How To Build a Non-Toxic Baby Registry — Brands I Love and What I Looked For
First off, it’s SO crazy to be writing this in my house with my baby kicking inside of me as I type. It’s like he knows I’m writing about him, his arrival, and what he’ll need. I’m so thankful to be growing a happy, healthy baby and I can’t wait to share with you all what we’ve registered for so far!
I recently posted a humorous reel of Parker and I going through the clothes that were gifted from friends/family (which we were so lucky to get so many clothes) — we were attempting to figure out newborn clothes, 0-3 months, etc. etc.. The reel connected me with SO many other moms and women also struggling with the same issues, which was so refreshing to hear. While P and I are minimalists at heart, I now see how easily it could be to get overwhelmed not only with what clothes are needed, but with EVERYTHING a baby could need. Luckily, we have ChatGPT now… but even that told us we needed SO much more than we probably do after now having several conversations with other moms. So as we were sorting through everything, I knew that I wanted to keep it all pretty minimal, and most importantly… CLEAN — for Theo and for us.
I got over 100 requests for our Babylist registry, which linked below. Our baby shower is THIS weekend on October 4th, so it happened just at the time it should to share this list with everyone. However, I also wanted to take the time to share more than just the link. As a person who’s been in wellness space for several years and focuses as much as possible on clean living inside AND out, I worked hard to carry that over into what Theodore will chew on, breathe in the air, what he wears, and just how he lives in general. I’ve been so intentional about every purchase, from diapers to sheets to toys he’ll use. I want him surrounded by natural, safe, and sustainable items, all while realizing that it will NEVER be perfect and giving myself a little grace for the not as clean items, too.
So here are some of my thoughts while building this baby registry and many of the brands that we’ve loved. If you’re just wanting to the Babylist, it is linked below and is now set to public. Please note that there aren’t as many clothes on the registry that a newborn would need because we were gifted SO MANY things that the list just ended up supplementing what we needed. However, I did attach a clothing list below that we kind of based everything on that is minimal for what a baby should need before 6 months (we only focused on newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months for the time being to not be overwhelmed by it all).
Please enjoy blog on clean items/brands for by category. I hope this makes you feel less overwhelmed and so not alone!! We are in this together. and clothes needed for a baby without it being too overwhelming! Xo
Babylist link: https://my.babylist.com/ajwpcmvfh
EWG Skin Deep link (verifies beauty/personal care products on toxin levels): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
If you’re wanting to look up any products from your home, download the Healthy Living App on your phone. Best thing to look up basically all food or living products. I always strive for an EWG Verified Label or at least a 1 rating when I can (with a little grace too!)
What I Looked for in a Non-Toxic Registry:
Sleep:
Just like in my own life, I always try to purchase natural sleep materials and ALWAYS get organic if possible. Since baby’s immune systems are developing delicately as a newborn, I feel like it’s even MORE important for me to keep pesticides away from our little boy. Here is what we purchased and focused on:
Crib/Bassinet: We didn’t see a point in getting a crib yet since he won’t need it for quite a while, so we planned on purchasing two bassinets (but were actually gifted two so it worked out). We did register for a crib on the registry just in case someone did want to buy us one, but totally not a priority for us at right now. With the two bassinets we have, one rolls with you and is mobile; we’ll keep it in the bedroom for the most part so we can roll it close to the bed or further away. I’ll also likely roll it around with me in the kitchen, living room, etc. if needed. We also have a stationary bassinet for the nursery, and when he’s old enough, we’ll sell the bassinet and replace it with the crib so we can save space — no point in having both right now. The stationary bassinet is a Snoo, which was such a kind gift to us. What we were able to purchase were the mattresses/sheets, which is where we focused on clean materials (see below).
