Natural Living for Families
This is the first post on my blog and probably one of the topics that I love to talk about most because these strategies will have benefits that will pour over into other areas of your life, naturally! I have become more interested in natural/non-toxic living since becoming a mother. This post by no means will be able to cover everything on the subject, but it represents some of the areas that I believe are most impactful and accessible. My hope is that you do not feel overwhelmed by this list; select one or two items from each category and try implementing them into your family’s life. So, what are some things that you can do to remove or reduce harmful ingredients/substances from your life?
HOME & ENVIRONMENT
The environment you surround yourself with has a tremendous impact on your family’s mental and physical health, so we are starting with the home.
Remove scented products from your home. This includes: candles, laundry detergents, dish soaps and detergents, etc.
WHY: scented products have the ability to wreak havoc on your endocrine system.
Source natural fabrics and materials when you are bringing new items into your home, such as: furniture, decorations, rugs, and even flooring! If you can afford it, you should opt for hardwood flooring over vinyl.
WHY: All of these switches can reduce your exposure to harmful off gassing. Natural fabrics and materials will also last longer and are more easily repaired than synthetic ones. I think they look nicer too!
Switch to natural cleaning supplies. Use your ability to critically think about the ingredients in your cleaning supplies.
WHY:
Phase out plastics: cutlery, plates, cups, food storage containers, etc.
WHY: Plastic products not only shed microplastics overtime, but can also leach chemicals into your food and drinks. Even plastics that are BPA free likely still contain other chemicals that are harmful to your health.
FOOD
We all know that the food you eat is another important pillar of a healthy lifestyle. But convenience and temptations can often get the best of us. Think of it like this: preparing healthful and nourishing foods for your family and friends is the ultimate TREAT and a wonderful way to show them that you care about them. They will also feel much better after eating a meal that you prepared when it includes an abundance of fresh and vibrant ingredients!
Prioritize foods in their “whole” form. This means leaving the ultra-processed foods on the shelves, and buying foods as they are naturally, and then incorporating them into your recipes. Your body thrives on whole foods.
Organic when possible! If you are on a budget and cannot afford to buy ALL organic that is okay. Start where you can and check out the EWG’s Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen to help you select which items to buy organic vs conventional. Even better, try growing your own produce at home. It doesn’t have to be a big bountiful garden, just try a few small pots of herbs that you like incorporating into your recipes.
Hydrate with water and teas. Reduce or eliminate your consumption of soda, caffeine and alcohol.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take a quality prenatal vitamin. Do your research on the ingredients. I personally prefer vitamins that are derived from the natural food source. You should also research the difference between folate and folic acid. Folate is naturally occurring in some foods, while folic acid is a man-made version. There is a lot of information out there about the importance of opting for Folate over folic acid.
PERSONAL
It is just as important to consider what you put in your body as well as on your body.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consider reviewing your beauty, skin-care and hair-care routines. What products are you currently using, are they working well for the intended purpose? Now, consider their safety.
15minute beauty has information on pregnancy and nursing safe products. There is also an index where you can search by brand. Check it out!
Switch to organic pads and tampons, or use a diva cup. Our reproductive organs are very sensitive.
My favorite brand for pads and tampons is Rael.
STOP using perfume and scented lotions or deodorants. It can be very hard to find unscented hair products, but they do exist! As I mentioned up above, scented products are endocrine dysruptors. Additionally, if you are a new mom, your natural scent is so important to the bond you create with your baby. Babies LOVE the scent of their mothers (as stinky as it may seem to you), and they use this scent to determine if you are near and to feel safe and secure. Also, regarding deodorant, the one you have been using for a while now will likely lose its effectiveness postpartum due to your change in hormones. It is up to you if you want to try finding one that “works” or if you want to go au naturel like I do!
When buying new clothes and undergarments, opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen. This is especially important when you have a newborn who you will be holding close to you and hopefully baby wearing as much as possible. There is no need to do a closet overhaul, but make sure you at least have a few natural fiber t-shirts or sweaters that you can rotate through.
For more information: CITE ALDEN WICKER and Consumer Reports
BABY
Last but certainly not the least important on this list, is the baby category. Babies are so precious and I know we can all agree that they deserve the absolute best. However, just because something is being sold for a baby to use or wear (or eat), does not mean that it has been rigorously tested for safety. Also, please remember that your baby does not need much from the material world, your love and care matter the most. It can be hard to live according to this philosophy when you will likely receive an abundance of gifts from friends and family, but we can save that topic for another blog post.
No scented products. Are you noticing a theme yet? While I am personally very sensitive to smells, I am also aware of their dangers. The baby industry has tried to make us believe that our babies need to smell like lavender or baby powder, but did you know that babies have their own utterly delicious scent? Please don’t cover it up with lotions, perfumes or detergents. Pro tip: if you are looking for permission, you have mine - be bold and ask your visitors to refrain from wearing perfumes and scents when they come over to visit. If you have ever allowed a visitor to hold your beloved newborn and then receive your baby back smelling like Aunt Patty, it can really be a downer your enjoyment of nuzzling