Sustainable Mum and Baby Care with The Conscious Lizzy
Over the years, Lizzy — of The Conscious Lizzy — has been candid about her journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle in Singapore, using her platform to share about everything from fashion and food to volunteer work.
As a mum to Ru, who turned one in May 2022, she’s similarly open about her experience with being a new mother. We spoke to Lizzy about making conscious choices when caring for Ru, looking after her own physical and mental health, and her top tips for caring for both baby and mum in a sustainable way.
Hi Lizzy! Was there anything you had to consider when choosing care products for Ru as an infant?
I had to try not to get pulled in by marketing! As a new parent, I got overwhelmed by the amount of products and gadgets on the market. I had to do my research and ask myself, “Do I really need this?”
I found out that Ru didn’t need things like diaper cream or baby lotion every day, and thought about what other mums have used that have worked over generations and generations.
Image: Image c/o Lizzy.
How were you able to make sustainable choices while caring for Ru?
I made sure what I used was natural as possible. Instead of baby lotion, I used grapeseed oil, which I would only use when his skin was looking a little dry — and I barely had to!
I also use breast milk for so many things. It’s something I learned has been used for generations, and it’s amazing! If Ru had any skin troubles, I would put a little breast milk onto his skin, or add it to his bath. It’s great for healing sore and cracked nipples too.
Was there anything you had to compromise on?
Cloth diapers. I really tried, but I found them to leak and leave Ru’s skin red. Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for your baby, so I switched to disposables.
I also chose to freeze breast milk in single-use packaging. I hate single-use plastic, but after reviewing other options, I felt this was the best and safest option for me.
Image: Lizzy with baby Ru. Image c/o Lizzy.
What were some ways you cared for yourself?
Mummy me-time is so, so important. I believe I’m a better mother for making time for myself. I got post-partum massages, which were at my house so I could be there if Ru needed me. I would set up the room with candles, and take baths with Epsom salt and herbal bath salts too — it helped me recover after birth, both physically and mentally.
My husband and I went to Beloved Bumps, a course where everyone is expecting a baby in the same month. I made many mum friends, and my husband met other dads too!
We also make alone time for just the two of us. We’re the foundation of our child’s life, so we need to be a great team together.
Image: Lizzy balances self-care with caring for Ru by making time for herself at home. Image c/o Lizzy.
Lizzy’s tips for shopping mindfully
Look to borrow first
Start conversations with family and friends, and see if you can borrow items. Babies grow so fast and use things for short periods, so people are happy to lend you items.
Buy second-hand
Check out the second hand market first too — I got lots of great things from Carousell and Facebook, and second hand stores for things like baby clothes and books.
Buy from local brands
There’s less emissions involved in shipping, and you’re supporting a small business, rather than a huge corporation.
Look for products that are plant-based, natural, and organic
Sometimes, these items can be more expensive, but ultimately I buy less, but buy better quality.
Research
Sustainability has become a buzzword. Consider these things when researching new brands and products:
✔️ How is sustainability being practised?
✔️ What’s in the ingredients list?
✔️ How is it packaged?
✔️ Where is it shipped from?
