Raising a baby with less waste

Becky Thomas

September 2, 2021

Returning to work after maternity leave got me thinking more about the environmental impact that comes with raising a baby. While parenting is busy enough without worrying about sustainability, I’ve found that even small changes can make a meaningful difference.

From reusable nappies and cloth wipes to toy subscriptions and refillable food pouches, there are now far more eco-friendly parenting options available than many people realise. Here are a few simple swaps that have helped reduce waste in our household without making everyday life overly complicated.

Cloth nappies are making a comeback

One sustainable swap growing in popularity is the return of cloth nappies.

Before disposable nappies became the norm, reusable cloth nappies were standard practice for most families. Today, modern reusable nappies are far more convenient, comfortable and stylish than many people expect.

The UK throws away around 3 billion disposable nappies every year, making up an estimated 2–3% of household waste. By comparison, a baby may only need around 20–30 reusable nappies throughout their early years, and they can often be reused for younger siblings too.

Research by the Environment Agency found that reusable nappies can have up to 40% less environmental impact than disposables, even before considering waste collection and disposal emissions.

While cloth nappies do require washing and drying, many parents find the routine manageable once established. Even part-time use can make a difference — using reusable nappies only some of the time can still prevent hundreds or even thousands of nappies from going to landfill.

Reduce toy waste through reuse

Babies and young children quickly outgrow toys, leaving homes cluttered with items that are often barely used.

Toy subscription services are becoming an increasingly popular way to reduce waste while keeping children entertained. Families can borrow toys, swap them regularly and avoid constantly buying new products that may only hold a child’s attention for a short time.

This approach not only reduces waste but can also save space, money and unnecessary consumption.

Cloth wipes: A simple sustainable swap

Reusable cloth wipes are another easy way to reduce waste at home.

Unlike disposable wet wipes, reusable wipes can simply be washed and reused again and again. All you really need is a set of cloth wipes, water and a container for storage.

They work well for nappy changes, messy mealtimes and general clean-ups, making them one of the simplest sustainable parenting swaps to introduce into everyday life.

Refillable food pouches for on-the-go meals

Reusable food pouches are a great alternative to single-use baby food packaging.

Instead of buying disposable pouches from supermarkets, refillable versions can be used repeatedly for homemade smoothies, yoghurt, porridge or soups. They are practical for busy days out while helping to reduce plastic waste and packaging consumption.

Preparing food at home can also help reduce food waste and give parents more control over ingredients.

Final thoughts…

Sustainable parenting doesn’t have to mean being perfect. Small, realistic swaps can collectively make a significant impact over time.

Whether it’s using cloth nappies part-time, switching to reusable wipes or reducing toy waste through sharing and subscriptions, every small change helps reduce waste and supports a more environmentally conscious future for the next generation.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Becky Thomas, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.