Wedding Wednesday- Unique and Eco-Friendly Wedding Invites and Other Paper Goods

from Alison Kate Design in Missouri

I have strayed away from this topic before, because it seems like one of the more obvious choices for greening your wedding- if you care about the environment, you have probably thought about this. On the other hand, I know I thought that recycled invitations all have a very specific look. Like a mason jar wrapped in burlap, but in paper form. Like maybe some granola will fall out of the envelope.

What is surprising is that you can get recycled paper invitations in ANY style. No matter what kind of scene you want to set, you can do it on recycled paper.

Once you know recycled paper invites (and other wedding paper goods- save the dates, thank you cards, etc.) can come in as mainstream, traditional, quirky, indie, or whatever else style you want, it opens up the opportunity to do something good on the sly. You can find anything you need without one tree falling down, and in that way, your wedding is doing some real good.

Here are some of the best options I found for Eco-Friendly wedding invitations that can be as unique or mainstream as you want them to be. Even if this isn't something you ever considered, be sure to take a look, because your wedding is a step into your future, and we all want a future with clear air.

Let's do this!

 Forever Fiances

This ridiculously cool save the date and wedding invitation company gives you two eco-friendly options for your invites.First, you can buy plantable invitations! These are made of recycled paper with plants inbedded inside of them, so your guests can go plant them after the fact. If that feels a little too heavy-handed for your style, they have recycled paper options as well (they call them "new tree free- I love that!). I actually like the plantable designs better than the recycled ones, but there are so many options and you can probably find something that works for your plans.

This is so unique and cool, and I think it sets the stage for a great wedding, whether you want to foreground your eco-friendly choices or let the day be about something else. Their prices are almost identical to shops like Wedding Paper Divas, so you won't be breaking the bank, AND you will be saving trees and even starting new ones! Either way, incredibly exciting. Why don't all companies work this way?

Jealous you can't get married again to use this company? Me too! They also sell personalized business cards, invitations, and other stationary, so check them out.

Your Local Invitation Maker (this includes you)

Lots of communities and cities have local options for calligraphers. It may be easier to get something online, but be sure to look around and see what is available near you, because dealing with an actual person can be more satisfying. You are supporting a local business, cutting down your weddings carbon footprint, and you can get exactly what you want.

If you are particularly talented in this area (and you have a good chunk of time), you could totally make your invites yourself! It would be a special and memorable way to go about it, you could pick recycled paper and soy inks, and you will probably save oodles of money to spend elsewhere. You can find eco-friendly papers at lots of these stores, like Green Field Paper Co.

 If doing the invites sounds like a lot, you can also consider how to use those skills or that beautiful penmanship elsewhere in the events; make the menu (maybe do one standing card per table or a large sign to cut down on paper), make seating charts or placecards or your programs. Paper comes in so many places, and anywhere you can consolidate or do it yourself, you can save money and save trees.

If you are going local, which is awesome, be sure to ask them about recycled paper and soy-based inks. Part of the perk of dealing with a smaller company is that you can talk to them face to face and hopefully work out something that is perfect! This is a cool way to support your community and to help the environment.

Minted

We bought our save the dates from this company, and they looked beautiful and used recycled paper and envelopes. One of the best things about this company is that they have a wide variety of designs coming from many different American designers, so you know your cards will have a style that matches you perfectly. This company always stays just a little bit ahead of trends, and their cards seem cool without trying too hard. They have almost a thousand options, and you can order most with recycled paper for 15-35 dollars extra (pretty affordable). I love them, and I think they are a great option.

Bloomin

Bloomin also sells plantable wedding invites, save the dates, thank you's, seating cards. Basically the whole shebang. I love how broad their paper supplies are, And their designs are mostly simple and timeless (especially considering the whole thing will be buried in the dirt in no time). Waste free and really special, this might still be a great option for one of your other wedding paper needs outside of the invites themselves.

In fact, my favorite might be "Growfetti" which would be a perfect substitute for bubbles (that come in little plastic containers), confetti, or rice. Just make sure it is alright at the place where you are getting married! A church lawn might not be the place, but a country wedding in a big field, it might be just fine.

Green Field Paper

This store sells recycled paper, seeded/ plantable paper, and even paper made of hemp. Before you stick your nose up, be sure to check it out, because they have so many options you might actually find the perfect thing. They don't have a ton of options, and I am not in love with all of them, but some are great and might be just your style. Plus, you can choose which paper your design comes on, so you get to prioritize what matters most to you.

As a side note, this company also sells Christmas cards, including ones made out of 100% junk mail. God bless this company, because that is genius.

Zazzle 

Recycled wedding invitations are becoming common enough now that lots of more mainstream companies like zazzle offer a recycled paper option. Another great option to look through if you aren't finding what you are imagining!

Twisted Limb

This company is on the opposite end of the Zazzle spectrum. They make handmade recycled paper that is stitched into invitations. As someone who has handmade paper before, I can tell you a heck of a lot of time and love went into these beauties. You couldn't get something more precious and special unless you made it yourself. To be totally honest, I am not sure invitations need to be such precious objects; we have kept some wedding invites but they aren't particularly treasured. But if you are having a very small wedding, it might make a really cool splurge.

Wedding Websites

Ok, I am not suggesting you only use an e-invitation unless that suits you (or you are having a pretty informal or tech-savvy wedding), but skipping the rsvp and having people rsvp online is a super efficient and cost effective (see also- free!) way to help the environment. If you send 100 invitations, just skipping the RSVP saves 100 pieces of paper and 100 envelopes. If you skip the whole invite, that is even more. If you are going that route, you can always do something simple like The Knot or wedding Jojo, or if you have the skills, pick something more open-ended, you techie you.

Arbor Day Foundation

Maybe you can't get your invites in these cards, but you could get your thank you cards there! It would be a simple way to have your wedding do some good- every card you buy will pay for a tree. So if you send 50 thank you cards, you also plant 50 trees. That's pretty amazing when you consider how many trees come down a year for wedding invitations.

Etsy

 We all knew I was going to end on this note, but do you know how many gorgeous invitation options you can find there? You can find one made in America (shorter trip, less fossil fuels, lower carbon footprint) and on recycled paper. We bought our invites on Etsy from someone in our state. We loved them so much, and because we were dealing with a real person,  I could just write her and we worked out tablenumbers too!You can also get printables and pick your own recycled cardstock. Here are a few to lust over, but your best bet is to write in "recycled wedding invitations and get to browsing. These are my favorites:

from Cricket Printing

from AMG Design Co

from Casey Snyder Design

from vohandmade

from Eco Weddigs by Cc

This is the tip of the iceberg- be sure to explore the links. I know when I was shopping, I looked for the perfect style that perfectly matched our colors and style and theme, etc etc. I did it, but I still wish I had prioritized differently. You can find that thing that is exactly what you want aesthetically, but we are asking you to This blog is suggesting that if you narrow the field to be "new tree free," you will end up something that may not be "perfect," but you will love it just as much, and you can feel really good about it.

