Tips for a more sustainable pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, your mind can go into overdrive thinking of all the things you want to get done before baby arrives. Nursery, clothes, car seats, prams, carriers, nappies… The list goes on. When it’s your first baby, it feels so overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to start. If you want to start from a place of sustainability, here are some tips to help you.
1. Shopping second hand.
Vinted and charity shops are great places to find preloved children’s clothes, toys and accessories. Not only is this more sustainable, it will also save you a small fortune! I also find it quite a fun outing hunting down bargains. Maybe you do too!
Vinted is a great way to shop more sustainably (and more cheaply!)
2. Consider reusable products
Nappies, wipes and breast pads are consumables that you will need in abundance, especially in the early postpartum days, but did you know reusable products are available? It’s worth doing some research to see whether they would work for you and your family as they can be cost saving as well as more sustainable. My personal favourites are Cheeky Wipes and Little Lamb reusable breast pads. There are lots of Facebook groups available to give you support and you can even buy these second hand for even more sustainability.
3. Facebook Marketplace
When you’re shopping for larger items (cots/prams/furniture), it’s worth checking out Facebook marketplace and your local buy/sell/swap groups as there are often preloved items listed locally. Again, not only is this more sustainable, it will also save you money. An added bonus I’ve found over the years is that things also come preassembled! There are certain products, notably car seats and mattresses, that should always be bought new. Always check safety information with a quick google.
4. Hand-me-downs
If you’ve any friends or family that have recently had children, you might be lucky enough to be offered their hand-me-downs. This is more sustainable, more cost-effective but also the most amazing gesture from them. Seeing their baby’s clothes having another lease of life on your baby will fill them with joy and bond you more than you can know.
Some beautiful hand-me-downs I was lucky enough to be gifted
5. Maternity clothes rental
Maternity clothes can be expensive and have a limited lifespan (although shopping second hand for these can help with that). Look into rental services. This is a great way of keeping your wardrobe fresh, saving money and being more sustainable.
Hope that’s helpful and gives you a little food for thought.
Yours, Rhi
