An Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry- Part Three- Eating and Sleeping

This is the third installment of my baby registry for parents trying to minimize their tiny babies early footprint- a new baby comes with oodles of new stuff, but if you can find use for what you already own, buy things used, and buy (or register for) green or Made in the USA products (which have to travel much shorter distances), you can approach all this stuff in a totally new way! Check here for the other parts or here for the quick and easy list of links.

bottles and feeding

Much like diapering, how you approach these purchases depends on how you plan on tackling the job.

There is lots of talk of "Breast is best" but I think feeding your baby is best. Do what you need to do, but don't bother with a breast pump if you have no real intention to breastfeed, and don't spend a lot on bottles if you are starting on the breast (wait and test bottles for the baby you have). Likewise, if you decide to do Baby-led weaning, you probably don't need much to store baby food in, but you might want more of the safe feeders. Your choices will work just fine, but shop for what you want to do, and not for what other people tell you to do.

Baby Food Storage
Baby Safe Feeders
Bibs
Bottles
Breast Pump
Breastfeeding Pillow
Burp Rags
Dishwasher Basket
Drying Rack
High Chair
Nursing Pad
Nursing Cover
Pacifiers
Silverware
Baby Food Maker
Wubba Nubs

Baby Mush Storage (new)- POPFEX makes freezer trays that help you portion out and save your baby food after you make it (which is seriously so cheap and easy to do). You can pop this in the freezer, then pop out your little food nubbins. I also think this could continue to be helpful for other purposes after the short-lived baby food phase.

Even if you make your own food (which is easier, cheaper, and less granola than it seems), you will probably end up buying a couple baby foods here and there- as long as you don't get the pouches (one use, non-recyclable, and honestly, not much more convenient), you will have a collection of bottles to fill too. This tray can be purely for what you want to freeze.

Baby Safe Feeders (new)- You can put food in these little nubbies to help the baby in his or her start with food. You can put any kind of food inside and just let them have at it (still messy, but no worries about choking). These have also been our favorite teether- fill it up with ice or frozen fruit and it soothes gums.

from Kinder Sprouts

Bibs (used/ new)- You will get so many of these! Oodles even! I might set a preference, but you really need like 5-7 tops, depending on how many times you do laundry. Used ones mostly would be just fine, but I can't remember seeing many when I have shopped used. These ones are organic and Made in the US, but honestly, I wouldn't invest much in these- by them used or graciously accept the cutesy nonsense you are given in this case.  Petit Chalet and Fabulous Saturday does cute sets if you want to kick some baby shower gifting ass. Bandana bibs are also in (like these from Kishu Baby), and you can buy great ones at Etsy stores like TrendyBabyMoccShop, The Pleated Petal, Organic Mama Design, The Ivy Lantern, Jenny Penny Designs, and Kinder Sprouts.

Lifefactory on Amazon

Bottles (new and used)- The good news is there are tons of Made in America options among the made in China plastic, but some front runners shine through. I highly recommend doing glass over plastic- every time a new study comes out, the plastic bottles look worse for our babies (yes, even the BPA-free ones). Plus, if you plan on more than one child, glass bottles will still be in perfect shape when Spawn #2 arrives.

We have two sets of glass bottles, and we love them both. Lifefactory makes these bottles with silicon sleeves (they also have a 4 oz version and both can be easily transformed into sippy cups with these caps)- they are beautiful and made completely ethically. They are also lighter than you might expect and we loved them for the bottle to sippy transition. These are splurges for sure, but I think they are worth it. The other glass bottles we have are made by evenflo, and they are more affordable (and great for travel). Both are great.

We fell in love with glass, so when we found some 4 oz glass bottles in the consignment store, we grabbed them up. If you see them, GET THEM! Crazy good investment.

Dr Brown's has glass bottles, which would have a longer life and don't add to the endless pile of plastic (they have those too- also made in the US). You can also just switch out the nipples as the baby gets larger.

I might get one set and then buy the rest used, because you never know what the baby will like (our bub did love the cheap-o ones that were used as shower decorations and fancy glass, but never cared for the other nipples like Tommee Tippee). Medela bottles attach to the pumps, and seem to be made in a mix of places. We used them most while breastfeeding/pumping, and they still work now, though we prefer other bottles. I would avoid bottles with wider or non-standard sized nipples (Avent are made in the UK, but their nipples are a whole different set). They are apparently more breast-like, which might resonate with some little ones (wait and try a friend's or buy used if need be- some nursing coaches even have them). Try to stick with all bottles that work on one team.

Breast Pump (new)- You can try getting this used, but like a car seat, people won't support it (for some good reasons- you have to get that thing CLEAN before you use it). Most (but not all) Medela pumps are made in the US, and you can either get an electric version or a manual one. I ended up only using the manual version, which hurt less and felt like less fuss in general. You still feel like a cow, but you get to feel like the farmer too.

from Necessary Cuteness

Breastfeeding Pillows (used)- The Boppy or My Breast Friend can be absolute angel pillows. I know lots of breastfeeding moms swear by them. They did not help me, and the last thing I ended up wanting was yet another step introduced into late night feedings. That being said, if you want one, these are pretty consistent presences at consignment stores and just the kind of things other moms are willing to lend out.  My Breast Friend is made in China, and the Boppy claims to be US-made but is at least partially imported from China. So not great.

 Luckily, there is always a pile of them in consignment stores waiting to be used. One comes up on /Buy Nothing at least once a month. You can even get a janky-looking one and throw a new cover on it, so it will look just as fresh. Etsy has tons of the for Boppy- Sprinkled with Kisses, Lublini Custom Bedding, Arbor Hill Supply, Mod Fox, Lullabies and Lollipops, Max and Grace, Petal and Branch. and Necessary Cuteness. It will look amazing, and no one will know the difference.

Burp Rags (new)- We bought the same flat fold Gerber diapers as everyone else (boo, skip Gerber stuff), but I think they aren't that necessary. Even less necessary? The cutesy patterned ones- this is for vomit, people (Kemaily does cute sets, but honestly, you probably don't need to spend your money here). Washclothes would work the same way, or you can cut up unwanted baby blankets to make burp rags when the time comes. If you do want to register for some, Nu-Angel sells a 12 piece set for a similar price as the Gerber's (why doesn't everyone do this?).

