Motherhood and a huge pile of waste - can it be done differently

Motherhood brings many challenges, and one of them is also the amount of waste generated mainly by using disposable diapers and wet wipes. Some mothers start thinking about it during pregnancy and consider investing in reusable products; for others, unfortunately, it seems unnecessary or just more hassle with washing/cleaning. So how can we lighten the load on the planet so that the amount of waste is as small as possible?

Reusable products for mom and baby

The initial investment in these reusable products is admittedly higher, but they can later be sold to help other mothers reduce waste, or used for another baby.

• Cloth diapers - the biggest item on the list will undoubtedly be cloth diapers, which many babies will appreciate, and you can also use cloth diapers together with the elimination communication method; 
• wipes - wet wipes often cause problems for babies because the ingredients they contain can lead to diaper rash, and in combination with various creams this can turn into a cycle of issues. A better option is to use washable wipes with Medvídek oil;
• changing mats - just get 2-3 changing mats that you can wash and that will last a very long time;
• breast pads - if breast milk leaks outside of breastfeeding or during breastfeeding from the other breast, breast pads are useful; today you can also buy cloth ones and wash them repeatedly;
• makeup remover pads - just like breast pads, you can also get washable makeup remover pads.

Less waste in the household

In the household, you can also tackle waste with these tips:

• snacks and first purees - you can make your own snacks and first purees;
• snack wrap - you can take a snack with you in a wax wrap or in various containers or snack pouches;
• dish towels - instead of paper towels, you will appreciate reusable towels that you can toss into the washing machine; 
• bags for fruit, vegetables, and bread - bags for fruit, vegetables, and bread are perfect for shopping;
• drinking thermos - for walks outside, a drinking thermos will come in handy, or a cup that cafés will gladly fill with coffee to go.

It is true that you cannot buy many products from parental allowance, so it is great if you manage to invest before childbirth, or then gradually from maternity leave benefits. 

We keep our fingers crossed for reducing waste and believe that even small changes in every family will benefit our planet. 

For more tips, take a look at one of our older articles - How to avoid packaging and lighten the load on the planet.