Want more unique and Earth-friendly wedding inspiration?  Check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists!

If you like this post, please share it! This blog is all about making small changes. The more people who make these small shifts, the better the Earth will be!

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Fun and Unique Second Birthday Gift Ideas (that are Better for the Environment too)

Life comes in waves- babies, weddings, even funerals seem to happen in bunches.  Right now, we are in the midst of a toddler birthday phase of life. Even though we have a toddler, it can still be intimidating to approach buying presents for little kids- there are so many choices!

Since I have an (almost) two year old, I have some solid guesses at what will be a big hit and what may not work as well.

First, this may be hard to believe, but less is better. By two years in, most parents would probably be giddy to have you take some toys OUT of their house! We, especially as Americans, feel tremendous (but often unspoken) pressure to display our love through quantity. Want to give an amazing gift? Clearly a giant plastic thing with lights and doodads is the answer! Except, that plastic is now polluting the water and land, those lights waste electricity (they don't need them! if your kid loves lights, get them a flashlight), and those cheap, imported toys may have been made by unethical or even child labor.

We are making so many problems that these children will have to face later, not to mention teaching them habits that are unhealthy and unsustainable. You want to give a kickass gift against the grain? Think about their future too!

Here are my other tips for things to absolutely avoid if you want to get a great gift and make a better for future for the kid you love:

- Anything Too Big- That tent or giant darth vader might make a big impact on the gift table, but if it takes up a ton of room, it might be a real problem. This isn't an absolute no, but it's definitely worth checking in with the parents before you do that. If you want something big, you might try these Mondo Bloxx, which we have had so much fun with.

- Fresh Plastic- I have made a resolution in our house to avoid any fresh plastic toys. They only create waste, introduce potentially toxic chemicals into the home, and pose more problems for them in the future (I don't want my kids to be the adults from Wall-E, for goodness sakes). Don't cry for my kiddos- they still have a slide in the backyard and ramps for their car toys. They are just used! If you have your heart set on something plastic, go check out Goodwill or a kids consignment shop.

-Melissa and Doug- These con people market themselves as more wholesome and well-made than anything else in the toy section, but it is a TOTAL lie. Once upon a time, they made their toys stateside, but now they manufacture solely in China. If you want to support American businesses or buy wood toys that aren't coated in nastiness, check out this post for some of the best options.

- Too Many Characters- They are getting to that age where they love the cars from Cars or Anna and Elsa. But  months from now, they may love something totally different. Giving a character gift just puts a shelf life on whatever you are giving. Not to mention, your gift might totally blend into the pile. If they really love Thomas, check to see if the train is coming anywhere near you (yes, he is always on tour from what I can tell). Or Disney on ice tickets! Or, go another route and buy them a pack of stickers with the characters on it with a gift that has more longevity. I know I have made this mistake more than once, so I get the appeal, but if the child really loves Nemo that much, I bet he/she already has a nemo stuffed animal. Next idea!

-Stuffed Animals. Trust me, the toddler you know probably already has plenty. They take a lot of room, most serve the same basic purpose, and very few are made anywhere nearby. Now that I have kids, I would probably never go this route, because we are always fighting back the hoard. If you are going that route, check out Bears for Humanity (they donate a bear for every bear you buy, are organi, use recycled polyfill, AND employ Americans for their manufacturing) or one of the super cute stuffed things from Taraluna.

You may notice, this is a short list, but it cuts out most of the toy sections in Walmart and Target. It makes me look like quite a party pooper.

 Don't sweat it, there are actually TONS of other options that are both more memorable AND more fun. You can do this! Here are my best ideas, based on my reading about child development at this juncture and my experience as a mom.

1. Paint or Crayons

These kids have FINALLY reached the point where their first instinct with art supplies isn't to eat them. This is a big deal. Mark-making and creativity are hugely important in a toddler's life. It gives them agency, helps them explore colors and representation, and sets them up to learn letters in coming years. Markers, crayons, and paints are gifts they can come back to again and again for years.

As far as brands go, no one does better for markers and crayons than Crayola- both are made Stateside, and you can even mail the markers back to them when they die, and they will be recycled.  Many of their kids washable paints are as well. If you want something more original, you could look up "recycled crayons" on Etsy or even make your own out of the crayon nubbins in your house!

Looking for something bigger? Kids easels are one of the most common finds at Goodwill or even on Buy Nothing (that's where we got ours), so it might be easy to revamp. I couldn't find any Made in the USA, so plan ahead and jump at a good one if you see it. You could also throw in The Day the Crayons Quit or Harold and the Purple Crayon to go with the theme.

from Mulberry and June

2. A Backpack

We cleaned out and revamped a little backpack my brother and I kept crayons in when we were kids, and my son loves filling it with stuff, putting it on, and wearing it around. It's bright but simple, and he uses it a lot for play (and I bet it will start getting practical use this year. Kids this age love having their own bags, so you could revamp one of your old bags , find a toddler's backpack at Goodwill or get something new and American-made from stores like Happyluxe, Omac Packs (from Erie, PA!), Stitch Crafty 4 U,  Mulberry and June, or Weepereas (love these! So cute).

Remember, a character might seem like a great idea now, but I wouldn't go that route. The characters they love change fast sometimes.

3. Snappies, Buckles, and Buttons

This is the year many toddlers want to do things themselves, and this definitely includes clothes. Our son loves all kinds of fasteners, and "snappies, please" is said about 50 times a day in our house (he can't get them apart on his own). My husband bought him this fabric covered in snappies from the 5 an 10 Market. One of our friends even made one himself (so resourceful). A perfect car toy, and so simple.

4. Tickets

Tickets for activities may not get the big box-opening moment, but how many of those do you actually remember from when you are a kid? Instead, tickets to something special, like a train ride, the zoo, or even their first movie tickets could make a great memory, especially if you are around to do the activity with them. Toddlers can really love new experiences, even more so than toys (which they have too many of already), so think about something they love and how you can bring that to life, rather than buy them one more toy that will fade into the pile.

5. Mix CD's (or music playlists)

I know this sounds hipster or retro, but trust me, you can be a birthday hero if you save those parents from Raffi.The Bub loves to dance and sing, and we are always trying to find new songs that he will love and we will only hate a little. If you want to step it up, you could have the first letter of each song spell out the toddler's name or find a song with their name in it. It doesn't have to cost you money to be a great gift. My Grammy and cousin have made us mix cds we absolutely love.

Want to step it up? Add in a book or two about music or get some bells or musical instruments. Sure to be a hit!

6. Bath Toys

People will think of regular toys, but especially if you don't have little ones, you can forget about the awesome power of the bath toy. Our favorites are these rubber duckies, the boats and cups from Green Toys, and foam letters we got on Buy Nothing. Cups will work, as kids love to pour. I also think color tablets like these would be really fun. The biggest thing is to avoid toys where water can get stuck inside and grow mold.

