Looking for products that are good for your kiddo and the planet? Start with these baby registry must-haves -- eco-friendly gear and natural baby products and that don't compromise on quality, safety, or style.
By Christina Vercelletto
Boba 4G Organic Baby Carrier, shown in Verde, $149; boba.com
We love the wear-it-in-front-or-wear-it-in-back flexibility of soft-structured baby carriers, and this pretty organic cotton model is made to grow with your baby: The integrated infant insert makes it work for babies as little as 7 pounds, and it can carry your kiddo through toddlerhood. (The weight limit is 45 pounds -- more than you may want to tote around!) A removable sleeping hood and foot straps help keep your little one comfy, while the shoulder straps include purse holders so you won't have to fuss with a bag constantly slipping down your arm. Genius!
Happy! Baby Wrap, shown in polka dot, $55; Happybabywrap.com
There's a lot for baby-wrapping eco-mamas to love about the Happy Wrap. Designed to keep your baby close until she's 35 pounds, Happy wraps are made of super-soft organic bamboo fabric that's lightweight, breathable, absorbent, and naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. They're available in 8 fun colors (with non-toxic dyes, natch) and patterns, so you don't have to sacrifice style. (Who says organic baby products have to look boring?!) And did we mention they're made in the USA?
Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller, $529; bumbleride.com
Let's face it: A stroller isn't the most eco-friendly baby product you'll buy. But the Bumbleride Indie 4 boasts "green" elements that you can feel good about for baby, including exterior fabric that's made from 50 percent recycled PET (about 14 recycled water bottles go into each Indie's fabric!) and interior fabric made from 50 percent bamboo charcoal fiber, which naturally prohibits bacterial growth (a good thing on your stroller seat, for sure!). An optional rain shield is PVC-free. Plus, the Indie 4 is car seat-compatible and holds a child up to 55 pounds, meaning this just might be the only stroller you need.
Honest 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Rail, $399; Honest.com
Hello, good nights! This mid-century modern-inspired convertible crib is the result of a partnership between Jessica Alba's Honest Company and Babyletto -- and the result is an eco-chic piece of furniture that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood and available in two natural-washed finishes -- and no worries if (or when!) your baby gnaws the crib rail: both finishes are non-toxic and free of phthalates, lead, formaldehyde, VOCs and heavy metals.
Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Mattress, $259; Naturepedic.com
You'd have a tough time finding a greener crib mattress than this. It's filled with U.S. grown certified organic cotton. The outer fabric is organic cotton as well, with a polyethylene surface, for a non-toxic and stain-resistant waterproof mattress that technically meets food contact standards! That barrier also thwarts bed bugs and dust mites. Sweet dreams, baby!
Lily's Dreams Wool Changing Pad, $36; Etsy.com/shop/lilysdreams
Who knew 100-percent wool was breathable, water resistant, stretchy, odor resistant, and antibacterial? All of this company's generous 24.5 x 31.5 pads are upcycled and felted for extra leak protection. They take custom orders, too, at the same price.
Well Nested Fitted Crib Sheet, shown in Blue Nest, $24; LandofNod.com
File this under "organic baby products we absolutely love": This incredibly pretty 100 percent organic cotton percale crib sheet is made to last, with soft, strong fabric and a fully elastic-stitched edge. (Not planning a blue nursery? It comes in three other equally lovely prints too!)
Pottery Barn Kids Modern Tufted Wingback Rocker, $1,399; Potterybarnkids.com
There's more to love about this comfy glider than the way it looks. It's made in the United States from hardwood that's been certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. And while it was designed specifically with nursing mamas in mind, from the extra-supportive headrest to the extra shoulder and elbow room, it will look beautiful in any room of your home long after your nursing days are done.
SmartNOVA Baby Monitor, $149; bellyarmor.com
This monitor uses technology that emits 97 percent less radiation than traditional DECT monitors, plus it has all the whiz-bang features you need: up to 72 hours of battery life, zero-interference thanks to automatic channel switching, 2-way communication, and privacy.