Sheets: When it comes to sheets, it’s best to look for GOTS-certified products or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 labels, which are free from dyes, pesticides, and flame retardants. Since babies spend most of their early months sleeping, this is beyond worth the investment. Brands I would loved were Quince, Brooklinen, Parachute, Coyuchi, Naturpedic, Babyletto, Pehr, and Delta Children. For the mobile bassinet, we went with Naturpedic sheets on the mattress. For the Snoo, we used Happiest Baby, which is 100% organic cotton and doesn’t come with any of the certifications I’d want, but it was the best we could do to specifically fit the Snoo and still a great option. We went with Naturpedic again for the crib sheets for when we need them.
Mattress: When it comes to the actual mattresses, it’s best to look for Greenguard GOLD certified, MADE SAFE, Eco-Institut, Oeko-Tex, GOTS, GOLS or organic mattresses to limit VOC (volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde or benzene) exposure. These chemicals in mattress have been known to cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye/throat irritation, and that’s JUST in the short term. When it comes to the waterproof protector over it, the same rules apply as the sheets. Look for clean GOTS-certified organic cotton or organic wool or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for no chemical finishing / flame retardant treatments. The mattress we got was a babyletto Avocado Baby Crib Mattress and the cover we got was Naturpedic, both linked in the registry.
Summarized list of needs for sleeping:
Bassinet/Crib that works for your home (1 mobile and 1 stationary, can be replaced with crib later)
Clean bassinet mattress; brands: Avocado, Naturpedic,
Clean bassinet mattress cover; brands: Avocado, Naurpedic
Clean bassinet sheets (at least 2 sets); brands: Quince, Brooklinen, Parachute, Coyuchi, Naturpedic, Babyletto, Pehr, Delta Children.
The same applies for the crib, which you might just buy in place of a bassinet later when they grow to minimize costs upfront and save space.
Electronics (Minimal and mindful):
When approaching electronics in the nursery, we purchased a baby monitor, sound machine, and night light. We focused on buying the safest options possible based on the research we have at the time. What we looked for was low EMF exposure and little to no Wifi at all. However, we did cave and register for a baby Hatch Alarm because we want one in the bedroom too to help with seasonal depression when the sun starts to come up later in the winter (SAD sufferer for SURE). It was just TOO damn cute and I loved the idea of using it as a sound machine/small light, but it does have Wifi. Like I said, it’s all about balance!
Here are the items we got:
Sound Machine: Hatch Alarm, has wifi, but like I said, it’s all about balance! You can look for ones that are plug-in analog machines like Marpac Dohm (fan-based, no wireless signals) that have no WiFi in them at all. You can also choose models made with BPA-free plastics if you feel the baby will be near them or touch them often.
Baby Monitors: For Baby Monitors we looked for low-EMF monitors or just non-wiFi monitors in general to reducing radiation exposure and hacking risk. We registered for a DXR-8 PRO Full Kit, which is Non-WiFi closed-loop system and hack-free (linked in registry), but there are several out there that don’t have Wifi and might be suited to your style.
Red Light: Blue light exposure at night is SO important to me and I try to minimize as much as I can for my own sleep. Since I knew that I would personally be getting up in the night often (AND it’s important for their light exposure to be minimal in night feedings to help develop a circadian rhythm) I registered for a red light for the nursery so that way I could have a night light to turn on that isn’t Blue Light in my face, hoping that I could go back to sleep. I am OBSESSED with BonCharge as a brand (you can use my code BDWellness for 15% off any of their products) and you can get red light night lights for the room from them, or even red light bulbs if you wanted to go all out. In our bedroom we have a HeLight red light already, so we registered Theo a little matching Kids Red Light for his nursery to switch on for night feeds so that he stays as sleepy as possible. This is also linked in the registry.
Diffuser and Humidifer (and optional nursery add on): I’ve been obsessed with Vitruvi’s diffuser and use it daily in my own house/bedroom, so I registred for a Vitruvi diffuser for the nursery to help calm him (and myself) with essential oils. I swear by lavender in the air in the evening. I also registered for a Humidifer from Vitruvi, which has BPA free plastic lining and uses no heat. It plugs into the wall and helps to maintain healthy humidity (40–60%) in the room. Since he’ll be born in mid-November and it will be winter for his first few months, I thought it was a good idea. It can help to relieve dry skin, dry skin, prevent eczema flare-ups, ease congestion and coughs, and colds, and reduce static and dryness from heaters. This is also linked in my registry.