Thirsties prefolds would be our other pick, made of organic hemp in the US. Satsuma has this set made of Bamboo. Bamboosa washcloths are super soft too, and would be fine for this, and Babykicks would be great (maybe a little small?) too. Looking for something with a little more texture? Cherub's Blanket claims to have the best burp cloth ever.

Dishwasher Basket (new)- These baskets keep all your nipples and rings together in the dishwasher, and it is a key part of our baby bottle game. Prince Lionheart baskets are made in the USA out of recycled plastic, so it doesn't get any better than that. If you can't find one used, just buy this brand.

Drying Rack (used)- You can start by just using your regular dish rack, but it may not be ideal. Boon makes these super cute grass racks- ours is skinny and rests on the windowsill, to keep all your bottling stuff clean and together. The downside is they all look to be made in Elsewhere. You can probably get one of these in consignment- they have a pile of the at our consignment store.

High Chair (used)- Gah, another big one that can be tough to find Made in the US, and from what I can see, no particularly green manufacture. On the bright side, for whatever reason, this one seems more easily found at consignment stores or open box on Amazon (people get too many high chairs as gifts, maybe?). We bought our high chair used- the Oxo Tot high chair, which is on wheels and can lift up and down. We love it, and there are at least five open box on Amazon right now (and you will save money!). You won't need it until 6 months, so it gives you extra time to track something down- consider if you want it to move or fold away, and how well your baby can grow into it- everything else doesn't matter much. If you are going for looks, there are tons of wood chairs on etsy and in consignment you could refinish as well.

If you can't find something good used, Baby Eco Trends sells USA-made wooden high chairs that may be your winner. Stokke Tripp Trapp's high chair is made in Finland, but its baby set and tray are both made in the US of recyclable material. Keekaroo chairs are made in China, but their seats, trays, and cushions are made in New York. Neither are great, so really, check those baby consignment stores!

from Love your Reusables

Nursing Pads- Disposable nipper covers make no sense. You buy 100+ of them, and then throw them away because they have milk on them is so inconsistent. One time use bottles? One time use milk glasses? No! That's crazy. Even worse, those disposable ones are all Made in Elsewhere, so think of all the fossil fuels that go to waste.

I would mostly recommend cloth reusable- they are comfortable and easily washable. My picks would be these super fun Marley Monster's covers (why not? your nipples won't be having any other kind of fun) or these pretty bamboo ones from Love your Reusables. Nuangel on Amazon has simple options. You could also try Willow Sprouts and Baby Kicks (the shape might help early sore nipples).

Lilypadz makes a silicon version, which can probably keep you from using so many disposable ones. They work better if you are spilling a lot or you have to go a long time.

A Nursing Cover- You may be able to find these used (or make it yourself( too, but I recommend a nursing scarf, which you can wear on you over the covers where it looks like your boobs are a puppet theater. I found this (lovingly known as boob mountain) to be easier, less attention-getting, and more comfortable for me.

I love covers from Nursing Time because the cloth is super breathable, and you can find all kinds to fit your style. I switch between that one and this one from Covered Goods, which are made in Los Angeles and come in all sorts of very wearble designs! I am debating buying a third for our new baby, because I love these so much!

Other places to look? Hold me Close Nursing, Lula Baby Co (check this one out!), Milkmaid Goods, and Evalee Boutique.

Pacifiers (new)- Not so fast! Buy a few, but not a lot. 3-4 tops. It's another one of those things where the baby's taste for it just can't be predicted. Some Nuk silcon pacifiers were made here, and they have glowing reviews.The Philips Avent Soothies are made in the US, and they were the only ones we had any luck with (we eventually gave up- a lot more babies never take one than you figure).  These pacifiers are made in Europe, but they offer a slightly different design than the American version, and you avoid buying more plastic.

You can also go for a pacifier clip. I know people swear by them, but I wouldn't get more than one (go simple if you care about matching) until you know more about your baby. Etsy has plenty of options- Henley's Headbands, The Chipped Cup, The Stitched Co, Fawn and Finn, and Clover and Birch.

Replay from Amazon

Silverware for an Early Eater (new)- This is a good opportnuity to register ahead. For a little further down the line, this  Green Eats silverware rocks. Not only is it made in the USA, it is also completely made out of used milk bottles. We have them and the spoon is definitely broader than the other options, but I have never heard the baby complain. We have Replay forks, sippy cups, and plates as well, and we love them. These two companies are some of my favorite baby things on the planet.  They also make plates (as does Love Mae Store, that makes their plates out of bamboo).

Special Babyfood Maker (just wait)- This seems like a scam- you can steam vegetables without it. Beaba has one, and it isn't worth it. The idea is that it steams and purees the food in one motion, but let me tell you, making baby food is already like a six minute process. Boil and blend. It didn't need these improvements, because I promise you, you can handle it. If you decide it is too much, you can often find them used in consignment stores. If you haven't decided about baby-led weaning, it may be left behind anyway.

Wubba Nubs (just wait)- Another one of those things that are a perfect comfort item for some babies and never see the light of day for others. You will probably get one without asking for it, based purely on its cuteness. If not, other parents might be happy to pass one along. That's plenty. If it resonates, by all means get more (my nephew still loves them at three), but they are made in China, so if you can avoid it, I think that's good.

furniture and nursery decor

Bassinet

Crib

Changing Table

A Few Pieces you Love

Glider or Rocking Chair

Growth Chart 

Toddler Chair

Mobile

Monitor

Pack n Play

Shelving

Swing/Bouncer

Wall Decor

Bassinet (used)- Much like the baby clothes, this is absolutely essential, but only for a short window, so it can be tough to find one at a reasonable price that isn't made in China. Our Fisher Price Rock n Play was a lifesaver for a minute, but don't buy from them. Just don't. Everything they make is from China, and their packaging isn't even recyclable. Just, boo all around.

This can be found at consignment stores, or if you ask to borrow one on Buy Nothing, people will lend you theirs for the 3-4 months you need it (I think lots of moms keep theirs because it reminds them of that time when everyone was sleeping, but they can part with it for a while). Ours was passed around for 4 babies to use between our two babies.

Crib (used, new) - If you have the chance for one used, and you can look into its history, go for it. If not, there are plenty of options made in the USA, You can look at sites that have a pretty wide variety of American-made styles like Kids n Cribs. Also, I recommend one that turns into a toddler bed, for simplicity's sake if nothing else. Baby Eco Trends is made in the US and maybe Amish (I am slightly suspicious that they don't list an exact location), but they have a wide variety of wooden cribs, cradles, and moses baskets. Land of Nod has a clean, minimal crib that I think would be perfect for a bright boy or girl nursery(in case you are planning siblings).

