You guys know I consider myself “crunchy” and like to do things as naturally as possible. Am I perfect? No. But, I’m making small shifts toward a cleaner lifestyle over time. I think it's wayyy more beneficial to have hundreds of people doing it imperfectly than a handful of people doing it perfectly. It's impossible to make the most eco-conscious choice in every situation (especially as a parent) and replacing things with non-toxic and eco-friendly options can be expensive. So, instead of stressing myself out with trying to replace every “toxic” product I own, I just wait until an item needs replacing anyway… and then I dive into hours of research to make sure whatever new product I buy is the cleanest option for my family. And, I've found a ton of non toxic swaps and more eco friendly products that I absolutely love.
My manic research sessions have cost me some sleep, but I feel good about the decisions I’ve been able to make as a result. And it's led me to some brands that I’m really passionate about because they’re helping to keep my family safer- I’ve even partnered with some of these brands because I feel that strongly about their product (90% of them I used before I was a partner with them and reached out to them because I loved them so much and wanted to share them with my audience).
If you’re like me and looking to make some changes around your home, I’m recapping my fav non toxic swaps that I've made since becoming a parent. Hopefully you can use this as inspiration and kick off your own research! Here are some easy swaps you can make to move toward a more natural lifestyle and home.
Prenatals and Probiotics
The first things you're told when you find out you're pregnant is to get on a prenatal. But, supplements ARE NOT all created the same. They are all over the board. I take a lot of different ones but my favorites are Garden of Life prenatals and LoveBug Probiotics. What I like about the Garden of Life ones are that it is a whole food multivitamin so it's made from actual food. Then, LoveBug Probiotics. I have worked with LoveBug since I got pregnant and took their prenatals, postnatals, and they also have things for toddlers that I give to AJ (HEYSHAYLA gets you 15% off).
Hydration
Another thing you're worried about when you're pregnant (and even if you're not) is if you're getting enough water. I used to use Liquid IV (HEYSHAYLA25 will give you a discount) but when I got pregnant, my midwife recommended Nuun because there is less sugar. And, with water, you want to make sure it is filtered to get rid of all the chemicals and bad things in your water. I am obsessed with our water filter Clearly Filtered. I fill it up like 3 times and day and use this water for drinking, cooking…everything. With this company, I actually got to talk to one of the founders and he answered EVERY question I had. And, their website shows you the differences between Clearly filtered and a Brita AND there's a super cool thing on their site where you can enter your zip code and it will tell you all the bad things in your water and if the Clearly Filtered will filter it out. They also have water bottles and an under the sink filter. HEYSHAYLA will get you a discount on any of their filters.
Non-Toxic Pans
I love my non-toxic pans. I have a Pampered Chef Unglazed Stone and is legit made of stone. My other favs are my Caraway pans. These are incredible! You put cookies on their sheet pans, you don't spray anything or use anything to grease it and they slide. right. off. AMAZING! I have had a few of their baking sheets for a while now and loved them so much, I just got the cookware set. You can get 10% off of the Caraway pans here.
You do have to do things a little bit differently with non-toxic pans – you can't cook on a super high heat, you can't throw it in the dishwasher, with the Pampered Chef ones you can't use soap to clean it…but for me this stuff is worth it because it's so much healthier.
Dropps
Have you ever used your dishwasher and literally smelt the chemicals coming out of it? I cannot stand that. So, Dropps recently messaged me and sent me both dishwashing and laundry soap that are both non-toxic. Honestly, if it wasn't labeled I don't know if I would know the difference. Both come in concentrated little pouches and to me it's so much nicer to just throw it in than have to lug around a big bottle and measure/pour the soap. I get lemon for the dishwashing and unscented for the laundry. HEYSHAYLA25 gets you 25% on your first order and HEYSHAYLA will get you 15% off any order after that. I have these on a subscription so I never run out.
Makeup
Part of the reason I wanted to find good, non-toxic makeup is because your baby is putting their mouth on your face. And, I didn't want it to be stuff that's unsafe.
I don't really wear much makeup but I got this tinted moisturizer with SPF that is all natural. The only issue is you don't choose the tint and not everyone has the same skin. They say it should blend and work for everyone which doesn't make sense to me, but it works great for me and I love it. The other thing I use is Merit. They sent me highlighting balm, blush, and lots of other things. I use their blemish stick under my eyes and think it works great. But, I will say, I wasn't a huge fan of their mascara because it was waterproof and I couldn't get it off. So, I'm still looking for the non-toxic mascara I love but I am about to try Dime. They have a non-toxic mascara and a lash boosting serum that I am excited to try.