Feeding:
For this section, we focused on bottles, formula, breastfeeding equipment, and pacifiers. We didn’t look too much into solid foods just yet or high-chairs, because again, we just wanted to focus on what we needed currently and then focus on the next age right before we get there. Here is what we looked for:
Bottles: I knew I wanted to use glass or stainless bottles instead of plastic, since heat and plastic DO NOT mix and I don’t want him to consume microplastics from the get-go (we get enough of that as adults from everything else!!!). We registered for a Chicco Duo Hybrid Bottles (large and small) which have a pure glass inner layer and a premium plastic outer layer. The baby can hold onto plastic that won’t be too hot, but the hot milk never touches the plastic and stays in the glass. The outside plastic is also BPA free. This is in our registry under feeding — I will store breastmilk in these and order more if needed.
Formula: While I fully plan on breastfeeding, I recognize that can be hard for many mothers and was advised to have formula ready on hand just in case. I focused on CLEAN organic formulas based, some were based in the UK and some in the US. These have no corn syrup solids, are sourced from grass-fed cows or goat milk, and are organic certified and tested for heavy metals. This was a BIG priority for me because this is what he will directly be consuming. Clean brands I’ve found in the UK are Holle, HiPP, Kendamil (what we registred for) and Lebenswert. Clean US organic brands I found are Bobbie and Nara. We might have to try a few, but we ultimately registered for Kendamil.
Pacifiers: This was also a huge one for me that I HAD to buy clean versions of, since he will constantly them in his mouth. I basically wanted no plastics or as minimal as possible. After researching, materials to look for are 100% natural rubber latex (which is what we opted for) or medical-grade silicone and that are free from latex and synthetic dyes or scents (like why would anyone do that?!). Apparently it’s also important to look for symmetrical options to support oral development. We registered for Mushie (linked in registry and is made from natural rubber), but other brands I found to be clean were Natursutten, EcoPiggy, and Hevea.
Breastfeeding:
Pumps: I was gifted two pumps and I’m going to be honest, I just took them and didn’t do a moment of research on them. One was portable and one was stationary, but I do think it’s important to have both so you can use them! Both of them are outside of the bra, but I am going to look for some inside the bra if these two don’t work. There were many brands of pumps in the bra, but I did find that the AeroFlow Willow Sync Wearable Breast Pump was BPA free. I also read it’s important to choose hospital-grade, closed-system pumps because they’re leaner and it prevents mold in tubing?
Nursing Pillows: In terms of nursing pillows, I also focused on organic cotton covers and GOTS certified fillings when possible. My choice was My Brest Friend, linked in my registry, because it had no chemicals and had an organic cotton cover, and I honestly thought it just looked the most comfortable because it had the most space. The second choice was Butterr.
Breast pads: Another honest moment, I didn’t know that these were a thing… but I registered for them so I could go out in public with the pads while breastfeeding and not feel like I might leak through my shirt (a mood killer for sure). I looked for chlorine-free and unbleached pads, and ended up registering for Kindred Bravely reusable pads that is also GOTS cerfiied, and another great brand I found was Under the Nile. I also registerd Honest Clean Nip Balm (EWG Verified), to help soothe after breastfeeding.
Cleaning/Bathing Products:
There were no specific things we looked for when looking at laundry detergent and dish washing detergent when it came to Theo’s bottles/clothes because we use clean products for US. We only use EWG Verified Products for for shampoo, conditioner, soap, and detergent, so nothing had change specifically for him. It’s important to get unscented and fragrance free, always. EVEN for you. EWG verified products are just the best way to go, which you can do on the Skin Deep Link at the beginning of this blog or use their Healthy Living App.
