picture from the wonderful and amazing jenny gg

You can (and should) get everything for your baby secondhand.

New stuff for babies is absolutely crazypants.

There are only two things that you might need to get new- the crib and the car seat. Literally everything else? Secondhand.

I wish someone had shared this wisdom with me before we had our first baby. We got so much stuff brand new (I can remember a hundred+ dollar splurge on the Carter's website, a baby shower of all new stuff, and more). We loaded up on so many perfect, white blankets and onesies just waiting for our baby to come out and enjoy. Maybe you are waiting for your sweet new bub the same way.

Now, two children in, I can tell you with total love and honesty that only hypothetical, in utero babies can really handle beautiful white babythings. Your real baby is going to poop on all of that. And your baby will grow so fast that some of the beautiful things you love will never get use. This turned out to be particularly true for me, because I "saved" beautiful things for special occasions, and then my beefy babies grew out of them before I even got the chance to use them.

But here's the thing- every parent has a pile of these beautiful things that actually didn't get much use. So if you get theirs, instead of brand new pretty things, you do all sorts of good things:

- You save money. Like, a lot of money. The average American family spends 60 dollars a month on clothing every month for a new baby (so 720 dollars a year). Just by getting clothes used, you can easily save 500 dollars in a year on baby clothes.

- You save the planet. American overconsumption is a major source of strain on our planet, and parents can be particularly guilty of this. The more you can get secondhand, the more clothes you keep out of landfills and resources you save. And that is just the beginning- most new items are now shipped in plastic bags (like you get when you order clothes online). Anything you buy secondhand won't have the shipping waste.

- You get a clear conscience. To try to keep the cost of baby stuff low, most companies ship their labor out to countries with lower standards of labor. That means that someone else could have been mistreated for that cute little onesie. If you buy it used, you haven't given companies your money for making irresponsible decisions about their supply chain.

- You get peace of mind about poop. I know two things about you, for sure- You are going to be an amazing parent. You will also have at least one day where your child is going to have an explosive poop all over an outfit. Like so much that you don't know what to do but toss it. Spending so much less on baby stuff empowers you to choose your battles and move the heck on.

- Did I mention it saves you money? It adds up quickly, and you can save thousands of dollars, easily. In our five years of parenting, I know we have saved thousands. Start a college or travel fund with that money, and give your kid moments they will never forget (instead of a room full of stuff they will never remember).

Now, if you want to get EVERYTHING secondhand, it can take some strategy, but it is totally doable! Here are the steps to take:

Step One- Ask Around (and Join Buy Nothing).

Once the word is out that you are having/adopting/fostering a baby, shamelessly ask the people you know if they have baby stuff they are ready to get rid of. If you don't know many people with older babies and toddlers, you can still do this by joining your local facebook groups for moms and your Buy Nothing Group (if you haven't joined your buy nothing group, you are missing out on an essential parenting tool- find yours here). Introduce yourself, say you are soon going to have a baby at your house, and that you are looking to put some baby stuff together.

This may seem weird and presumptuous, but let me tell you a secret about kids; they come with so much stuff. Overwhelming stuff. And stuff that is so important for a minute, than clutters all your corners long after. Part of parenting is desperately trying to get rid of that stuff, so you aren't begging for stuff, you are offering an opportunity that many parents will be giddy to take. Trust me, someone will be so happy to finally have something to do with their old toys and jumper.

Be brave, and put it out there that you are hoping to aquire lots of handmedowns for your baby. People may get it or not, but it's worth it to start there (because anything you get for free, you don't have to buy)/

Step Two- Explore your Local and Online Secondhand Spaces

When we were waiting for our first baby, a lot of the time we spent was simply doing research. What the heck is a sleeper? Do we want a co-sleeper or a pack n play?

There is no way to learn all this stuff without just talking and reading and learning about it. We shared our favorite green options for everything that your baby needs in our Green Baby Registry. In the same way, there is a lot to learn about where you can just get stuff. People end up at Target and Amazon because they don't have caretaker friends to tell them the actual good places to get stuff yet.

So, step one. Look up the kids secondhand stores in your area. My hometown of 6,000 people has one (it's pretty good too).  You are probably driving distance from one. If nothing else, there is probably a "Once Upon a Child" near you. They are EVERYWHERE. Make a list, go visit.

Second, join some parent groups on Facebook and just ask them!  They will know where the good secondhand shops are. They can also direct you to good kids buy and sell groups on Facebook. There are a bunch of good ones in our area, and we have gotten everything from rain boots to Christmas gifts on there for super cheap.

Lastly, know that no matter where you live, you still have options. Local is best, but it is not your only option. Kids on 45th ships all over the US. Thred Up is a magical gem on the internet, and you can buy every piece of your kid's clothes on there. If nothing else, Ebay is a go to that consistently surprises me. Ebay has everything (but magnatiles, which are too precious to be found secondhand as far as I can tell). For example, you know those Aden and Anais blankets everyone swears by? That are great but super expensive? There are 730 options on Ebay instead (so you can get 6 for 20 bucks instead of 4 for 40). All you have to do is check "Preowned," and if you want to do right by the environment, ask the seller not to ship in plastic.

Step Three- Register to have a Handmedown Baby Shower

If you are having a baby shower or registry, you can actually encourage others to buy (or bring) your gifts secondhand! We have written a whole post on how to word this in your invitation, so you don't have to feel awkward about it. We love eco-concious baby showers on this site, and we have thought of lots of fun themes that embrace that sweet baby's future by taking care of the environment. This can be really special if other parents bring baby things that are sweet to them to share with your new bub.

