When you become a mum, your world shifts. You suddenly see everything through the lens of your baby’s wellbeing - and that often means seeking out the safest, softest, cleanest products. But what if many of the baby products lining the shelves aren't just harming the planet - they’re not great for your baby, either?

Welcome to the world of single-use plastic in the baby industry. It's more common than you think, and it's time to talk about it.

The Baby Industry’s Dirty Secret

Walk into any high-street baby shop and you’ll see it: rows of nappy bins, plastic baby baths, synthetic changing mats, wipes in plastic tubs, and endless packaging. According to recent data, the average UK baby goes through over 4,000 nappies in their first two and a half years. And that’s just nappies - not the plastic-laminated wipes, the single-use changing pads, or the plastic-wrapped bath toys.

Much of this ends up in landfill or worse - leaks into oceans and ecosystems. It's estimated that single-use plastics make up over 40% of plastic waste globally, and the baby industry is a significant contributor.

Why Should You Care?

We get it - new mum life is hard. Between feeding, sleeping (or not), and trying to have a shower once in a while, thinking about your environmental footprint can feel like a luxury.

But here’s the thing: what’s bad for the planet is often bad for your baby too. Plastics can leach chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal disruptions in young children. And plastic-heavy baby gear isn’t built to last, meaning you’re forced to repurchase for the next baby - or send it all to landfill.

The Power of Reusable, Beautiful Alternatives

The good news? You don’t have to go zero-waste overnight. Small, conscious swaps add up - especially when they’re part of your everyday routine.

Take our seagrass baby changing basket, for example. It’s handmade from natural fibres, with no harsh chemicals, no plastic base, and no disposable parts. It’s beautiful enough to leave out in any room (we’ve seen it styled next to designer armchairs and IKEA units alike), and when your little one grows up, it becomes a stylish storage basket or toy caddy.

You get something that feels good and looks good - because being eco-friendly shouldn’t mean compromising on aesthetics.

What You Can Do (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here are a few low-stress ways to reduce single-use plastic in your baby journey:

• Choose reusable where you can: Washable wipes, reusable nappies (even part-time), and fabric-based changing mats make a big difference.

• Look for multi-use items: Products that grow with your baby or can be repurposed cut down on waste - and costs in the long run.

• Support small, transparent brands: When you shop from ethical companies that use sustainable materials and share their sourcing story, you vote with your wallet for a better future.

• Decorate with purpose: Interiors matter - and sustainable pieces like seagrass, cotton, and wood bring texture and calm to your nursery without compromising your values.

It’s Not About Perfection

We believe in progress, not perfection. You don’t need to ditch everything plastic overnight - but becoming aware of what you’re buying and why is a powerful first step.

At the end of the day, we’re all just mums doing our best - with a baby on our hip, a cup of tea going cold, and the hope that the little choices we make today will leave a better world for the ones we love most.