7. Brooms, Shovels, Play Kitchens, or Any Household Drudgery you Hate

2 year olds really want to do what the grown ups are doing, so you can have a big hit by gifting objects you would NEVER want as a gift yourself (or the tiny toddler version). You can split this into two categories- participation play and pretend play.

Some of their early pretending is often in kitchens because they see that modeled all the time, so play food, play kitchens, play tools, play gardening sets can all really resonate based mostly on what they watch the grown ups in their lives do.

You can find so much great play food on Etsy, and if you want to get a kitchen, I highly recommend checking your Buy Nothing or Etsy first. Little Tikes does make a few in the US, but I am suspicious of that "out of US and imported parts" add on. We have this one, which is great for a growing kid, but all of the accessory toys were made in China (bummer). You are better off to find something used.

 Even cooler, check pinterest for ideas on how to make any old janky piece of furniture into an adorable play kitchen. If you have the time, you could give such an amazing gift that costs you nearly no money.

All of this is fine and good, but participation play is easily as popular in our house. You know what would be a beloved gift for my son? A broom. He loves to sweep with us, but the poor child is usually stuck with the swiffer. He currently treasures a soft measuring tape used for sewing. He LOVES it. He even loves brushing his teeth when we do, because he wants to keep in the action. He likes playing with shopping bags, packing things into spare suitcases, and carrying my weed bucket (a former bakery bucket I got off Buy Nothing) around our yard and collecting leaves. He just wants to help.

Things that would be the worst gift in the world to an adult might be the absolute coolest to a little kid. Sure, you could buy some, but you could also look around your house and ask yourself what might be cool and safe for a toddler, because their standards for cool and fun are totally different. Will the parents give you a funny look if you give their kid measuring tape or an old keyboard? Probably, but they will also get it.

Re-Play from Amazon

8. Eating Tools

We never seem to have enough plates, bowls, or silverware (partially because they get used as toys). I will absolutely swear by Re-Play stuff for kids. They sell sippy cups, bowls, plates, silverware, snack stacks, and regular cups (perfect for the bath or play kitchen). It's made of recycled food safe plastic in the US, it comes in gorgeous bright colors, and it isn't all that different in price from something made of fresh plastic. They sell Re-Play at Walmart and Target now too, so this is a perfect last minute purchase if you don't have time to poke around but you still want to be eco-friendly.

As I said, I am not bringing new plastic into this house- when I see what plastic is doing to our oceans (and I think of the problems my children will face because of it), I just can't do it. This is a great gift for a child now, but it also invests in their future by supporting post-consumer recycled products and keeping plastics out of landfills and water.

9. Clothes... One Size Up

A year before, the toddler was growing out of their clothes every few months. Now, they grow out of things... every few months. Slightly bigger basics (jeans, t-shirts, socks, simple things) may not be a hit with the bub, but their parents will love you for it. My favorite Made in America companies for basics are City Threads and American Apparel- their clothes are cute and stylish without being too expensive. Buy them basics with one fun accessory they can use now (a tutu, a dinosaur hoodie, a superhero cape), and you can please everybody.

Want bonus points? Check in with a parent and buy the kid a pair of shoes a size up. We are constantly trying to stay stocked on shoes.

There is one more trick to this, and that is to buy clothes used. If you want to spend 25 dollars on said child, you can either buy one outfit from Carter's, or you can find something equally cute in consignment and then buy 3 other things. Toddlers ruin things, with paint, dirt, all kinds of nonsense. I would rather get things from consignment than a precious outfit I can never trust him to wear. Kids consignment stores are EVERYWHERE, and if you can't find one nearby, online thrift shop Thred Up has great stuff.

10. Anything on Wheels 

Kids this size just love to move things, and wheels are almost always a favorite, regardless of gender. If you want to get all heteronormative (or they do, because even if you don't encourage these things, they creep up), you could do a car for a boy and a stroller for a girl. Or this badass pink dump truck. Green Toys again nails this category- made in the US out of recycled plastic, and they have every kind of motorized vehicle to play with. Also, animals who have been monstrously amputated to have wheels for feet.

If I had any advice, I would say go small on wheeled things; the big ones seem cool, but things that fit well in their hand get more use. And if you have to do Hot Wheels, get them used. You can find used Hot Wheel cars anywhere they sell used toys, usually for 25 cents or so. No need to buy a new one. Basically ever. There have to be enough hot wheels in the world for any kid who wants one, as long as parents donate them- don't throw them out!

 I also really love Maple Landmark's cars and train sets, so that might be a good place to start. We bought their trolley for our older son when our younger was born, and it has been a big hit.

That's the list! I hope it inspired you to think of an awesome gift! I will say, books were not included because I feel like this depends a lot on households, whether they prefer library books over owning a lot, etc. That being said, in my opinion, books are always a good idea. They love them, they build language skills, and the ones that don't go well can easily be donated to help other kids. Also picking up speed in our house is puzzles and his legos. They get as much or more return use than the cars at this point, so they are well worth considering.

Happy birthday to the little one in your life! If you want more eco-frendly shopping ideas, check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists!

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Fourth Trimester Update- 4 Weeks and the Start of Paternity Leave

When I pinterested "fourth trimester," I couldn't help but notice that every single option was either weight loss or breastfeeding related. Really? I am looking for some outfit ideas or cute posts on what the heck is normal, and all it seems a woman in her 4th trimester is supposed to care about is boobs? I know we are boobs to our infants, but are we just a set of nunjas to ourselves too? So much so that we are desperate to whittle everything else down? 

Boo. I say phooey to this. 

So I am going to try doing the Anti-Bumpwatch. The 4th trimester tends to be pretty alienating, because no one wants to talk about it, but does that really help anyone? It also tends to be treated as almost shameful- you hide your breastfeeding, you fight to get back to your pre-baby body, you hermit at home so people don't see you all discombobulated and pajamed. Where a pregnant body is seen as miraculous and beautiful (which it is), our new healing and STILL life-giving bodies don't garner much respect. 

Maybe it would be good to hear how some other people are going through the first months of their new infant. If nothing else, I can use it as a record later, and hopefully I want be too horrified what my sleep-deprived brain found relevant or funny. But know, other mothers are going through it too. You may feel alone, and maybe I won't have the same experiences because they are so individual, but somebody has gone through something similar. 

How Far Along- The Bub is 4 weeks old- one month old tomorrow!

My Weight- The same. I think the big drop off is over, though it s funny that the weight varies at least 5 pounds depending on how engorged I am. Because that glamour.

Baby Cuteness Rating- I am biased, but I think he is pretty cute, maybe cuter than his brother at this phase. He doesn't stare through us, and he has really bright and alert eyes. I know he can't see us, but it feels much more like he is looking.

You Breastfed Where?- Seattle Center, in a giant field of people (lots of whom were taking pictures), while eating a Top Pot doughnut. Once the doughnut got involved, I could have flashed everyone. Who cares, I have a doughnut! I also breastfed at the Locks, so those salmons have something to talk about.

