First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage.

So we all know that mankind, newborn or old, are continuously utilizing the Earth's resources. Overpopulation is a big issue in a world with limited resources. But that doesn't mean that we have to stop pro-creating. Here are some simple eco friendly things you can do when you are raising a baby, which may not only help save the planet, these steps will help you save some money too.

Many mothers (and fathers) have asked me this question: "How do you raise an eco baby"? From the day a child is born in to this world, the newborn starts consuming resources, from milk to baby food, and so forth. It all leads to the whole scare of overpopulation, where natural resources are depleted to meet the demands of mankind.

1. Use those glands!

The Man Above made breasts for a darn good reason. In all its biological significance, breasts are just mammary glands genetically and creatively designed to continuously supply milk to the baby as long as the baby demands it.

I breastfed my daughter for 2 years and why is it eco friendly? Firstly, I didn’t have to purchase any bottles or rubber nipples (trust me, the real deal is always better), sterilizing equipment or tablets and best of all, none of those canned processed powdered milk.

Imagine the amount of plastic packaging reduced. If 100 women breastfed a child for a year, that keeps 300 baby bottles, 3000 tins of powdered milk, and 300 “fake nipples” away from the landfill. Now that’s reducing your impact on the environment.

2. Eco diapers

Yes eco diapers are a bit pricy but that’s when we are all pound foolish, penny wise. Eco diapers can be re-used many times. However, there are researches done indicated that the gel used to fill these eco diapers could be dangerous to the baby. You be the judge of it but at least there’s any option.

There’s also the Snappi(TM) terry diaper that offers eco-friendly consumers a healthier choice for diapering. These fitted diapers provide the ease of disposable diapering without the harsh chemicals. These 100% COTTON diapers are super soft and comfortable against the baby’s skin. They comprise of 2 layers of premier quality terry cloth throughout the diaper with 4 layers in the soaker area for extra absorbency. Easy to launder - machine washable and tumble/line dry.

Of course the best kind of eco friendly diapers is still cloth diapers, which we often avoid because of the hassle of frequent washes and decreased absorbency. They are a lot cheaper too.

3. Energy Use

Yes the weather is getting hotter but there are many ways to naturally cool your own home. Having more plants within your home perimeter can minimize using air conditioning for the little one and give them more fresh air. Always be aware of the kinds of air conditioners that are sold in the market. There are the eco friendly ones like Panasonic’s Envio 12 Inverter which is both economical (saves up to 50% of power consumption) and eco friendly (New HFC refrigerant (R410A) does not damage the ozone layer. It provides better ozone protection than the currently used R22 refrigerant).

4. Make your own healthy organic baby meals

We all grew up on baby food, especially those yummy apple sauces. But that’s a bit too much packaging. Try experimenting with fresh organic fruits and vegetables, add some honey, and water and blend it and slightly cook it on the stove, and voila, you may have created something delicious. (Always taste baby food yourself first before feeding your baby. If YOU don’t like it then why should they?)

5. Bring them to enjoy nature

I try to bring my daughter to my field activities, as often as I can. She’s very much in to the outdoors. It’s amazing how their minds are like sponges, absorbing all the information. My friend’s son, Brin, is like the young version of Dr. Brady Barr. He knows the physiological difference between a dragon fly and a damsel fly. Do you? Brin also knows how to separate his catches because he knows the order of the animal food chain. This way his catches won’t end up eating each other. Did you know that? Well he does. So don’t be caught embarrassed by your child. Pick up a thing or two that you like about the environment and make it a fun hobby or activity for you and your family.

Others:

In a new book, mom and ex-model Lynda Fassa- who started the organic clothing company Green Babies in 1994 – offers advice on bringing up kids the Earth (and people) friendly way. Here are some of her tips:

1. Ban the Bug Spray. Studies who insecticides raise kids’ chances of childhood cancers. So don’t use them inside or out.
2. Use Natural Cleaners. You can get green cleaning stuff from your friendly neighbourhood store. Make sure you read the ingredients used in the making of these products. It may be slightly more expensive but it definitely cleans well and contributes to the well being of your child. Alternatively you can try baking soda and vinegar 0 it cleans everything. And your kitchen only smells like a Nicoise salad until it dries.
3. Remember that what you put on, you put in. You skin absorbs what you put on it, so avoid synthetic fragrance in lotions and soaps. If you like lavender or lemon you’re in luck.
4. Opt for Certified Organic Food whenever possible. It’s really expensive, so if you can’t afford it all the time choose two or three foods your kids eats the most of and buy organic versions of those.

To find out how you can get a hold of this book, try www.amazon.com.

Here is a list of other related books that may peak your interest:

1. Green Babies, Sage Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby by Lynda Fassa and M.D, Harvey Karp
2. Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care by Alan Greene, Jeanette Pavini, and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo
3. Growing Up Green: Baby and Child Care: Volume 2 in the Bestselling Green This! Series (Green This!) by Deirdre Imus
4. Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living by Kimberly Rider and Thayer Allyson Gowdy
5. Eco Babies Wear Green by Michelle Sinclair Colman and Nathalie Dion