Baby Furniture Plus also has a pretty wide selection of Made in the USA baby furniture, including some great cribs (I really love the Willa crib and the Braxton would be great in the vintage grey color). Berg Furniture has two nursery collections as well. Whitney Brothers make a great version that would work as a co-sleeper as well.  Oeuf has a (sustainably made in Europe) Sparrow Crib so modern and fancy, I am not cool enough for it. Bayletto's cribs are also very clean line and modern, made in New Zealand from sustainable wood (it's a similar look without breaking the bank). A Pacific Rim crib is handmade in the US and can transition into toddlerhood- It's what I imagine Ron Swanson would make for cribs- not super fussy, but pretty and sturdy.

Changing Tables (just wait)- This is a perfect opportunity to use something you already have. I know some people love them, but you don't need one. We put our changing area on top of a repainted dresser. It won't change your life if you try to use a more flexible piece of furniture, and with another coat of paint, it could last you until the baby graduates highschool (where that changing table will be on its way out in no time). Berg Furniture has all kinds of kids' beds and dressers, and I think one could easily work as a changing table as well.

A Few Pieces (a rug, lamp, lampshade) You Really Love- I wouldn't go too crazy here, but there are tons of options that are made in America you can feel pretty good about, while also nailing whatever theme you set (and you should, if you want to- you can make any theme still work while shopping green). Carousel Designs has lots of cute, Made in the USA options. I'd say check consignment places first, but you can fill in the blanks easily enough.

These purchases are so individual, but you can still find things that you like and that are made ethically. For the nursery, we bought a couple of really special things- hot air balloons to hang from the ceiling, steampunk prints for the walls (along with a map from a flea market and our shower decorations), and gear stickers (that did not work in the end- so it goes). We also bought a bunch of pillow covers, since his nursery has a futon but not a lot of walls, This can be fun. Write your nursery theme into the search bar on Etsy and get inspired!

 Glider or Rocking Chair (used/new)- If you have one already, perfect! If not, you can start by checking basically any Goodwill. You could probably spice up an old rocker pretty easily- it's still cheaper to reupholster or paint depending on where you are at. If that isn't your deal and you want to splurge on a new glider, Land of Nod has a pretty big collection of gliders and ottomans all made in the US. My only other advice is to get an ottoman with storage, either way. You are having a baby. Your life of single purpose furniture is over, you need to hide the baby shit anywhere you can.

Baby Eco Trends also has more traditional wooden options to consider,

from Half Pint Ink Studio

Growth Charts- I love these things, especially if you are not sure the house your bub is starting in won't be his or her home for too long. Maple Landmark offers a bunch of sweet options for this, with all sorts of cutesy toppers. I absolutely love  these ruler growth charts from  Domestic Blueprint. Grace Words by Melanie, Half Pint Ink Studio, Your Custom Signs, or Sir Silas (which you finish yourself).

Little Chairs- I can't get over the cuteness of these ones from Land of Nod, which would be perfect for those monthly photos (don't put them up high or laying down for that- because around 7 months, things will get impossible). LL Bean still makes beautiful personalized rocking chairs as well in Maine. We got one as a gift from the Boy's parents and one at Goodwill to refinish. Makes a very sweet gift. Pottery Barn Kids also makes an "Anywhere Chair" that is made in the us with partially recycled materials.

Mobiles- The Boy made the Bub's, and it is truly awesome, and you can do it too if you so please. It was just felt, blanket stitching, and a whole lot of trial and error. Still, if you want to spend your time on other baby crafts (or something else, though who knows what that would be), Etsy stores like Drops of Color Shop make amazing mobiles that fit basically any theme you can think of. That store is a gem. Other great mobile stores on Etsy? The Starcraft, Enchanted Pedulosity, My Dear Ellie, Cinnamon Moose Crafts, and Sweet Dreams Baby Shop.

A Monitor (new)- Yeah, you probably need one (if you aren't co-sleeping or next door to the nursery), but I am not the girl to tell you which, as I am not tech savvy, and I just mostly don't care about these things. But, like most tech gadgets, these are almost all imported. If you can find a used one (with or without a camera- that depends on your temperament), you are golden. Bonus if you find one where you can adjust it to only play the noise if it is above a certain level.

 Pack n Play (used)- If you can get it used, this is a great place to do so, because I can't find one brand that makes theirs in the US or with recycled materials.They can be good to have, but unless they have a specific role in your plan, wait it out to get one used. Our consignment store usually has at least five out on the floor. They also last freaking forever, so there have to be lots floating around in the world. When we go back home, The Bub sleeps in one previously used by his Godmother, who is now 21 years old. Maybe you want something more modern, but know you could get it for much cheaper and register for other things instead. You can get the Pack n Play sheet Made in the US!

Shelving (used/new)- If you take something sturdy and fasten it to the wall (do it now, while you still have lots of time), most shelving with a coat of paint (and maybe some toy baskets on the bottom shelf) makes for perfectly great baby storage. Transform something you already own to save money, and you can get something to last for the adult spaces.

 That being said, we didn't own anything that would work, so we bought our shelves from Ameriwood (made in Canada). I love ours because the have toy chests at the bottom. Sauder sells bookshelf/toychest hybrids that were made here as well.  My favorite company for kids furniture may now be Little Colorado, which makes all kinds of the sturdy pieces you will need (including some cool shelving options- I love the cubbies) without getting too expensive or moving out of the United States. If you like the bookshelves where you can see the covers, check out Steffy Wood Products. 

Sun-Blocking Curtains- If you are a parent, the sun is your enemy. Not unlike a vampire. If you are buying curtains, only buy ones that can block the sun.

 Swing and/or Bouncer (used)- These are amazing lifesavers while they are amazing lifesavers. For about two minutes. Then? They are out. The swing helped us all get rest for the first 2 months, then he mostly grew out of it. The Bub moved into his bouncer, which was also amazing until month 5 or 6, when he was almost flipping it to get himself out (but he really is a bruiser). Once again, Fisher Price has great versions of both if you can find one used, but they have very Earth unfriendly practices, so I wouldn't put my money there. If you can't find one used, Swedish Baby Bjorn makes a clean-lined, recyclable material bouncer that you can buy various toys for (one of my friends has this exact set, and their baby loves it). Their carriers are made in China, but their bouncer is made in Sweden.