And I am Feeling- Feeling better, but tired. The Bub seems to have a sensitive stomach, so I am cutting out dairy. We had a few nights where he just screamed from dusk until dawn, but since I gave up my beloved glasses of milk, it seems to be improving and I think everyone is (sort of) catching up on sleep, so that is a good feeling. Because the screaming was killing my soul. How do people with colicky babies do it?

Most Bizarro Quirk of the Week- VBAC's take so long to heal! Totally thought I would be back to normal by now, but one of my friends told me it can take like 8 weeks just to walk right, so the bizarro thing here might be my expectations. Thought I'd be doing cartwheels  and splits by now, but I need to stop stewing at my lady parts for not being back in tip top shape.

Best Moment of the Week- I can think of a couple of good ones. We went to Ballard Locks, and that gave me that feeling that we can still do things. I love that feeling. If you can take two tiny people out on a serious outing, what can't you do? Watching Wall-E for movie night and having everyone cuddle was also pretty great.

Also, God bless the Mercy reflex- no matter how tired and miserable you are, it's impossible to not be melted by the little fingers wrapped around yours. What a weird, awesome miracle that babies are designed to grab your fingers. It's like the first sign that they love you, and I know it's all involuntary, but I love it.

Favorite Tool in my Arsenal- I love Aden and Anais swaddle blankets, but now that I know how they are made (and just how many are already in consignment stores), I would never buy one new. We have a mismatched collection, but I bought two more this week, so now it is that much more varied. A pack of 4 these much coveted blankets is about 50 dollars. Used, I have bought 4 for under 20. Used is the only way to get these blankets.

And We are Watching- Stranger Things, and I am obsessed. I honestly don't know what I will do when we finish it tonight. I know everyone says it is really good, but it is really good!

And the Boy?- Killing it at paternity leave. Mastering his baby wrap booty dance and catching lots of Pokemon while taking the toddler on walks. I can already see the dangerous combo of toddler fatigue and cabin fever setting in, so we are coming up with lots of activities to keep everyone busy and sane.

Looking Forward To- Season 2 of Stranger Things. It's a serious problem, but the third episode! So good!

This week is Applefest here, which means we celebrate our hometown festival a very long way from our hometown, Looking forward to Apple pancakes and changing leaves. and just doing fall as a family of four.

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9 Things for the Last 9 Days- Starting the Fall with the Bub

 1. Baby Handprint Ornaments-  We did these with the Bub too, and what I like most about them is that when I look at them, I can still hear the screams. I kid, sort of. Wow, my children hate doing them, but I didn't much enjoy labor, so it seems fair. They both produce something cute, and I like that these are basically the first of many sentimental art projects they will hate doing. Sorry boys, I am your mother and you are stuck with me.

2. Show me your Mumu- I am in a wedding later this year and have been on the hunt for a flattering dress, Made in America, of a certain length and color. Easy right? Well, I have found a bunch that fit the bill thanks to this company Show me your Mumu that still manufactures in the USA and has dresses so flattering and chic your bridesmaids might actually love them. I wish they had been around when we got married,

 3. This Year's Walk to End Alzheimer's- I didn't think I would be able to go, so I was especially glad to be there. I was also happy to do the walk with my in-laws, because the tradition is really about my husband's family, so it made it more special to share in the chaos with them. I also thought this year was in the nicest spot so far in Seattle, and it felt like it had a really enthusiastic and positive energy (last year didn't, but it was a much wetter and greyer day).

4. Breastfeeding in Seattle Center Surrounded by People- Just add it to my list of weird places where the boobs have been out. I don't think people cared, and I love my covered goods breastfeeding cover for being a nice scarf to just wear as well as a cover for everything. I can already see how people with 2 children lose steam for getting out in the world, but I want the new baby to keep getting out there too, so tools like these really help.

5. Fall- I could not be happier that fall is here. For me, this season feels like a fresh start, everything smells good, and the world is covered in color. I get to wear layers and put decorations up, so I can't complain about life right now. Seotember October, and November are the best. Excited for The Baby Bear's first fall, because his bright eyes just drink everything in.

6. Wall-E- You hear a lot about little ones liking Finding Nemo or Cars, but The Bub has just been captivated by Wall-E. You know that Pixar rocks what they do when a two year old is totally enamored from the first minute. I love that movie in general, but I love it even more now.

7. Green Onion and Recycled Plastic- Who would have guessed we would have a kid so granola that he likes sitting, eating his garden green onions, on that all-recycled plastic bench. Different than the life I thought my kids would have, but I like when things are happy and slow like this. 

8. Our First Homemade Pesto- The Boy made it with his mom, and it makes my life. I feel excited and proud that at the end of this summer, we weren't totally defeated by the "growing your own food" garden experiment. We certainly aren't self-sufficient, but it is still cool to make applesauce, pesto, chimichurri and more with the plants from our own yard. If nothing else, everyone should have a herb garden. It has saved us so much money!

9. Barb- Yes, we are finally watching Stranger Things. Yes, it is as good as everyone says. We are only halfway, but the third episodes is one of the best episodes of any television show I have seen ever. People talk about the show in terms of Spielberg and nostalgia, but you could also bring iconicity into the conversation. How do you choose details that are striking enough that they stick immediately? Because that is what is happening here, and the icon of my heart is Barb. In a world full of Nancies, be a Barb.

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An Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry- Part Four- Lugging the Bubba and Toys

This is the fourth part of the Earth-Friendly and American-Made Baby Registry for all the mommas, daddies, guardians, grandparents, and loves ones out there who want to leave the world a little bit better for the tiny person they can't wait to meet.

Most people make their registry by finding a list online or in a store and checking off the items. Lots of parents do research on safety. This registry is asking you to take three steps towards that registry that will cut down on waste, put more money back into local and American businesses, send companies the message you will prioritize ethical labor practices, and save fossil fuels by minimizing shipping (if you have 100 things on your registry, and they all have to take a trip from Asia, how much gas does that needlessly use?). 

This list covers the final touches on many registries. If you have some baby showers in your future (don't we all?), these gifts might be the future parents' favorite. Or offer them a date night. That will make you the favorite. Be sure to check out the whole registry and the just the links page if you want the short and sweet version!

Are you going to have a perfect environmental impact free registry? Eh, probably not, but the goal isn't to be perfect. Let's all try to make some better choices and simple switches, and those smaller steps, taken by many, will have a huge impact on that beloved baby's world.

car seats

Car Seat 

Cover

Distraction Toys

Evenflo from Amazon

The Car Seat (new)- Car seats really shouldn't be bought used (and you know it must be serious if I am telling you only new). It is really hard to know the history of a car seat, whether it has been in a car accident, etc. If offered one by someone you trust, that is one thing, but you need to know the person well to consider it seriously. When it comes to something this important, just go ahead and buy it new. If you need extra bases or something, it might be alright to look into, but this one makes sense to go big on. There are a couple good made in America options for this, though I have yet to see any made with any recycled or recyclable materials.

