If you've got a baby on the way, these 9 simple swaps will make your home more natural.

On the list of overwhelming life moments, preparing to have a baby has to be right up there at the top.

It also happens to be the time you’re most likely to be bombarded with an avalanche of information (and opinions) on what you should be doing, what you definitely should not be doing, and what is best for baby.

But no need to hide in a hole just yet. There’s good news. Getting your home rid of toxins and ready for a new small human can be fuss-free and Nourished Life, Australia’s home of toxin-free shopping, is here to help.

With stringent toxin-free, sustainability and environmental product checks, Nourished Life makes a point of selling no “fake natural” products. And their founder, Irene Falcone, happens to be a mum of four kids so she knows what does and doesn’t work for families.

 

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When Irene had her first baby 13 years ago, it was much harder for parents to know what they needed to bring home.

“Less is more. Babies, quite frankly, don’t need much at all, so don’t be tricked into thinking you need all these concoctions. Go for multi-purpose products and natural where you can,” Irene told Mamamia.

On that note, here are Irene’s top picks for the best pregnancy and baby swaps to make your home safer so you can get sorted before baby arrives.

1. Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap in Baby Unscented Mild, 473ml for $19.95.

You better believe it. Irene says you can replace almost all your traditional household cleaning products with a few drops of Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap and warm water.

"It's basically everything from one drop in your baby bath or a drop to do your dishes, to a big squirt in some hot water to clean your floors with," she explains. "You don't need 18 different cleaners, it's really just about multi-purpose and ease, as well as it being such a mild product you can use for your baby's delicate skin."

Dr Bronner's soaps have up to 20 uses, making it the epitome of bang for buck.

2. Modibodi Period Proof Maternity Friendly Lace Boyleg Undies, $26.

"These are fantastic because you can wear them leading up to pregnancy and with a maternity pad after pregnancy, and they hold a lot of liquid," Irene shares.

Let these really comfy undies catch any leaks so you can spend your time and mental energy worrying about more important things, like raising a person.

3. Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil, 100ml for $34.95.

We're yet to meet a Weleda product we don't love and this birch cellulite oil is no different.

To confirm - there's nothing wrong with cellulite (we all have it), but slathering your body in this lovely oil can help while making you feel pampered at the same time.

4. Franjo's Kitchen Lactation Cookies, from $39.90.

"It can be really hard for your milk to come when you've had a baby. These taste so good. You eat them and it help you produce more breastmilk. They also have all the beautiful nutrients you need that go into the breastmilk for your baby," Irene says.

Bonus - they taste bloody delicious.

5. Earth Mumma Organic Mumma To Be Belly Oil, 125ml for $28.95.

Here we have another beautiful oil to rub all over your dry bits. This one is Australian Certified Organic.

A helpful tip from Irene: "If you're confused by labels, look for the words '100 per cent natural' and/or 'certified organic'."

6. Boody Bamboo Baby Clothes, from $14.95.

Irene tells me that many baby clothes come in chemical dyes and unbreathable, unsustainable fabrics.

These organic bamboo baby clothes are soft, non-irritating and break down instead of sitting in landfill. Chuck these in the wash with a few drops of the Dr Bronner's soap and they come out like new.

You can also cut them up to use to wash the car or clean around the house once your baby has grown out of them.

7. Weleda White Mallow Body Lotion, 200ml for $27.95.

Another Weleda gem. Not only can this lotion hydrate the driest of skins, but it's also proven to be gentle enough to use on baby's skin, too.

It was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™, so if your little human has sensitive skin, this is well worth it.

There are no nasty colours or fragrances either. WIN.

"So many baby products contain artificial fragrances, which is completely unnecessary and can irritate baby's skin," Irene adds.

8. Life Basics Pure White Clay Facial Mask, $14.95.

This luxe face mask uses Australian white clay to gently cleanse and detoxify the skin. It's suitable for all skin types to cleanse, purify and brighten the complexion, but is especially great for normal to mature skin types by working to restore moisture and remineralise skin, without stripping natural oils.

Irene's suggestion? "Put this on while you're breastfeeding to fit in some time to care for yourself."

9. 100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner, 236ml for $24.95 each.

Postpartum hair loss and thinning is a very real and challenging part of motherhood, and this gorgeous shampoo and conditioner can help.

Suitable for use on all hair types (including colour treated hair), kelp seaweed collagen works to add volume and bounce to thin and limp hair for an invigorating and hydrating wash.

These products are also free from silicones, sulfates and other detergents, and packaged in post recycled plastic and glass.

Finally, Irene's best advice when tackling the task of swapping out toxic home items for natural alternatives is this: Don't feel overwhelmed or pressured to make every single change all at once.

"I'm a big advocate in using what you've got, and when you need to replace it, replace it with something better," Irene says. "You can't do everything, but you can be mindful about what you're doing. You need to do what works for your family and lifestyle. You don't need everything, just some basics to start off with."

See? No fuss necessary.

Do you have a great natural swap that helped you get your home ready for your baby? Tell us in the comments!

This content was brought to you with thanks by our brand partner, Nourished Life.