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Jude doesn’t use the ubiquitous PlayTex sippy cups. And no, it’s not an “exclusive breastfeeding” thing. It’s because we do our best to be as plastic-free as possible. Yes, it started with Birdie’s allergies, but we’ve all felt the benefits of avoiding as many plasticizers as possible. The more I research, the more concerned I am that our world seems to be swimming in toxic plastics. Need convincing? How about estrogenic chemicals and carcinogens hidden in plain sight?
While it usually means foregoing the cutest new bauble, even babies can steer clear of unnecessary exposure. (Because yes, medical usage of plastics is life-saving stuff— hence, necessary exposure.) Plastic-free options are becoming mainstream, prices are coming down, and natural-minded parents are innovating a return to a time when not everything Baby touched needed to be brightly-colored and able to be swiped with a disinfecting wipe.
Here are some plastic-free options we’ve used in our own home, with our own babies. We’re a large, busy homeschooling family on a missionary budget. If we can do it, you can, too!
As mentioned, we haven’t had a plastic sippy cup in our home in four years. At home, we use Ikea’s stainless steel espresso cups, although I covet a sweet enamel place setting (with mug) some day. Like generations of parents before us, we let our little ones dribble, spill, and even splash their water. So far, no fatalities. For travel, we have a single Pura Kiki stainless steel cup with silicone spout. Total lifetime investment? Right around $30. When I contrast that with the stacks of decorated plastic that once occupied my cabinet to the tune of $6 a pop … yeah.
We also don’t do melamine plates, plastic utensils, or food pouches. While we’ve bought some prepared food for travel, we usually find that it’s just as easy to use our own jars to bring along homemade food. In the past, our babies have used either stainless steel or bamboo plates. Currently, Jude is using our regular dinnerware. When the time comes, I’ll probably go stainless again.
I know that vinyl-backed bibs are so easy to just wipe down and re-use, but my laundry routine has not been burdened by the addition of some handknit dishcloth bibs. There are a million and one options on ravelry, but the simplest I’ve found is this one. And when I really want to make something quick that looks fancier than it is, I go for the cabled version. Easy peasy!
For table time, steering clear of plastic can be trickier— or at least more expensive. These restaurant-style high chairs are on the cheaper end at under $50, but don’t provide the back support babies need. Those that do (like the Keekaroo, which is completely wood but has a removable plastic tray cover) can soar to nearly $200… or more. That’s a budget-breaker for us! However, once the little one has been able to sit solidly, we’ve moved them on to an Amish-style youth chair. These are worth their weight for families with many small children!
It goes without saying that cloth diapering keeps toxins out of our home. But unless you eschew PUL covers and go with wool (Disana and Loveybums are my favorites), you’re not necessarily coming out ahead in terms of exposure.
Believe it or not, teething toys don’t have to be plastic! Both Simon & Jude cut their first teeth on wood. Grimm’s makes the cute hedgehog you see Jude chomping, but Simon’s was sourced via etsy. To be honest, I prefer the etsy options.
Babies need stimulation. It’s true. But trust me, you can avoid the flashing lights and garish colors! The Ikea play gym was a huge hit here but, disappointingly, the dangling playthings were plastic. Boo. We haven’t used any doorway jumpers ourselves, but this plastic-free jumper option was recommended by a friend who happens to be an OT. We have this Hape walker, and when Jude gets to play with it — Simon and Birdie snag it often — he laughs hysterically at the zebras. For mobile babies, we use Montessori Treasure Baskets, or simply throw open the cupboard to the pots and pans. Truthfully, there are tons of options for plastic-free play for baby, but we’ve found that normal life broken up with some patty cake, looking in mirrors, and figuring out how to bang together two blocks is plenty to occupy our little guys. There are loads of wooden toys and safe play options to round out the early months of discovery play. (I posted some ideas for older kids here.)
What are some ways that you’ve ditched plastic in your life?
I’ll have to think about that! Thx for raising the question.