Baby Basics refer to the stuff you really need. Like, um, almost nothing! So many Baby “necessities� are useless and destined for landfill while in production!

I see the four main problems with useless crap being:

1. They squander natural resources (energy, raw materials – many that are toxic in use and for the duration of their life, and everyone’s time, and products needed convince us that they are in fact critical to our lives)

2. Chances are they are chem-laden – refer to www.slowdeathbyrubberduck.com

3. They clog up landfills – watch  www.garbagerevolution.com for Andrew Nisker’s documentary that will never have to take your garbage to the curb the same way again!

4. They throw us into an out-of-control cycle of never ending consumption

Below you will find a few of my picks to buy for your baby or that you can purchase as gifts – but, it’s important to have one, good, reliable source for all things safe and healthy to do with your pregnancy and beyond. I strongly recommend you get your hands on Alexandra Zissu’s The Complete Organic Pregnancy. This book preps you for the “before, during and after� of pregnancy and guides parents-to-be through everything from the safest laundry detergent to safe household cleaners, to organic baby food recipes. I promise you won’t let this book stray far from your nightstand.

Once upon a time, things were made to serve a purpose. Consider the simple stroller or the highchair against the Wipes Warmer or Disposable Bottles. No doubt necessity was once the mother of invention. And - don’t just blame the people who make this stuff. Blame the people who buy I (that’s us parents!). Every dollar you spend is a vote for something…simple supply and demand. So, demand the right “stuffâ€� and not too much of it!

Pamper, don’t pollute
I know many people have their doubts when it comes to cloth diapers, but pins, rubber pants and messy wet pails are all things of the past. There are many choices today when it comes to cloth diapers, covers and accessories, and Bynature.ca carries over 20 different brands that really bridges the gap between cloth and disposables. Don’t knock it till you try it (and they are incredible at education and supporting you too!)

 

If you aren’t swayed and you’re sticking with your disposables, Ecobotts carries many lines of disposable diapers that are 100% chlorine free, have a biodegradable outer layer  to prevent leaks (instead of oil based plastic), and use breathable materials to protect your baby’s bottom from rashes. Now there’s something you can feel good and snuggly about.

Sleep soundly (I know it’s our dream!)
Chances are, before your baby is born, you are going to shop around for the “best� mattress out there. But, what you probably won’t know is that most conventional mattresses are doused in flame retardants – a toxin that has been banned from some countries because of its harmful effects and studies show it can cause childhood disorders.  Buy a mattress that is made from safe, organic ingredients without compromising on quality, and know your baby is really sleeping safely. 

Soft as a baby’s bum!
With the growing market of eco-friendly skincare lines, it’s hard to keep up and know what’s safe. We love miniOrganics, a drool worthy product line new from Australia that’s about to hit the shelves, that has everything a mom-to-be, a new mom, and a newborn baby would need (and with a 10, 8, and 3 year old, I’m still using it!). It’s both natural and organic and 100% safe! No hard choices to make here!

Share your love, not your germs
Being a new mom, you’ll probably be more worried about killing germs and keeping them away, and yet, it seems we should be a little more concerned about the horrid stuff being used on our hands. Most hand sanitizers are loaded with triclosan (it will kill germs but can also make your children sick). Clean George Hand Purifier is a moisturizer that actually cleans your hands. No alcohol. No synthetic antibacterials. No harsh chemicals. It’s 100% safe and we are 100% thrilled.

Carry it all but leave the lead and gunk behind

Think about where your baby bag has been. On the floor, in the washroom, on public sinks (the list goes on). What’s really cringe-worthy is that researchers have constantly found that purses are like a subway for germs, and carry more bacteria than many toilets do! Don’t bring it inside your home – think of why you take your shoes off at the door – same concept! The RuMe ALL is not only great looking, but it’s washable and foldable and you can afford to have two on hand!

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2011

Tags: Alexandra Zissu, Andrew Nisker, baby basics, baby needs, baby picks, Borden Communications, bynature, chemicals, Clean George, consumption, ecobotts, Garbage Revolution, gift ideas, Green Living, landfills, Lisa Borden, miniorganics, naturepedic, organic, pregnancy, reliable sources, Slow Death by Rubber Duck, The Complete Organic Pregnancy