Brands we love and TRUST for our own cleaning include:
We use Branch Basics for all Cleaning Products
Dr. Bronner’s for Laundry Detergent (love)
Honest for Shampoo and Conditioner is supposed to be great for kids!! We personally use Attitude for our hair, which is also EWG Verified and they have a TON of baby products, so just pick as you please.
Other Grooming Things we bought (found in the registry):
A Natemia wooden hairbrush set for him specifically
Babo Hydrating Lotion for him.
For his Shampoo/Conditioner, we ended up getting the Dr. Bronners Unscented total bathing kit that works as soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
We got Honest Baby-Terry Cloth towels, but we use Quince Organic Towels for ourselves so felt fine using these for him too!
Mushie is an organic brand of hooded towels that we bought a few of as well.
Diapering:
Diapers, wipes, and creams: Honestly, I feel like this category gets the BIGGEST focus from anyone, probably because they go through so many. We did not go with cloth, but if I was to, I would look for the same certifications that I would look for in clothing/sheets. For reusable diapers, I found the important things to look for are to have them totally chlorine free (TCF), with no fragrances, lotions, dyes, pheromones, latex, and use third-party testing certifications, which means that brands publish lab results or use independent certifications (e.g. OEKO-TEX, FSC, etc.), which tend to be more trustworthy. Of course, you’re looking for good absorption, leak protection, comfort & fit, because the above doesn’t matter as much if they don’t fit them. But I don’t really know too much about that part just yet, so we’re trying multiple. Here are a few brands I’ve found:
Diapers:
Coterie Diapers: market themselves as free from fragrance, lotions, dyes, and latex; publish third-party lab results.
Bambo Nature Diapers: well known in greener diaper circles.
Dyper Bamboo Diapers: use bamboo / plant-based fibers, aim to avoid chemicals and irritants.
HealthyBaby Diapers: **This is what we registered for the most** because it’s one of the few diapers with EWG verification, chlorine-free, with an organic cotton blended outer layer.
Honest Clean Conscious Diapers: from a brand with “clean lines,” these diapers avoid many common harsh additives. This is also what we will use as they are easy to get, but not totally chlorine free anymore.
EcoPeaCo Bamboo Diapers: focus on bamboo / viscose materials, soft and plant-based
Diaper Creams/Wipes: For diaper creams, I found it’s best to look for creams with look for zinc oxide (non-nano) as the barrier ingredients, organic oils such a shea, coconut, olive oil, or cocoa butter; soothing agents like aloe vera, chamomile, or beeswax, and no petroleum, parabens, or fragrance. Avoid petroleum based creams. For wipes, look for mostly water based and soothing botanicals with no fragrance or harsh preservatives. The BEST way to go for any wipes and creams is to go to the EWG Skin Deep Website and look at all things baby. If it was verified on that list, I trust it. Let THEM do the work for you! We went all the way with Honest on their wipes and diaper cream since they’re EWG certified, so we will see if Theo takes to it well. These are linked in the registry. Other brands I’ve found to be clean are Babo Botanicals and La Petite Créme.
Changing Station + Dresser Combo: One of the best pieces of advice I recieved from a friend was to get a dresser instead of a changing table and just put a diaper changing pad on top of it. Because a changing table is short-lived, I chose a sturdy dresser that works as a diaper station with a topper pad, so we were then able to purchase a piece of furniture we’ll use for years. I’ll keep his diapers in the drop drawer as well as the diaper creams, wipes, etc. We purchased a Naturpedic 2-sided diaper changing pad to set on top and got a GOTS certified moisture blocker/Puddle pad for leaks from Moogco Baby, both linked in the registry.