Our Pick- Evenflo makes their  car seats in the US (from low to high price points too), and the convertible seats can actually last much longer than the infant car seat "system." This will last from 5 to 40 pounds. Sometimes, parents want that infant carrier (no judgement, we have one), but Evenflo's stationary systems will at least save you money in the short  term. This company is generally my pick That being said, some of Evenflo's Infant car seats are made in the US (not all), but the whole system (carrier, car seat base, and stroller) does seem to be made in China.

Other Options- If you want a Made in the USA option for a system you can take in and out of the car (it did help us because we live in rainy Seattle, but maybe not as much as we expected, and we are already shopping again for a car seat and stroller that can grow  with our baby more)- Baby Trend is my winner, because it comes with a stroller that the baby can grow into (minimizing how much you buy). It also has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Safety First also makes their Grow and Go carseat out of Ohio. Just keep an eye out when you browse, because I don't think everything is made domestically.Their infant seat is made in China.

Covers (used)-Good to keep out weather or sun, but a blanket and clips can work, or you can find covers used. We got a coupon for free ones that I think everyone has, so someone has to be willing to part with it. Honestly, I don't think we used ours enough for it to feel worth it. Plus, if you have a nursing scarf that stretches, it can fulfill the same purpose. They always have enough at the consignment store that I don't really get why anyone would get it new.

Other Options- Multi-use ones make the most sense- Loved Littles and Kids n Such both work that way,  You could also go for something more stylish from Caden Lane Gifts or Oh Baby Fargo, But really, the only ones you need to be really classy are from Kathy Koveleski. But really, used or a blanket will work just fine.

Distraction Aids (just wait)- They love to push car accessories for babies- special blankets, hangy toys, etc. You can see how your bubba does in the car before you strategize. Some babies love the car seat as a napping spot, other tiny people just hate it. You won't know who you've got until they get here, so don't prep for challenges you may not have. You have enough to worry about.

lugging the bubba

Carrier

Wrap

Hiking Carrier

Stroller

One wrap and one carrier (new or used)- For the first 8-10 months, we used our wraps and carriers ten times more than our strollers. Wraps and baby-wearing can be an incredibly hardcore enterprise, but like any environmentally-conscientious choice, you don't have to dive into the deep end to make waves. We didn't turn out to be hardcore baby wearers, but I would recommend it to any and all parents. You can wear your baby around the house or out on walks, it keeps them close, and you can use both hands. My philosophy is to minimize your baggage if you want to stay mobile, strollers don't encourage traveling light.

If your heart is set on the two big mainstream carriers- Baby Bjorn or the Ergo, please get them used, You can find so easily in a baby consignment store or used online if you want one. You can also find ergo-similar carriers at a lot from some of the companies coming up. There is no need to get these new and they are made Elsewhere, so you can do better. If you can't find one used where you are, tell me, and I will go get one for you.

Our Pick- We loved our Solly Baby wraps for the first few months (and it would last longer if your baby isn't a squirmy meatball like ours). The stretchiness helped us learn how to wrap, and it kept my hands free during the day while still getting constant cuddles. They also come in great designs and patterns, have mini ones for dollies (so cute) and sell swaddle blankets (if anyone has one, let me know how it is- this seems like a genius idea to me).

Other Options- My wonderful friend Mindy babywraps like a boss, and she was able to give me all the details on wraps and carriers worth knowing about. She made the point that since babywearing is a deeply-rooted cultural practice, you can find great ones from around the world, but we will try to focus on ones that don't have to travel far. Be sure to poke through all the options before you decide for sure, and there are groups for babywearers that you could visit to get information and try lots of these.

Happy Wrap- Not as heavy as a Moby, with a little bit of stretch. It comes in lots of colors, which can be a little tougher to find in the Made in the US category, but these are beautiful and functional with lots of choices. Chimparoo is beloved (and Canadian-made, for you Baby Mounties out there) and that Tekhni is not only awesome, but made out of recycled post-consumer water bottles- my favorite thing! This is the one I am thinking of for Baby #2. Other options from Mindy- MJ baby Carriers (perfect alternative to the Ergo), Poe Wovens, Pavo, Golden Thread Mistress, Babyhawk,  Action Baby Carrier, Kinderpack, Cassiope Woven, Emmeline Textiles, Kokoskaa,  Cardbird Baby (some are 100% made in America, and some are America and China), Risaroo Wovens, and Maya Wrap's Premium Wovens. 

Hiking Carrier (used or new)- This is obviously not for everyone, but we know lots of very active new parents, and a hiking carrier keeps them moving even with a very little one. I would absolutely recommend these baby carriers from Tough Traveler over anything else you will find on the market. Not only are they Made in the USA, they are also absolutely beloved by the people that use them.

Strollers (used)- If you can, absolutely get this used! You will be saving money and doing good. Strollers, in general, are not great news. We received a City Mini Baby Jogger stroller which we wanted partially because it was listed as "Made in America" and the box arrived with a big old "Made in China" right on it. So not great. It's a great stroller, so snatch it up if you see a used one, but that's a lot of money getting sent off elsewhere. Big bummer, really. I am still on the lookout for good options, but for now, I think used is best.

Safety First and Cosco brands still make some of their strollers (and car seats) in the US (though the parts are from a mix of places), so they are your best option from all the research I have done. You can buy a whole Safety First system, though they don't offer many strollers by themselves. That's it. How depressing! If you want an ethical stroller, your best bet is used or open box. If I find anything else, I promise I will pass the info along.

When picking what to get, think about weight. You may only need one if it covers a range of weight, or you might need tow. Many people also end up with "umbrella strollers" on top of the others, to travel with them in the car. You know how active you are- be honest with yourself and plan accordingly.

Toys

Keys
Outdoor Toys
Play Mats
Sensory Toys
Shape Sorter
Stuffed Toys
Teethers
Things on Wheels

Alright, in toys, what you actually need in the first year really depends on your baby, but you will need at least 2 teethers, a play mat, some books, something that makes annoying noises (it's a rite of passage) and maybe three other things (everything they tell you about them liking the box better is true). That being said, there are tons of great options to register for in toys.

Don't feel pressured to get a lot. I know I keep saying this, but your baby will not care about something you are sure is cool now. Boxes, Measuring Cups, and anything he isn't supposed to have are our baby's favorite toys. You really need 5 or 6 things tops for the first 6 months, and by then he or she should be able to show you what he or she finds interesting. And not to get all sentimental, but the thing he or she will most want to play with is you.

Keys (new)- They shouldn't be so beloved, but they are. Our house's favorite is the Green Toys set of keys, which are made of recycled plastic and are our gift to most of the babies we know. Not much is universal, but these keys seem to appeal to most tiny people.