Another simple way to encourage secondhand gifts is to simply change where you register. Encore Baby Registry is specifically designed so that you can register for secondhand stuff (or mark off something when you find it secondhand).  Many of the mainstream registries also have a little box where you can check things off the registry even when you bought it elsewhere- make sure you use a registry that features that box, and if it is there, highlight it in your note at the top so that people understand how important it is to you.

Also, don't be afraid to depend on word of mouth. Be sure to articulate to the hosts that this is very important to you, so when people ask, you have back up. It will be outside of people's comfort zones, and that is ok, but you are allowed to be firm in your priorities.

But what if you get a bunch of brand new stuff? No big deal! Smile and say thank you. Depending on where you are from, secondhand showers might be well out of the norm. Everyone is doing their best. If you receive something new that you know you can get secondhand, just return it and get the secondhand one- you can use the money you saved for diapers or onesies or anything else that you need. Everyone still gets what they want.

Step Four- Last Minute can Still Be Secondhand- Ask Again, Shop Again, and Open Box

As the baby nears, you can have last minute panics about things you are missing. First, let me tell you there are lots of things (like high chairs, strollers, etc) that you still aren't going to need for a while. Sometimes, if you wait, you will have a much better sense of what your wants and needs are.

That said, when you are filling in those last minute blanks, you still have options other than just throwing your hands up and buying brand new.

First, ask around again. It may already have been months since the last time you asked- someone else might be listening! Plus, if you now have a specific list of requests, someone might be able to respond better. I have trouble with "we need baby stuff," but I can't resist when someone says "we need baby blankets." If you are using disposable diapers, you can even check around for people having leftover diapers in various sizes (this happens in my Buy Nothing group all the time- have you joined yet?).

Next, check secondhand stores again! If you know just what you are looking for, it may not take much time. Their inventory changes often too. We only use glass bottles (I am suspicious that plastic is terrible for our kids), and one of our local shops seems to get some in every few months. So I just check again.

If that fails, you still have Open Box. Amazon has an option online called open box. It basically means someone returned it after opening the box, but it was never actually used/ is still in basically new condition. In other words, some new caretakers got more than one bathtub or high chair at their showers, so they returned them.

It can be sneaky to find.
I find the easiest way to do it is to press "cntrl and f" and then just search it.
The Open Box button is usually sneakily hidden under the item details and before the "frequently bought together section.

Buying open box may not do as much good as other options, but it will still save you money and it can be great for those last minute things. For example, the City Mini Stroller (my recommendation for sure) is 280 on Amazon, but 211-240 Open Box (depending how flexible you are about color). Baby bath tubs are another great one to find open box (because lots of people get more than one at their shower). If you are out of ideas, open box is a perfect last resort that is going to save you money.

A Few Final Tips

Do NOT accept a crib or car seat used unless it is from someone you really, really trust. You can accept an expired car seat to take to a trade in recycling event (Target throws them), but do not use a secondhand carseat unless you know its entire history.

Avoid plastic. Plastic fibers, plastic bottles, and plastic toys all leech chemicals. New or used, we still don't know all the negative side effects these chemicals have on our children. Anything that goes in their mouth, I would avoid as much plastic as you can (so a glass bottle is probably preferable to a secondhand plastic one).

Don't worry about gender stuff. If it matters a lot to you, then do what makes you happy. Otherwise, if boy mom is offering your girl baby a bunch of clothes, take them. Your infant will not know the difference. Same for carriers, blankets, etc. It doesn't matter.




Ok, what are you having trouble finding secondhand? How can we help you rock secondhand shopping for baby?

A new baby is coming and you are ready to celebrate! This fresh new little one is going to be surrounded with love, support, and endless hope for a beautiful future.

This party is the baby's first big welcome, and if you want to take care of their future, why not celebrate it with an eco-friendly theme? The survival of our environment will play a huge part in the future of this tiny little one. The UN reports that we only have 12 years to make dramatic changes to life on Earth before Climate Change's effect are unable to be stopped. These babies will still be in elementary school then. This isn't just their adulthood at stake- it's their childhood! So if we want them to have a happy one, it's time to change course on how we approach our lives.

Babies give us the perfect opportunity to reconsider our relationship with stuff. Babies use a lot of stuff, and the baby shower can be the beginning of a giant pile of junk and waste that comes with little ones. Instead of accepting this as "normal," you can pick a theme that minimizes waste (and actually gives the parent's the help they really need). Materialism is constantly and easily mistaken for love, but what parents actually need is your support (your time, validation, positivity, etc)- how can we make a shower more about that and less about the big pile of wrapping paper?

In other words, let's pick a baby shower theme that is better for the baby, better for the earth, and better for the parents. It seems like a tall order, especially when regular themes are stars or jungle or Winnie the Pooh. But it can be done! And it will be cute!

Before we get into the actual themes, let's talk about some universally green switches you can make at any shower:

-Start a Green Registry. Use our Eco-Friendly and Natural Registry to find earth-friendly options for everything on your list.

-Use Eco-Invites. The easiest way to do this is to opt out of paper invitations all together, and use an e-vite instead. If you think this will cause too much pearl clutching, you can get something simple (on recycled paper) from Artifact Uprising or Paper Culture.

