Baby waste
Cleaning
Using washcloths instead of disposable wipes is far more sustainable way to clean a baby's bottom. Use warm water on the washcloth and throw it in to your real nappy wash when you are done. There is no need for baby wipes, which cannot be recycled.
Using flannel cloths when cleaning up can save you money when it comes to cleaning up messes. These can be used for towelling off, wiping dribble and protecting yours and baby's clothes. You can just throw them in the laundry when you are done. This is a great alternative to using kitchen roll, meaning you won't have to buy kitchen roll anymore.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is naturally best for baby and it also avoids expensive formula feeds and bottles with all the unnecessary waste.
Food waste
Weaning your baby with homemade baby food is a great way to let your baby experience the food that you eat and avoid fussy eaters in the future. It will also save you money and help to avoid unnecessary or non-recyclable packaging. More information about reducing your families food waste can be found on the Love Food hate Waste website.
Clothing
Other than food waste and nappies, one of the most noticeable waste that children produce are a constant stream of outgrown clothing. Donating outgrown children's clothes to charity, having a clothes swap with friends or putting your children's clothes in the green recycling box can make sure that these valuable items can be passed on to those who can't afford new clothes. You can save money on baby clothes by using pre-loved ones, most are available at very reasonable prices.
Real/reusable nappies
A day’s worth of single-use nappy usage equates to throwing away seven plastic bags which results in 2,555 per year or 6,388 over two and a half years, per child.
Most households with babies and young children tend to produce more waste than average, with the most significant part of this waste being disposable nappies. Nappies are expected to take 450 years to decompose, which means that they will have a large impact on the environment. Each nappy change also generates significant amounts of wipes, cotton wool and nappy bags all of which end up in the black bin. Reusable nappies can offer a more sustainable alternative.
Modern washable nappies can be made from a variety of different fabrics including the traditional terry cotton, super-soft bamboo, and soft, quick-drying man-made fabrics such as microfibre. They also come in a great range of colours and are designed to make a far more comfortable and natural alternative to single-use disposable nappies. Absorbent fabrics mean that there's no longer a need for super-absorbent chemicals next to baby's skin.
Ditching the disposables can help reduce your financial burden as well as your impact on the planet. Families using reusable nappies can make a financial saving of up to £1,000 over 2.5 years.