4moms Mommaroo bouncers can sometimes serve as both (but their swings are imported), so it makes up for them being expensive (I see some open box), but I would try your baby in one before taking such a big leap.

Wall Decor (new/used) - One of the things I love most about our nursery is how much we used the decorations from our shower as the art. Put frames around the diaper cake animals, and they look great, plus it has so much more meaning. If you can have a nursery theme before your showers, I highly encourage it, because everyone can join in, and that will make the room.

Oopsy Daisy has all kinds of wall stickies and the like that are made in the US. We did a little subtle gears sticker in the Bub's room, so it is do-able! Land of Nod has this cute garland and a wall map that looks awesome (though I love maps). Kate Durkin makes these beautiful alphabet cards with animals on them. I am also obsessed with these vinyl stickers that someone used on the ceiling instead of the walls- genius. Children Inspire has great retro-feeling maps made from all eco-friendly materials. You could also do a cool movie poster like this one from FADE Graphix. Like all decor, even the ethical options are basically endless, you just have to figure out your vision!

bedding

Bedding Sets

Crib Mattress

Crib Sheets

Mattress Pad

Sleep Bag

Swaddle Blankets

Bedding Sets (just wait)- So cute, so useless. You can't use most of the components (bumpers are a SIDS hazard, and the quilts aren't useful for at least the first year). A smartly chosen sheet may do the trick for nailing down your nursery theme, you will save money, and you will have plenty of blanket chances later.

Crib Mattress (used)- Good if you can find it used, since it will be washed and covered up anyway, but watch out for things with a lot of synthetic materials . Oeuf offers a Made in the USA version for all you Eurofancies. Naturpedic has an all-organic option as well. My Green Mattress is organic, toxin-free, and made in the US as well- is it pricey? Yes, but it is worth it.. Savvy Baby also makes a mattress in the US.

from Woolf with Me

Crib Sheets (new/ used)- You can probably get a lot of bedding and sheets used or for free around. People have a lot of crib sheets. That being said, if you skip out on your whole bedding sets (which makes a lot of sense) buying a sheet or two you really like might be a good way to splurge (or to give a big gift). I would say 4 or 5 sheets are nice to have, and only one or two need to actually be attractive.

Carousel Designs makes all kinds of sheets and changing covers that might fit your vision, all made in the USA (and now on Amazon and Etsy). If you want lots of great and affordable options, check out the SheetWorld section on Amazon as well.

If you want that perfect crib sheet for that perfect look for the whole perfect nursery, no judgement, friend. If you are skipping the whole bedding shebang, you have saved yourself a bunch of money and you can put some of it toward a spot on sheet from Etsy. They have a million of them, so here are a few of my favorite stores for bedding- Woolf with Me, Babiease, Goodnight Doll, Whimsical and Witty, Madly Wish, Lou Lou Made, Little Necessities, Three Wishes Bedding Co, and West and Arrow.

A Mattress Pad (new)- I haven't seen these really for sale in consignment stores, but you might look before you make a decision. Exceptional Sheets (owned by a veteran!) makes Crib/ toddler mattress pads out of bamboo in the US. So this one stands a little more expensive than your average purchase, but it might be worth it. Go ahead and register for it- you might be surprised!

Two to three Sleepbags (new/used)- We started with Halo Sleepsacks, and they do work great compared to just swaddling, but again, there are more eco-friendly options! First, you can find them used in consignment or TONS open box on Amazon. No reason to waste money buying these new, Taraluna has simple but very eco-friendly options. Swaddleme has great sleepbags (in like a million designs), but they don't have any additional swaddle to them for the arms. You can also find some sleepbags usedsince they mostly don't last that long.

Swaddle Blankets (new)- You will get so many of these without asking, and many of ours were homemade, so that is awesome. People LOVE Aden and Anais blankets. I do not blame them- we have a set, and they do in fact put all others to shame. They are also made in China. So buy them used. Keep an eye out for them in consignment stores (and really, don't worry about gendered design- one of ours turned peach in a laundry accident, and it still works just fine), because they will be bought up.

It's the muslin fabric that makes these blankets flexible, stretchy, and weirdly always a good temperature. These Snug Bug blankets have the same breathable, but large blankets, and they are made in the US. The prices are pretty comparable too. Swaddle Designs has some great versions of the soft, stretchy blanket as well if you want that to work out.

Etsy stores are also a good place to look for swaddle blankets- Lola and Stella has a collection of really great printed ones that come in 3 sizes. Stitched in Seattle also has really pretty patterns in organic fabrics (I may be a bit partial to this one- buy local!). Also try Rainy Day Woolies, Little Logan Designs, Tumbleweed Babies, and Rosie's Idea.

Swaddle Me Baby Wraps (just wait)- Some parents swear by these, and some never use them. We used ours maybe 2 weeks before The Bub outgrew them. They usually get such short use that they are easily found in consignment stores (and most of the namebrand options are made in China- not worth it!). My advice? Get one at a consignment store and see if it works for your baby before you invest a ton in them (also, be sure to get one with the hole in the back, because then you can use it in the carseat).

safety

Play Yards and Baby Gates

Window Covers

Latches

We started with all sorts of babyproofing materials and you know what ended up doing about 90% of the work? These latches. They keep doors and drawers closed but aren't a total puzzle to get out. We have a couple other things around, but this is really the best advice I can give you- keep it simple.

Play Yards and Baby Gates- North States manufactures all of its plastic gates in the US and their metal gates in China. They do baby gates and cute play yards like this one. If you have a difficult space to baby proof, this may be a better solution for you.

Window Covers- Ok, this all depends on your house, which I can't tell you about, but these window grids that keep your little ones from pushing out might be incredibly helpful as they get bigger and moving. Guardian Angel ones are all made in the US too.

Everything Else (used)- You need things to keep drawers closed, doors closed, etc. In consignment stores, there is usually one little basket of discarded options that people didn't use (generally still in their packaging). You can also ask for people's odds and ends on Buy Nothing. Start there. Also, you will be encouraged to put up baby gates the second you start baking that embryo- that's crazypants. I would start putting things up as the baby starts crawling, but even then, there is not the rush they suggest, so you have time to figure out what actually works for you.

