About to jet off on an adventure with your little bundle of joy? That’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking.
Traveling with a tiny human in tow means packing a sea of disposable diapers, plastic containers, and whatnot. After all, you don’t know what they might need when you’re navigating unfamiliar territories.
That translates to a lot of luggage. But do you also know that all those single-use items will also pollute Mother Earth?
The good news is that you can lighten your luggage and reduce waste if you opt for eco-friendly baby essentials. Here are eco-friendly baby essentials that are a must-have for your trip abroad.
#1 Reusable Cloth Diapers
You can’t travel without diapers, but disposable ones? They are not quite eco-friendly.
The World Economic Forum says they are one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste. Over 300,000 disposable nappies are incinerated or sent to the landfill every minute.
Ditch disposable diapers and stock reusable cloth diapers. They have come a long way from old-school pins and squares. Now, you have the option to buy pocketed cloth diapers, where you can add smaller washable cloth inserts. That way, you just have to wash the soiled insert, not the whole diaper.
Modern reusable diapers come with snaps or Velcro, so you won’t have to fumble with safety pins. They are soft and breathable, and—bonus—they come in fun prints instead of sad white plastic.
Worried about leaks? Don’t be. Cloth diapers now have waterproof outer layers that keep everything contained. And if the thought of washing diapers on vacation makes you cringe, just use biodegradable liners. These let you toss the mess while keeping the diaper itself reusable.
#2 Organic Baby Clothes
Babies are messy little creatures, so you will have to pack plenty of outfits.
Don’t throw a bunch of fast-fashion onesies into your suitcase. Go for options that are kind to the Earth such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp fabrics are great options. They are soft, breathable, and free from nasty chemicals.
Unlike conventional cotton—which is drenched in pesticides and harsh chemicals—organic fabrics are grown sustainably and are gentler on sensitive baby skin. Bamboo, in particular, is super soft and naturally antibacterial. On top of that, it will keep your baby cool in the heat.
The best part? These clothes are way more durable than synthetic fabrics. That means fewer rips, less fading, and a second life as hand-me-downs.
Pack neutral, mix-and-match outfits so you can travel light. Worried about packing space? Roll them up—organic fabrics are thinner and take up less room than bulky, synthetic clothes.
#3 Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’ll want to pack smart.
If you’re breastfeeding, a good nursing cover made from organic cotton or bamboo can be a lifesaver for privacy and comfort. And if you’re pumping, consider a manual pump for travel—no need to worry about finding outlets.
For bottle-feeding, skip the plastic and opt for glass or stainless steel bottles. They are durable, easy to clean, and won’t leach harmful chemicals. Plus, you can find collapsible silicone travel bowls and utensils that take up minimal space.
And for baby formula? Opt for those that are packed with plant-based ingredients. Their carbon footprint is lower than animal-derived ones.
In regard to animal-derived formula, two famous baby formula brands, Enfamil and Similac, are working to make their production more sustainable. Still, it would be best to steer clear of them.
Over a thousand parents have sued the two brands, alleging that they caused NEC in their little ones. NEC, or necrotizing enterocolitis, is a gastrointestinal condition that kills bowel tissue. While it’s common in preemies, full-term infants can also develop it.
Plaintiffs in the NEC lawsuit allege that the manufacturers of these cow milk-based formulas were aware of the risks, yet they failed to warn them or doctors. These suits are filed against Abbott Laboratories—the manufacturer of Similac—and Mead Johnson—the manufacturer of Enfamil.
According to TorHoerman Law, baby formula named in the litigation includes Similac Alimentum Expert Care, Similac Special Care 20, Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare, and Enfamil Premature.
#4 Eco-Friendly Stroller
Planning to take the clunky, heavy stroller on your trip? Leave it at home.
A lightweight, eco-friendly stroller would be the right choice. These strollers are made with sustainable materials like recycled aluminum frames and organic fabric canopies.
Some brands even use upcycled plastic bottles to create the fabric so that they don’t end up in landfills.
When choosing one, look for a compact, foldable design that is easy to carry through airports and tiny European cafes. Bonus points if it has all-terrain wheels because cobblestone streets and sandy beaches do not mix well with flimsy plastic wheels.
Sustainable strollers are GREENGUARD Gold and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Sustainably Chic says that these certifications ensure that the stroller is free of hazardous substances. So, check these certifications before you invest in a stroller.
The key to traveling sustainably with a baby? Less is more. Focus on multi-use items, avoid single-use plastics, and stick to natural materials when possible.
At the end of the day, traveling with a baby is never totally smooth sailing. But going green doesn’t have to make it harder. You can make a big difference for the planet—and keep your packing somewhat under control by resorting to eco-friendly baby essentials. Now, go enjoy that trip!
