The Nontoxic, Ethical & Sustainable Baby Registry

A List of Everything You May (or May Not) Need

Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve had one mom say "I absolutely need a certain item," and another mom say they never used it once and regretted buying it. I’ve had mothers say all they needed were a few onesies, diapers, wipes, and a car seat. Every mom has a different desire for precautions and extra comforts. So, here is our list of the healthiest, ethically made, and earth-conscious options that, after lots of surveying, is comprehensive of items you may need when your precious little baby comes. We've also included our best brand suggestions. That way, this can be your actual registry checklist. -Rosalie

Secondhand Should Be the First Choice

We live in an era of overconsumption with pressure to buy new products coming from all angles. Especially in the children's industry, new parents are bombarded with "must-have" items at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. After all, everyone just wants what's best for their baby. So to avoid falling into this trap, it's important to pause and take a moment to consider what will benefit you and your baby without adding unnecessary clutter to your life and to the planet.

When it comes to purchasing new items for you and your little one, it's important to remember that shopping secondhand and taking advantage of hand-me-downs will always be the most sustainable option. Check out local thrifts, family and friends, or the plethora of online secondhand options such as Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, Poshmark, and eBay.

When Pre-Loved Isn't for You

We also know that sometimes secondhand options aren't available. So if you haven't found what you need or are worried about getting some of these items pre-loved, we have compiled a list of the most sustainable, healthy alternatives to traditional baby gear.

The options listed below will be the most nontoxic, earth friendly, and fair trade versions we can find. We are aware that not all industries have fully sustainable options (yet!), but we still wanted to provide our best picks on the market so far.

Toxins Commonly Found in Baby Items

You imagine baby companies wouldn't include harmful additives to their products? Think again. Here is a list of red flags commonly found with baby gear, which inspired Rosalie to even make this list in the first place.

• Plastic - Plastic, even claiming to be BPA-free, can still have BPA, BPS, phthalates, forever chemicals, and emit VOCs.

  • Polyurethane - Filling for many squishy items, a form of plastic.

  • Silicone - Silicone is much better than plastic, and some items below are silicone, but we still try to keep it minimal because chemicals can be emitted at a low rate, and the EU claims some forms of silicone can disrupt hormones. Look for tested, food-grade silicone.

  • Polyester - Yep, it's plastic! Many baby clothes and cloth diapers are polyester, and polyester filling is hard to avoid. If poly filling is unavoidable, try to find items filled with polyester free that are VOC-free.

• VOCs - Items that often emit VOCs are diapers, plastics, furniture, and paint. This is why many items below are solid wood, plastic-free, paint-free, etc. Check for GREENGUARD Gold certification to avoid these.

• EMFs - Everything electric emits EMF's but some exponentially higher than others, which is why items below are either non-electric options, or the lowest EMF options we could find. We can't be perfect, but the less, the better!

• Flame Retardant - Ask brands if they use a chemical flame retardant on their apparel or gear before buying, this knocks out most baby items, I kid you not! Look for GREENGUARD Gold Certification or GOTS Organic to avoid this.

• Bamboo - Catch you by surprise? Bamboo is not only a popular greenwashing tactic but can be toxic to your family's health. Bamboo rayon is a cheap material that uses an extreme chemical process to create. Bamboo toys/dishes/products use chemicals, melamine, formaldehyde, and urea, that will leach into food and skin. Bamboo lyocell is a safe, eco-friendly material, but never assume a material is lyocell unless it says so.

• Fragrance - Most baby items are known to be fragrance-free, but just keep an eye out.

The Ultimate Mom Survey

Additionally, we surveyed over 100 moms, asking them to score 1-10 how much they needed common registry items, and have included the average scores next to the item name for many of the items below. Consider what you could do without or wait to buy later if you end up needing it, and always request receipts from gift givers!

Scale Guide:

0 - Never Used It

3 - Used a couple times, didn't need

5 - Used, but could get by without it

8 - Very, very helpful

10 - Must Have

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The Ultimate Registry List

Click a category for the extensive list

Sleep & Nursery

Sheet Absorbent Pads Peapod Mats // You can imagine how these will come in handy. We recommend as an eco, nontoxic substitute for the chucks pads most new parents purchase for postpartum recovery.

Bedside Bassinet - 6 Babybay // Our opinion: Start without the electronics and swap if necessary. We opt for plastic free, EMF free and all natural wood. (Insider secret, this one can be gate down and made level with your bed, but in the US brands aren’t allowed to suggest that for hazard reasons.)