Skin Care
More important to me than makeup is skin care. If your skin is bad and you're covering it up with makeup it's not ideal, it's better to get to the heart of the skin. So, I found a very simple skin care routine and I actually really like a 3-4 step skin care routine (when you have time to do it). But, now I have a 2 step routine and still don't always have time to do it (and that's okay!). It is a cleanser and night and day serum…very simple.
The wash I use is Joyome by Plexus. I usually just use it in the shower. And, they have a morning and a night serum that I use.
I also recently just got a facial. I was talking to the lady, telling her that I had had botox a couple times in the past (obviously, very much not non-toxic) because I have a gnarly wrinkle on my forehead but haven't done it for years as I have been either pregnant or breastfeeding. She recommended this serum to reduce wrinkles. I love this. It feels like it just tightens up my face…it feels SO good! Yes, it's expensive, but I love it and will use it again
Deodorant
I really wanted to find a natural deodorant because I didn't want the aluminum next to my lymph nodes and armpits while breastfeeding. I had a friend tell me that I would need to invest in this because a) natural deodorant is not cheap and b) what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for someone else so you have to try some out before finding one that works. The only one that I've found that works is Native. Specifically, cucumber mint (even some of Native's other scents didn't work for me).
But, just to make you aware…NOTHING will work postpartum. When you are postpartum and/or breastfeeding, you have night sweats and overall the B.O. is just gnarly. It's supposed to help the baby find your boob. So, you kind of just have to go with the smell for a while, but now Native is what I use.
Nipple Butter
The first few weeks with a baby is more about what mom needs. Didn't know that the first time…nobody told me that! But, I'm telling you. And one of the things you'll need if you're breastfeeding is Nipple Butter. Ya get chapped, sometimes they bleed…it's bad. So, I've tried like 4 different kinds and Earth Mama Nipple Butter is by far my favorite. It's amazing!
It comes in big and small sizes and I recommend getting two small ones. That way, you can have one at your breastfeeding station and one in your diaper bag or purse or where ever you need it. And, there's no need to wash it off before nursing.
Plus, after you're done needing this (and even while you still need it) it doubles as chapstick, hand balm, moisturizer, etc.
They also have a belly butter that I used in my last pregnancy and kind of forgot about during this one but I liked that too.
Plush Beds Mattress
I learned that mattresses have a lottttt of toxins. Like a lot. And when you're in them like 8-9 hours a day…that's a big deal
But, your mattress is a great example of something you would wait to replace until you need the replacement! When you’re ready for a new mattress, check out Plush Beds Mattresses.
We have been sleeping on our Organic Latex Mattress for almost a year now and it’s easily one of my favorite swaps we’ve made. When I say our mattress is SO comfy, just know that this pregnant body needs a mattress that means business.
The best part is, you can rearrange the layers of the mattress to make it firmer or softer depending on what you find comfortable.
It's definitely an investment but it's seriously the best. Not only is the mattress the coziest spot in our house, it’s also made of organic latex which doesn’t off gas any harmful chemicals, meaning cleaner air for you and your family.
Car Seat
Ok, let's talk car seats. I have an entire blog post on this that goes over the different car seat brands in the United States that have non-toxic car seats.
I didn't know about non-toxic car seats when AJ was a baby so we didn't have one for her as a babe, but when she upgraded to a toddler car seat we got the Clek and for the second babe we might do the Nuna Rava.
Toys
For toys, we have Lovevery. I cannot recommend this. First of all, its a montessori thing so it's all natural materials (so you know it's safe for when babe inevitably chews on them). Also, it's a subscription so it comes every month and the toys are literally designed for the age your child is. She's loved everything that's inside of it and it's designed to help with development. So, most of the time when we get the box, it has stuff in it that she can't do and watching her figure it out and being able to do it a month later is so cool to see. I've been a huge fan.
This is a great thing to put on your baby registry.
“Skin Care” for Baby
When it comes to soaps and lotions for baby, so many people recommended Tubby Todd. I LOVE the All Over Ointment. My baby had some very dry skin and this was amazing. Get the big one…you'll love it.
There's tons of products… bubble bath, body wash, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a chest rub (like Vicks). And it's all SO GOOD! You won't regret making this swap
BUT, when you start switching to this stuff just use what you already have first. Don't waste the money, don't waste the product. Use what you have up first and then start buying this instead. This link gets you 10% off automatically.
I'm not telling you that you need to buy all of these things. Whatever is your priority, do that. I just wanted to give you what I use (and share some discounts). I genuinely like all of this. And again, I think it's SO much more important for a bunch of us to be doing the whole natural thing imperfectly than a few people doing it perfectly.
This blog may contain affiliate links, meaning I will make a commision if you choose to buy. Please know I'm recommending these items because I love them, most of the companies I work with I reached out to after using their product. If you do decide to buy I'd be stoked if you clicked the links.
Please send me an email if any links or codes aren't working, thank you!
