Organically Growing

That’s why I’ve created a modified Green Baby Registry Checklist: a list of things that every nursery needs without a lot of excessive additions. Here we go:

Big Stuff:

• Crib (see my post on Shopping for an Eco-Friendly crib for tips)
• Crib Mattress (How to Choose An Organic Crib Mattress)
• Changing Table
• Changing Table Pad
• Car Seat
• Stroller
• Rocking Chair (we happen to have this totally retro rocking chair from my grandma circa 1967 that not only looks amazing, but is also quite comfy)
• Bouncer (we got this cool Svan Bouncer as a gift, it’s great because it folds flat for travel or stashing when not in use. And there’s no plastic on it)
• Baby Monitor
• Breast Pump (depends on your sitch. You might be able to get by renting one for several months, or if you’re planning on pumping for the long haul or having more babies – get your own)

Because our nursery is so close to our bedroom, we opted out of the co-sleepers, bassinet, moses baskets, etc. Your situation might require it. If so, look for the same eco-friendly features you sought in your crib.

Note  also the absence of the ExerSaucer, Pack ‘n Play-type travel beds, swings and all that.  We live in a pretty small space, so we want to see what types of “toys” we’ll want for baby to hang in later when he’s actually ready to use them. Same goes for the high chair … we figure we have 6 months to get that so it doesn’t need to be piling up in the house. But, if you have especially generous gift givers on your list – you may want to add a Svan Highchair to your registry.

Bedding:

• 2-3 Organic cotton or bamboo fitted crib sheets
• 1 Organic wool puddle pad for crib mattress  (if you opted for a non-waterproof mattress. If you get a flat one, it also makes for a great blanket for playing on the floor, taking outside, etc.)
• 1 Organic cotton mattress protector
• 1-2 Organic cotton changing pad cover(s)
• 4 organic cotton, bamboo or soy fiber receiving blankets
• 1 thicker, cozier blanket for floor playtime

You might note that I left off the fancy-schmancy crib set. Myself, I’ve always been against the cutesy themed nursery set ups and wasn’t planning on investing in the crib skirt+bumper combo … that is, until I saw the Lions Tigers & Kitties Organic Cotton crib set by Pixel Organics. And I got that. But it’s not a “necessity” per se.

Feeding:

• 3 5 oz. BPA-free bottles
• 4-5 10 oz. BPA-free bottles
• Silicone nipples
• 2  Breast milk freezing trays
• Breastfeeding pillow (Boppy is the quintessential style)
• 10 Burp cloths (classic Prefold diapers work awesome for this, and so many other tasks it doesn’t hurt to have several on hand)
• 4 bibs (drool and spit up catcher)

Things like solid food eating supplies might be nice to get right now, but we’re holding off until he’s ready to actually use it, rather than stockpile today.

Diapering:

• 24-30 Cloth Diapers – If you’re planning to cloth diaper, you’ll want to have at the very least 24 all-in-ones on hand. We’re going with the one-size version from Happy Heiny and Bum Genius so that they’ll last throughout his pooping-in-pants phase.
• 6-8 Cloth Diaper Inserts – the all-in-one styles usually come with one insert, but you’ll want some extras for laying in absorbency for overnights, etc.
• Eco-Friendly Diapers – even if you’re going to cloth diaper, it doesn’t hurt to have some Seventh Gen disposibles on hand for emergency laundry situations, babysitters, etc.
• 20 Cloth Wipes – a great alternative to buying disposable wipes is to just make your own reusable ones with organic cotton or bamboo baby washcloths, a little bit of water and some essential oils. You could even put them in a wipe warmer if you want. 
• Disposable Wipes – like the diapers, it doesn’t hurt to have one or two packages of eco-friendly, non-toxic, unscented wipes on hand. Tushies makes flushable ones.
• Diaper Pail
• Diaper Bag
• All-natural baby oil or diaper cream – if you’re cloth diapering, it’s not likely you’ll need much for diaper rash, but if so, choose an all-natural, organic variety free of mineral oil and other junk.

This might seem like a LOT to buy … and it is an investment. But just remember that while you might be shelling out $250-300 for cloth diapers today (or, your friends are), you won’t be spending $20 every week on disposables for the next two years.

Bath Time:

• 1-2 bamboo or organic cotton hooded towels
• 1 bottle each: all-natural baby shampoo, body wash, lotion
• SpaBaby bath tub - this BPA-free tub let’s baby sit upright in a more natural, comfortable position. Plus, it’s one of few non-toxic, recyclable plastic baby tubs out there.

Miscellaneous:

• First aid kit with clippers, thermometer, nose cleaner-outer thing, etc.
• Baby carrier or sling

Clothes:
Here’s where things get tricky. Everyone wants to buy those cutesy little outfits he’ll never wear … and you have no idea how fast the little guy is going to grow outta stuff. Try to look for organic cotton, bamboo or soy fiber clothes that are super soft, wear well and are easier on the environment. Here’s a few things to get you started, without overstuffing your drawers.

• 1 super-cute “going home” outfit that you will save for years to come and say things like, “I can’t believe he was so small!”
• 3-4 short sleeve onsies
• 3-4 long sleeve onsies
• 5 pairs of pants
• 1 pair of mittens (for newborn nail protection)
• 6 footie sleepers, “rompers“ or the like
• 2 sleep sacks
• 2 hoodies or sweater type things
• 1 Velcro swaddler
• 8 pairs of socks
• 4 hats (consider a sun hat for summer outings)
• Winter bunting or fleece jacket (if it’s winter … or even if it gets cold in the evenings like here in Seattle)

I’ve always been a little sheepish about creating a gift registry. When we got married, we made a very short list of things because there were a few people who were hounding us about it. I’ve just never felt comfortable asking people to buy me certain things. And now with a baby shower just two weeks away, the need for a registry arises again. Because we’re being a little “particular” about not wanting plastic and choosing natural and organic fibers whenever possible, we had no choice.

Fortunately, HappyGreenBaby.com has an online gift registry for all these sorts of things, and some big box retailers are also starting to carry more organic products so friends and family can find green choices fairly easily.