If living green is important to you—and you're a new parent—then green baby care will of course be a priority. But babies take a lot of time and attention, so having to figure out how to be green with your baby care on top of everything else you have to do can be overwhelming. Here's a quick green baby care guide to help you take care of your baby and the Earth.

Green Living with Diapers

Studies are divided on the environmental impact of disposables vs. cloth. Regular disposables, of course, don't decompose, but washing diapers takes water and energy. One study found that washing diapers at home has only 53% of the ecological impact of disposables, but that using a diaper laundry service cuts that impact in half.

Cloth diapers have come a long way from the days of diaper pins. There are now fitted cloth diapers with Velcro or snap closures, made from eco-friendly material, such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. There are also biodegradable diapers that are non-petroleum based and are compostable. Hybrid diapers like gDiapers have removable inserts that can safely biodegrade when flushed. So you have lots of choices for living green with diapers!

Bottle or Breast?

This one's probably a no-brainer. When you breastfeed, you're saving resources that are spent manufacturing formulas and the containers it comes in, as well as energy and water that go into cleaning bottles and rubber nipples. Aside from this, it's free, has health benefits for you and your baby—and of course, it gives you the important bonding experience with your baby.

Green Living Cleaners

Baking soda is a miracle when it comes to green baby care. It's the smartest, cheapest and easiest green cleaner you'll ever find. Easy on your baby's skin and eyes, it's also very effective for just about everything: With a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda, you can safely wipe down the crib mattress, changing table, playpen, stroller, car seat and high chair. It will both clean and eliminate odors. Cover the bottom of your diaper pail with baking soda and sprinkle some over every new one you put in there.

Green Baby Clothes

Of course, using hand-me-downs is wise for economic reasons, but it's also the most sustainable option. If you do buy new clothes, choose organic hemp or cotton, bamboo or wool fabrics made without toxic chemicals.

How to Choose Green Products

Just because a company makes claims of being green or sustainable—or even organic—doesn't mean these claims are true. Unfortunately, "greenwashing" is prevalent in today's world, even with green baby care products. You can be misled by companies claiming either exaggerated or false greenness. Check out the best (and worst) green product ratings in all categories before believing the advertising.

Living Green with Healthy Air Quality

You probably don't have to be reminded that alcohol and cigarette smoking while you're pregnant is not good for the baby. But you may be unaware that second-hand smoke in your house is also not great, especially once your baby is born. Also avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals contained in paints, carpet, furniture, bedding and pesticides. Use natural and low-VOC paints, and don't lay new carpet before the baby is born—this will outgas for a long time.

Living Green with EMF Protection

One aspect of green baby care that is often missed by concerned parents is the quality of the electromagnetic field in their home. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can be very hazardous to the health of all humans. However, they're especially dangerous to children, whose nervous systems are still developing and whose skulls are very thin, and therefore absorb the EMFs more deeply into their brains.

EMFs come from your electricity and all appliances and these are dangerous enough. But the ones to really be careful of are those coming from all wireless devices, such as cell phones and wireless routers—and, importantly, wireless baby monitors. EMFs have been linked with multiple health symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, irritability and sleeping disorders. They've also been linked to such diseases as asthma, autism, ADHD and allergies.

The good news is that you can protect your baby from EMFs with quality EMF protection devices. Beware of slick advertising and inexpensive devices which are often ineffective. Look for a reliable company that's been in business a long time.

Living green is a task that demands a lot of attention and conscientiousness. Green baby care takes even more—but it's all worth it. You can feel good about your baby's health—and also about your relationship to the Earth.