Diaper Bag Makeover

Our Mission: We ignite the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. Donate »

Blog

Janelle Sorensen

Thursday, February 25, 2010

When you’re the parent to a baby, your diaper bag is your lifeline. Without it, chaos ensues. Try this diaper bag eco-makeover to save your sanity, help your baby stay happy and healthy, and protect the Earth.

First off, start with a good bag. If you buy new, look for Earth-friendly textiles like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled plastic. Check out Pristine Planet or Fleurville for some preferable options. If you’re looking to re-use (the Earth-friendliest and most affordable option), avoid PVC which can leach phthalates and lead.

What should you fill it with?

Diaper Bag Must-Haves:

Diapers - Look For: Chlorine-free, flushable or cloth
Baby Wipes - Look For: Chlorine-free, unscented, refillable tubs, homemade
Baby Lotion - Look For: Botanical-based, certified organic, even EVOO works
Diaper Cream - Look For: Botanical-based, certified organic, zinc oxide for rashes
Bottle - Look For: BPA-free plastic or glass
Teething Biscuits - Look For: Whole grains, organic
Snacks - Look For: Reusable containers; organic, whole foods
Baby Food - Look For: Jarred, frozen, or homemade; organic whole foods
Toys & Teethers - Look For: Natural materials like solid woods or organic textiles
Pacifier - Look For: BPA-free, Natural rubber or clear silicone
Burp Rag - Look For: Organic cotton, reusable plastic bag or container for sanitary storage
Bib - Look For: Organic textiles
Blanket - Look For: Organic cotton or wool
Sunblock - Look For: Non-petroleum based, SPF 30 (or higher)

For Mom or Dad:

Water - Look For: Reusable, stainless steel bottle like Klean Kanteen
Hand Sanitizer - Look For: Botanical based options like Tea Tree Oil or Cleanwell

Quick Tips:

• Avoid care products with parabens, phthalates, DMDM hydantoin, fragrance, triclosan, sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde, PEGs, anything with “glycol” or “methyl.”

• Opt for products that are reusable or recyclable.

• Reuse products. For bibs, blankets, burp rags, and more – second hand is sometimes preferable to new (and definitely more affordable). Textiles have often undergone enough washings to eliminate any potential chemical residues and it’s easier on the Earth to not have to create new products. Look for natural materials like 100% cotton or wool fleece.

• Choose natural materials.

• Look for products with the least packaging.

This is a dream list just to get you thinking about things, so don’t feel bad if you can’t do everything. You should only be losing sleep because your baby keeps you up, not because you bought the wrong lotion.

Posted by Mommy C on 11/15/2010 at 07:00 PM

I have a Diaper Dude that is made from recycled plastic bottles. :)

Posted by Philip on 11/15/2010 at 06:20 PM

Also, after your family outgrows the need for a diaper bag, they make great gig bags! I use the insulated bottle holders to hold microphones, the external bottle pockets to hold my water bottle and aspirin, and the dividers inside hold instrument cords and other accessories quite nicely. Plus it’s padded so I don’t damage anything. I tried various gig bags but the diaper bag beats them all.

Posted by Marys on 09/23/2010 at 06:51 PM

Our baby is due in March, and one of the things I’ve made sure my friends know is that I think second-hand things are perfectly good gifts! I’d rather have a huge stack of used cotton diapers than diapers made from cotton grown non-sustainably, and especially for things the baby grow out of in two months, or might hate wearing, it’s cheaper and more sustainable to use hand-me-downs. This includes for baby shower gifts.

Posted by organicKidz on 05/14/2010 at 05:51 PM

Hi Janelle! Great ideas - we’re all about cutting out the chemicals! Just to let you know, Stainless Steel Baby Bottles are another great bet, because they don’t break, don’t contain any toxins, are recyclable and are NATURALLY bacteria resistant. Thanks for everything you’re doing to keep our babes chemical free! Jane Walter, Founder, organicKidz

Posted by Janelle Sorensen on 03/09/2010 at 08:10 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, Andrea! Coconut oil sounds magical - and I bet it smells better than EVOO!

Posted by Andrea on 02/25/2010 at 11:35 PM

What a great list! I was relieved that there were no big surprises for me. Phew! My Sister-in-Law sewed me a gorgeous cotton diaper bag, and I’ve done my best to avoid chemicals and plastics.

I use coconut oil as a lotion, massage oil, diaper rash ointment. I love it. It doesn’t stain (or interfere with cloth diapers), works, is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and is 100% natural. I also really appreciate Bumkins bibs for my self-feeding baby. : ) They don’t contain all the bad stuff. I got two and rinse them in the sink and hang them to dry between meals.

Anyway, just my two cents. Thanks for your great list and ideas.

More comments: