The best eco-friendly baby products for your little one and the environment

eco-friendly

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

If you are wanting to take steps to become more eco-conscious, then making that change has never been easier with the array of eco-friendly baby products that are available today.

We all want our children to grow up in the best possible environment, but with all the nappies, wipes, clothes and toys you can get through, it can take its toll on the planet. But by choosing more eco-friendly and sustainable baby products, it can really make a difference, and we have some great eco baby products for you to consider below!

The best eco-friendly baby products UK 2024

Baa Baby Sheepskin Pram Liner Baababy

The Baa Baby Original Sheepskin Footmuff was awarded Gold for Best Eco-friendly Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Baa Baby's sheepskin Pram Style Liners are hand cut from a single fleece of luxurious New Zealand merino sheepskin, making a snuggly soft addition for your buggy, pram or carrycot. Naturally thermostatic, sheepskin pram liners keep your little one warm in winter and cool in summer so offer perfect soothing comfort all year round.

Our mum tester said: "It's definitely a great product and is so comfy and perfect for the colder weather, my daughter loves snuggling into it in her pram. Its very easy to fit and goes in just like any other pram liner. Not a must have but if you can afford it definitely go for it."

We like that it doesn't move around like a normal blanket would, and that it works with a range of prams and pushchairs. It's a bit more inconvenient to wash, of course, with it being natural wool, so make sure that you follow the care instructions and buy the corrent cleaning products for wool.

Read our full Baa Baby Original Sheepskin Footmuff review.

Pros

  • Great for winter for keeping baby snuggly
  • Doesn't move around like a blanket would
  • Natural product, no dyes or nasties
  • Works with a range of prams and pushchairs

Cons

  • Need to use wool cleaning products
  • A rather expensive investment item

Pure Earth Collection Kids Travel BedPure Earth Collection

The Pure Earth Collection Kids Travel Bed was awarded Bronze for Best Eco-friendly Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

This camp bed seamlessly transforms from a reading chair in less than 20 seconds to a cosy bed. It is crafted from plastic-free, foam-free, 100% natural materials. We like the compact design, which is great for non-bulky storgae when not in use. We also love that it has removable covers that can be cleaned with the convenience of a washing machine. It somes with a handy travel bag and a pouch for sleep bags, blankets and teddies too.

One reviewer said, "This travel bed is exactly what I was looking for: no nasty chemicals! My 2 year old loves it and sleeps great on it for travel. I could not find any other quality travel bed for a toddler anywhere! I recommend using a waterproof mattress protector if your little one isn’t potty trained yet or is currently potty training though. Everything is easy to wash otherwise! It’s worth the money because it’s for my little one’s health. I only wish I knew about it sooner! It also packs up great. I use a travel stroller bag backpack to put it in for flights or any travel and it’s awesome (not small enough for a carry on but worth checking!)"

Pros

  • Crafted from plastic-free, foam-free, 100% natural materials
  • Goes from reading chair to bed in less than 20 seconds
  • Compact design and handy travel bag included for easy storage/portability
  • Easy to clean with removable covers that are machine washable

Cons

  • Definitely one of the nost expensive products in this list
Bed dimensions:3x60x180cm (thickness, width and length)
Chair dimensions:60x45x15cm
Packaged up travel bag dimensions:60x45x15cm
  • Super useful travel beds which can be used as a chair in bedrooms or play spaces
  • The spongy 100% natural foam mattress provides the perfect cushioning
  • No need for bulky storage when bed is not in use
  • 100% natural latex foam inside, no nasty plastics
  • 100% organic cotton covers with safe, non-toxic dyes
  • Free from chemical fire retardants
  • Removable, machine washable covers
  • Handy travel bag with pouch for blanket

Best bamboo plate

With a suction grip to make meal times easier, these plates are made without plastics and toxins, making them sustainable and eco-friendly. It's also sturdy and easy to clean. We like that there is a choice of fun colours too.

One reviewer said: "We have found this suction plate perfect for our 1 year old son. The suction pad on the bottom does a great job of ensuring it can’t be moved / picked up while he is eating therefore avoiding a mess and a plate on the floor. It can be stuck by applying a little downward pressure then is released easily (by an adult who knows where to pull!)."