Baby Toys & Gear:
For now, I am just focusing on teethers and snuggle toys for the crib, since that’s all he’ll need for < 6 months (again, we’re focusing on what we need right NOW). When he gets older and starts playing with more toys, we’ll buy them then. Here is what I looked for:
Teethers and crib toys: the cleanest options are made from food-grade silicone, natural rubber, FSC wood, or GOTS-certified organic cotton, finished with non-toxic, water-based coatings or natural oils. Try to avoid any PVC, vinyl, harsh plastics, synthetic fragrances, and toys with small detachable parts. In short: choose simple, durable, organic or natural materials, with clear safety testing and no unnecessary chemicals. OF COURSE this is a BALANCE and I bought him organic clean toys as well as a few toys that weren’t necessarily “clean” but I couldn’t resist and I knew he would love him. Our favorite brand we kept purchasing from was Colored Organics for clean teethers, crinkles, and snuggies and a few of them are linked on the registry. We also splurged and registered for a Toki Kids Tummy Time Mat, that he can start to sit up, roll, and crawl on. :) I love that I’m going to get to use my knowledge in Pediatrics to watch him learn, grow, and develop with the milestones.
Clothing:
Okay, now onto my FAVORITE part as a fashion JUNKIE. For all clothes currently, I ONLY focused on 0-6 months for the time being; I didn’t want to overwhelm myself but also didn’t want to overcrowd his space. Again, I’m minimal girly if I can be one. Babies grow FAST, so we focused on only the next 6 months and we plan to buy more as he ages. When searching baby clothes, I kept mostly to the gold standard of GOTS-certified organic cotton or other organic fibers that are free from pesticides and harsh chemicals. You can also look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to ensure that not just the fabric, but also the dyes, snaps, and trims are tested for safety. Look for natural fabrics like cottons over polyester; The cleanest clothing comes from brands that are transparent about their supply chain and testing and that prioritize comfort, safety, and sustainability.
What to Purchase: Apparently, onesies are all you’ll pretty much need for Newborn and 0-3 months, and a lot of footed sleepers and swaddles. As well as some socks, booties, and hats if it’s winter. Keeping it simple. As he gets in 3-6 months, I started getting pants and shirts, as well as some sweaters. I did get him a few little shirts, pants, and vests for 0-3 because I feel like he’ll want to have a little swag, even at home…
Clean Brands I Loved: I bought a LOT of Colored Organics, Quince Sweaters, Magnetic Me Onsies, and Honest Onesies in a pack. These were our 4 main brands, which are all linked in our registry. Other brands that I looked at and would still buy from and probably will are Monica + Andy (only some things though — didn’t love their style) and Baby Gap (there is some good stuff there that is organic cotton!).
Not Clean Brands I Loved: Of course, it’s a balance, especially when you Love fashion. Saks and Neiman Marcus have a baby section with some clean options, but also some adorable puffers and onesies I couldn’t resist. Parker also wanted some onesies that had Texas Logos, golf, and football, so we purchased a few of those and we’re also Harry Potter Fans, so we got a few onesies that were HP themed.
General Clothing Checklist by Age:
Newborn (0–1 Month): Babies spend most of this stage swaddled and sleeping.
4–6 organic cotton onesies
3–4 footed sleepers (zip preferred)
2–3 swaddles (muslin or stretchy organic cotton)
2 caps/hats for warmth (if in cooler climate)
4–6 pairs of socks/booties
2 lightweight organic cotton blankets
0–3 Months: Baby will be more alert, moving a little more, and needing a few outfit changes per day.
6–8 onesies/bodysuits (short and long sleeve mix)
4–5 footed sleepers
2 sleep sacks (organic cotton, TOG-appropriate for your climate)
3 pairs soft pants/leggings (organic cotton or bamboo)
6–8 pairs socks/booties
2 caps/hats (seasonal)
3–6 Months: Baby is starting to roll, play more, and may begin solids near the end of this stage.
6–8 onesies/bodysuits
4–5 footed or two-piece pajamas
3–4 soft pants/leggings
1–2 sweaters/cardigans (organic cotton or merino wool if needed)
6–8 pairs of socks/booties
Seasonal add-ons: sun hat or warmer jacket depending on climate
I hope this was helpful!!!!!!!!!! Let me know what questions you have in the comments and/or what you’ve used!
BE WELL.
Xo