So, this is the list as far as I can think of it, but there are plenty of options and stores available if you want to register or buy a cool gift for a tiny new person. We get this message over and over again to surround ourselves with excessive stuff, because then we are prepared, but if it feels like you won't need it, you very well may not. Don't listen to the chorus of people telling you that you need this or that (myself included), because they only know what works for them. If you want to poke around some more, Still Made in the USA has a page for baby stuff specifically, so this might be a great place to look if you haven't found what you like here. Land of Nod, which I love perhaps more than I should, has a huge collection of Made in the USA stuff, though you can't easily find the eco-friendly stuff.  Step 2 has a long list of Toys Made in the USA, and they even differentiate between totally made in the US and which had parts that needed to travel (I feel like I will return to that list a million times). 

Read more

An Earth-Friendly, Made In America Baby Registry- Part 2- Dressing, Diapering, and Bathing your Baby

picture taken by Jenny Bickel Photography

You are having a baby or celebrating someone who is! That's awesome! When you are looking down the barrel at so much cuteness. Serious cuteness. Teeny Tiny cuteness. It can be easy to only focus on the cuteness.

I get that, but there might be something more important to worry about.

So much of the baby goods we register for is having a profoundly negative effect on our world. It creates (literal) tons of waste, garbage that will add toxicity to the land and water. This may seem like no big deal at first, but if you love that tiny bub enough to be excited for their cuteness, are you really ok with their food being poisoned? Me either. And this is just the beginning.

The VAST majority of the clothes made for tiny people are made in China (I am looking at you, Carter's and Gerber), so they are wasting massive amounts of fossil fuels with shipping AND other human beings are working in deplorable conditions so you can buy that super cute onesie for a dollar less.

I could keep going, but let's get to the good news. So many companies are recognizing these problems, so better options exist for almost every item on your registry list. Even better news? If all new parents switched even a quarter of their registry items over (and cut the plastic- trust me, you will want to when you realize how bad plastics are for your kid), they can make the world a considerably greater place for their little ones!

We aren't powerless, and this is the perfect opportunity to make a difference. I know I wish I had done more, and you can learn from my mistakes. This is the second part of the Made in America and Eco-Friendly Baby Registry, filled with information on how to avoid what we did wrong. If you want to look at the list of just links, check here.

There are three key steps to transforming your approach to your registry:

1. Get Less- Oh, the things people will tell you that you need. It can be tempting to take all advice, because first time parenthood is means you have no idea what the hell you are doing. Trust me from the other side, you need less than you think. Take advice with a grain of salt and talk to some parents who are still new to the game. Also, reuse what you already have! Do you need washclothes if you already have soft ones?

2. Get Things Used- There are tools that will be absolutely essential in your life for about a month (like a swing) and then you will never need them again. All those Fisher Price Rock n Plays or Swings have such a short life with each baby, so they are still in great condition. Join a Buy Nothing Group and get in touch with the other moms (you can also hand your stuff off when you are done with it to keep your house from cluttering up). Check out kids consignment stores. If you aren't buying the majority of your kids' clothes in consignment, you are wasting your money and sending that much more to the landfills. Save money, save the Earth, get your baby stuff used (you can even state this preference on your baby shower invite).

3. Get it Made in the USA- Most mainstream stores (think Babies R Us) won't make this information readily available, because it will show their shortcomings and lack of ethics. But I have done all the research for you. Check out these companies while you do your research, and switch these items over to something that uses less fossil fuels, takes care of the economy your child will inherit from you, and is made with higher labor and environmental standards.

You can do this! Let's get started on Part 2.

what to dress your baby in

When all is said and done, you need 3 or 4 newborn sleepers in season appropriate fabrics and a bunch of onesies. After that, each size depends a lot on the frequency you do laundry and the season/ climate you are in. This link gives you a quiz that can give you an itemized list of what clothes you need based on when your baby is coming. We will split it up another way:

Key Pieces (2-3 for every size)

Basics (sleepers, onesies, pants, and socks)

Shoes

2-3 Pieces per Size you LOVE- My basic estimate is that about 80-90% of a baby's wardrobe in any size should be used. They go through it fast, so hand me downs and consignment finds are going to save the environment and your wallet. That being said, there is always something you have in mind you can't find in stores. One of my friends even requested people buy consignment on her shower invitation, which is pretty genius.

For those last few things, you can buy (or register for) American-made baby clothes to guarantee your child is wearing something ethically-made that isn't traveling crazy distances. You can find simple basics from companies like American Apparel or special pieces for holidays or to treasure forever on Etsy. Yes, people will mostly buy you other things, but you can at least try to direct them to things you will actually love (see: animal onesie that says "I love mommy" I know thats what you want).

There are a few American companies- American Apparel and City Threads (on Amazon too)- that sell baby basics that are adorable and no more expensive than Carter's or other mainstream baby companies that make their clothes far away with unethical labor. I just bought City Threads t shirts for the Bub and they look so good, and he has been wearing American Apparel onesies and hoodies for most of his life. Both are awesome and hold up well to baby use.

Bamboosa also sells some very simple pieces, so their prices are still (relatively) low. And they are going to feel amazing because of what they're made of. There are also some options on Amazon, like these Fluffy co. onesies or these ones from Catfish Designs- they might make a cool gift!

You can find 100% made in America baby clothes on Etsy, which would make for a great gift or splurge. I love so much on this site, so you should really browse on your own, but here are my favorites we have bought for our kids. Is it as cheap as buying Carter's? No, not always, but they make great gifts and paired with a consignment wardrobe, you will still come out on top.

My favorites, which are in that sweet spot between special and usable, are the organic cotton baby leggings from Lola and Stella. I also love the onesies and rompers from Jolie and June. I am looking at coming home outfits a lot lately, and I love these get ups from Little Beans Baby Shop. I also have found this is a great opportunity to support makers in the US who are actively trying to do the right thing by our kids and the environment- my favorites are Honest Elements and Urban Earth Co. I have bought clothing from both stores and found them to be especially wonderful.

Preemies often get left out of these things, but Preemie-yums sells clothes specifically for the under 6 pound set.

from Jenny GG- all clothes in this picture are used

Most Everything Else (used) Soon after having the baby, I realized it is a fools game to ever buy a onesie for more than 5 dollars at a consignment shop. Baby clothes are tough, because no one wants to spend 50 dollars on something that will be worn a few times, but we also don't want someone else's child to be making our child's clothes, right? It's a tricky line to tread.