Pros

  • Strong suction grip
  • Durable material and design
  • Plenty of space for food

Cons

  • No sections to separate different types of food
  • Hand wash and dry only

Best reusable nappy set
Modibodi Reusable Nappy 4 PackModiBodi
Price: $38 (was £75)

www.modibodi.co.uk

Designed for multi-tasking modern parents, each nappy can be simply thrown in the wash, meaning no soaking, no special detergents, no scrubbing and no stains, all whilst being free from harmful chemicals. Each four-pack of reusable nappies comes in unique, modern and stylish designs, provides 12 hours' overnight protection, and they can hold up to one litre of leaks!

One reviewer said: "I’m a big fan of these nappies. I am new to using cloth nappies and the thought of starting was daunting, so chose to get a four pack to start off with. These are so easy to use and easy to clean when I add the disposable liner and they are so cute too! I have tried one or two other brands that didn’t fit as snuggly or that were harder to clean, but these are perfect. I’ll be buying more."

We like that you get four in a pack so that if you're new to reusables anbd feel a bit intimidated, it gives you the opportunity to try it out without a massive investment. Plus, they're super cute and more fun to use and for little one to wear.

Pros

  • Easy to clean in the washing machine
  • Even easier to clean with the disposable liner
  • Pack of 4 with fun designs
  • Provides 12 hours' overnight protection
  • Holds up to one litre of leaks

Best biodegradable wipes
Cheeky-Panda-Wipes
Cheeky-Panda-Wipes
Amazon

Made entirely from bamboo, these wipes are biodegradable, compostable, and naturally hypoallergenic. They're infused with 99 per cent water and one per cent aloe vera and fruit extract, so they're soft and sensitive for little bottoms and faces. We absolutely love the fact that they break down in three to five weeks, and that the packaging is made from recycled plastic too.

One reviewer said: "I recently tried The Cheeky Panda wipes and I have to say, I'm converted. These wipes are absolutely wonderful. They're great for sensitive skin, plus they're also biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly choice. What's not to love!"

Obviously these aren't going to be the cheapest wipes on the shelf at your local supermarket, or online, but we think you'll agree that they're worth it for eco-conscious families looking for a quality products that's gentle on baby's skin.

Pros

  • Biodegradable and compostable - they break down in three to five weeks
  • Packaging is made from recycled plastic too
  • Naturally hypoallergenic - soft and sensitive for little bottoms and faces

Cons

  • Not the cheapest wipes on the shelf

Best compostable nappy bags

These disposable nappy bags are just as effective as their plastic counterparts but, because they’re made from natural cornstarch, they’re also fully compostable. By swapping to these, you'll be able to reduce your carbon footprint significantly.

We like that the bags come packaged in a roll inside of a cardboard box - just make sure to open the box along the perforation to ensure smooth handling of the bags. One reviewer said, "I like to use these as poo bags, personal disposable bags, remove waste from cat litter. Also for nappies. They are excellent, thick quality, the good thing is the bags are on a roll in the box, they can be kept tidy. Maybe they are a bit more expensive but I like them for their quality, being tidy and easy to use."

Another reviewer said: "I like that they’re eco-friendly as I’m trying to reduce harmful waste. They’re sturdy and do the job, although I wish there were more in the pack."

Pros

  • Made from natural cornstarch and fully compostable
  • Easy to use - bags come packaged in a roll inside of a cardboard box

Cons

  • One customer said there could be more in the pack

Best natural rubber teether
Sophie La Girafe TeetherAmazon
Price: $17.99
Alternative retailers
Target$17.99View offer
Walmart$19.95View offer

Sophie is one of the most popular baby toys on the market, and the good news is that it’s also one of the most environmentally friendly baby eco products. Made from 100 per cent natural rubber sourced from carefully managed farms in Malaysia, Sophie is fully biodegradable and a green alternative to plastic teethers.

One reviewer said: "I bought one of these when my daughter was little and now I’ve got one for my little boy. He loves it too! I think it’s really helped him with his recent teething. Perfect"

One thing to note is that the rubber can collect fuzz and dirt, as one reviewer points out: "My now 5.5 month old loves it now that he’s finally chewing! It’s his little friend when in the buggy. Very pleased. Does collect a lot of fuzz, though, but I think that’s just the nature of rubber." So you'll have to keep an eye on it and keep the eco-friendly baby wipes nearby!