Mobile Bassinet - 3 Design Dua // Cute, maybe not necessary? If you find yourself without a bouncer or removable stroller bassinet, this might be a gem!

Bassinet Sheets Banabae // The cutest option, ethically and sustainably made. [Use code ROSALIE20 for discount]

Crib Dadada // When choosing a brand, make sure to opt for no color or nontoxic paint, you never know if your baby will be a biter. (Dadada is made in Italy in a family-owned workshop; GREENGUARD Gold Certified; VOC-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free finishes)

Crib Bedding Sheets Banabae & Avocado // The cutest options, ethically and sustainably made. [Use code ROSALIE20 for a Banabae discount]

Crib Blanket Banabae // The cutest patterns and colors, ethically and sustainably made. [Use code ROSALIE20 for discount]

Crib Mattress Avocado, Katu, Organic Dream, and My Green Mattress // That crib mattress might have an organic cover, but what about the insides? For sustainability and health, we opt for not synthetic materials.

Crib Mattress Pad Cover - 5 Holy Lamb Organics // 100% wool; naturally water repellent fabric that's a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic products. Another tested clean option is Avocado

Crib Rail Cover - 1 Living Without Chemicals // Not a need, but definitely cute! VOC, lead, and phthalate free for the biters.

Lounger - 5 House of Wool // The popular Snuggle Me lounger has an organic cover, but polyester filling. House of Wool is pricey, but the only option we could find completely VOC free. Even the most minimal moms swear by a lounger pillow.

Rocking Chair - 6 Monte Design // GREENGUARD Gold Certified, made in Canada; Our Opinion: Local thrift stores often have high quality, solid wood rockers at affordable prices

Glider & Ottoman Monte Design // (GREENGUARD Gold Certified, made in Canada) Our Opinion: Local thrift stores often have high quality, solid wood rockers at affordable prices

Swaddle Blanket - 6 World Changer Directory // Unpopular opinion: Many moms opt out of swaddling because it prohibits a baby’s Moro Reflex. Otherwise, swaddling could be a sleep saver and the blankets double as breastfeeding covers. Check out our children's directory for options.

Baby Sleep Bags - 5 World Changer Directory // Check out our Children’s Directory for loads of ethical and sustainable options.

Sound & Light Machine - 4 Bebcare // Our opinion: No baby needs this, but many living situations might highly benefit from it. We couldn’t find an eco machine, so search secondhand and check out the EMF conscious Lola here.

Bath & Body

Baby Hooded Towel - 3 Slowtide (Use code SUSTAINABLY_ROSALIE for 20% off) or Coyuchi // Our opinion: Or you could just use the towels you already own!

Baby Towel Poncho Not necessary, but Little Green Radicals has adorable towel ponchos made carbon neutral and fair trade, with fair trade, organic cotton. So, might be worth adding to the registry.

Bath Spout Cover Mushie // A very good idea for added bath-time safety, This one is silicone.

Bath Toys Colored Organics // Our opinion: Go thrift some!

Baby Soap Health & Sol // Use code ROSALIE20 for 20% off our favorite essential oil/fragrance free soap for baby.

Baby Bath Support Cushion - 3 Baby Delight // Remember: Polyester may dry quicker, but it harbors more bacteria. Check out this organic baby bather for the sink or your tub.

Baby Hairbrush - 4 Zero Waste Store // For sensitive heads, and microplastic free. Use code SHOPROSALIE for 15% off.

Baby Shampoo/Body Wash HealthyBaby Diapers created a clean refillable concentrate, making this option economical and sustainable. Big fan of tallow? Check out Health y Sol's baby safe soap as well and use code ROSALIE20.

Baby Lotion Honeybee Hippie // The smaller the company the more you can trust the ingredients. Honeybee Hippie uses tallow and only cold pressed seed oils. [Use code WORLDCHANGER for discount]

Baby Thermometer - 9 Frida Baby // Our opinion: The most accurate is a rectal thermometer such as this one, but you can totally opt for a thermometer you already own. This one is easy to find secondhand too.

Nasal Aspirator - 7 Frida Baby // Why choose electric when you have this option?

Baby Nail Clippers - 7 Green Sprouts // They’re just tinier!