- If Possible, Opt Outside. You will need fewer decorations, it will be more photogenic, and everyone will feel happier. A backyard or park is a perfectly gorgeous (and free) alternative to most banquet halls and party spaces.

- Avoid Making Trash. Use reusable plates, silverware, and napkins. If that isn't an option, you can still find greener (and prettier!) options than the disposable plates and cups we are used to. Check out our party supply blog for everything you need.

- Make Secondhand Your First Choice. Babies get so much stuff, but other than the car seat and crib, you really don't need it to be new. You can get the word to guests that you would prefer secondhand stuff through word of mouth or on the invitation (check out our post on how to ask for secondhand stuff on your invitation).

-Serve Less Meat. The production of animal products comes at a huge environmental cost, but that also means one of the easiest steps we all can take is simply eat less meat. So one of the easiest ways to throw a green shower? Serve less meat. Maybe none if you can pull it off!

-Discourage Wrapping Paper. It's a huge waste! Do bags (which can be reused) or just don't wrap at all! We will talk more about this later.

- Play Greener Games. I would never suggest you don't play games! Who doesn't love that awkward fun? But some of the games create a lot of waste (looking at you, creepy diaper candy bar game). While you are picking games, try to choose things that are fun AND low waste!

Plan a Shower These New Parents will Remember

These days, many people end up having more than one shower, and they end up with WAY more stuff than they need. If you know yours isn't the only shower (or even if it is), consider how you can take better care of that baby's future, and it likely will include a turn away from so much stuff.

Ok, now if you want to plan an eco-friendly shower to the next level, here are some ways to organize it.

1. A Hand Me Down Shower

About five minutes into parenthood, you realize you could have gotten all this stuff secondhand (and often from friends and family members). Baby stuff has such a short life- a baby swing is an absolute lifesaver... and then three months later you are totally done with it. Nearly everything we have bought in our last 4 years of parenting was secondhand (Easter outfits, toys, shoes... seriously everything). Secondhand just makes more sense with tiny kids.

So can you imagine how nice it would be to have a secondhand shower? I especially love the idea of a hand me down shower, because it can be hard to part with things from when your kids are babies, but just knowing it will go to another baby that the gifter will love opens that flood gate. You can ask for secondhand stuff (you can see ideas on how to do it here), but you could even call the shower a "hand me down" shower on the invitation to signal that those who had children can really just bring things from their own collection.

Even a few years ago, giving something secondhand had a stigma around it, but it doesn't have to anymore. Embrace the theme (maybe pick a quilt motif for all your invites and such?).

The Good it Does For the Family- You can get one sleeper for 30 dollars. Or for the same amount of money, you can get 5 secondhand. And no matter where you buy it, that thing is getting pooped on. So you can help the new parents check off everything on their list by creating a vibe where secondhand stuff is welcome. You can check off everything on their list.

Also, I think handing off baby stuff between parents can be a powerful gesture, and those objects have so much meaning in them. It feels more special.

The Good it Does for the Earth- Everything that lands in the new parents' home won't be in the landfill. We need to embrace an economy of reuse EVERYWHERE in our lives, because too much stuff is already out there. Also, new stuff travels in those little plastic envelopes you get when you order clothes online. Secondhand gifting minimizes plastic and fossil fuel waste, meaning a cleaner world for that sweet baby.

Cute Details for Pulling it Off-

-Maybe tell a little story in the invitation about a hand me down the new parents had as kids that they adored.

- Choose a fun motif that speaks to family for decorating- a hope chest, quilts, or a vintage teddy bear. Set the scene in a beautiful way.

- Ask your guests to bring pictures of themselves and their babies as babies to decorate the whole party. Frame the new baby as the newest chain in a long history of love and family.

2. A Post-Partum Party

Instead of hosting a party before the baby comes, schedule something for a month after the due date. Plan a (small) gathering of friends to help the new parents get ahead. Bring freezer meals, clean and do laundry, and even just give the parents a chance to take a nap! Planning it a little later gives the new parents something to look forward to and help when they most need it.

Because when you are in the thick of that transition, no number of cutesy baby items will help. This party reinstates the cultural traditions where your village takes care of you in this season.

The Good it Does for the Family- Somewhere in the last few generations, we have mistaken consumerism for actual support. Just buying someone something is a reasonable stand in for showing up for them. It's not, and nowhere is this more clear than with a new baby. The sleeper may be adorable, but it can't help a sleep-deprived new parent get some actual rest. They don't need stuff, they need you. They need your support, your validation this is hard, and your love when they barely recognize themselves.

Spoiler alert: the need for a support system won't end! So establishing a village(and infusing that village with joy) is the absolute, unbeatable gift.

The Good it Does for the Earth- Overconsumerism defines the moment we live in, and it is terrible for the environment. If you buy a baby gift in the store, it has already created a lot of waste in packaging and shipping materials. It has also used tons of fossil fuels being shipped from the country it was made in (exacerbating Climate Change). Experience and service gifts don't create any of that waste.

Fun Details to Pull it Off- First, make sure to check with their parents that they are ok with this. Second, make sure all participants have their vaccinations.

- Send an invite online, and tie it into a sign up genius, so you can show up on the day with a plan.

- Plan it as a breakfast or lunch, so people are long gone when bedtime rolls around.