Read the full review of Sophie La Girafe Original Teether

Pros

  • Easy to grip design
  • Made from 100 per cent natural rubber
  • Fully biodegradable
  • Safe to chew - made with food-grade paints

Cons

  • The natural runner tends to collect fuzz

Best one-size-fits-all reusable nappy
Kit u0026amp; Kin Reusable Cloth NappyKit and Kin
Price: $17.99 (was £19.99)

kitandkin.com

This reusable, award-winning cloth nappy has been made from sustainable and plant-based materials, and will keep your baby's bottom dry and comfy for up to 12-hours. Made using ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a world first for this product category, it promises to be one of the most sustainable and innovative options on the market, helping to clean up oceans and landfills around the world. The three designs available are also super cute.

One reviewer said: "I’ve been using these since my baby was newborn as I wanted some earth-friendly nappies to go along with cloth nappies! They are amazing and after a year I’ve still never had any issues, and love the designs every time we go up a size! I always recommend to everyone!"

We like that one size fits all due to the handy poppers and adjustable waist to fit to your baby’s shape as they grow.

Pros

  • Made from sustainable and plant-based materials
  • Keeps baby's bottom dry and comfy for up to 12-hours
  • One size fits all
  • The handy poppers and adjustable waist means they'll grow with your tot

Best eco-friendly highchair
Stokke Tripp Trapp ChairStokke

This highchair is the epitemy of sustainability - it's made from wood responsibly sourced, it's manufactured as close to the source site to reduce emissions.

While it maye seem like an expensive upfront investment, this product is intended to have longevity and grow with your baby from newborn all the way up to adult! This strong, durable, and long-lasting piece of furniture has been designed with adaptable parts to transform it from a seat for newborns, to tots, to adults weighing up to 136kgs.

there are plenty of customisation options too - you can choose to have it made in Beech or Oak with a load of colour variations, and we just love the Scandinavian minimalist design. It comes with the basics, so make sure to add the Newborn and/or Baby Set to your order for optimal use and flexibility.

Pros

  • Grows with your baby from newborn all the way up to adult up to 136kgs
  • Strong, durable, and long-lasting natural materials and design
  • Customise the design materials and colour to suit your personal style

Cons

  • Expensive upfront investment

Best eco-friendly nappies

These nappies have also been shortlisted in the 2019 and 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

Kit + Kin - co-founded by Spice Girl Emma Bunton - aims to create products that are as gentle on the environment as they are on our babies. These eco nappies feature a top layer, outer lining, leg cuffs and packaging all made from 100 per cent sustainable materials, and the factory is carbon neutral. They're hypoallergenic, with a flash dry layer to keep babies' bottoms dry. We also love that every nappy gives back through the Kit + Kin Foundation, helping to protect acres of precious rainforest and support the communities living in these areas with educational scholarships and healthcare clinics.

Mother and Baby mum tester Amy said: "I would recommend this product as I love the design of each nappy, its cute little faces on the bottom. They are easy to use and are comfortable and soft for my baby. These nappies are better for the environment so are great for those who don’t like using disposable nappies but aren’t keen on reusable, like myself. They are very well priced for what they are and match others in the market."

Read our full review of Kit + Kin Eco Nappies here.

Pros

  • Gentle on the environment as well as on your baby
  • Packaging all made from 100 per cent sustainable materials
  • Kit + Kin Foundation helps protect acres of precious rainforest and ore

Cons

  • Some testers said they found leaks after nighttime use

Best wooden toy sorter
Janod Pure Shape SorterAmazon
Price: $29
Alternative retailers
Walmart$28.99View offer

If you're looking for eco-friendly toys, a great place to begin is with classic, traditional wooden toys. This sweet Shape Sorter puts a modern twist on a classic nursery toy. Your little one will enjoy trying to fit the six animal shapes into the holes on the wooden tipi, with beautifully painted illustrations in soft colours that they'll love. This toy is made of plywood and Chinese cherry, with water-based paint that you can easily wipe clean of any messes.

A critical review points out a few design flaws: "Cute but lazy design, some shapes can go the wrong way into a shape hole and all six pieces can go through the owl! The wood pieces themselves are a bit disappointing too - after a few weeks the shapes are scratched and paint peeling."

However, overall, customers were happy with the product and thought it was good quality and looks high-end. One reviewer said: "Enchanting quality product" and "Lovely toy for my granddaughter". Another reviewer said, "Well made and cute little characters rather than bog standard 3d shapes - looks expensive - easy to get the animals out to start again".

Pros

  • A modern twist on a classic wooden toy
  • Beautifully painted illustrations in soft colours make it look expensive
  • Easy to wipe clean

Cons

  • Some shapes can go the wrong way into a hole, and all 6 pieces can go through the owl!

