Along with the baby bump, many expectant mothers feel the urge to make everything cozy and comfortable for their growing family—the so-called nesting instinct. But with so many beautiful baby products out there, it can be hard to choose! The good news: keeping the environment in mind doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tricks, you can make your pregnancy more sustainable. LILLYDOO Mama Lisa has shared her best tips with us.

Has your role as a (future) mother influenced your attitude towards sustainability?

Yes, definitely! I want my children to have a good, livable future. Even during my pregnancy, I felt a responsibility toward this little being inside me. Every mother wants only the best for her child, and from the very beginning, I also felt it was my duty to act sustainably—even during pregnancy.

Which purchases do you not want to do without during pregnancy? And are there sustainable alternatives?

Comfortable clothes were very important to me. There are many sustainable alternatives available. I personally mainly looked for pieces I could continue to wear after pregnancy—beautiful skirts and dresses that look great even without a baby bump! That way, the items don’t sit unused in the closet after a few months, and every time I wear them, they remind me of those special months. Especially when your body changes quickly in a short period of time, it’s also worth borrowing or buying second-hand—asking around among friends is, in my experience, well worth it. ;) My tip: There are even special inserts that ensure your favorite pieces still fit with a baby bump.

What would you advise parents who have concerns about the costs?

The most sustainable things are the ones you already have at home, so always check what you might still be able to use. Buying second-hand is also always a great option. Otherwise, I believe that quality pays off—especially because high-quality items can be resold once they’re no longer in use. There are great platforms like Vinted, where parents can both sell items they no longer need and browse for new ones.

How can you recognize sustainable baby clothing/toys? Are there specific certifications that serve as a guide?

Yes—for example, the FSC label marks products made from wood sourced from sustainable forestry. There are also shops that sell exclusively sustainable products.

Are there other things you forgo for sustainability reasons?

Yes! Whenever possible, we use a washable and reusable changing pad, for example. In addition, I specifically bought absorbent nursing bras to avoid using disposable nursing pads.

Thank you very much for sharing your tips and experiences with us, dear Lisa! Do you have three more good pieces of advice for expectant parents who want to make their pregnancy as sustainable as possible?

Of course:

1. Think carefully about what you really need.

2. Pay attention to quality so you don’t have to buy twice.

3. Be open to sustainable alternatives.

Even during pregnancy, mindful consumption is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful things that come with this unique time while still staying as sustainable as possible. Many items can also be borrowed or bought second-hand, which is gentle on your wallet. And if your baby, like Lisa’s, already has an older sibling, you can involve them in the purchases—so the whole family can learn about sustainability together!

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