Baby Bathtub - 6 Stokke // Much to our dismay, we could not find a plastic free baby tub. If you don’t want to wash in the sink, or fill the whole tub every bath, then these are the way to go. So, we went with the Stokke because they are JPMA certified nontoxic plastic, collapsible - so you’re more likely to hang onto it for baby #2, and we trust Stokke's manufacturing ethics.

Feeding

Milk Collecting Shells - 5 Haakaa // We haven’t found a plastic free set, but Haakaa uses high grade silicone and great business values

Bottles Natursutten // Don’t forget that even glass baby bottles with designs can have lead in the paint, and natural rubber nipples beat silicone.

Breast Pump - 9 Ebay // Most can get them for free from their health insurance, so if you can’t? Imagine the secondhand selection. Many moms never use one at all, if you want near your baby for all time. Many of us don’t live a lifestyle to accommodate that.

Nursing Cover Kishu Baby // Something lighter to keep baby cool, here is an organic and fair trade option.

Bottle and Nipple Brushes Brush with Bamboo // Remember even a bamboo handle can have plastic bristles. Not only worse for the environment, but they harbor bacteria more than natural bristles.

Colostrum Collecting Kit Haakaa // Most moms don't try this, but you might be a waste-not go getter. We haven’t found a plastic free set, but Haakaa uses high grade silicone and great business values

Silicone Hand Pump - 5 Haakaa // Unfortunately not plastic free, but this is the best brand we could find. Another great tool to not waste a drop, but no pressure!

Breast Milk Storage Container Boobcube // I just used sanitized glass yogurt jars, or here is another sustainable solution:

Nipple Balm - 7 Honeybee Hippie // Unpopular opinion: Some say balms can cause duct blockage, applying breastmilk won’t and is highly effective. Otherwise, try this tallow product! [Use code WORLDCHANGER for discount]

Nursing Pillow - 6 Butterr // After loads of research, we found a polyester, polyurethane foam free nursing pillow that’s actually ethically made. Plenty of organic cotton covered options out there, but they’re filled with plastic. This one? Rubber made from sustainably harvested sap.

Nursing Bra Pads - 7 Azollia // Washable and organic, better for your hormones and the planet.

Silver Nursing Caps - 4 Silverettes // Doesn’t get more natural than a real silver nipple cap, no fear of chemicals and creams that could cause duct blockage, some mamas swear by them. [Use code WORLDCHANGER for a discount]

Bottle Drying Rack - 3 Jasiway // You don’t need a baby specific rack, and porous silicone or plastic can harbor bacteria. So for the planet and for extra sterilization, opt for a stainless steel rack like this.

Breast Cooling Gel Pads - 2 Earth Mama // Our opinion: Most are single-use or plastic filled with chemical gel, and I’d say no to plastic directly on a highly hormone-sensitive area. Here is an organic cotton, chemical-free option to consider instead.

Highchair The Stokke is the sought after high chair of the modern mom, and I’ll affirm it’s not just good marketing. It grows with your child, is plastic free and 100% nontoxic. I see these secondhand all the time.

Burping Cloths Colored Organics // Our opinion: Any ol' rag will do. However, here is an ethically made, sustainable option.

Sippy/Straw Cups Avanchy // Let that liquid sit in steel, not plastic!

Snack Cups Elk and Friends // Or you could just reuse glass jelly jars?

Baby Plates, Bowls, Utensils Avanchy or Ahimsa // Unpopular opinion: The more you baby proof items, the slower your baby will learn! But if your lifestyle requires suction cup plates and spill-proof cups, then here’s a nontoxic option. [Use code SUSTAINABLY_ROSALIE for Avanchy discount]

Diaper Changes

Changing Table - 3 Stokke // Now that's a low survey vote.. Our opinion: Any desk or surface works just fine, or you might opt for a wooden changing table to save your back.

Changing Table Pad and Cover - 4 Gathre // You might want to stick to no cover, or something wipeable for mess free! Babies are fine on a hard surface.

Diaper Cream Papabear Naturals or Honeybee Hippie // Breastmilk and coconut oil can work like a charm, but here are two options with highly recommended bentonite clay. [Use code WORLDCHANGER for Honeybee discount]

Diaper Pail - 4 Busch Systems // Our opinion: Consider using reusable pail liners and wash with your cloth diapers, use baking soda or charcoal to help with odor, or use a wet bag (like from Planet Wise) instead of a pail.