Best all-in-one reusable nappy
Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Reusable NappyAmazon
Price: $24.99

These reusable nappies from Bambino Mio come in a variety of designs and are fully adjustable, meaning your baby can wear them all the way up until they're potty trained. The cute Bambino Mio Miosolo nappy fits well, sits comfortably and dries quickly after washing. The pull-out tab system makes removing the core from inside the nappy super simple. The nappy itself is not the most absorbent but Bambino Mio has tried to solve the problem with an added booster pad.

Our Mother and Baby Mum tester Lisa said: "The slim design of the nappy means it's extremely comfortable and easy to use with no bulk under clothes. The shape of the nappy meant it was as easy to use as a disposable. There are no pins and no plastic pants that are normally associated with reusable nappies! We loved the pretty patterns and different colours. A fantastic upgrade to a traditional nappy!"

Read our full review of the Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Nappy here.

Pros

  • Fully adjustable and can be worn all the way up until they're potty trained
  • Fits well with no bulk under clothes, sits comfortably and dries quickly after washing
  • The pull-out tab system makes removing the core from inside the nappy super simple
  • The added booster pad offers extra protection

Cons

  • The nappy itself is not the most absorbent

Best water-based wipes
WaterWipes Baby WipesAmazon
Price: $21.60 (was £28.50)

Made from 100 per cent renewable plant-based fibres, WaterWipes are now 100 per cent biodegradable, 100 per cent plastic-free, and compostable wipes. They are the world’s purest baby wipes made with only two ingredients: 99.9 per cent water and a drop of fruit extract. They were shortlisted for Baby Wipes at the Mother&Baby Awards 2020 and are naturally kind to baby's face, hands, and bottom.

Our Mother and Baby mum tester Amy said: "I love that these wipes are chemical and odour free. It was a nice step on from cotton wool in cooled boiled water for newborns and I didn’t have to worry about was in the wipes and being left on my new baby’s skin. They felt very clean and natural and good quality, some wipes are very thin or small and come apart but this felt strong and reliable. The packaging also feels high quality and sturdy."

Mother and Baby mum tester Kate points out: "The wipes are the bottom of the packet are considerably wetter than those at the start of the packet. It is advised that they are stored upside down to prevent this from happening but it is easy to forget to do this. It would be better if the moisture was more consistently distributed."

Read our full review of WaterWipes here.

Pros

  • Made from 100 per cent renewable plant-based fibres
  • They don't rip easily
  • Biodegradable, 100 per cent plastic-free, and compostable
  • Made with only two ingredients: 99.9 per cent water and a drop of fruit extract
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • The wipes are the bottom of the packet are considerably wetter

Best bamboo cup

With the ability to hold up to 150ml of liquid, the Bamboo Bamboo cup is suitable for water, milk, juice and smoothies. It is also ergonomically designed to fit your toddler's hand, and the cup itself is good for the environment as it's biodegradable and made from bamboo fibres.

We like that the removable insert makes cleaning simple. One reviewer said, "Such a beautiful cup. You can remove the rubber part completely. Its very good quality. I love this company. The size is perfect for little ones."

Pros

  • Holds up to 150ml of liquid so spills aren't a huge problem
  • Ergonomically designed to fit your toddler's hand
  • Biodegradable and made from bamboo fibres
  • The removable insert makes cleaning simple

Cons

  • Macthing products are available bought must be bought separately

Best recycled material toy set
Green Toys Recycled-Plastic Tea SetSuperdrug
Price: $29.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeVVdWTkEWWl9aHRBaWRJLSUBYBhABRx1fS1cAVkxAX0FFGENXWRRDUkZce3JfXAkAD1VVVw%3D%3D&x=v1&prdId=10843990719&barcode=VVIECwsMBVYMVAACDQA%3D
Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.48View offer
Michaels Stores$35.99View offer

This 17-piece eco-friendly child's tea set will be perfect for your little one to invite all their friends and teddies to a picnic. You can be safe in the knowledge that it's BPA free, Phthalates free, and meets FDA specs for food contact. Made from recycled milk bottles, the set includes a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, and four cups, saucers, and spoons. We think it could do with a cute carry case to keep everything together for easier storage.