3. A "Growing" Baby Shower

This is perhaps the most mainstream of the shower themes. Decorate and plan all around a "growing" motif- serve a vegetarian menu, give away plants or seeds as the gifts, and ask for gifts to grow into in the invitation. Use this theme as a way to breezily mention that this earthy baby could use "earthy" gifts- this way you can ask for secondhand and natural gifts.

You could go about this with another goal as well- don't get SOOO much for the baby in those first few months. Anyone who has had a baby will tell you (especially if they have a girl) that they had so much clothes for the first 6 months that they didn't even wear it all once. Split up the gifts by age (0-6 months), (6-12 months), and (12-18 months). This will cut down on waste and lots of gifts that can't even be used.

The Good it Does For the Family- In those first few months, the baby doesn't actually need much! By spreading the gifts by age, the parents might get a more even spread of gifts that will help them financially for a longer time. Plus, the stress on naturalness means greener gifts with fewer chemicals coming into their home!

The Good it Does for the Earth- Too much stuff is never good for the planet, wasting materials and resources. Also, stressing natural baby gifts means that fewer chemicals are being used for manufacturing.

Cute Details for Pulling it Off

-Make potted plants and herbs the centerpieces. Give them away as the favors.

- Have the shower outside! Maybe in a garden or another green space.

- Have the big gift be a CSA box subscription for the parents. It can be nice to have an excuse to eat healthy food in that first year!

4. An Unwrapped Shower

Wrapping paper is a huge source of waste at parties like these. We have all seen those bags full of paper! You can easily cut all of that out by doing an "unwrapped shower." Each guest brings their gift unwrapped and sets it out on the table. Everyone can still see the cute stuff the baby got, but there doesn't have to be a "gift opening" portion of the party (thank goodness; that nonsense is boring).

This is great for everyone, but it is especially perfect for shy parents who may not want to be the center of attention. If someone wants to make sure they see the parents' receiving their gift, they can walk them over during the party and tell them all about it.

As a side note, you could use this idea for any shower theme. Simply ask that the guests bring their gifts unwrapped on the invitation.

The Good it does for the Family- Really, for a shy parent, casual parents, parents traveling a long distance for their party (just bring a picture and send the gift to their home), or parents who just want a different kind of party, this frees you up from the "main event" of most of these types of parties. And let's just mention one more time that watching someone awkwardly open presents and try to be the same level of excited for each one is mind-numbingly boring. So the big benefit here is that you could have more fun or eat more cake instead.

The Good it does for the Earth- All of that wrapping paper adds up, and it is terrible for the Earth. Will skipping it single-handedly save the Earth? No, but it will do some good. And all these little but positive steps add up.



How did you throw an eco-friendly baby shower? Did you ask for secondhand gifts for your baby? How did you pull it off?

It can be seen as tacky to give any suggestion of what you want (even though this is EXACTLY what a registry is... but girl rules), and even 5 years ago, this kind of thing could face major criticism.

Wanting secondhand gifts isn't crazy- it's awesome! In fact, I think you can plan a whole party around secondhand baby items. There are so many reasons to ask for used gifts for your baby, here are a few of the best ones:

- You will get more of the stuff you need. One cutesy baby outfit at Carter's is 30 dollars. The same outfit secondhand is 10. So we can safely assume that you can check off most everything on your list without your guests breaking the bank.

- You can live without fear of blow outs (sort of). If your baby has a blow out poop on a secondhand baby blanket, you don't need to panic that they have ruined an expensive item. And there will be unspeakable fluids on everything, so why not take that pressure off. It won't keep your baby from having a blow out at the worst possible place or time, but at least they aren't ruining something expensive.

- You can help save your kid's future. The babies we have now are facing a life of uncertainty. Climate change is creating more catastrophic weather each year, and plastic is filling our oceans with body-disrupting and cancer-causing chemicals. By encouraging secondhand gifts, you can help fight both of these problems. Secondhand stuff keeps things out of landfills, cuts down on the waste of shipping, and eliminates the plastic that packages every new thing you buy.

Asking for secondhand gifts can be the first step in the most important battle you have as a parent- to ensure your baby's generation has a future.

This is just the beginning of the benefits, and they are worth asking for. The trick is how to do it without seeming presumptuous and offending your Aunt Sally. There are a few steps to make this a success:

First, Register.

If you want a registry that speaks to your desire for secondhand gifts, you can't do better than Encore Baby Registry. You can register for new, secondhand, and hand me down items all in the same place. When people check it out, it will be clear what your priorities are (and anyone I have asked who used it seemed to love it). Most registries (Babylist and Amazon to start) can accommodate secondhand gifts, because somewhere on the registry there is a "purchased" button, so people can mark the items they bought, even if they bought them elsewhere.

If you need a little help figuring out what to put on your registry (and what to skip) check out our Green and Natural Baby Registry. We have come up with excellent options for almost everything.

There are a few exceptions to the secondhand rule- a crib, a breast pump, and a car seat. For these items, you either need a hand me down from a person you completely trust, or you have to bite the bullet and get them new. But that is three things out of many, so you can mostly avoid new if you want to.

Second, Ask for Secondhand Gifts

These are my best ideas for how to phrase the invitation. They aren't perfect, and Aunt Sally might be offended anyway... but it is worth a shot.

You can ask two places- on your invitation and on your registry.

On Your Registry 

At the top of most registries there is a space for a note. Just write "We welcome/ are so grateful for both new and secondhand gifts" or "We welcome secondhand versions of anything on this registry" Doesn't have to be cute, just to the point.

