Checklist: Eco-Friendly Parenting

Going green? Good idea. Check out these easy ways to take care of baby and the environment.

• Make your own baby food. (Wash your fruits and veggies, steam or boil, throw 'em in the blender, hit puree, strain and serve!) Not your scene? Try organic store-bought versions. You’ll find a ton of options from Gerber, Earth’s Best, Plum Organics and Happy Baby.

• Use non-toxic cleaners. Dilute your chosen suds (non-toxic or not), give all surfaces a clean-water rinse after scrubbing, take measures to avoid contact, wash sponges and cloths thoroughly and allow the area a few hours of ventilation.

• Try an earth-friendly baby sling made of organic cotton and hemp. Crops of hemp enrich the soil and decrease run-off.

• Buy toys made from organic fibers, wood, or other natural materials. Can’t avoid the influx of plastics? Just be sure to donate them when baby’s done—many major hospitals accept used toys made of hard plastics.

• Research diaper options. Cloth diapers or disposable? It’s a tricky question. Some moms are even getting fed up and going diaper-free! (We aren’t so brave.) Check out gDiapers—this new company makes a biodegradable, flushable insert that fits inside a breathable liner.