Non-Toxic Swaps That Made Sense for Our Home
- LB
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
Everything is toxic in this day and age, right? Or at least that’s how it feels. There aren’t many things you consider purchasing anymore without first checking to make sure they’re “BPA-free,” “PFAS-free,” or free from some other scary acronym.
So after two years of experience as a mom, let's talk about the non-toxic swaps I’ve made in my own home that didn’t break the bank, have actually held up, and have given me a little peace of mind for the mom-guilt switch that seems to be glued in the “on” position from the moment you give birth.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Everything shared here is something I’ve used and liked — I’m not paid by any brand to advertise these products.
Non-Toxic Swaps for the Kitchen
There are so many things I could say about this category, but here’s the main question: have you ever (yes, you, the adult) tasted the food from the container or “vessel” you serve your child’s food in? If not, I suggest you do. Immediately.
I reheated my daughter’s leftovers in one of those silicone suction cup bowls, then went to taste it to see if it was too hot — and I was genuinely shocked and disgusted by the taste. Now, my daughter has been a great eater since she was born, so a flavor she didn’t know wasn’t supposed to be there probably wouldn’t have stopped her from eating. But if her food tastes like soap and previous meals? That’s a problem.
So I did what any other mom would do and went on a search for literally anything else. Here’s what I landed on.
Porcelain Bowls and Plates
These porcelain bowls and plates don’t hold onto smells or residue. They come with silicone liners that don’t touch the food but help prevent breakage when they inevitably meet hard surfaces. They also have silicone sleeves with suction cups on the bottom, so you can use them for both younger toddlers and older kids without worrying about plates sliding off the table and shattering.
Cons: The bowls are a bit fragile when not in their sleeves, so if you’re washing them by hand, just be careful. I broke one out of the four I’ve owned — and it happened during the first week.
Links:
Stainless Steel Cups
Stainless steel drinkware was actually one of the first swaps I made. They even make stainless steel sippy cups. We transitioned from glass bottles to stainless steel sippy cups (with silicone straws, which I personally didn’t love), and then into stainless steel, kid-sized cups.
They’re the perfect size for a toddler and essentially last forever.
Cons: None to note. They clean easily and don’t hold onto smells.
Links:
Kid-Sized Hammered Stainless Steel Flatware (Silverware)
This purchase wasn’t just eco-friendly — it was strategic for motor skills. Most children’s silverware is bulky, and there’s a reason for that: the thickness helps young children grasp it more easily. As they grow and transition to adult silverware, they’re better prepared to handle it.
This particular set feels like the best of both worlds. It mimics adult silverware in shape and structure but is scaled down for small mouths. If you have a child who eats well and uses silverware confidently, this is a great transition option.
Cons: None to note. They clean easily, don’t bend, and are dishwasher safe.
Non-Toxic Swaps for Cleaning
Interestingly, my search for non-toxic cleaning supplies started around the same time I tasted my daughter’s food from that silicone bowl and realized some things needed to change. Thankfully, this category has solid options — including products you can buy and a few you can DIY yourself.
Blueland Cleaning Tablets
I tried Blueland after seeing a few ads (this is not sponsored — one could only wish), and I actually really liked them. At the time, I had a dishwasher and was impressed by their no-plastic model. Since then, I’ve come to love their entire line and the reusable bottles.
You buy the bottles once, then refill them using tablets that dissolve in water. They offer hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, laundry detergent, and dishwashing detergent.
Cons: They don’t have an extensive list of scents, so if fragrance is a big selling point for you, they may fall a little short.
Link: Blueland Starter Kit
DIY Baking Soda Household Refresher
Most people know baking soda for its deodorizing properties — it’s in laundry detergent and plenty of other cleaners — but what many don’t realize is that plain baking soda can do what many store-bought products do with just a single ingredient.
The best part? Baking soda is usually about a dollar at the grocery store. For just a few dollars more (if you like scent), you can customize it by adding a few drops of essential oil.
I promise this is incredibly easy, and I use it on everything from couch upholstery to carpets and rugs.
Steps:
Grab a sealed jar (a mason jar works great, especially if you can poke small holes in the lid)
Pour baking soda into the jar
Add a few drops of essential oil (I like lemon, lavender, or cedar)
Shake until well mixed
Sprinkle wherever needed
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then vacuum.
Cons: None. You can also turn baking soda into a paste to clean stains on stoves and other surfaces.
This post barely scratches the surface, but I hope it gives you some peace of mind around a few of the things you and your children come into contact with daily. Hopefully something here was helpful — or even sparked an idea for something you can create on your own.
Nothing but the best for these little critters, right? Happy swapping!
With love,
LB
Super interesting, I never would’ve thought about any of this