On the Invitation

Ok, here is the meat of it. How do you put this on the invite without seeming presumptuous or obnoxious? It depends on the situation and you as a couple, but here are a few ideas.

Make it a Theme

 You could request a "Hand Me Down" shower. The idea is that everyone would bring something their own children used and they just couldn't throw away. In the invitation, write "Instead of a brand new gift, let's celebrate the new baby with hand-me-downs and secondhand finds! It will warm our hearts to carry on the love your family started."

You could also throw a "Green" Shower. "We cannot wait to meet this baby and see their beautiful future! To celebrate this future, the couple would love secondhand gifts instead of anything brand new."

Short and Sweet

"Parent and Baby are registered at Amazon, but they would love hand-me-downs and secondhand gifts as well!"

"Hand-me-downs and secondhand finds are welcome!"

"Please don't buy us brand new stuff. We love secondhand!"

"We are excited to see you; the gift doesn't have to be brand new!"

Blame it on the Baby

"This baby is a green baby! He/She would love and appreciate secondhand gifts"

"Brand new or used, this stuff is getting pooped on! We love secondhand gifts too!"

For Twins

"Because there are two, it doesn't have to be new!"

Just Remember...

Keep it short and don't get too specific. If your registry has a conspicuous place to mark something as purchased (Amazon and Babylist both have them, but you may not spot them), then best case scenario your loved ones will figure it out. If not you will get doubles, but you are smart and capable and can figure it out. Writing too much info about this on an invite does come off as presumptuous.

Lean on word of mouth. Chat with your hosts about it and they can share ideas and information by word of mouth as people ask. Otherwise, know that there might be a bit of stickiness, and just don't stress about it.

Always stay positive. No one wants someone they love to feel shamed for not getting all used stuff. So try to cut out talk of pollution or waste (unless you can come up with a hilarious poop pun. I worked on it, but I didn't make it happen).

Third, Say Thank You and Be Happy

Some people will listen, and some people really, really won't. Maybe they don't have a good consignment shop near them or they just were raised seeing secondhand gifts as distasteful. It's ok.

Somebody will probably give you an earful about it. That's ok too. Another fun fact about babies is that every person, whether they reproduced 5 year 50 years ago (or just never had a child themselves), feels compelled to let you know that they know way more about parenting than you do. I don't know why this is, but 7 years in, I can tell you that things are much happier if you let it roll off your back. It's not personal, it's some weird biological instinct of nonsense. You are always doing the best you can for YOUR baby, which is exactly what they need. 

So, you will get some secondhand gifts, some new ones, and at least one person conspicuously wrapping their package to highlight the newness of their gift. No matter what, smile and say thank you. If even one extra person bought secondhand instead of new, you have succeeded in cutting down waste. Also, you can return the new gifts and switch them out for a secondhand version, where you do the work of tracking these things down.

I think what you are doing is awesome, and it will most certainly inspire the people around you. Our generation is changing the world, because we aren't blindly accepting the super consumer attitudes of the generations before us. It takes courage to put yourself out like that, and your baby is so lucky to have you.

We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 





I had so much fun dressing my babies, and one of the biggest lessons I learned is that you should mostly buy things used. Because any clothes you buy are mostly going to be damp with unspeakable things. So my advice? 95% secondhand cloths, with a couple of pieces you really love to mix in. For me, that means Etsy, because then I know they are ethically-made too. Here are some of the best stores I have shopped along the way:

from henryandetta

 1. henryandetta repurposes old fabrics into bright mod baby outfits. I love their t-shirts and rompers, and they have a real eye for putting fun fabrics together. Perfect if you are trying to live zero-waste, because you are saving something from the landfill AND getting a cute new thing!

from 2SweetCheeks

2. 2SweetCheeks makes minimalist outfits for babies. You know when you see kids wearing really simple but cool clothes, and you wonder where the heck their parents find that stuff? It's here.

from Willow Co Designs

3. Willow Co Design makes really smart organic onesies and t-shirts for babies and toddlers. I love the sayings they pick, and they print on royal apparel t-shirts (which are made in the US). Perfect for a gift for the green baby you know.

from AnchoreDeep

4. AnchoreDeep has a huge selection of sweet baby basics that are stylish without being saccharine. They also have over a thousand positive reviews, so you know they know what they are doing.

from LittleBeansBabyShop

5. Little Beans Baby Shop specializes in coming home outfits. They are so dang cute, and we got our second bub an outfit from them. I especially love their unique prints!

Here are more places to look- HenHouseApparel, garbella, TheBeeandTheFox, Nooches, babysproutsco, and kutikati.




Have a favorite etsy baby shop that didn't make the list? Point me there! Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

picture taken by Jenny Bickel Photography

The Registry List

car seats

Evenflo from Amazon

The Car Seat (new)

Our Pick- Evenflo
Other Options- Baby Trend and Safety First

Car seats really shouldn't be bought used (and you know it must be serious if I am telling you only new- I would buy almost anything used). You can't know the history of a car seat, whether it has been in a car accident, etc. If offered one by someone you trust, that is one thing, but you need to know the person well to consider it seriously. When it comes to something this important, just go ahead and buy it new. If you need extra bases or something, it might be alright to look into, but this one makes sense to go big on. There are a couple good made in America options for this, though I have yet to see any made with any recycled or recyclable materials.