Outdoor Toys (used)- My Nana got one of these Little Tikes Cars secondhand at least 15 years ago for her grandchildren, and it is still hard at work with her great granchildren now. Those plastic toys, mostly better for toddler than babies but people love to buy them early, last literally forever. So go check your Goodwill. Even if something is faded, you can repaint it for less money than buying one new, and save toys from the landfill.

If you have to buy something, many Little Tikes toys are made in America (not all of them are) and last from child to child (whereas Fisher Price are all imported and often come with parts that break). Even though they are made of plastic, these could be great if used by many children (which it will be; kids love that car)! They also have swings, kitchens, and water play tables.

Play Mats (used, Etsy)- These are another one of those things that is great then totally useless in quick succession. If you can find one used and washable (and you probably can, because they really do run out of uses quickly), it's worth it.

If you want to get a new one, I recommend skipping the ones with a mat (it's just a blanket, and you have plenty of those) and getting something more eco-friendly, like a Finn and Emma arch. If I had it to do again, this is the route I would take. You would think babies would rather have the ones with lights and whistles, but I have seen at least half a dozen tiny ones sucked into the mesmerizing glory of simple wood toys hanging from an arch. They love it. If you see one that is used? Buy that sucker right away, and take yourself for ice cream These are pretty popular on Etsy right now, so you can find many options there as well- Alluring Co and Fawn Over Baby have some of the cutest ones while still being affordable.

You can also get a play rug made in America from Flagship Carpets if that is more what you have in mind.

Sensory Toys (new or make yourself)- Small Babies go through long periods where they mostly want to touch and grab. I like small sensory blankets like this one from Baby Jack (made by moms in Wisconsin!) or sensory cubes like this one. from Nel Quilts. If you are registering, gifting, or making something like this, it's in the same period where they can only see high contrast colors, so I would be sure to go vivid!

Shape Sorter (new)- This shape sorter may be the most consistently popular toy we have had in the collection for the longest span. Babies love putting things into things, and then taking them out. Toddlers like figuring out shapes and testing. Shape sorters do the trick, but none are as great as this one from Maple Landmark. A few have come through our house, but this one is awesome; great for figuring out shapes but also for the simple joy of stuffing a thing full of stuff. If you want a slam dunk toy for a tiny person, this is a great bet. If that isn't for you, check the one from Green Toys. Just don't buy from Melissa and Doug, because those guys are shisters.

Stuffed Toys (made, used, or new)- Most of the favorites in our house are gifts from an aunt or uncle. We have a Tigger that was our uncle's and a pikachu that was our aunt's, and we love those. We also have a solid pile of beanie babies I still had, because I was sure they would be worth something? Whatever, they are valuable for hearing my son say "hippo" now. The Bub was also given a used bunny doll from Ebay that is identical to the bunny I adored as a kid. We have also had some kickass Goodwill finds- a Wall-E, an Elmo, and a Woody doll. You may think it is weird to give someone something used as a gift, but for this category, almost his whole collection is made up of meaningful gifts that meant something to someone he loved first. They are really special.

The Bub was also gifted two really adorable foxes by my cousin, and she made them herself! You can find tons of stuffed toy PDF's on Etsy, so you could do something amazing like this too.

Lastly, check out Bears for Humanity. This company assembles the bears in America (not as good as making them completely here, but once you start looking, stuffed animal pickings are slim), uses recycled polyfill, and gifts a bear to a kids charity for every bear they sell. They even employ Welfare to work participants, so you are helping someone in trouble have a job. One of my favorites and it makes for a sweet and ethical gift. Plus, they are clearly gaining steam and adding new styles, which is just what this blog likes to see.

If you are looking for something specific, try Etsy. There are so many stuffed animal and doll options on that site. Will you pay more than at Walmart? Yes. But the toy will be well-made and made in America. Nothing in that Walmart toy section can boast that.

Teethers (new/ used)- So many choices! This is designed to make it into your baby's mouth, so it is a good place to be a little more cautious.There are wood ones and silicon ones, I would get one of each beforehand, see what sticks, and maybe do another one if you have a hit on your hands.

 Our Pick for Silicone - Lifefactory Silicone Teethers- We kept ours in the freezer and gave it to the baby when teething really got him down. When he was smaller, he was pretty content to just test the different textures on the ring. They are also dishwasher safe, so you can throw them in when needed. So nice.

Other options- Freaking Sophie the Giraffe is everywhere (even photobombing my holidays), so maybe you can start looking for her used or donated (she can be easily sanitized as well. She is made in France with all baby-friendly materials, and her design gives multiple gnawing options, making her a favorite of teethers everywhere. Seahorse Teethers- These are so stinking cute, and I love the colors. They remind me of Lamaze toys, which you definitely won't see this list.You could also try a Wowie Star, Green Toys Twist Teether (I recommend the keys as well), and Begin Again's Green Ring Teether.

Our Pick for Wood Teethers-  Etsy has a lock on some of the coolest wooden teethers you can find, so if you are gifting, you can find something perfect for the bub you love there. Little Sapling Toys has the coolest designs (including state teethers!) and 12,000 glowing reviews. 12,000. One of the most successful stores I have seen on Etsy, and just tons of cute stuff to choose from. I also think this teething ring from Honey Bee Toy and Craft is a spot on combination of sensory toys, high contrast somethings to stare at, and a classic teether. It's a big winner in my book.

Other Options- Manzanita Kids have tons of really fun and creative options, but they also have great reviews and a lot of sales, so you know you are getting something good.  I really wish we had a camera-shaped teether like this one from Keepsake Toys, I also love the (very Seattle) Two Five Tree. Beckman Woodworks have little rings on them that would have kept our 8 month old busy for days (they also have jewelry teethers, which sounds crazy, but really works when you are out of the house with an antsy baby).This hippo from Finn and Emma is basically my favorite thing that has ever existed. The Teething Fairy sells wood/silicone combos which look really cute. Paci Catcher sells adorable teethers with the clips so the baby can hold on to them, even when they can't.

Things on Wheels (new or used)- One or two does the trick, but they sure are interesting to tiny people. My favorites? These animals on wheels from Green Toys and some little wooden cars from Holgate Toys (including this Daniel Tiger inspired trolley). Also, if you can find one used (you can) a push toy like a shopping cart is a great find.

odds and ends

Almost all of these don't qualify as needs, but they are a few things we have found that we loved along the way. Mostly they would make good gifts for the right family. 

Bible

Books

Diaper Bag

Fan

Humidifier

Teething Necklace

White Noise

Baby's First Bible (new)- Jesus Storybook Bible- This children's Bible is both whimsical and beautiful. I doubt our very young son can comprehend it yet, but it remains one of the best baby recommendations we were given.

Books (new and used)- You might feel a little silly reading to such tiny people, but it is well-proven to be great for those developping brains (you are also supposed to talk to them at all times, which I hated, so reading felt like a nice break. If you are gifting, I highly recommend gifting a subscription to Baby Bug- they are filled with tiny stories and poems that the parents might hate, but the baby will ask for as soon as they can ask, they also have great suggestions for caretakers on how to put the material to use, and they are printed in the US. They are also perfect for planes, because there is a lot of content but they are light and flexible for a diaper bag/ My Aunt Joanna gifted The Bub this, and we may hate Kim and Carrots, but deep down we love them. 