Diaper Caddy - 4 Design Dua // Made from elephant grass by artisans in Ghana

Portable Changing Pad Setup - 6 Pehr // The trunk of your car does the trick, or here is an ethically made, organic option that is as cute as pie

Baby Wipes Our opinion: Any single-use wipe that sits in water requires a preservative, so consider reusable, cloth wipes and a spray bottle of water with a drop or two of castile soap. Kinder by Nature is made in the UK ( higher labor standards) and the wipes are plastic free, chlorine free, and compostable in 60 days. Packaging is recyclable plastic, but we couldn't find any overall plastic-free options

Disposable Diapering

DYPER  One of only two brands we could find that assure no plastic touches baby's skin. DYPER also implemented a REDYPER™ program that will pick up your diapers at home to be composted. Nontoxic, rash free, leak free.

HealthyBaby One of only two EWG Verified nontoxic diaper brands. HealthyBaby is a woman owned, Plastic neutral certified B Corp also offering other great nontoxic products.

ECO by Naty Naty is woman owned company based in Sweden, their highly esteemed diapers have 100% natural, plastic free ingredients touching baby's skin.

Pura One of only two EWG Verified nontoxic diaper brands, this option is manufactured in Europe under strict guidelines in a plastic neutral factory.

Cloth Diapering

Babee Greens A great source for a plastic free system, wool diaper covers with hemp and locally milled cotton inners, all made in North Carolina, USA.

Merino Mama Top quality merino wool diaper covers made in Canada. A pricier option, but the finest plastic free, waterproof option.

Thirsties   USA made diapers that offer waterproof options without plastic touching baby's skin. Outers are made with TPU, tested to be forever chemical free. Thirsties offers a wide range of fits and styles.

EcoAble European made wool covers and hemp fitted inners. EcoAble is a US based company offering plastic free sustainable options for adults and kids.

Esembly  Highly rated diapers that offer waterproof options without plastic touching baby's skin. Outers are made with recycled plastics, tested to be forever chemical free. All two-in-one diaper style.

Green Mountain Diapers A one stop shop for all things cloth diapering. Find a large variety of options from different brands. Pro tip: We highly recommend choosing options where plastic or rayon don't touch baby's skin.

Travel & Gear

Car Seat/Stroller System Uppababy Vista // Read our blog post to learn all the reasons Uppababy is our favorite, including the ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials, and ability to convert to three seats for longevity with a growing a family.

To-Go Wipes Holder - 2 The votes are in. Against what the baby industry will say, you don't need this. Instead, here is a great wet bag for dirty diapers and wipes, PVC and lead free, Made in the USA.

Jogging Stroller - 4 Bumbleride // Votes were conflicting, because this depends on where you live and your daily lifestyle. Sure you need one? Flame Retardant and toxin free, made with recycled materials, Bumbleride prides themselves on sustainable efforts, we are fans.

4-Wheel Wagon - 3 Delta Children Store // This was a toughy, we had to go with the babyGap wagon because it’s flame retardant/toxin free, made with recycled materials, and a mom or two told us the more expensive wagons didn’t make a difference.

Additional "Umbrella" Stroller - 2 Uppababy // For sustainability, ethics, health, and quality, we vote the G-Luxe by Uppababy. Flame Retardant and toxin free.

Stroller/Car Seat Canopy - 4 Organic Cotton Mart Store // Our opinion: This one you may need in your specific area, but know a canopy for shade can increase temperature inside the stroller past healthy levels for baby.

Diaper Bag Calpak // But our opinion: A bag you already own will work just fine! Any bigger bag at the the thrift shop will work as well.

Nursery & Home Safety

Humidifier - 4 HSI Store // Less EMF’s, less polluting, try this eco and natural option.

Monitor - 6 Bebcare // Our opinion: If you live in a one story home, this may not be necessary. We haven’t found the ultimate eco option, but we're going with Bebcare for more energy efficient, less EMF features. Bebcare is the only brand that utilizes the low emissions DSR Digital Safe Radio technology, which can reduce power consumption and emissions by up to 95%. [Use code WORLDCHANGERCO for 15% off]

Ankle Monitor (Owlet) - 1 Ebay // Our opinion: Don't buy unless your baby needs it

Baby Safety Gates - 6 Cardinal Gates // Wooden or aluminum options that are JPMA certified for any biting babies.

Cabinet Safety Locks - 6 Tin Solder // Finally found a plastic free, aesthetic option.

Outlet and Power Strip Covers - 8 Generic // Much preferred over the outlet doors.

