Banksia print cotton swaddle, rolled

Natural and organic swaps for baby and kids: a practical guide for Australian families

When a baby arrives, so does a lot of stuff. Wraps, onesies, toys, wipes, creams, a pram, then a scooter before you know it. It's natural to want to choose well for your kids, and just as natural to feel overwhelmed by the options and the marketing.

This guide keeps it simple. It's about materials, packaging, how long things last and the labels you can check. It isn't health or medical advice — for anything about your child's health, sleep or skin, please talk to your GP, child health nurse or pharmacist.

Start with what lasts

The most sustainable baby product is often a second-hand one, or one that gets handed down. Before buying new, it's worth asking:

  • Can we borrow it? Bassinets, baby carriers and play mats are used for a short time.
  • Will it last to the next child, or the next family? Good-quality knits, wooden toys and sturdy gear usually do.
  • Is it machine-washable? Things that clean easily stay in use longer.

When you do buy new, choosing fewer, better-made items is the swap that makes the biggest difference.

Clothing, wraps and blankets

Babies go through clothes quickly, so the materials you choose matter for comfort, washing and how many lives each piece can have.

  • Natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen and bamboo-derived fabrics are popular for their feel. If a label just says "bamboo", check whether it means bamboo viscose (a processed fibre); a clear label will tell you.
  • Look for organic certification on the label if that matters to you. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has two label grades: "organic" (at least 95% certified organic fibres) and "made with organic" (at least 70%). A genuine GOTS label shows the certifier and a licence number.
  • Choose simple, neutral styles that work for siblings and are easy to pass on.
  • Wash in cold water and line-dry where you can. It's gentle on fibres and saves energy.

For wraps and swaddles, please follow safe sleeping guidance. Red Nose Australia has clear, free guidance on safe wrapping, including when to stop wrapping.

You'll find muslin swaddles, knitted heirloom blankets and rompers in our Baby & kids collection.

Toys and play

Kids don't need many toys, but the ones they love get played with hard. A few swaps to consider:

  • Wooden, fabric and natural-rubber toys that age well and can be repaired or handed down.
  • Open-ended toys — blocks, magnetic tiles, play mats, pretend-play sets — that grow with your child.
  • Toy rotation. Put half the toys away and swap them every few weeks. It feels new without buying anything.
  • Fewer batteries. Battery-powered toys add e-waste. If you do have them, use rechargeable batteries and keep button batteries well out of reach.

The safety labels that matter

"Natural" is never a substitute for safety. In Australia, toys for children up to and including 36 months must meet a mandatory safety standard for small parts, which aims to stop parts coming loose during play or reasonable wear. The ACCC's Product Safety Australia site explains it, and lists recalls. When buying for little ones:

  • Check the age labelling on the pack, and follow it.
  • Look for toys sold by businesses that can tell you which standard they meet.
  • Check productsafety.gov.au for recalls if you're buying second-hand.

For bikes and scooters, helmets sold in Australia must meet the mandatory standard for bicycle helmets and carry a clear, durable safety mark or label showing compliance with an approved standard, such as AS/NZS 2063. If you can't find that mark, don't buy it.

Bath time and nappy changes

Bath time is a big source of plastic bottles. Some ways to simplify:

  • Fewer products. Ask your child health nurse what your baby actually needs, and skip the rest.
  • Washable cloths and cotton wipes for most nappy changes at home, with disposables kept for outings if you like.
  • Read the ingredient list. In Australia, cosmetics — including baby washes and creams — must list ingredients in descending order by mass or volume. If you prefer fragrance-free products, check for "fragrance" or "parfum" on the list.
  • Follow the directions on the label, and ask your pharmacist if you have questions about a product.

Browse gentle body care in our Body care collection.

Nappies

Cloth nappies, disposables and compostable options all involve trade-offs between washing, water, energy and landfill. If you're curious, start with a few cloth nappies at home and see how they fit your routine. If a disposable nappy is labelled "compostable", look for the Australian standard or certification it meets, and check whether your local council or a commercial service actually accepts it. A leaf picture on its own isn't enough (see our greenwashing red flags guide).

Gear: prams, seats, scooters and furniture

Big-ticket items are where buying well makes the most difference:

  • Buy for durability and repair. Can you get replacement wheels, covers or parts?
  • Look for adjustable designs — chairs with footrests that move as your child grows, for example — so one item lasts several years.
  • Pass it on. Sell, swap or donate gear in good condition. Car seats are an exception: always check a second-hand restraint's history and expiry, and follow your state's road safety advice.

Food and lunchboxes

We've already written guides on organic baby food labels and lunchbox snacks, so we won't repeat them here. The short version: read the ingredient list, check who certified any organic claim, and choose reusable containers. Our ingredient list guide explains how to read a food label quickly.

A simple plan for new parents

  1. Before baby arrives: borrow what you can and make a short list of true essentials.
  2. First months: choose a few natural-fibre wraps and clothes in neutral styles, and follow safe sleep guidance.
  3. As play starts: a handful of open-ended toys, rotated.
  4. When things run out: move to fewer bath products, washable cloths and refills.
  5. As kids grow: buy adjustable gear, check helmet and toy safety marks, and pass on what you've finished with.

How we label baby and kids' products

Every product on our marketplace carries one clear label: Certified organic, Organic (as described by the brand) or Natural & low-tox. Many of the small makers we work with craft beautiful things without formal certification, and we're happy to have them — the label simply makes it clear. Read more on our How we label page.

Product information is supplied by the brands. Labels and formulas can change, so always read the label on the product you receive.

Sources

Back to blog