25 Tips for a Green Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an ideal time to adopt a green lifestyle. Having a baby creates a natural change. By necessity, you’re getting rid of things to make room for baby, and bringing new items into your home. Prepare your home in advance to ease the transition.

1. Eat organic food. Your diet has great impact on your baby.
2. Have a green baby shower. Register for eco-friendly products, organic baby clothes, cloth diapers and nontoxic toys.
3. Paint the nursery with no-VOC paint.
4. Shop for second-hand baby clothes. Search out your local consignment stores and recycled children’s clothing stores.
5. Borrow big items, such as a car seat and high chair.
6. Shop locally for used gear such as a crib and baby furniture.
7. Switch to biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products.
   Also, experiment with homemade cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.
8. Invest in a water bottle. It is important to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy and during the postpartum period.
9. Research eco-friendly personal care products.
10. Consider purchasing an organic crib mattress.
11. Invest in organic cotton bedding. Choose natural fibers and organic materials to protect your infant from pesticides and other chemicals.
12. Install a water softener. Soft water is good for your skin and the environment.
13. Install a water purifier.
14. Switch to eco-friendly laundry detergent. Preparing for baby means sorting, washing, and organizing tiny and adorable clothing. Wash all baby clothes in a gentle eco-friendly detergent to protect your baby’s skin. Also, do not use dryer sheets, as these can be irritating on soft skin.
15. Build your “mommy” wardrobe. Use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and hemp.
16. Make a run to the recycling center. Dispose of old chemicals and electronics before baby arrives.
17. Invest in a sturdy stroller. Walking is an excellent way to burn off the baby weight, alleviate postpartum depression, and sooth a fussy baby.
18. Find a baby carrier that suits you.
19. Have a garage sale. Switch out plastic storage containers, plastic cutting boards, and plastic dinnerware and replace them with glass, wood, bamboo or ceramic.
20. Take a trip to the library. There are lots of great books on greening your lifestyle.
21. Start a garden. Squatting down in the garden is an excellent way to build muscles needed for birthing.
22. Visit your local farmer’s market. Start getting to know your local vendors now, and when you come by toting your new bundle of joy they will likely throw in an extra vegetable or two!
23. Shop for indoor plants. Plants recycle oxygen and break down pollutants.
24. Purchase a scanner. Cut through a pile of paperwork by scanning your documents.
25. Install energy efficient light bulbs, dimmers, timers, and light-sensors.
    Greening your pregnancy is a great way to feel good about the choices you are making in preparation for your baby’s arrival. By implementing these tips during your pregnancy, you will have more time and energy to enjoy your baby in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Joy Harkins is a new mom living in California. She blogs about simple clutter-free, debt-free, organized, green living at www.JustPlainJoy.blogspot.com.