Life Vac Life Vac // It’s saved lives, and you’re going to want one before baby’s first solids.

Play & Development

Baby Bouncer - 6 Charlie Crane // A plastic free option. Not necessary, but it might allow you to take a much-needed self care shower!

Activity Center - 6 Pikler Triangle // Votes are in, and a plastic, colorful, and over stimulating baby activity center isn’t necessary, especially paired with a bouncer and/or play gym. Here is a popular eco, montessori-style contraption that grows with your little one.

Toys World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Pacifier Clips - 4 Finn + Emma // You know what’s even more nontoxic and sustainable than silicone? Organic macrame.

Baby Swing - 3 Finn + Emma // Organic cotton, crafted by artisans in India. Take that, plastic!

Teethers - 6 Oli & Carol // Chew toys? Why not choose natural rubber over silicone, a form of plastic.

Pacifiers Natursutten // 100% natural rubber is the way to go, are you going to wait and see if baby needs a paci or keep one around as backup?

Baby Books Bella Luna Toys // Our opinion: Go hit up the thrift stores or get a library card at your local library!

Baby Memory Book - 5 Colored Organics // Results are in, how many moms actually filled out the baby book? This one depends on your personality, here’s a cute option.

Mom Health & Postpartum

Peanut/Exercise Ball - 6 Pepe and Wolf // Our opinion: Unless you plan on a home birth, this isn’t very necessary.

Postpartum Adult Diapers Rael // You’re going to need them, and the hospital will give you generic brands containing chemicals like bleach and chlorine, opt for these instead!

Postpartum Adult Bed Pads Peapod Mats // Yay reusables, this pad will come in handy for many other purposes after a good wash.

Postpartum Adult Pads Rael // You’re going to need them, and the hospital will give you generic brands containing chemicals like bleach and chlorine, opt for these instead!

Perineal Sitz Tea Honeybee Hippie // A must on the registry. Herbal Sitz tea is great for perineal relief and healing. Use to pour over a pad, to fill a peri bottle, or after some time, for a bath soak or yoni steam. This brand is trustworthy and microplastic free.

Belly Oil Honeybee Hippie California Sunshine // Our opinion: I never got a stretch mark with this one. Vitamin E is great for stretch mark prevention, and the most bioavailable source is real ingredients like the tallow + cold presse oils found in this pump bottle. No processed seed oils. [Use code WORLDCHANGER for a discount]

Clothing & Accessories

Long Sleeve Onesies World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Short Sleeve Onesies World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Pull-On Pants World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Side-Snap Shirts World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Baby Hangers - 3 Zero Waste Store // These ones are made from ocean bound plastic. [Use code SHOPROSALIE for 15% off].

Infant Shoes - 5 World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Infant Socks World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Infant Booties Keep in mind as baby's feet develop, it has been proven that most baby shoes inhibit proper foot growth. Check out Igor Shoes and Magical Shoes, both addressing the issue and creating wider shaped, innovative designs.

Newborn Caps World Changer Directory // Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Mittens Here's an option from from Little Green Radicals. Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

Sun Hat Here's an Option from Little Green Radicals. Our opinion: Check out our Children’s Directory for your ethical and sustainable options

That About Covers It!

While we know that some of these items aren't perfect in all areas, we did our best to source (in our opinion) the best option available on the market right now. There is room for improvement in the market, but we are positive that with eco-conscious consumers such as you making the effort to buy the best, innovative items, products and companies will continue to emerge in the space.

We want to reiterate that secondhand is always the best option! It is the most eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) way to keep items out of the landfill. Check out local thrifts, online secondhand shops, and reach out to parent friends to share the love!

Additionally, try to really consider if the item is a need or a want. Typically, we need much less than we actually buy. Raising a little one is tough work, though, and it's okay to have wants. Just try and source them from planet and people-friendly companies.

We hope that this registry can save time and be of help to you, whether you are shopping for yourself or seeking gifts for loved ones!

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Bonus Polls: We also asked mom's some bonus advice. The top three recommended baby prep books were Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, What to Expect When You're Expecting, and Expecting Better by Emily Oster. The top recommended birth course was Built to Birth. 51.2% of mom's recommended prenatal massage over chiropractic, it was just about a tie.

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One Last Thing

Make sure to check out World Changer Co. to discover more ethical and sustainable brands for all of your needs (and wants), the Children's directory is a great shortcut to finding a specific baby item you're looking for!

With much aloha, Rosalie