5 ways you can be a more eco-friendly parent

For many of us, the thought of living a sustainable life conjures up images of home-grown vegetables, thrifted clothes and strictly plant-based diets. When you add a young child into the mix, the mere idea of becoming more eco-friendly can seem impossible. But what if we were to tell you there are five simple ways of making your life a little greener?

Parenting’s impact on the planet

Having a baby naturally brings with it a tidal wave of single-use products, short-life clothes and a tendency towards convenience. Let’s face it, when your 4 month old has outgrown yet another t-shirt, finished the last of the formula, filled yet another nappy and has just woken you up at 4am, the planet is the last thing on your mind.

But, the harsh reality is that raising a child can be one of the worst culprits for pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, millions of barely-used plastic toys are sent to landfill every year. Disposable wipes and nappies end up in landfills, unable to biodegrade, with UK households throwing away nearly 3 billion nappies each year.

At didofy, we care for you and your family, and we also care for the environment. That’s why we’ve put together five ways you can be a more eco-friendly parent:

1. Opt for preloved or eco-friendly clothes

When you’re expecting, one of the most exciting activities is shopping for baby clothes. ‘My first Christmas’ and ‘5 months old today’ outfits are undeniably adorable, but have very limited use. That adorable dress gifted to your daughter at your baby shower? It will last a couple of months at best, and then you’re back to the shop for more clothes she’ll outgrow. They really do grow up fast, so clothes have a very short life in those first few years.

Luckily for today’s parents, there’s an abundance of eco-friendly options for baby clothes. You can find raincoats made from recycled plastic, 100% organic outfits, or even preloved clothes that have been given a second life. Many brands are offering more sustainable clothes at affordable prices, so you can make a small switch and a huge difference!

2. Invest in long-life products (where possible)

While things like clothes are naturally going to have a short life span, there are plenty of parenting essentials that can delay a trip to the skip. It may mean spending a little more money, but a reliable car seat, travel system, crib or highchair can save you from forking out on replacements when they inevitably break. Not only can it help reduce waste, but it can also help save you money in the long run.

Investing in a quality travel system, like didofy’s Stargazer, means you have a carrycot for your newborn, a car seat for those first 15 months, and a stroller for your growing toddler. Clever developments in the world of baby products have also led to innovations such as:

• Highchairs that transform into toddler chairs
• Cots that convert into toddler beds
• Tableware that adapts throughout the weaning journey and beyond

3. Switch out disposable for reusable

Particularly during those first few months, most of us will just grab the first thing available to tide us over. Disposable nappies, single-use wipes, ready-made formula - whatever’s easiest. But a few small switches can make a huge difference to the environment without demanding massive change to your life.

Unlike the cloth nappies of the past, modern reusable versions are as easy to use as their disposable cousins, and just as (if not more) comfortable for baby. Instead of chucking them in the bin, they go in the wash, ready to be used again! Plus, unlike disposables, you won’t have to do any late night runs to the store in an emergency!

4. Make eco-friendly meals from scratch

As your baby embarks on the weaning journey, convenience is always tempting. While ready-made, store-bought baby food can be just as healthy for your baby, many products come in non-recyclable packaging that just ends up in landfill. While you don’t have to go so far as growing your own veggies (though it can be a fun family activity), simply making some meals from scratch in your own kitchen can make meal-times more eco-friendly.

If you’re worried about the time it takes to cook from scratch, you can also try batch cooking meals at once, and then freezing them. Storing homemade baby food in your own reusable containers offers quick and convenient meals for baby without harming the planet!

5. Drive a little less

Transport is the biggest culprit for greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, according to the Department for Transport. Though COVID-19 saw many of us working from home and leaving our cars on the drive, we’ve slowly started to get back behind the wheel. Whether it’s driving to work, doing the school run, dashing to the shops, or even a family holiday, our cars are constantly harming the planet.

We’re not about to suggest trading the Ford Focus in for a bike and a bus pass, but cutting down on unnecessary trips is one way you can do your bit for the environment. Try setting up a car share routine with other parents at school, or opt for a short walk to your local store instead of driving. Bring your little one with you in the pram or pushchair - you’d be amazed how much shopping you can fit in the storage basket!

How didofy is being more eco-friendly

While the little changes parents like you make do have a huge impact on the environment, we acknowledge that large corporations and companies have a much bigger footprint. That’s why we’re constantly striving to be a more eco-friendly brand, and do our bit for the planet.

Our latest travel system, Stargazer, has been specially designed with sustainability in mind. Its fabrics are made entirely from traceable, recycled PET bottles. Woven into each stroller, you will find 92 plastic bottles, as well as 73 in every carrycot. You’ll still be able to enjoy the high quality, comfortable and stylish design that’s present in every didofy product, but with a more eco-friendly source.

With both parents and brands making small, eco-friendly changes, we can all help to look after the environment.

For more advice and parenting tips, you can find plenty of articles over on our blog.