Other absolute favorites in our house for the first year? The Pout Pout Fish (the first time your baby tries to kiss the fish, you can write and thank me), Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Green Eggs and Ham, Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Monster at the End of this Book, First Word Books (I really like an Usborne one as well) and Mercer Mayer books. They are almost all available used on Amazon (you could buy this whole pile for like 10 dollars), though some are printed in the US (Yay Sandra Boyton!) and no matter what, it can be great to support the authors. This is one that depends on your priorities. 

Diaper Bag (new)- If you already carry a big purse, it might work, otherwise it is time to get something that can handle your new job as cow and pack mule. They often try to sell you super cutesy bags with monograms and a million pockets- this isn't really necessary, you are better off picking something you actually want to wear for 3 years, because you will get so much use out of this.

 I got a Kelly Moore bag, which doubles as a camera bag, but it is made in China, so maybe not a great choice (especially because there are so many better choices, though they did assure me they have visited the factory multiple times and it stood up well to inspection). Also, for the price, it hasn't really held up that well in the two years I've used it. The most similar bags I found on Etsy were from Kith and Kin.

If you are looking for something sporty and gender neutral, Tom Bihn has a bag I have heard raves  about. This ika bag tote  on etsy is also a little more unisex (though I love this striped one)- and they are from Paris, so you will be one chic momma. Christy Studio also makes a really beautiful but gender neutral bag that can serve many purposes, Precious Little Tot has great bags thoughtfully made, especially if you do want some pockets. Dainty Bean makes bags that can be worn on the side or as a backpack (another highly recommended quality).

A Fan (new or used)-  Keeping babies cool can be as tough as keeping them warm, so be sure to prepare for hot summers. This one, from Honeywell, was made from recycled materials in the USA.

Humidifier (new)- The only ones I see that are made in America look like teapots. May be one, like the baby monitor, where not much exists but bad options. All the more reason to try to do better in nearly every other category!

from Style Hungry

Teething Jewels- Oh, the Bub loves his jewels, and the silicon beads make for an easily portable and clean-able toy when you are on the run, They really look cute too, so I may have them in 3 colors. You can also get wood/silicone ones on Etsy from stores like Style Hungry (love these), mint sunshine shop, My Sunshine Studio, and Babes and Babies.

 A White Noise Machine (just wait)- Many parents love their white noise (myself included), but you can download an app or album on your phone. One of the smaller ones might be good, but in general we haven't needed ours much, because we already have electronics that can play white noise. Getting more is just kind of wasteful.

We made it through! Be sure to check out the rest of the registry. If you want more shopping inspiration (lots more), visit my Giant List of Shopping Lists page!

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Ten Things I Wish We Knew Before Making our Baby Registry

Picture Credit- Jenny Bickel Photography

Being prego is obviously exciting, but it also turns out to be a lot of research. It's kind of like trying to prepare for a vacation where you don't know where you are going. It's a shot in the dark, and you can ask around for clues, but you really don't know. When you register for a wedding, you have some vague idea of how to adult, but this is totally different. I know we had no idea what the hell we needed, and my mom showed up the week before the Bub came and filled in a bunch of blanks we hadn't thought of.

Because it's a shot in the dark, we made mistakes, and if I could do it all over again, I would have registered and shopped in such a different way. Learn from my mistakes! This is how I would do it now that I know better:

1. Play the Long Game

 When you are going through it the first time, it can be easy to focus on maybe the next month or so. I mean, we were basically in survival mode for a while. But they grow, and way faster than you are expecting. You can save some money and a whole lot of waste by looking a little further ahead. If you register for baby stuff, ONLY register for 6-9 or 9-12. People will buy you the smaller sizes without encouragement, but those sizes last such a short time (maybe only a month or two), then you look around and you don't have anything to put your baby in. It works this way for everything- the early months seem like you need a lot, but really they are happy with your boob and cuddles, so try to play a longer game.

I will try to point out stuff as we go through the Baby Registry, but off the top of my head, I do recommend registering for larger sizes, bigger bottles and sippy cups, and the larger car seat. That first birthday may seem a long way away right now, but what were you doing a year ago this week? Things move quickly!

And while we are at it, when your nunjas explode and you need a new bra, just buy nursing bras (my suggestion? Bella Materna. Steep but great). When buying maternity clothes, buttoned up chests are perfect. I was back in maternity clothes and expanded stuff for probably the first three months after the Bub was born (they call it the 4th trimester), so that maternity clothes you buy early on can have a lot of use later. Especially if you think ahead.

2.Consignment is your New Best Friend (and You Can Say So)

Before you have a baby, people will tell you they go through things fast, and you kind of get it, but nothing teaches the lesson like when they grow out of their size before you even use all of the super cute outfits you have. 0-3 for us was brutal, because he was out of it by two months. This super quick turnover means somebody spent a bunch of money on nothing.What a waste of money AND clothing! Our country makes tons of textile garbage; the average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing a year- new parents jack up this number. Not only can you save epic amounts of money by buying 80-90% consignment (we save at least half of our clothing budget), but you can minimize that huge pouring into landfills.

The biggest baby clothing companies- Carter's and Gerber- have very sketchy labor policies and environmental impact. And not a thread is stitched in the US. I know before I had the Bub, I poured over Carter's stuff at every store. I picked stuff I loved, and once he was here, I noticed everyone had the same outfits! Trust me, nothing you put your baby in will be cuter than your baby, so you don't have to be "on trend."

If you can buy essentially the same onesie in a kids consignment store for a third of the price, save one more onesie from being in a landfill, and give unethical companies 10 dollars less, it can only be a win. You are making the world a little better for your baby and save SO MUCH money that can go to their future. I only wish I had started sooner.

You shouldn't feel ashamed to let your family know that a great consignment sleeper makes a  completely awesome gift. One of our friends here just put on her invitation that they were trying to cut down their environmental impact, so please buy used clothes for the gift. Will someone roll their eyes? Yes, definitely. But people roll their eyes at me and this blog everyday, and alas, I carry on. This approach to baby clothes will make you more sane, and I promise you will find so much cute stuff.

3. Glass not Plastic- Wood, not Plastic

You will find bottles that claim to be BPA-free, but recent studies show that the BPA substitutes can be just as bad. Plastic is toxic and nasty, so you can do a lot for your child's health by avoiding it whenever possible. Plus, using plastic is just another way to add waste to the world your child will someday inherit from you. We love our Evenflo and Lifefactory glass bottles, and we can reuse them all for as many spawn as we have, then pass them on to someone else to use. No leeching. No contorting in the dishwasher. We even got the Lifefactory sippy lids and use them as sippy cups now.