Boon Naked Two-Position Collapsible Baby Bathtub, $69.99; Booninc.com
If you think an infant tub is an infant tub, this one might change your mind: It expands to fit your growing baby! Plus, it conveniently drains and collapses to hang on its own hook. And while, yes, it's made of plastic, rest assured that it's BPA- PVC- and phthalate-free.
Honest Nursing Pillow, $69.95, Honest.com
Can a nursing pillow be eco-friendly? Yes -- if it's this one from the Honest Company! The pillow's core is free of toxic foams, adhesives, flame retardants, and harsh chemicals, and has a (removable! washable!) 100 percent organic cotton plush top and bolster. Plus the pillow's special angle can help you get your baby in the best position for nursing. We'll take all the help we can get!
Lassig Glam Shoulder Bag, $119.99; Habausa.com
It may look like a chic purse you'd see on European boulevards, but...oh, but nothing. That's exactly what is, with practical perks (insulated bottle holder, stroller hooks, pockets and pouches galore). This German brand is known for combining sleek style with earth-consciousness. All their totes are completely free of PVC, AZO dyes, phthalates, nickel, and cadmium.
bumGenius Freetime All-In-One One-Size Cloth Diapers, shown in Albert/Sassy, $41.90 for set of two; Target.com
Proving that cloth diapering is easier (and cuter!) than ever: These all-in-one, one-size diapers, which boast a closure system that makes for a trimmer fit than traditional cloth diapers. Making them extra eco- and wallet-friendly is the fact that you don't need to keep buying bigger sizes, as the snaps let you easily adjust the size from 8 to 35 pounds. And unlike cloth diapers of the past, you don't need a cover.
Nook LilyPad Play Mat, $120, allmodern.com
Make tummy time and play time more comfy for baby with this non-toxic pebbled play mat from Nook. It features 100 percent organic cotton and eucalyptus, with naturally hypoallergenic and microbe-resistant zinc-infused fibers to protect against odor. It can be used indoors or out, and is machine washable (woot!). Bonus: It's made in the USA.
BEABA Babycook Pro 2x, $199.95; BeabaUSA.com
Making your own baby food not only saves money, but ensures you know exactly what your babe is eating. It's never been easier than with this latest model of the popular Babycook. The machine, which is BPA- lead- and phthalate-free, lets you can make 9 cups of food in 15 minutes -- and will even defrost and reheat your frozen purees.
Lifefactory Baby Bottles, 4 oz, $14.99, 9 oz, $16.99; Lifefactory.com
Glass bottles are one of the first switches you might make if you're concerned about chemicals. These are made in the U.S. or Europe, from non-toxic glass that's free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates. Even the straw is medical-grade silicone, not plastic.
Aden + Anais Organic Gift Set, $79.95; Adenandanais.com
Treat an eco-minded mom friend (or yourself!) to this set, which contains two super-soft organic cotton muslin swaddles, a bib, a lovey, and a helpful how-to-swaddle book. It's easier than you think, especially when you're working with thin, stretchy muslin.
Vulli Chan Pie Gnon Natural Teether, $16.50; Babyearth.com
This teether is completely non-toxic, BPA- phthalate- and PVC-free, and made with food-grade paint. That's a good thing, too, since your teething babe will gnaw on it all the time. The softness and mushroom shape makes it easy for babies to grab, it squeaks when its belly is squeezed (so cute!), and nubs on his head soothe sore gums.
Natursutten Rubber Pacifier, shown in Butterfly Round style, size small, $16.50 for pack of two; Amazon.com
Anything that's going to be in your baby's mouth this much should get an extra-close look as far as safety goes. This paci is 100 percent pure rubber, so it's naturally BPA-free. And Natursutten has even gone so far as to remove the protein that occasionally triggers a latex allergy. Stock up!