When the bub was 8 months old, I would guess about 50-60% of his wardrobe has been gifts (maybe 2 things we specifically asked for?), 35% we have bought secondhand or received through Buy Nothing, and that last 5- 10% have been things we specifically needed and couldn't find used (or we just loved). Now at 20 months, I would guess the ratio is about 85% used clothes, 10% made in America, and one gift pair of shoes and shorts from my mom which are neither. And not to toot our own horn, but our kid always looks cute. We have learned a lot, and we love saving money by switching up this strategy.

We bought Christmas pajamas used, swim clothes used, and tons of pajamas and onesies used. People are gifted these things and use them a hand full of times. You can do this too!

From the Wee Little Piggies

Baby Shoes (wait) - This pains me to say, because I love them, but most of the baby shoes I have bought weren't used enough to justify the purchase. My best advice is to only buy things with velcro closures. We only used them in cool weather, so if it is hot, I recommend no shoes, as much as it hurts my heart. If you want a couple of pairs, I suggest looking in consignment stores (so many cute ones, and before they walk you don't have to worry about use at all).

 If you want something really special, Etsy has you covered- Clam Feet, Stitches and Soles, Cady and Jax, Charlee Oh Creations (from Alaska), Little KMD, Wild Explorers, Wren's Nest Baby Shoes and Bitsy Blossom (has toddler stuff too), Simply Danika, The Wee Little Piggies, Woolby, Lil Sweetie Pies, Winter Peach, Ogres by Jam, Marley Ocean, Mis Mar Design, Raspberriez, All Things for Baby, BB Love Booties, and Pitter Patter Baby Shoes,

diapering

The big question in diapering is whether you are using disposable or reusable cloth diapers. Before having the baby, I couldn't imagine doing cloth diapers, because that is literally too much shit to deal with. Now, we are working on switching over for when we are home, because you make a whole lot of waste in a baby's diapered-time with disposable diapers. Plus, and I don't want to scare you, but the poop is unavoidable, no matter how you package it.

That being said, no judgement. This isn't about us all moving to the woods barefoot and eating roots, it's about making a once radical lifestyle part of our everyday lives. The idea here isn't that you get everything perfectly right.

 I am not particularly granola myself, and I am not sure I even have great information for you on cloth diapers yet, because I am still collecting the info myself. So I will write a separate blog on that once I know better, and just direct you to the best of what I know so far. Even if we don't get it perfect, just trying to do better might make the world a little cleaner for these babies we love. No one is going to have a perfectly green registry, but if we all make some switches, the impact will add up.

Diaper Caddy

Bumper Care

Changing Mats and Covers

Diapers

Changing Pad Liners

Diaper Pail

Travel Changing Mat

Wet Bags

Wipes

Wipe Warmer

from Pom Pom Fringe

A Basket or Caddy to hold this stuff in (you may have it/ new)- it needs a place, or it will take over. That being said, lots of things will be hanging off types of deals, and I don't often see those still in use after long. Equally crazypants are caddies made specifically to hold diapers- what are you going to do with that when it is done? That being said, if you have something like that in mind, let me suggest Yoon 1206 Greene.

So what would I recommend? A Basket. Just normal baskets in any place you keep diapers. We have mostly cleaned out catch all storage baskets already in our house and used them for diapers. And when diapers are over, they will find another life as something else. Skip the cutesy nonsense and just get something that already makes sense in your house (and maybe already exists there).

Need a basket? I love these woven baskets from Colonial Mills, but they are definitely expensive enough that you want to pick one in colors that you can use forever. You can also find lots of simple fabric baskets on Etsy that would do the job perfectly. I think my favorite are these colored baskets- nothing too fancy, but hand woven in the States and you can get whatever colors make sense for you.  Jennifer Helene Home has a simple set that could cover any room in the house where you might need diapers. If you want something more sophisticated (see: expensive) try Sampson and James or (more reasonable) Pom Pom Fringe. Cost effective and multi-use, little square fabric baskets from the Basket Garden might make the most sense for keeping them clean and using them long term.

Bumper Care (new)- You can get through with minor incidents, but there will still be incidents. Bourdeaux's Butt Paste- I guess if you could get this used, maybe that is fine? But this version is organic and does the trick in a day or two.One of those things parents will bring up at parties and everyone agrees it is awesome (weirdly, this has happened). Also smells pretty good, which is a feat in itself. For more basic everyday use, try Burt's Baby Bee All Purpose Ointment.

from Woolf with Me

Changing Mats and Covers (used)- I have never not seen these at our consignment store and they can be tough to find made in the USA- Oeuf has the only one I have seen, and it does look awesome (environmentally friendly and Made in the US both), but expensive for something designed to hold explosive poop. In the last year, LA Baby have started making changing pads in the US as well for much more competitive prices, but their materials aren't nearly as eco-friendly, and some of them are imported. Colgate makes theirs stateside too now. I love seeing areas that are getting more US-made products!

 If you want everything looking good (which I get, I am like that too), you can still get the mat used and use the money you save to get a cool cover on Etsy. Just think, these mats are in use for a relatively short time, and they almost always have a cover on them, so much like a pillow or mattress, what they look like inside doesn't matter much. Buy a ten dollar used pad and then a really nice couple of covers (you only need 2) on Etsy and you will be set.

My favorite changing mat covers are from Carousel Designs. They are made in America, and in the last year they have moved onto Amazon (though I still suggest you check their website, this sure is nice for the registry. Luxe Basics and New Arrivals sell options on Amazon as well. And then there is Etsy, which has way more options than I can cover here, so search what you are looking for and turn that United States filter on. If you do want to browse, here are my favorites: Lou Lou Made, Love Lila Ann, Woolf with Me, Noni and V, Madly Wish, Three Wishes Bedding Co, Finley Baby, Fern Leslie Baby, Mod Fox, Karolina Designs, and Caden Lane Baby Bedding.

Changing Pad Liners (new)- Ok, this may sound like overkill, but we just bought  four of these liners and switched them out every time there was a blow out. It kept laundry moving and we are using the same (ONE, we only bought one) changing pad cover stain-free. These Healthy Baby Ideas ones would also make a perfectly fine travel pad if you didn't want so many things.

from Polish Prince Diapers

Diapers (new if disposable, new/used mix if reusable)- Again, how you approach this depends entirely on what route you want to take.