One reviewer said: "My toddler loves this tea set. It's a great size and mix of colours and the tea pot and sugar pot lids fit on well. We have had it since 18months and it's still being enjoyed over a year later. Many tea parties have been enjoyed in that time! We also had it outside in the summer for water play. Unfortunately we have lost a spoon (got a feeling it was 'posted' in the bin when we first had it!), but this hasn't had an impact on the enjoyment."

Pros

  • Eco-friendly - made from recycled milk bottles
  • The tea pot and sugar pot lids fit on well
  • Plenty of pieces for a tea party with friends or toys

Cons

  • Could do with a cute carrycase to keep everything together

Best sustainable wipes set
Bambo Nature 100% Biodegradable WipesAmazon
Price: $15 (was £16.67)

**These wipes were shortlisted at the Mother and Baby Awards 2021
**
It’s quite frightening how many wipes we get through wiping bottoms, faces and hands, so do something good for the planet and invest in wipes that are biodegradable! Bambo Nature Wet Wipes are a must-have for everywhere you and your baby go. Their skin-friendly, moisturising cleaning wipes are made from soft, sustainable, materials and can be used on the entire body, from wiping baby poop to sticky hands. They are dermatologically tested and contain no perfume or colour, and are a great alternative to water and soap.

Mother and Baby Mum tester Clotilde said: "My son has very sensitive skin so we tend to only use water with reusable wipes but when out and bout I find this is difficult and prefer to use wet wipes. However there are very few options that are suitable for sensitive skin but also eco friendly. It is great to have found biodegradable wipes that are both environmentally friendly and suitable for sensitive skin as my son did not react to them."

Read our full review of the Bambo Nature 100% Biodegradable Wipes here.

Pros

  • Great for sensitive skin - contains zero perfume and colour
  • Made from soft, sustainable, materials and can be used on the entire body

Cons

  • Some reviews voice concerns over the product containing plastic

How can I be more eco-friendly?

It can be difficult making big changes and sometimes it is easier to choose convenience, especially with children. However, the changes you make to become more eco-friendly, don't have to be huge. By starting small and even committing to changes when you have the chance and time, can make a difference too.

Here are our tip tips to be more eco-friendly:

Recycle: when you're in a rush to clean, it can be easier to just throw everything into the bin without really thinking about it, but there's probably a lot that we put in the bin which could actually be reused or recycled.

By having different bins in your house you can make recycling easier for yourself. Just label as general waste, cardboard and plastic, and you can even get your children involved with the recycling too by helping them identify and dispose of the different material.

Walk or cycle more: try committing to walking or cycling to at least one place, such as the park, corner shop or even the school run. Not only is it good for the environment but it's a good form of exercise for you and your child.

Switch to reusables: if you like to treat yourself to the occasional coffee treat or use sandwich bags for the pack lunches, making the switch to products such as reusable coffee cups and boxes can make a huge difference on the planet, by preventing lots of waste.

Eco-friendly baby products FAQ

How eco-friendly are bamboo products?

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource which makes it a great sustainable choice, whereas traditional plastics are made from non-renewable resources, which contribute to environmental waste.

This means that bamboo products such as plates are more eco-friendly.

What products are eco-friendly?

Knowing which products to buy can be a bit of a minefield, as shown by a recent survey conducted by Atomik and Water Wipes, which found that whilst parents are trying to be more conscious of the planet their children will inherit, this is causing increasing confusion:

• Three-quarters of parents find environmentally-friendly labelling on baby products confusing
• 89 per cent of the parents surveyed said it is important to buy products that are eco-friendly
• 85 per cent of parents want to do the best for their baby and the planet when choosing baby products 
• One in three parents said they sometimes felt judged by other parents, as on occasions they bought baby products that were not eco-conscious.

How do you check if a product is eco friendly?

The best way to check if a prodeuct is eco friendly is to check the website or the label of the product itself for green certifications.

Look for the following green certifications on products advertised as eco-friendly:
**
• Energy Star** - for energy efficiency
• USDA Organic Seal - for organic products
• Forest Stewardship Council - for products made from trees in responsibly managed forests
• Green Seal - for general sustainability

Are eco friendly products safe?

Yes, cleaning products that have green certifications are a safe option for your home and the health of your family. Most green products are either nontoxic or less toxic than conventional cleaning products

What does 100% eco-friendly mean?

According to the dictionary, being eco-friendly means being 'designed to have little or no harmful effect on the environment. Therefore, products, goods, events, and eco-friendly services do not cost the planet.

Samantha Ball is a Senior Writer for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.

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