Navigating parenthood as a vegan or wanting to be as eco-friendly as possible can seem daunting at first – but it doesn’t have to be like that!
Vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly products are growing in popularity across the board, and that goes for baby products, too – thankfully.
However, while the products are definitely out there, sometimes they are not very accessible or easy to find.
That’s why we have compiled an A-Z list of vegan and eco baby products to help you out, including:
Every product on this list is 100% vegan and most of them are eco-friendly.
Scroll down to find more information about what makes these products great, as well as some customer reviews to give you some more insight.
First, here are some FAQs about eco-friendly and vegan baby products:
Just like most ‘grown-up’ beauty and self-care products, you can usually find a vegan version that works just as well – if not better!
You can find a vegan alternative to most baby products, including nappy balms, moisturisers, oil, sunscreen, and more. And some are naturally vegan anyway – you may just not have noticed.
All of the products we have listed below are vegan-friendly, so you can browse without having to scour the labels for confirmation (we know how annoying that is!)
The same goes for cruelty-free baby products – you can find alternatives for most baby products that have not been tested on animals.
Having a baby is never going to be considered eco friendly, as each new little person in the world is going to inevitably use Earth’s resources and create waste.
However, with some clever swaps to sustainable baby products like reusable nappies and washable wipes, you can try and limit the impact they have on the environment right from the get-go.
There are lots of ways to make caring for your baby more eco friendly, including the products you use, like reusable nappies, balms with natural ingredients, washable wipes and more.
Products aside, you can also try shopping in charity shops or buying clothes and furniture second hand, investing in some reusable snack / food tubs, and even trying out some natural rubber dummies.
There are so many options out there!
They sure are! Eco-friendly nappies may seem a little gross and like a lot of hassle at first, but the benefits far outweigh the benefits, like:
The best eco-friendly nappies are the ones that make the least impact on the environment while doing what they need to do – making your baby comfortable before they’re potty trained.
Look out for the materials used, like bamboo and cotton, as they should feature if it’s a good quality product.
It’s inevitable that some eco-friendly nappies will use some plastic or other synthetic materials to make them waterproof, and that’s understandable. But if that plastic is recyclable – all the better!
You also need to find the right fit for your baby, and some will be more comfortable than others, so you may have to do some experimenting.
Here it is! The A-Z list of vegan and eco-friendly baby products we promised – chosen based on customer reviews, popularity and their unique credentials:
Baby balm is often used to soothe and moisturise baby skin, especially sensitive skin like nappy rashes, cradle cap and dry skin patches.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Felicity – Great for sensitive skin – 5/5 stars
“I’m really happy with this product and how great it is for sensitive skin! It’s really helped clear up my son’s nappy rash. It melts completely into the skin, it’s so luxurious to touch.”
Jadeywoot – Great product – 5/5 stars
"I'm loving this balm because it's perfect for my babies sensitive skin and sinks in to the skin. Its not greasy at all and a little goes a long way"
Babies need to be clean, too! Baby body washes are often gentler than the ones we use for ourselves as their skin is very delicate and tends to be more on the sensitive side.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Jojo W – Skin problem cleared up – 5/5 stars
“Delighted with this range as my son's skin is so sensitive, all his skin is looking much better since using these products.”
Chezat – Gorgeous scent – 5/5 stars
“What a great product! Lovely light scent, lathers well. The whole family are using it.”
There’s no denying that baby bath times are super fun, especially if the tub is full of soft, soapy and – most importantly – enjoyable - bubbles!
That’s why it's recommended you choose a bubble bath designed for babies.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Kellznew – Fab – 5/5 stars
“My daughter has very sensitive skin. I tried this bubble bath for her and it didn't irritate her skin at all. She was delighted she could finally have bubbles in her bath again!!”
GranmaJ – Super Bubbles – 5/5 stars
“My Granddaughter loves the bubbles in her bath and l love that there are no hidden 'nasties' in them.”
Colic is when a baby cries a lot but there is no obvious cause – thankfully there are some natural solutions that could help soothe them.
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When you are introducing foods to your baby, you want to make sure it is high-quality and full of the nutrients they need to grow up big and strong.
Fruits, veggies, grains and other foods we want for our babies are often already naturally vegan – win, win!
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Also available in other flavours:
Keep your baby soft and hydrated by massaging gentle baby lotion into their delicate skin after bath time.
Look out for natural ingredients and sensitive-skin-friendly formulas.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Rosalie_remmy – The best for sensitive skin! – 5/5 stars
“Absolutely love this product. I have been using it on my two young daughters who are mixed race and have sensitive skin and it has been really helpful. It helps to keep their skin moisturised and is perfect for the summer weather.”
RubyB – Perfect for sensitive skin – 5/5 stars
“I've been using this product as part of my baby’s bedtime routine and it's been great! She suffers from dry and sensitive skin, so along with the Dr Organic Baby Wash followed by this baby lotion it leaves my daughters skin moisturised and doesn't react with her skin. Unfragranced and long lasting, it's perfect.”
