when using the plastic single-use milk storage bags. I've been using them for 6 months now and they're fantastic."
Best biodegradable wash powder
Free from dyes, enzymes, optical brighteners, and perfumes, this 100 per cent gentle and natural washing powder is designed to be kinder to your baby's delicate skin as well as the environment. It's biodegradable, helping to preserve our planet, and made from plant and mineral-based ingredients. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used on everything from reusable nappies to bedding and more.
One review said: "I have been using this on my little ones reusable nappies and am very impressed, so far not a single stain on any of our nappies! The inserts of the nappy are soft and she has no sore bottom anymore! There is no scent at all so bare that in mind if you prefer a scented washing powder. I will be re ordering when I have run out!"
Best recycled material toy set
![Green Toys Recycled-Plastic Tea Set](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/motherandbaby/legacy/root/green-toys-recycled-plastic-tea-set.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
This 17-piece eco-friendly child's tea set will be perfect for your little one to invite all their friends and teddies to for a picnic. You can be safe in the knowledge that it's BPA free, Phthalates free, and meets FDA specs for food contact. Made from recycled milk bottles, the set includes a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, and four cups, saucers, and spoons.
Suitable for children aged 2+
One review said: "My toddler loves this tea set. It''s a great size and mix of colours and the tea pot and sugar pot lids fit on well. We have had it since 18m and it's still being enjoyed over a year later. Many tea parties have been enjoyed in that time! We also had it outside in the summer for water play. Unfortunately we have lost a spoon (got a feeling it was 'posted' in the bin when we first had it!), but this hasn't had an impact on the enjoyment."
Best sustainable wipes set
It’s quite frightening how many wipes we get through wiping bottoms, faces and hands, so do something good for the planet and invest in wipes that are biodegradable. Bambo Nature Wet Wipes are a must-have for everywhere you and your baby go. Their skin-friendly, moisturising cleaning wipes are made from soft, sustainable, materials and can be used on the entire body, from wiping baby poop to sticky hands. They are dermatologically tested and contain no perfume or colour, and are a great alternative to water and soap.
These wipes were shortlisted at the Mother and Baby Awards 2021.
Mum tester Clotilde said: "My son has very sensitive skin so we tend to only use water with reusable wipes but when out and bout I find this is difficult and prefer to use wet wipes. However there are very few options that are suitable for sensitive skin but also eco friendly. It is great to have found biodegradable wipes that are both environmentally friendly and suitable for sensitive skin as my son did not react to them."
Read our full review of the Bambo Nature 100% Biodegradable Wipes here.
Best organic wipes
Shortlisted for the Baby Wipes category at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, these single-sided wipes are ideal for every moment of the day, especially to clean baby's bottom. The wipes consist of one layer of soft, 100 per cent organically-grown cotton yarn and they are strong enough to handle the most dirty of diapers without harming or irritating your little one. Wet them with a little warm water and your baby will enjoy changing time every time.
Mum tester Jennie said: "These are brilliant for us as my little boy suffers from eczema on his face. It means I can give his face a good clean with any irritating chemicals. The quality of the cotton is lovely. They are a good size and I feel like we are using less product so we also have less waste. I encourage my older child to use them as well as it’s a product I trust would not damage or irritate her skin. They are great for the whole family."
Read our full review of the Charlie Banana Organic Wipes here.
How eco-friendly are bamboo products?
Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource which makes it a great sustainable choice, whereas traditional plastics are made from non-renewable resources, which contribute to environmental waste.
This means that bamboo products such as plates are more eco-friendly.
Samantha Ball is a Senior Writer for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.