If you are using disposable, my advice is to sign up for Amazon Mom (it's a dumb name- my husband is on it for us) and order diapers only a step ahead, because they do grow faster than you expect. Have a couple brands in Newborn and see what fits your baby and you, then have one box a size ahead in case they grow overnight.

Diaper brands are trying to be more recyclable/ biodegradable, but honestly they aren't there yet. That's why the reusable route is the only real green option for diapers. I recommend trying Seventh Generation, Earth's Best, and The Honest Company.

If you are going reusable, you have a couple options, but I suggest starting used. All of them are for sale at our consignment store and many of them have come up on Buy Nothing. Moral of the story- keep an eye out! Even if you are in a less eco-friendly culture, you might be surprised. Get on those mommy forums and ask around.

If you want reusable light, I recommend G Diapers which are less bulky under clothes and can use either disposable or reusable inserts. It's a larger investment upfront, but you will save so much money in the end.

For truly reusable, you have so many totally amazing, American-made options. They are expensive at first, but most fit from 8 to 35 lbs, so basically for two years. Think of all the boxes of diapers you won't be buying. Also, if the price is slowing you down, look into finding them used. You can find tons online and at kids' consignment stores. On Amazon, you can get Smart Bottoms (these look great, but pricey- so maybe a gift?) Jack and Jill diapers (with super sustainable bamboo and charcoal), Tiny Tush, Best Bottom, and Angelic Ware diapers. That being said, Etsy is the home of cloth diaperers everywhere, so you can find nearly infinite options there. Here is a tiny bite of your choices- LL Precious Creations, Melissa Makes, Polish Prince Diapers, Counting the Blessings, Elly Diapers (she has swim diapers too), EG Cloth, Little Boppers, Cat and Wolf Designs, Ba Ba Bottoms, Owl Be Green, and Greatest Joy Designs.  I am also really curious about Didy's, which seems like almost a start up to me, so if you get any of her stuff, please tell me about it!

Inserts come in as many varieties, so be sure to size your insert appropriately. You can look at the ones from Sprout and Best Bottoms (these have glowing reviews). Creekside Kids sells liners too, and they come with an almost excessive amount of Etsy love. Other options- Jane's Needfuls, Shop Imperfectionista, and Vinyl Madness Mama.

As a side note, I also found this diaper washing contraption that is at least partially made in the US and might be a big help. I honestly have no idea.

A Diaper Pail- Ok, I am kidding myself here, because unless you get the Ubbi steel diaper pail, these things start to stink. No great solution here, but if you have a good idea- please share!

Travel Changing Mats (used)- We bought ours at a consignment store, which is perfect for a piece of cloth spefcifically for getting poop on. Seriously, even if you wouldn't regularly buy things used, a poop pad is not a bad place to start, because this is not a cute object. If you can't find a travel diaper mat in stores, you can find plenty on Etsy- Precious Little Tot, Black Arrow Studio, yoon 1 greene,  izy and doly, Life Made Chic, Simple Grace Design, Daffodils n Dinosaurs, and Kthy's Kreations (these ones look spot on and extremely functional to me. If I needed one, this is what I would pick). and Whimsy for Wee.

Planet Wise from Amazon

Wet Bag (new)- Plastic diaper disposal bags only add insult to injury (not to mention they are a waste of money). Either find bags that biodegrade or use reusable/ washable wet bags. Whether you are doing reusable diapers or not, a wet bag, like this one from Petunia, can be a great investment (way better than wasting lots of ziploc bags), Planet Wise wet bags get a lot of praise for really working and keeping the mess off everything else in your diaper bag dry. You could also buy/register for a wet bag from Snuggy Baby, Whimsy for Wee, Rykie B's, Mod Mom ME, and Julian's Boutique.

from Creekside Kid

Wipes (new)- you again are most green using something you can throw in the wash, The only 100% biodegradable are Jackson Reece's, which are made in the UK (they also come in a lot of packaging). You can find about a million options for wipes (120 search pages) on Etsy, and they can last you so much longer than the one time use disposable ones. Creekside Kid comes out the big winner- they have over a thousand 5 star reviews and are very affordable, so I would start here. You can also try Lover of Life Designs (also almost a thousand positive reviews), Green Little Nest (even more beloved! Isn't it encouraging so many people are using reusable cloths for various purposes already?), Playtime and Parties, and Curly Monkey. Two reusable options on Amazon (in case the Etsy thing is harder to connect to your registry) are Oso Cozy and Baby Kicks.

Aleva Naturals are made of Bamboo and biodegrade in 21 days (but they are made in China)- we are going to try these, and I will let you know what I think.

That being said, there are more "organic" options- Seventh Generation's wipes claim to be green because you need fewer to do the job (you can also still buy them in bulk). Babyganics are also made in the USA out of mostly plant-based fibers. Waterwipes claims to be almost all water, but that is nonsense- what is the actual wipe made of? Kirkland wipes are made from 100% renewable materials. Burt's Bees are also made in the USA.

A Wipe Warmer (just wait)-People swore by their wipe warmer, but ours mostly just sat there (and slightly melted the furniture). It may be something to try if late night diapering isn't going well, but I would wait until there are complaints before you address them. They also aren't made in America at all, so if you want one, think about keeping an eye out for something used in consignment or Buy Nothing.

bathing, health, and skin care

Bath time is such a sweet time in our house, as long as you don't mind getting wet. Those tiny babies need a lot of extras to take care of their skin and health, so be sure to check consignment stores first. Anything you can get on this list used (and get clean), just get it used!

Baby Detergent

Baby Shampoos

Bath Toys

Bath Tub

Cradle Cap Brush

First Aid/Grooming Kit

Gripe Water

Nail Clippers

Snot Sucker

Thermometer

Toothbrush

Towels

Washcloth

Baby Detergent (new or handmade)- In the course of our toddler's life, I discovered The Simply Co Laundry detergent. It comes in a reusable glass container (so waste free), has three ingredients, and it works so well. Way better than I expected. Plus, with our super messy toddler, one jar has lasted us well over 4 months. Making your own detergent is probably the most eco and wallet friendly, but this comes in second for me.

We got 2 bottles of Seventh Generation detergent to get us started, in case we were dealing with allergies.