Just like baby lotion, baby moisturisers are great for nourishing delicate baby skin and keeping the saying ‘soft as a babies bottom’ going strong!
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Sid82 – Great moisturiser – 5/5 stars
“Beautiful, light, lovely delicate scent, easily absorbed, non greasy.”
HanT – Kind to frequently-washed skin – 5/5 stars
“Forms a protective barrier, good for repeated use on adult skin too.”
Reusable nappies are not only kind for the planet, they can also be kinder to your baby's soft skin as they often contain fewer ingredients.
Not to mention the money you can save by switching to eco-friendly nappies/
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Also available in Mushroom Town design.
All that wiping and changing can really irritate baby bums, so investing in a high-quality nappy cream to soothe that sore skin is essential.
Key benefits:
What our customers think:
Rara – Amazing all round cream – 5/5 stars
“Amazing cream that we use on my toddler’s bottom but also for dry skin patches. I love that it soaks into the skin and isn’t greasy.”
Priya K – Love it – 5/5 stars
“Been using this since my little one was a newborn. I love that it’s great for sensitive skin. My little one got a nappy rash and this nappy cream cleared it straight away. Love that its vegan, the scent isn’t strong. I buy lots at a time so I never run out. Little pricey but so worth it.”
Nappy liners are a great option for those using reusable nappies out and about, as you can simply use them to dispose of any poo and carry on using the same nappy until you get home.
They can also help prevent nappy stains.
Key benefits
Nappy bags help keep you stocked up on fresh nappies while you’re out of the house, while also providing you with somewhere to store any soiled reusable nappies you want to wash at home (or regular nappies if there isn’t a bin around).
Key benefits:
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What our customers think:
Robyn – Amazing! – 5/5 stars
“My 2 year old daughter has eczema prone skin that is made a lot worse with any type of fragrance. I have been using this product a few months now and it is the only fragrance free shampoo that doesn't flare up my daughters skin. Also has the added benefit of a conditioner so her hair is shiny too. Very happy with this product.”
Amylang – A great product!! – 5/5 stars
“I have been using this on both my children and now wouldn’t use anything else, a lovely gentle product.”
Eco baby clothes like sleeping bags or ‘bubbys’ are outfits that help your baby stay safe and comfortable at night when they aren’t able to be swaddled any more that are also good for the environment.
Key benefits
It’s very important to protect your baby’s skin from sun damage, but the sun creams you know and love may not be suitable for their sensitive skin.
Thankfully, you can get sunscreens specifically designed for babies to help keep them safe.
Key benefits:
What our customers think:
Mooms79 – Great – 5/5 stars
“Great suncream. No stains, rubs in easily and is working well in this heat wave.”
ViViVi – Great product – 5/5 stars
“It's very good to sensitive skin and doesn't make it break out.”
Teething is often a tough time for our little ones as it can be very painful for their little teeth to come through.
Baby teething gels can help to soothe their painful gums and help relieve some of the discomfort.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
LeahW – Finally – a teething gel that works! – 5/5 stars
“This actually works!! I've tried so many teething gels and this one actually seems to soothe my baby’s gums. Finally!! So easy to use too and it actually tastes nice.”
Natural Mummy – Really works! – 5/5 stars
“I swear by this stuff! My baby loves it, and I don't worry about how much I'm putting in his mouth because its natural, with no chemicals so totally worry free. I had a little try myself and the flavour is really nice! I find it easier to use than powders etc.”
Once those little teeth come through, they need just as much TLC as our adult teeth do, so it’s time to get brushing!
Baby toothpaste is specifically designed for their tiny teeth to help them stay healthy and strong.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
Mum of 8 month old – Very good baby toothpaste – 5/5 stars
“Very good. My 8 month old likes it, it’s natural, taste free, mild.”
Adults' toothbrushes are not going to work for little baby mouths and teeth – they are far too big and harsh for their sensitive gums.
However, a baby toothbrush has been designed with these concerns in mind, and can be a great first step into oral hygiene for your little ones.
Key benefits
What our customers think:
L Anderson – Easy to use – 5/5 stars
“My 8 month old is more than happy to have his teeth brushed with this. He enjoys a good chew on it:)”
WitchEcho – Great for first teeth – 5/5 stars
“Easy to use with brush on one side and bumps on the other for the gums. Finger brushes are much easier with babies and toddlers than a full brush and our little one loves it as she can have her teeth brushed and gums massaged without a great big bit of plastic in her mouth.”
It’s no shock that baby wipes can be harmful to the environment – ending up in landfill sites and sewerage systems across the land.
But babies are messy little things, so what are you supposed to do if you want to stay eco-friendly?
Reusable wipes are one of the best ways to cut down on waste while still keeping your baby clean and safe.
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We hope this guide has helped you find some vegan and eco-friendly products that are better for the planet, animals, and your baby.
Remember: every little helps, and even the smallest changes can help make the world a better place for your baby to grow up in.
Last updated: 7 October 2021
Joined Holland & Barrett: May 2019
BSc Hons in Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science
Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare.
After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.
Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation.