So this is it.

More than five years have already passed since the arrival of my youngest. I gave away all my baby stuff a long time ago, thinking that was it for me, babies. But life led me to see new perspectives and here I am, very happy, pregnant with my fourth.

I have a small house, already full, and I am a fan of less is more and the school of thought that prefers to reorganize rather than change for something bigger. Having to buy everything again scares me a little. In this vein, I have gathered what I consider to be essentials to use for my little sparrow who will soon join the nest.

My criteria: durability And versatility of the product, and comfort baby .

I also aspire to encourage the local economy and avoid purchasing extras, which can easily be replaced by items that we already have at home. For example, ditch the nursing pillow and use a cushion that already sits on the couch or a pillow. Avoid buying a single-use diaper bag and replace it with a multi-purpose bag that is just as functional. The changing table and the comforter for the bassinet: are they really necessary?

So many questions!

Here are my seven Quebec favorites for eco-friendly babies! 

For changing diapers

Omaïki is, in my opinion, a pioneering brand in the field of washable diapers. The diapers are entirely made in Quebec with Canadian fabrics.

Having tried several types of reusable diapers, my choice fell on the all-in-one model, undoubtedly linked to my great patience when folding diapers! The TEÖ (all-in-one) model goes from birth to potty training. This Grow with me, one-size-fits-all model allows you to put on the diaper without too much preparation.

Omaïki offers several types of diapers: TEÖ, Mini-Ö, pocket, molded, etc.

I recommend trying a few models before purchasing a complete set. You can easily find second-hand sets. My first set had 24 very lightly used molded diapers, all for $100. From there, I put together a kit tailored to my needs. Three children later, I still have a few from this batch on hand, ready to absorb.

An eco-friendly solution to the tons of waste generated by their plastic counterpart.

We adopt it for its great versatility!

I apply it directly to a reusable wipe during diaper changes to clean, moisturize and prevent diaper rash.

Liniment can easily replace five or six products you already own. Use it as a makeup remover, after-sun lotion, after-shave and after-hair removal lotion, moisturizer, cleanser for small crusty noses, seborrhea of ​​the head (i.e. the cap, or cradle cap), etc.).

MaYa products offer a complete range of body products made from simple, quality ingredients, certified organic and chemical-free.

Are you a fan of the zero waste lifestyle? MaYa Products are also available in bulk at certain zero waste retailers near you!

THE massage bar and the dry shampoo are also must with us!

Discover the multiple advantages of liniment 

For bath time

The small organic cotton terry washcloths from Öko Créations give the impression of very ordinary laundry, but to try it is to adopt it! The softness of organic cotton is a charm for the skin. My face can't do without it. Perfectly suited to hygiene care for babies and the whole family. Use them wet as an alternative to disposable wet wipes, for bathing or any other care. See also wipes of reusable organic cotton.

Without forgetting the ingenuity of the Little Elf Grow with me towel . We accumulate tons of towels, but if you had to have just one, I would recommend this one without hesitation. Its large format allows it to wrap a child up to the age of five. The cap is equipped with an adjustment system which gives three different sizes. The softness of organic cotton is once again an asset!

Souris Verte offers a complete range of natural products for the skin and mom's pharmacy. During my previous pregnancies, I used several products including baby bath soap, mild laundry detergent, zinc cream, and the essential Eucalyptus poush-poush . It’s part of our bedtime routine. Given its comforting smell, and its antibacterial and decongestant properties, it is called the magic poush-poush for sweet dreams! My children ask me if I forget it… Be careful! I recently discovered the lavender poush-poush !

Souris Verte is, in my opinion, a company that manufactures items that are perfectly suited to small, sensitive skin.

Why not try one of their sets to find out? A very nice gift to give to new parents.

To have your hands free!

Let's face it: with four children (or just one!), it's very practical to have access to our hands!

With my first baby, I loved using the Maman Kangourou wrap for its versatility and skin-to-skin proximity with baby. To my surprise, Gustine now owns this brand and they have released, just in time for baby #4, the simplified version of the MK Baby 2-in-1 sling, much easier to adjust than the wrap initial. Thanks to its adjustment ring, you can quickly adapt the baby carrier for two types of carrying

(way scarf and way ring sling ).

Can be used from 3.5 kg (7.0 lb) up to 12.0 kg (26.5 lb), or depending on your capacity. A durable, comfortable, compact, easy-to-maintain choice that comes in a range of vibrant colors!

For bed

A company that I really like for the quality and variety of its colorful accessories for the whole family and for the home. I love the creative approach behind the fabric patterns in their collections, guided by a Quebec and Indigenous way of life coming from the owners' background.

I will be delighted to bundle baby up in his hat and swaddling blanket set made from stretchy bamboo. The 40" x 40" size of the blanket will be useful to accompany baby on his four-season outings for several years.

Why not use one of their magnificent blankets timeless as thrown into the baby's room?

I created this product just in time for the arrival of baby #4 since I couldn't find pajamas that would last that long!

It's a set that can be used from the moment you leave the hospital for up to six months, super comfortable for the sensitive skin of newborns. It is also the perfect fit for reusable diapers, and it is suitable for carrying thanks to the integrated socks and mittens that you can choose to wear or not! The pants transform into progressive pants and can last longer than the rest of the set. The perfect gift to put on your shower list! Also available in sizes 6 months to 18 months.

Without forgetting the extension cords diaper covers that will extend their lifespan.

It is certain that I could have presented you with an exhaustive list of 50 very useful items for babies, but many items are very personal and everyone's needs are sometimes very different, so I focused on products from us whom I find very useful and who benefit from being known.

You will probably need a booster seat, a stroller, a baby bed, a high chair, a car seat*, blankets, baby bottles and so on. .

These are all items that take up a lot of space; the idea to declutter would be to borrow them or buy them from someone else, then pass them on as soon as they are finished using them to free up space!

Hoping to have introduced you to innovative Quebec products or companies whose aim is to simplify the lives of families!

*Follow Calgary Car Seat Cubs on Facebook , a resource for getting information before choosing a car seat.

photo credit: Mylène Dupré