In the same vein, don't register for toys that have lots of plastic attached- look for wooden teethers and toys instead, because everything will be going in that precious little nugget's mouth before you know it (just watch out for Melissa and Doug, they aren't any better than Fisher Price). They love chewing on everything. Because babies are sometimes assholes who flip your purse and try to eat your change (true story).  Minimize the potentially toxic chemicals by opting out of plastic whenever you can (and hide your pennies).

4. Wipe Warmers= Not Worth it

 You will get so much advice about things you "need" that you may never use (and might melt a piece of your furniture, not that I am bitter or anything). It can be tempting to follow every piece of advice, because you have no idea what the hell you are doing. But preparing for every possibility will leave you broke with a house full of junk you will never use. It's not worth it.

 It's not that you may not need those "needs," but babies, like all people, are greatly individual and variable. Each one comes with their own set of ticks and preferences, and you can wait to see who they are before trying to attend to needs that just don't exist. There will still be stores once your bub arrives, so if you aren't sure, just wait.

5. Neither are 14 Kinds of Swaddle Blankets

You need two kinds. Three if you have cold weather coming.

Muslin blankets for swaddling (Aden and Anais are all the rage, but they aren't ethical. Check this blog for your many options).
Fuzzy blankets if it is cold (I like Swaddle Designs blankets).
And the wonderful handmade blankets your family and friends will make you.

That's it. Don't get conned into the combo kits with swaddles in them. Those swaddle blankets are always crappy anyway. Just avoid sets.

6.There are Eco-friendly and American-made options for everything on your list

 I wish, more than anything, that I had realized how many options I had before I registered for baby. Now that I see him, I want to make the world a little bit better for him every day, and I think a lot of what we bought and registered for earlier on could have had much more positive impact. We got so many "Made in China" Fisher Price things that I see in our baby consignment shop all the time. We wasted so much money on clothes that we would never buy now. We shelled out for toys that he never cared about. We got strollers that were made in China when American-made options were out there.

The truth is, I just never thought about it. I never thought about being eco-friendly, and I just assumed every option was "Made in China." Sure, if I knew that I had a choice between Made in China or America, I would choose America, but I didn't even realize there was an option. Even eco-friendly lists mostly highlight the toxicity you don't want for your child (see- minimize plastic!), and it isn't clear what the most eco-friendly options would be for the world around them.

Options exist. They may not be easy to find, but that's why I am here.

There is always an option. I made the Baby Registry specifically so that these other, so much more eco-friendly, options are clearly available. You can cross check anything on your list with my Eco-Friendly and Made in America Baby Registry to have a registry you can really feel good about. Don't make my mistake!

How many opportunities do you have in life to make a bunch of purchase choices at once? That means you can put all those purchases (by you and your family) towards your baby's needs and your baby's world. These kinds of moments don't come by often. Caring is worth doing, making the switches does good, and you can do this.

7. Don't Be Scared

I am not going to say be confident, you're not an idiot, because most likely you are. Most likely we are too all over again. You are planning for a person you haven't met- there's no way to do that well. There's no reason to know these things, so be sure you have a small army of friends (or one really great one, Rochelle) who already knows what is good.

Ask lots of questions. Ask about wipe warmers. If you ask 3 people and they all say you definitely need something (like a crib or a carrier) you probably do. If there is debate, skip it. If you aren't sure whether you will be a baby wearer or stroller pusher, try to find a wrap used. You can always get something nicer once you know firsthand, but you know yourself and which advice might be worth following. Women chomp at the bit to share baby knowledge, so never be embarrassed to ask other new moms you trust.

Side note, the urge to share advice never goes away, but mommy brain smooths out edges. It's encouraging really that moms look back on things as easier than they were and are (I know it happens, because my toddler has helped block out some miserable infant months of sleep deprivation), but trust me, their kids were not perfect. Grain of salt it, because those memories are sea glass.

You will learn it all so soon. No need to overcompensate because you aren't sure yet. You got this.

8. Join a Buy Nothing Group. Don't Have one? Start one

Since joining Buy Nothing when The Bub was five or six months old, our family has probably saved at least 700 dollars we would have spent. We have received almost all of the Bub's toys, a playplace in the backyard (didn't end up working out, but still), a dining room table, swim diapers, and tons of clothes. I imagine we have saved much more than that. That's a plane ticket. We have also given away that much in stuff, which means our house is never quite as bogged down by baby stuff.

I can't tell parents enough- join your local Buy Nothing group.

Don't have one where you are? Check and see if there is a freecycle group or another option. But really, make the world (and your community) better by starting one. It's a pain upfront, but by the time baby is eating solids, you will have a huge resource at your fingertips.

Babies create a constant turnover in stuff, and joining a Buy Nothing means that you are connected to parents with slightly older and slightly younger children. It means someone has what you need or someone needs what you no longer want, and you can connect easily (and meet! So nice). Even when you don't have anything you need that day, it will make your life better. It's like having random acts of mommy kindness on your newsfeed everyday.

9. Play the Even Longer Game

 Planning on spawning more than once? Then you aren't registering for your baby, you are registering for your babies. Resist the urge to register for anything gender-specific (trust me, someone will get you a sexist, heteronormative, and lame onesie anyway) or made so cheaply it couldn't possibly make it through multiple spawn (looking at you, Gerber- every onesie we got has holes in it now).

We are looking down the barrel at infant #2, and we really don't need much. People keep saying it is because we are having another boy spawn, but the real trick is to buy (and register for) as many versatile pieces as you can. We gave about half Bub One's clothes away when he grew out of them, and gender neutral pieces always made the A team that stayed. As we got better at it, the clothes also mostly avoid too specific gender connotations. Buy stuff that isn't junk (see also; made in America) and don't monogram it or something silly like that.

10. Trix are for Kids. Diaper Bags are for Grown Ups

Baby stuff is so cute. No debating it. And it can be tempting to opt for a diaper bag that looks as adorable as everything else on your list. Don't match the bag to the task, match the bag to your style. If you are cutesy and such, by all means get the bag with Winnie the Pooh or ducks on it. For the rest of us, register for something that looks like a bag you would carry everyday for the next two years of your life. Because that is what you are actually dealing with.

My favorite recommendation is a bag from Oliday, because I had one of their camera bags and it lasted so long. They are simple and neutral, but they also offer backpack options, which does make life way easier as the bub gets bigger.  Tom Bihn makes a well-loved and sportier option. Christy Studio has simple options too. There are so many out there, so be sure to get something you love. Best case scenario, you only have to buy one.




Ah, life experience and wisdom. I wish I had more, but hopefully this is at least a little bit helpful for the expectant moms and dads out there. Do better than I did! And do it for that tiny person, because eventually you will be fond of them, and therefore won't want them to be the boneless garbage people in Wall-E. Please, help me keep our world from being the world in Wall-E. Cute robots aren't worth it.

Interested in more Ethical, Green, and Made in America shopping? Check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists to find all kinds of cool shopping alternatives!

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