Let’s be real—babies are adorable, but they can also be messy little chaos machines. Between diaper blowouts, snack explosions, and mystery smudges, it’s easy to reach for convenience. But when that convenience comes wrapped in plastic and destined for the landfill, it’s worth asking: Is there a better way?
Good news: there totally is. Reusable, plastic-free baby essentials can make your daily routine easier, not harder. No more running to the store for wipes, tossing dozens of bibs in the laundry, or feeling guilty about overflowing trash bins. These eco swaps are parent-approved, baby-safe, and designed to make your life smoother—while helping the planet, too.
Why Go Plastic-Free for Baby?
Babies’ skin is super sensitive, and plastic-based products often come with hidden nasties—think synthetic fragrances, petroleum-based fibers, and chemical-laden coatings. Beyond that, most baby care items are designed for single use: disposable wipes, plastic bibs, pouches, baggies, and packaging galore. All of that waste adds up fast.
Choosing reusable and natural-fiber baby gear not only reduces your environmental footprint, it also cuts back on clutter and saves money in the long run. Plus, when you're using products that are cute and kind to the planet, it’s just more fun. (Trust us—cloth wipes in rainbow prints beat generic disposable packs any day.)
Wipes That Work (and Keep on Working)
Let’s start with a staple: baby wipes. You go through a lot of them, and most disposable versions are made with plastic fibers that don’t biodegrade. That means every single wipe you’ve ever used is probably still out there somewhere.
Enter Cloth Wipes: the reusable superhero of baby cleanup. Made from soft flannel or cotton terry, they’re gentle enough for diaper changes and tough enough for spaghetti-covered cheeks. You can use them dry or with a bit of water (or homemade wipe solution), toss them in the laundry, and reuse them again and again.
Pro tip: keep a stack in every room (and diaper bag!) so you’re never scrambling during a diaper disaster.
Bibs, Burp Cloths, and the Art of Containment
Let’s talk about drool. And spit-up. And food flinging. Basically, if you’re holding a baby, you’re probably going to get slimed. The trick? Keep absorbent, washable fabric barriers between your baby and your clothes.
Reusable Cloth Bibs and burp cloths made from natural materials are far more effective than those thin, plasticky ones that crinkle and tear. They’re designed to soak up spills without irritating skin—and they don’t end up in the trash after one use. Plus, they come in the kind of adorable prints that make you feel like you almost have it all together.
Unpaper Towels: Not Just for the Kitchen
While UNpaper Towels® are a zero-waste kitchen staple, they’re also one of our favorite baby multitaskers. Use them as makeshift burp cloths, on-the-go changing pads, face wipes, or even napkins for toddler snack time. Their soft cotton flannel texture is perfect for gentle skin, and since they come in fun patterns, they double as distraction tools during fussy moments.
Keep a mini roll in the diaper bag and thank us later.
Storage That’s Actually Sustainable
Those plastic snack bags and formula containers? They’re convenient, sure—but they pile up fast. Reusable storage options like Cotton Snack Bags or silicone pouches are game-changers for stashing pacifiers, teething toys, or crackers. They're washable, safe for baby, and endlessly reusable.
Same goes for travel: instead of tossing everything into a plastic zip-top bag, use a wet bag for dirty clothes, cloth diapers, or soggy swimsuits. Bonus: they come in bold prints that won’t get lost in your diaper bag abyss.
Eco-Friendly Baby Essentials You’ll Actually Use
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s a list of reusables that real parents reach for again and again:
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Cloth Wipes: Soft, reusable, and way more effective than disposables. Use for diaper changes, face cleaning, and everything in between.
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Cloth Bibs & Burp Cloths: Absorbent, washable, and cute enough for daily wear. Say goodbye to soggy plastic bibs.
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Unpaper Towels: A multi-use miracle. Use them for spills, spit-up, changing pads, and more.
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Reusable Snack Bags: Ditch single-use baggies for washable fabric pouches perfect for snacks, toys, and on-the-go essentials.
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Wet Bags: Waterproof and washable storage for dirty clothes, diapers, or messy accidents—because you know they’re coming.
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Recycled Cloth Diapers (if you’re cloth-diapering): Cut down on landfill waste and save major money over time.
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Natural Fiber Washcloths: Great for bath time or as gentle face cloths. Keep a stash in every bathroom.
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Reusable Bowl Covers: Skip plastic wrap over baby leftovers and use washable covers made from cotton and waterproof lining.
Building Habits, Not Just a Registry
It’s easy to get swept up in baby registry checklists and Pinterest-perfect nursery gear. But the truth is, most babies don’t need all that much. What they do need is consistency, care, and a few well-chosen tools to keep them clean, dry, and loved.
By building a reusable baby routine, you’re not just cutting down on waste—you’re modeling sustainable habits from the start. You’re showing your little one that we take care of our things, we take care of our planet, and we do it in style.
Reusables That Grow With Your Family
One of the coolest things about cloth baby gear? It grows with you. Today’s bib becomes tomorrow’s art smock. That stack of wipes moves from diaper duty to tissue replacement. Those Unpaper Towels? Still perfect for toddler spills, preschool snacks, and even lunchbox napkins down the road.
And when something finally wears out? Most of our products are fully compostable or recyclable at the end of their lives—so you’re not just delaying waste, you’re avoiding it altogether.
Ready to build your zero-waste baby toolkit? Check out our Baby & Kids Collection for reusable essentials that are practical, adorable, and made with love—for your family and the planet.
