As parents, we're always looking for ways to do right by our little ones and the planet. That's where reusable baby products come in! They're not only good for your baby but also the environment.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of reusable baby products, from food pouches to bottles, and explore how they can make your life easier while reducing waste. We'll also share some practical tips on how to incorporate these products into your daily routine effortlessly. Join us as we take a step towards more eco-friendly and convenient baby care!
Embracing Reusable Baby Food Pouches for Eco-Friendly Feeding
Embracing reusable baby food pouches is a smart move for eco-conscious parents looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Reusable pouches offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic pouches, which often end up in landfills and oceans. By opting for reusable pouches, you can significantly cut down on waste and contribute to a healthier planet for our little ones.
Aside from the environmental benefits, reusable baby food pouches are also practical. They’re easy to fill, clean, and transport, making them ideal for busy parents on the go.
Plus, they encourage healthy eating habits by allowing parents to prepare nutritious homemade baby food and store it conveniently. As one recent study showed, the nutrient and sugar content in pureed food pouches isn’t always as advertised. Researchers found that 59 percent of pouches that claimed to not have added sugar had the addition of free sugar, and only 2 of the 276 pouches had adequate levels of nutrients.
More recently, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory with a warning that certain brands of apple cinnamon puree contained high levels of lead and had contributed to at least 22 cases of lead poisoning.
With reusable pouches, parents have full control over the ingredients, ensuring their baby gets the best possible nutrition.
Best Reusable Baby Food Pouches: What to Look For
When shopping for reusable baby food pouches, the biggest factor to consider is what you want out of it. Are you looking for something multi-purpose, that can be used as your child grows and through various stages of eating, or something specifically for pureed baby food? If you know you’ll be going the baby-led-weaning route, maybe opt for some reusable food storage bags.
You’ll also want to consider the materials you want to use. Some reusable pouches are made of plastic, others from silicone. Or if you’re using glass bottles and want to stick with glass as your baby ages, get ones that come with a regular lid and they can double as food storage (either for puree or whole foods).
If your little one likes applesauce and you’re tired of buying the pouches all the time, there are reusable pouches that have a larger flow option for thicker soft foods like applesauce.
There are tons of options out there and you can get as specific as you want in your searches, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Zero Waste Baby Products: Beyond Food Pouches
Buying baby products second-hand is a great way to meet your zero-waste goal. Kids grow out of clothes quickly and you should easily be able to find parents trying to offload too-small clothes, and usually at a good price too. Check local Facebook groups, sites like OfferUp, or thrift stores. Put the word out to friends or parents with older kids that you meet that you’re interested in any clothes their kids have grown out of. Toys are another good thing to get second-hand. Babies outgrow toys and books too, and with a constant influx of these items, most parents are happy to pass along what they no longer need to keep the clutter down.
Reusable baby diapers and wipes are another great way to cut down on waste. Reusable diapers and wipes have come a long way in recent years, and are a lot more convenient than most people think.
While the upfront cost of reusable diapers is more than a few boxes of disposable diapers, they’ll end up saving you big time in the long run. Babies go through about 2,500-3,000 diapers in their first year, costing parents around $500- $900. The cost of reusable diapers will vary, but you can find a pack of 7 for about $50.
These are other items you can look for second-hand. There are plenty of accessories available that make using these products easier for busy parents. You can find pre-made wipe solutions and wipe warmers for cloth wipes. There are spray attachments for the toilet to use when kids get older and you’ll need to spray off the diapers before tossing them in the washing machine.
Cloth diapers have come a long way and the options are cute and plenty, with enough accessories available to make this an easy option for your zero-waste journey.
If you have a favorite shirt but after years of use there’s a stain or a hole that you can’t work around, you can make a cute outfit for your little one! If you can sew, there are lots of great tutorials for turning used clothes into cute baby clothes. If you can’t sew but want to learn how this might be the perfect project to motivate you.
Don’t forget about things you already have in your home for entertaining purposes. Babies and kids love to play with real things. If your little one is in the kitchen with you while you’re cooking, keep a low drawer full of things that are safe for them to play with- wooden spoons, spatulas, measuring cups, and maybe an old plastic food container cleaned out for them to bang on.
Glass vs Plastic Baby Bottles: Making the Right Choice
When it comes to choosing between glass and plastic baby bottles, there are a few key factors to consider. Glass bottles are durable, chemical-free, and eco-friendly, making them a safe choice for your baby and the environment. They’re also easier to clean and maintain, as they’re less likely to retain odors or discoloration over time.
On the other hand, plastic bottles are lightweight and less likely to break, making them a convenient option for on-the-go feeding. However, they may contain harmful chemicals like BPA, which can leach into the milk or formula, especially when exposed to heat.
For parents looking for a safe and sustainable option, Mila’s Keeper glass baby bottles are a great choice. These bottles are made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is both durable and thermal shock resistant, making it safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. Plus, Mila’s Keeper products are designed with multi-use in mind. The glass bottles can be repurposed for baby food storage and the breast milk coolers can double as a water bottle. These features make them a great choice for your sustainable feeding solutions.
Reusable Baby Bottle Labels: Organizing Your Baby’s Feeding Gear
Keeping track of when you make food or what food you’re putting in a bottle is pretty important. There are different kinds of labels you can use, and which ones you choose will depend on which kind of bottle or bag you’re using. You can find silicone sleeves that fit around a bottle, or even around a pouch. There are removable, waterproof labels that work well on silicone pouches or jars. Some parents get creative and create their labels for jars, tied with a string around the lid.
Integrating Reusable Baby Food Pouches & Feeding Products into Your Routine
Integrating reusable baby food pouches and feeding products into your daily routine can be easier than you think!
To make the most of your reusable products, get creative with how you use them. For example, you can use the pouches for storing homemade purees, yogurts, or smoothies, not just for feeding on the go. The pouches can also double as snack containers for older babies and toddlers.
When it comes to cleaning, many reusable feeding products are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a cinch. If you prefer to hand wash, a good tip is to rinse them out immediately after use to prevent food from sticking.
Conclusion
Making the switch to reusable baby products is a small change that can have a big impact. By choosing products like reusable baby food pouches and glass bottles, you're not only reducing waste but also providing your baby with safe and sustainable options. With a little creativity and some practical tips, integrating these products into your routine can be easy and rewarding. So, why not join the movement towards eco-friendly parenting? Your baby, and the planet, will thank you for it!
Keep Reading related blog: Breast Milk Storage Bags & Other Options
A female-designed and female-run company, Mila's Keeper is on a mission to empower women to thrive during their breastfeeding journey by offering reusable, eco-friendly breast milk storage solutions for their day-to-day needs. Get the latest tips and info on Mila's Keeper products by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
