Are you a mommy-to-be who is passionate about the environment? What better way to include your fondness for being eco-friendly than putting together a maternity hospital bag with all the items that are necessary but ‘green’ at the same time?
This guide will assist you in doing exactly that, which is creating an eco-friendly maternity or delivery bag. Let’s begin with it right away!
What Is A Maternity Delivery Hospital Bag?
A maternity hospital bag, or delivery bag, is just what the term suggests – a bag that contains the essentials needed by a new mother during her time in the hospital. Your environmentally friendly delivery bag will include all the necessary items that a mother might need during labor and after the baby’s arrival at the hospital. Here are some of the everyday things that may be included in your maternity bag:
For The Mother:
- Required hospitals papers or birth plan
- 2-3 Comfortable change of clothes
- Loose outfit for labor
- 2-3 Comfortable bras and knickers
- Absorbent maternity pads
- Essential toiletries
- Pillows and towels
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream
- Snacks or drinks
- Any medications that are prescribed
- Mobile phone and charger
- Any books or music that you like to help you relax
For The Baby:
- 2-3 sets of comfortable clothes for the baby
- sweaters or shawls if it is cold
- Baby blankets and sheets
- Accessories like bibs, mittens, hats, and socks
- A pack of diapers
- Bottles and formula (if you plan to bottle-fed or just in case)
- A car seat to drive home
Although not all of the needed items may have a greener alternative, luckily, most of what you need to pack has eco-friendly options. It would only require making a slight effort to find the ones available in your area. Here are some simple ways you can pack eco-friendly items for your maternity hospital bag.
Sustainable Maternity & Baby Clothes
You might require 2-3 comfortable and loose-fitted clothes during your stay at the hospitable. The ideal type of clothes should be the ones that are easy to move around in and convenient for breastfeeding (if you plan to do so).
Likewise, the baby also requires a few clothes, including bodysuits or sleepsuits that are comfortable and breathable. When it comes to fabrics, sustainable Clothes made from natural materials like organic cotton or organic wool are not only great for the environment but are also hypoallergenic and easy to wear.
Nursing Bras
When it comes to choosing suitable bras, cross-front styles, and wireless ones are great for breastfeeding. Just like clothing, the type of fabric your undergarments can create can significantly change the environment.
Garments from natural materials are less harmful to the environment as they are organically produced and free from toxins and chemicals. In addition to organic cotton, bras and knickers made from bamboo and modal are also popular choices for environmentally conscious people.
Maternity & Breast Pads
Sanitary and maternity pads are one of the major contributors to landfills. It can lead to tonnes of plastic waste on a daily basis. Instead of using regular, disposable maternity pads after delivery, opt for organic and sustainable ones. Made from natural materials that are gentle on the skin and decompose faster than the usual ones. Similarly, choose reusable varieties of breast pads that are washable and organic to include in your maternity bag.
Natural Diapers
Similarly, commercial diapers can be highly detrimental to the environment. Research indicates that almost 20 billion diapers are dumped in landfills across the country in a year. Eco-friendly diapers are more biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. They are non-toxic and thus more healthy for your baby as well. Alternatively, you can use cloth-based diapers that are reusable and have the least negative impact on the environment. These are a must for your eco-friendly green delivery bag.
Non-Toxic Baby Bottles
You may wish to breastfeed your baby as soon as they are born. However, certain complications may delay the process or make it difficult, such as a lack of milk. Therefore it is recommended to pack baby bottles and formula milk in your maternity bag.
Baby bottles or feeders made of plastic and other dangerous chemicals can be unhealthy for both your baby and the environment. Try selecting ones that are plastic-free and made from non-toxic materials. Discover some of the best ones here.
Green Toiletries
Your maternity bag may be incomplete without personal items like essential toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. If you’re enthusiastic about protecting the environment, chances are you are already aware of or using products that are green.
From bamboo toothbrushes to zero-waste shampoos and conditioners, there is a lot that you explore and choose from. Here is a quick guide to finding the right eco-friendly toiletries.
Healthy Snacks
One obvious thing that most expecting mothers may forget to pack is snacks and drinks. Certain foods may make the labor period easier for you and help keep up your energy. Although many practitioners don’t allow the patient to eat once in labor, many others believe it to be okay.
It is best to pack healthy snacks and drinks to keep your nutrition and hydration level up, if not during labor, then after giving birth. Some examples include fresh fruits, veggie sticks, dried fruits, seeds, fruit juice, and isotonic drinks. However, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice before consuming anything.
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