Also, your laundry is about to really keep you busy, and there are a lot of loads in your future. I recommend buying some dryer wool balls instead of using the wasteful one time use dryer sheets. My mother-in-law bought these for me as a birthday gift, and they get the job done again and again.

Baby Shampoo and Wash (new)- Our Pick- Noodle and Boo shampoo and head to toe wash. Smells great, works well, made in the US. Also, one bottle lasts a very long time when you wash tiny heads.

We received a big bottle of Johnson and Johnson's head to toe wash that lasted us at least 9 months (they say the origin is the USA on Amazon, but the bottles come from a mix of places. We also have used the Aveeno head to toe shampoo, which smelled really good and was listed as being made in Canada. One of the best options I have seen is Mommy's Bliss which is made in the USA, all organic, and packaged in a recycled bottle (huzzah!). That is what we will get when our gifts run out.

But there are myriad options here-  Earth Mama is an organic mix made out of Oregon, California Baby has natural ingredients and thoughtful packaging, Gaia organics is in calming lavender (it really helps some babies sleep) and helps with dry scalp,

Almost all of these companies also sell some form of baby lotion, which a lot people use. It gave our baby a rash, so we stopped, but if you want a little to start, I recommend poking around these companies. Noodle and Boo has a wide variety of baby care lotions and such, and they are both eco-friendly (recyclable packaging) and pretty socially responsible (no animal testing).

Green Toys from Amazon

Bath tools and toys (used)- Cups and strainers can help for getting them wet early on, and those might be available used, then you can definitely find bath toys used. We got a set of foam letter on Buy Nothing, and that is most of what he plays with. We do have one toy we love for play and (more practically) getting The Bub's hair wet- Green Toy's tug boat, made of all recycled plastics too! They sell all kinds of boats perfect for the bath, and we also let him play with their pots and pans in the tub, because he really likes pouring.

Want a rubber ducky? Celebriducks makes theirs in the US. If you want a teether that can have a second life as a bath toy, Wowie Stars might do the trick. Begin Again uses eco-friendly materials, but they are made in China, so it depends what your priorities are. My new favorite are these washcloth sea toys from Cozy Chipmunk- cute, useful, and easy to clean! That's a winner.

Bathtub (used)- Bathtubs are another thing that if you work ahead, you can find at consignment stores or on Buy Nothing. The Fisher Price ones are all made in China, but you can find one in stores if you keep an eye out. We loved ours because we could use it from infancy all the way into toddlerhood. That being said, before a year, I just brought him in the shower with me, so I am not sure how long they actually last. I think a sink works for a good chunk of time, but a bathtub might actually save you water (we have also taken our water out and use it to water plants, no joke).  Also, does anyone know of one made of recycled plastic? It seems like that should exist!

If you can't find a used one, there are some good new options. The Primo Eurobath is amazing, and we received it as a gift, but I only recommend it if you have a lot of space for storage, because it is quite large.

Cradle Cap Brush (just wait)- You won't know if you need this until that cap is out and showing its colors. If you do decide you need one, this one is made in the USA.

A First Aid/ Grooming Kit (new)- We really like ours from The First Years. Made in the US.

Gripe Water (just wait) can be a godsend, but it may not be needed. We used Wellements, which is made in the USA and is organic (I just wish they used less packaging).

 Nail Clippers (new or used)- I still find clipping nails slightly horrifying, but these clippers help my meaty fingers with the itty bitty baby nails.The fear of clipping just becomes less than the fear of their wolverine claws. These "No-Mes" clipper look even better, and you don't have the tiny nails popping around. If you could find those tiny clippers used, I say go for it.

Snot Sucker (new)- Nosefreida- You hear what it is, and you just think gross, but those baby noses don't clear themselves out.

A Thermometer (new)- Exgen is Made in the USA. You definitely need one that you can use on a forehead, because the other alternative is way worse.

Baby Banana from Amazon

Toothbrush (new)- By a year, our son loved to brush his teeth (all 7 of them) while we did, and it is good to establish it as a habit early on. I highly recommend these silicon banana toothbrushes; they are made in the US and are perfectly shaped for little mouths and little hands.

from Curly Monkey

Towels (new)- When they are really teeny, you want to have a soft towel to put their delicate skin in. At some point along the way (2 or 3 months?), you use a regular towel in a jam, and you realize that is fine too. Our pick (we got one of these this time)- Curly Monkey sells a simple (but good-sized) hooded towel with pretty trim. Simple and clean with just a little bit of fun, made in America, and eco-friendly materials.

The other big winner? Bamboosa simple hooded towel. Nothing too fussy, but really sweet, made in America, and they use bamboo! Our towel is almost 3 ft by 3 ft, and I recommend a bigger size like this to grow into. I generally advise against sets, but I do love this simple, pretty set from Cherub's Blanket. Sophia and Sam Organic also sells a simple and beautiful hooded towel, made in California.

Do you want one of the cutesy hooded towels with animals on them? Me too! I love the cutesiness. The ones you see at Target or on Amazon are all made in China- no good, but there are some exceptionally adorable options on Etsy. We bought a monster towel from Yikes Twins, and it is so cute (but maybe a little big to start with?). The cutest animals I have seen are from Wee Chateau- a perfect and excessively adorable option for a baby shower gift!

from Busy Bonnie Bee

 Washclothes (just wait)- These are always listed on registries. But they are washclothes. If you already have some you like, that is probably fine. You could get a washcloth puppet like these from Busy Bonnie Bee, and at least they fill two purposes. If you do want to get some, there are some great bamboo and organic options that were also made nearby-  Bamboosa baby  has some soft, bamboo-made, from the USA options. Cherub's Blanket has 100% cotton washclothes. Curly Monkey sells a pretty simple set, and Marley's Monsters has a bamboo option. You could also try Remiusables, Created for Babies, Georgia Threads, Lulu Woobies, or Color me Reckless.

There we go! Clothes, diapers, and everything you need for the bath. Just by switching out some of your registry, taking a different approach that can save waste, save you money, and actually be healthier for your little one. By switching out your registry that way, you can start making a positive impact on your baby's life before you even meet them!

Check out  Part One for all your pregnancy and delivery needs, or look at the whole Made in America Baby Registry to find lots of links, ideas, and eco-friendly goodies for every baby shower gift you could ever think of. Want to do some other environmentally-responsible shopping? Woot! Check out our Giant List of Shopping Lists for ideas you will love. 

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