Jenni Grover
DCL
From baby food to baby bottles to cloth diapers, we're not short here at Planet Green on advice for the new green parent. But as a new father myself, discovering the lessons of a new green dad, I'm becoming all too aware of how the best laid plans can fall apart when the rubber hits the road. With dirty diapers coming as fast as you can deal with them, sleepless nights a plenty, and a dawning realization that life will never be the same, it's easy to forget about all those green parenting pledges you made only a few short weeks ago.
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Top Five Tips for a New Green Parent
1. Finish Off Projects in Advance: If you've been planning to draft proof the windows, insulate the attic, plant a fruit tree or change out those light bulbs, do it before the big day. Because it's a sure bet that you won't be doing it any time soon once the baby arrives.
2. Put Up a Clothes Line: It took me way too long to install a clothesline, but I'm sure as heck glad I got it done before my little Lilia arrived. Because she needs regular costume changes, and our dryer can only handle so much...
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3. Plan Your Meals: You might be the biggest home cook in the world, but the home baked bread, pastries and soups are going to have to wait. Unless you plan well, there's a danger your local take out joint is going to get rich once you enter parenthood. So freeze your favorite dishes in advance, and don't be afraid to ask for help. I've lost count of how many times we've been offered a meal from friends, family or neighbors. So while we aren't spending as much time in the kitchen, we're still eating some home cooked, local food. (And yes, the occasional pizza too...)
4. Make your Diaper Decisions, and Don't Be Afraid to Mix It Up: Cloth diapers and even diaper-free babies might be the pinnacle of green parenting, but most of us are only human and occasionally opt for disposables. If it's going to help maintain your sanity, go easy on yourself and don't be a fundamentalist. My wife and I decided that we'd go the disposable route for the first few weeks - giving us some time to adjust before the cloth diaper routine kicks in for real.
5. Breast Really is Best: I'm not a fanatic about green parenting, and I understand that each family is different. But if there is one fundamental that I think is worth fighting for, that's breast feeding. Whether it's for health or environmental reasons, it just makes sense to feed babies as babies are supposed to be fed. But be warned - breast feeding is not as instinctive as you might think. So read up in advance, attend some classes (yes Dad, that includes you!), and don't be afraid to ask questions once you are putting theory into practice. We've already run into a few issues, but by calling a lactation consultant early, we were able to put our minds to rest, and Lilia is eating like there is no tomorrow.