Evenflo makes their  car seats in the US (from low to high price points too), and the convertible seats can actually last much longer than the infant car seat "system." This will last from 5 to 40 pounds. Sometimes, parents want that infant carrier (no judgement, we have one), but Evenflo's stationary systems will at least save you money in the short  term. This company is generally my pick That being said, some of Evenflo's Infant car seats are made in the US (not all), but the whole system (carrier, car seat base, and stroller) does seem to be made in China.

 If you want a Made in the USA option for a system you can take in and out of the car (it did help us because we live in rainy Seattle, but maybe not as much as we expected, and we are already shopping again for a car seat and stroller that can grow  with our baby more)- Baby Trend is my winner, because it comes with a stroller that the baby can grow into (minimizing how much you buy). It also has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Safety First also makes their Grow and Go carseat out of Ohio.

These three brands are your best bet, but you still have to keep an eye out- some are made in the US, and some aren't.

Car Seat Covers (used)

Our Pick- A Blanket
Other Options- Used and multi use ones

Good to keep out weather or sun, but a blanket and clips can work, or you can find covers used. We got a coupon for free ones that I think everyone has, so someone has to be willing to part with it. Honestly, I don't think we used ours enough for it to feel worth it. Plus, if you have a nursing scarf that stretches, it can fulfill the same purpose. They always have enough at the consignment store that I don't really get why anyone would get it new.

Some babies are more sensitive and really need the cover- if that is your bub, you have plenty of options. Multi-use ones make the most sense- Loved Littles and Kids n Such both work that way,  You could also go for something more stylish from Caden Lane Gifts or Oh Baby Fargo,  But really, used or a blanket will work just fine.

Distraction Aids (just wait)

They love to push car accessories for babies- special blankets, hangy toys, etc. You can see how your bubba does in the car before you strategize. Some babies love the car seat as a napping spot, other tiny people just hate it. You won't know who you've got until they get here, so don't prep for challenges you may not have. You have enough to worry about.

lugging the bubba

One wrap and one carrier (new or used)

Our Pick- Solly Baby wraps  or Used
Other Options- Tula, Happy Wrap, Tekhni  and so many more

 For the first 8-10 months, we used our wraps and carriers ten times more than our strollers. Wraps and baby-wearing can be an incredibly hardcore enterprise, but like any environmentally-conscientious choice, you don't have to dive into the deep end to make waves. We didn't turn out to be hardcore baby wearers, but I would recommend it to any and all parents. You can wear your baby around the house or out on walks, it keeps them close, and you can use both hands. My philosophy is to minimize your baggage if you want to stay mobile, strollers don't encourage traveling light.

I will add, second time around, babywearing was EVEN MORE of a lifesaver. I still had my hands free for my toddler while lugging around our baby too. If you have never thought about it, or it still seems super granola to you, I am saying give it a second look.

If your heart is set on the two big mainstream carriers- Baby Bjorn or the Ergo, please get them used, You can find so easily in a baby consignment store or used online if you want one. You can also find ergo-similar carriers at a lot from some of the companies coming up (people have gushed to me about Tula carriers and they are made of natural fibers and no plastic). There is no need to get these new and they are made Elsewhere, so you can do better. If you can't find one used where you are, tell me, and I will go get one for you.

We loved our for the first few months (and it would last longer if your baby isn't a squirmy meatball like ours). The stretchiness helped us learn how to wrap, and it kept my hands free during the day while still getting constant cuddles. They also come in great designs and patterns, have mini ones for dollies (so cute) and sell swaddle blankets (if anyone has one, let me know how it is- this seems like a genius idea to me).

My wonderful friend Mindy babywraps like a boss, and she was able to give me all the details on wraps and carriers worth knowing about. She made the point that since babywearing is a deeply-rooted cultural practice, you can find great ones from around the world, but we will try to focus on ones that don't have to travel far. Be sure to poke through all the options before you decide for sure, and there are groups for babywearers that you could visit to get information and try lots of these.

Happy Wrap- Not as heavy as a Moby, with a little bit of stretch. It comes in lots of colors, which can be a little tougher to find in the Made in the US category, but these are beautiful and functional with lots of choices. Chimparoo is beloved (and Canadian-made, for you Baby Mounties out there) and that Tekhni is not only awesome, but made out of recycled post-consumer water bottles- my favorite thing! This is the one I am thinking of for Baby #2. Other options from Mindy- MJ baby Carriers (perfect alternative to the Ergo), Poe Wovens, Pavo, Golden Thread Mistress, Babyhawk,  Action Baby Carrier, Kinderpack, Cassiope Woven, Emmeline Textiles, Kokoskaa,  Cardbird Baby (some are 100% made in America, and some are America and China), Risaroo Wovens, and Maya Wrap's Premium Wovens. 

Hiking Carrier (used or new)

Our Pick- Tough Traveler

 This is obviously not for everyone, but we know lots of very active new parents, and a hiking carrier keeps them moving even with a very little one. I would absolutely recommend these baby carriers from Tough Traveler over anything else you will find on the market. Not only are they Made in the USA, they are also absolutely beloved by the people that use them.

Strollers (used)

Our Pick- Used
Other Options- Safety First system

If you can, absolutely get this used! You will be saving money and doing good. Strollers, in general, are not great news. We received a City Mini Baby Jogger stroller which we wanted partially because it was listed as "Made in America" and the box arrived with a big old "Made in China" right on it. So not great. It's a great stroller, so snatch it up if you see a used one (I see 3 open box right now), but that's a lot of money getting sent off elsewhere. Big bummer, really. I am still on the lookout for good options, but for now, I think used is best.

