Image by Pebble. This post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, EcoCult will receive a small portion of the sale price.
If you know that common clothing and household items contain harmful substances, you might be a little hesitant about what to bring to your friend’s baby shower.
But don’t worry. Although the mainstream market is loaded with unsafe baby products, there are also many baby brands that intentionally eliminate toxins from their products. You can support and show excitement while keeping your newborn baby safe and healthy.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying eco-friendly baby shower gifts:
Natural Materials: Let’s be real: Any toy meant for toddlers will probably end up in your toddler’s mouth. That’s exactly what babies do. Plastic toys can also leach harmful substances (such as BPA) that can interfere with hormonal systems and development, and can also introduce more microplastics into the system.
We recommend avoiding plastic as much as possible and instead opting for toys made from natural rubber, real wood, and yarn made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool. The same goes for clothing. Avoid synthetic fibers such as polyester. This is because these are most often dyed with skin-sensitizing dyes that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. If you choose to bring a onesie or booties, choose ones made from soft, natural materials like cotton or alpaca wool.
Non-toxic dyes, paints and finishes: What goes into children’s clothing and toys is just as important as the materials they’re made from. Waterproof and stain-resistant coatings may sound appealing, but these finishes are most often achieved with PFAS, which have been linked to increased blood cholesterol levels, metabolic disorders, and weakened immunity. Masu. Even if your child doesn’t put the object directly into their mouth, PFAS can fly off the product and into the dust in your home, increasing the risk for crawling babies who put their hands in their mouths. It’s also not good for mothers, as PFAS have been linked to fertility problems, some cancers, and immune system problems.
To keep you and your baby safe, avoid high-performance finishes and look for non-toxic labels like Oeko-Tex or bluesign. When purchasing toys, look for brands that use formaldehyde-free glue, lead-free paint, and water-based dyes.
No Batteries Required: It’s safe to assume that you’ve walked through a toy aisle before and quickly noticed the wide selection of battery-powered toys and gadgets. However, most batteries contain toxic chemicals, and small batteries like button batteries can be easily swallowed by children. How you dispose of old batteries is very important. Some batteries should not be placed in household trash or recycling bins. Since most new parents don’t have the time to look for responsible battery collection programs, we recommend toys that don’t require batteries or are rechargeable.
Ethical supply chain: Everything you bring into your home should be made by people who are paid and treated fairly. Look for brands that promote close supply chains with ethical practices by checking if they are Fair Trade certified. Bonus points if you’re family-owned and use locally sourced ingredients!
Check out our guide to non-toxic baby mattresses and nursery furniture.
What we love: Finn + Emma handcrafts heirloom-quality toys in Peru. Its collection includes toys made with non-toxic wood and organic cotton yarn, as well as apparel made with organic cotton and non-toxic dyes. We have everything from playmats and swings to toys and pacifiers. Its durable and timeless design is made by workers who are paid a living wage in a safe environment. The brand also offers gift wrapping for one item per order for an additional fee.
Price range: $15-$990
Available in: Most countries
What we love: Badger Balm, a family owned and operated company in rural New Hampshire, offers a wide variety of baby care products including baby skin balm, diaper cream, baby oil, hair care, sunscreen, and more. We handle products. We work closely with our suppliers and use minimally processed raw materials.
Price range: $10.99-$17.99 (excluding bundles)
Sales area: Selected stores in the United States and Canada, Europe, China, and Peru
What we love: Pebble products are made by artisans in Bangladesh to provide safe working conditions and fair wages for local women. Every step of the process is handmade, from spinning organic cotton into yarn to knitting toys, hats, and baby blankets.
Price range: $19-$70
Available in: Most countries
What we love: Zeiki (meaning sweet and wise in Arabic) is a non-profit educational toy brand that makes ethical toys for learning. We use locally sourced materials and upcycled fabric scraps to create a variety of toys that are free of lead, phthalates, and heavy metals. Zeki Learning is Fair Trade certified and aims to advance the status of Palestinian women artisans through fair work and wages.
Price range: $15-$199
Available: Worldwide
What we love: Coyuchi is an heirloom-quality home goods brand with organic cotton baby blankets, snuggle bags, and quilts. We also have a baby gift set that includes an alpaca hat and matching baby blanket. Koyuchi is manufactured in a fair trade certified factory and uses natural dyes in all fabrics.
Price range: $48-$198
Sales region: Continental United States
What we like: Nestig makes children’s decorations using high-quality materials that are tested to exceed safety regulations. Its products are handcrafted in Brazil and only works with partners who use sustainable materials. Our collection of sheets, mobiles, toy storage, blankets and wall art are designed to be safe, sustainable and functional.
Price range: $55-$229
Available in: US and Canada
What we like: Plan Toys uses natural wood from the rubber tree, non-formaldehyde glue, and water-based dyes to create child development toys. All toys are ethically made in Thailand. Plan Toys also offers repairs and replacement parts, so parents can save money by selling beloved toys or renting new ones.
Price range: $3-$350
Country of availability: United States
What we like: Ecopiggy makes natural essentials to soothe your baby. We carry natural rubber toys, pacifiers, and unique Baltic amber pacifier necklaces. The rubber harvested from the trees comes from sustainable plantations in Malaysia. You can purchase pacifiers in a variety of styles, sizes, and packs. We also stock blankets, bath toys, washcloths, and more.
Price range: $4.95-$79
Available in: Most countries
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