When preparing for a baby, creating a chemical-free home becomes a priority for many parents. Wendyl Nissen, New Zealand’s Green Goddess, shares simple recipes and tips to eliminate toxins, ensuring a safe environment for pregnancy and beyond.
Why Chemical-Free Matters During Pregnancy
A 2005 study in the Netherlands revealed that harmful substances from household products could pass through the umbilical cord, affecting the physical and mental development of babies. With this in mind, it’s essential to eliminate harmful chemicals from your home, particularly cleaning products, which often contain unregulated toxins.
The Problem with Commercial Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are rarely transparent about their ingredients, and claims like “natural” or “eco-friendly” can be misleading. Many contain hidden chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can affect health. Even greenwashing—false or exaggerated environmental claims—makes choosing safe products challenging.
Wendyl suggests taking control by making your own natural cleaning solutions. They’re cost-effective, easy to create, and completely safe for your growing family.
Baby Laundry Liquid for Pregnancy and Baby Clothes
Ingredients:
- ½ bar (70g) castile or vegetable-based soap (e.g., Dr Bronner’s Baby Mild)
- 1.5 litres of water
- ½ cup washing soda
- ¼ cup borax
- 1 litre hot water
Instructions:
- Heat soap and water on low until dissolved.
- Add washing soda and borax, stirring until thickened.
- Combine with 1 litre of hot water in a bucket and mix well.
- Top up with 5 litres of hot water, mix, and let it sit for 24 hours.
- Use ½ cup per load.
Pro Tip: After pregnancy, you can substitute the Baby Mild soap with Sunlight soap and add 20 drops of your favourite essential oil for a family-friendly laundry liquid.
Safe Bathing for Newborns
Your baby’s delicate skin doesn’t need harsh soaps. Instead, try these natural alternatives:
- Olive Oil: A few drops in bathwater cleans and moisturises.
- Baking Soda: Softens water and soothes nappy rash.
- Organic Lemon: Acts as a gentle cleanser and natural antibacterial.
- Rolled Oats: Tie oats in a cloth and soak in the bath for soothing relief.
Baby Bath Wash Recipe
Ingredients:
- 400ml water
- 80ml rosewater
- 4 tbsp grated vegetable oil soap
- 20ml glycerine
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional for babies over 3 months).
Instructions:
- Boil water, add grated soap, and stir until melted.
- Let cool slightly, then add rosewater, glycerine, and essential oil.
- Pour into a squeeze bottle.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
Switching to a chemical-free lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but Wendyl recommends starting with essentials like laundry detergent and baby bath products. By making small changes, you’ll create a healthier, toxin-free home for your family.
Tip: Stock up on natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils from a bulk store to make whipping up recipes easy.
The Benefits of Natural Alternatives
- For Baby: Gentle, non-toxic care for sensitive skin.
- For You: Peace of mind during pregnancy and postpartum.
- For the Environment: Reduced chemical runoff and less packaging waste.
Embrace the simplicity of natural living and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a safe, sustainable home for your growing family.
Excerpt from Mother’s Little Helper – an old-fashioned guide to raising your baby chemical-free by Wendyl Nissen. Published by Wendyl’s Green Goddess Ltd. RRP $29.95. Available at all good booksellers and online at www.wendylsgreengoddess.co.nz. Copyright © Wendyl Nissen, 2011.