Safety First and Cosco brands still make some of their strollers (and car seats) in the US (though the parts are from a mix of places), so they are your best option from all the research I have done. That's it. How depressing! If you want an ethical stroller, your best bet is used or open box. If I find anything else, I promise I will pass the info along.

Toys

Keys
Outdoor Toys
Play Mats
Sensory Toys
Shape Sorter
Stuffed Toys
Teethers
Things on Wheels

Alright, in toys, what you actually need in the first year really depends on your baby, but you will need at least 2 teethers, a play mat, some books, something that makes annoying noises (it's a rite of passage) and maybe three other things (everything they tell you about them liking the box better is true).

Don't feel pressured to get a lot.  Always err on the side of buying less or even nothing.

 I know I keep saying this, but your baby will not care about something you are sure is cool now. Boxes, Measuring Cups, and anything he isn't supposed to have are our baby's favorite toys. You really need 5 or 6 things tops for the first 6 months, and by then he or she should be able to show you what he or she finds interesting. And not to get all sentimental, but the thing he or she will most want to play with is you.

Keys

 They shouldn't be so beloved, but they are. Our house's favorite is the Green Toys set of keys, which are made of recycled plastic and are our gift to most of the babies we know. Not much is universal, but these keys seem to appeal to most tiny people. You can also get this set for a sure bet.

Outdoor Toys (used)

 My Nana got one of these Little Tikes Cars secondhand at least 15 years ago for her grandchildren, and it is still hard at work with her great granchildren now. Those plastic toys, mostly better for toddler than babies but people love to buy them early, last literally forever. So go check your Goodwill. Even if something is faded, you can repaint it for less money than buying one new (plus you can make it unique and fun), and save toys from the landfill.

If you have to buy something, many Little Tikes toys are made in America (not all of them are) and last from child to child (whereas Fisher Price are all imported and often come with parts that break). Even though they are made of plastic, these could be great if used by many children (which it will be; kids love that car)! They also have swings, kitchens, and water play tables. I will never recommend plastic toys new- you should and can do used, but if you HAVE to get something (or you have someone who wants to buy new things, because our parent's generation has weird hangups about this), always Little Tikes over Fisher Price, V Tech (just no), or Melissa and Doug nonsense.

Play Mats (used, Etsy)

 These are another one of those things that is great then totally useless in quick succession. If you can find one used and washable (and you probably can, because they really do run out of uses quickly), it's worth it.

If you want to get a new one, I recommend skipping the ones with a mat (it's just a blanket, and you have plenty of those) and getting something more eco-friendly, like a Finn and Emma arch. If I had it to do again, this is the route I would take. You would think babies would rather have the ones with lights and whistles, but I have seen at least half a dozen tiny ones sucked into the mesmerizing glory of simple wood toys hanging from an arch. They love it. If you see one that is used? Buy that sucker right away, and take yourself for ice cream These are pretty popular on Etsy right now, so you can find many options there as well- Alluring Co and Fawn Over Baby have some of the cutest ones while still being affordable.

I have seen ones with all sorts of bonus nonsense. Your kid does not care about that. If you do, ok, whatever, but your kid will not care.

You can also get a play rug made in America from Flagship Carpets if that is more what you have in mind.

Sensory Toys (new or make yourself)

 Small babies go through long periods where they mostly want to touch and grab. I like small sensory blankets like this one from Baby Jack (made by moms in Wisconsin!) or sensory cubes like this one. from Nel Quilts. If you are registering, gifting, or making something like this, it's in the same period where they can only see high contrast colors, so I would be sure to go vivid!

Shape Sorter (new)

  Babies love putting things into things, and then taking them out. Toddlers like figuring out shapes and testing. Shape sorters do the trick, but none are as great as this one from Maple Landmark. At our house, someone has been playing with this toy almost everyday for 2 years. A few have come through our house, but this one is EPICALLY awesome; great for figuring out shapes but also for the simple joy of stuffing a thing full of stuff. If you want a slam dunk toy for a tiny person, this is a great bet. If that isn't for you, check the one from Green Toys. Just don't buy from Melissa and Doug, because those guys are shisters.

Stuffed Toys (made, used, or new)

 Most of the favorites in our house are gifts from an aunt or uncle. We have a Tigger that was my brother's and a pikachu that was the Boy' sister's, and we love those. We also have a solid pile of beanie babies I still had, because I was sure they would be worth something? Whatever, they are valuable for hearing my son say "hippopotamus" now. The Bub was also given a used bunny doll from Ebay that is identical to the bunny I adored as a kid. You may think it is weird to give someone something used as a gift, but for this category, almost his whole collection is made up of meaningful gifts that meant something to someone he loved first. They are really special to us, much more so than anything bought at a store.

We have also had some kickass Goodwill finds- a Wall-E, an Elmo, and a Woody doll. Throw it in the wash and it is ready to go.

The Bub was also gifted two really adorable foxes by my cousin, and she made them herself! You can find tons of stuffed toy PDF's on Etsy, so you could do something amazing like this too.

Lastly, check out Bears for Humanity. This company assembles the bears in America (not as good as making them completely here, but once you start looking, stuffed animal pickings are slim), uses recycled polyfill, and gifts a bear to a kids charity for every bear they sell. They even employ Welfare to work participants, so you are helping someone in trouble have a job. One of my favorites and it makes for a sweet and ethical gift.

