Naturally nurtured
Natural and organic lifestyle tips for new mums and babies
Becoming a new parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Alongside the joy and wonder of welcoming a baby, there’s a heightened awareness of what goes in, on, and around both you and your little one. Increasingly, families are turning towards natural and organic products, not as a passing trend, but as a conscious lifestyle choice rooted in wellbeing, sustainability and gentle care.
The natural start
Pregnancy and the postnatal period can be a time of intense change. Your body, your hormones and your priorities all shift. It’s no surprise that many women begin to reevaluate the products they use daily, from skincare to household items. Natural and organic products, free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and pesticides, can offer peace of mind at a time when sensitivity and healing are paramount.
“I think some parents are definitely becoming more aware that a more low-tox lifestyle is a possibility,” says Lauren Johnson Reynolds, a registered nutritional therapist and founder of London Wellness Coach (www.londonwellnesscoach.com) “Think about the fibres that are on your baby’s skin. The skin is our largest organ, and anything placed on our skin is absorbed into the body. So, when selecting fabrics for clothing, bedding etc, try to choose organic cotton where possible and look for products with the Soil Association organic logo.”
For new mums, simple swaps can make a world of difference. Choosing skincare made with organic plant oils and botanicals can help soothe and nourish delicate postpartum skin. Ingredients such as calendula, chamomile, and shea butter are favourites for their calming and restorative properties. Likewise, gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers support your skin’s natural balance rather than stripping it away.
Gentle choices for baby
A baby’s skin is up to five times thinner than an adult’s, meaning it absorbs more of what it touches. Opting for organic cotton baby clothes, bedding, and towels helps reduce exposure to pesticides or synthetic dyes.
Lauren adds: “I would strongly recommend using unscented products where possible, especially nappies. Choose nappies without dyes, fragrances and ideally those that are plastic-free. I personally used glass bottles for my son’s milk to decrease his exposure to microplastics and switched over to laundry brands that used only natural fragrances to protect my children’s endocrine system.”
When it comes to bath time and nappy care, less is often more. Natural baby washes made with mild, plant-based ingredients can keep your baby clean without drying their skin, while balms rich in coconut oil, beeswax, or cocoa butter protect against irritation.
Natural care for mums
After giving birth, self-care becomes both essential and easily overlooked. Natural, breathable materials, such as organic cotton maternity pads or bamboo reusable options, can make recovery more comfortable, while being gentle on skin and kind to the planet. Herbal teas and magnesium-rich baths can bring soothing relief without synthetic additives.
“Remember that you matter too,” says Lauren. “If you want your little one to thrive, you need to make sure that you’re thriving as well. It goes against instincts at times, but it’s so important to keep yourself fed, watered, rested and clean as well as your baby. In those sleep-deprived and emotional moments, you’ll be surprised what a hot shower can do, so ask someone to hold the baby (it’s ok to ask for help) and have a minute to yourself.”
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