If you are looking for something specific, try Etsy. There are so many stuffed animal and doll options on that site. Will you pay more than at Walmart? Yes. But the toy will be well-made and made in America. Nothing in that Walmart toy section can boast that.

Teethers (new/ used)

 So many choices! This is designed to make it into your baby's mouth, so it is a good place to be a little more cautious.There are wood ones and silicon ones, I would get one of each beforehand, see what sticks, and maybe do another one if you have a hit on your hands.

 Our Pick for Silicone - Lifefactory Silicone Teethers- We kept ours in the freezer and gave it to the baby when teething really got him down. They are also dishwasher safe, so you can throw them in when needed. So nice.

Other options- Freaking Sophie the Giraffe is everywhere (even photobombing my holidays), so maybe you can start looking for her used or donated (she can be easily sanitized as well. She is made in France with all baby-friendly materials, and her design gives multiple gnawing options, making her a favorite of teethers everywhere. Seahorse Teethers  are so stinking cute, and I love the colors. They remind me of Lamaze toys, which you definitely won't see this list.You could also try a Wowie Star, Green Toys Twist Teether (I recommend the keys as well), and Begin Again's Green Ring Teether.

Our Pick for Wood Teethers-  Etsy has a lock on cool and unique wooden teethers, so if you are gifting, you can find something perfect for the bub you love there. Little Sapling Toys has the coolest designs (including state teethers!) and 13,000 glowing reviews. 13,000. I also think this teething ring from Honey Bee Toy and Craft is a spot on combination of sensory toys, high contrast somethings to stare at, and a classic teether. It's a big winner in my book.

Other Options- Manzanita Kids have tons of really fun and creative options, but they also have great reviews and a lot of sales, so you know you are getting something good.  I really wish we had a camera-shaped teether like this one from Keepsake Toys, Beckman Woodworks have little rings on them that would have kept our 8 month old busy for days (they also have jewelry teethers, which sounds crazy, but really works when you are out of the house with an antsy baby).This castle from Finn and Emma is basically my favorite thing that has ever existed. The Teething Fairy sells wood/silicone combos which look really cute. Paci Catcher sells adorable teethers with the clips so the baby can hold on to them, even when they can't.
 One or two does the trick, but they sure are interesting to tiny people. My favorites? These animals on wheels from Green Toys and some little wooden cars from Holgate Toys (including this Daniel Tiger inspired trolley). Also, if you can find one used (you can) a push toy like a shopping cart is a great find.

odds and ends

Diaper Bag (new)

Our Pick- A Backpack (Oliday)
Other Options- Tom Bihn, ika bag totes, Christy Studio, or Precious Little Tot 

 If you already carry a big purse, it might work, otherwise it is time to get something that can handle your new job as both cow and pack mule. They often try to sell you super cutesy bags with monograms and a million pockets- this isn't really necessary, you are better off picking something you actually want to wear for 3 years, because you will get so much use out of this. Seriously, are you a grown person who loves Winnie the Pooh or pink chevron? Then skip it, and carry a grown up bag.

My best advice? Get a backpack. Not even one made specifically for diapers. It will be a long while before you don't need it with you, and in that time you will need your hands more and more. Plus, my big purse bag just whacks my toddler in the head now when we hold hands. I got a backpack for free on Buy Nothing, and used that for everyday life until it was busted. Then, I got an Oliday bag for a Christmas gift. We carry it every single day and everywhere. It was an awesome purchase, and I would recommend it to everybody.

Learn from my mistakes. I got a Kelly Moore bag, which doubles as a camera bag, but it is made in China, so maybe not a great choice ( they did assure me they have visited the factory multiple times and it stood up well to inspection, but I have heard that racket before from lots of people who don't get recommended here). Also, for the price, it hasn't really held up that well in the three years I've used it. It looks ROUGH. The most similar bags I found on Etsy were from Kith and Kin.

If you are looking for something sporty and gender neutral,  Tom Bihn has a bag I have heard raves  about. This  Ika Bag looks a little more unisex (though I love this striped one)- and they are from Paris, so you will be one chic momma). Christy Studio and Precious Little Tot also make thoughtful bags that would work past the diaper years.

A Fan (new or used)

  Keeping babies cool can be as tough as keeping them warm, so be sure to prepare for hot summers. This one, from Honeywell, was made from recycled materials in the USA.

Humidifier (new)

 The only ones I see that are made in America look like teapots. May be one, like the baby monitor, where not much exists but bad options. All the more reason to try to do better in nearly every other category!

from Style Hungry

Teething Jewels

Oh, the Bub loves his jewels, and the silicon beads make for an easily portable and clean-able toy when you are on the run, They really look cute too, so I may have them in 3 colors. You can also get wood/silicone ones on Etsy from stores like Style Hungry (love these), mint sunshine shop, My Sunshine Studio, and Babes and Babies.

 A White Noise Machine (just wait)

Many parents love their white noise (myself included), but you can download an app or album on your phone. One of the smaller ones might be good, but in general we haven't needed ours much, because we already have electronics that can play white noise. We ended up getting a simple kindle that we use for watching things (on airplanes only) and playing soothing music at night. Multi-purpose is the name of the game here.



We made it through! Be sure to check out the rest of the registry. If you want more shopping inspiration (lots more), visit my Giant List of Shopping Lists page!