ENERGY SAVINGS

Five ways to
save energy
with a newborn
baby.

There’s nothing quite as heart-stirring as welcoming a new bundle of joy into your life. As you embark on the exciting journey of parenthood, the last thing on your mind will be saving energy amidst sleepless nights and nappy changes. Though the arrival of a newborn can often spike your home's energy consumption.

The good news is we've got you covered with practical and innovative ways to save energy while providing the utmost care for your baby. From handy baby food hacks to energy-efficient baby gear, let's discover how to create a nurturing environment for your precious arrival while being mindful of your energy consumption.

1. Shop smart for baby gear
As the countdown to the world of parenthood approaches, you’ll have a shopping list as long as your arm for nursery appliances and baby-related tech. While you’re planning, be mindful to select a kit that is more energy-efficient. Think smart baby monitors that use energy saving features, such as motion-activated screens and low-power modes, LED nightlights that consume less energy and have adjustable brightness settings and sterilisers that offer shorter and more efficient sterilisation cycles.

Where possible, opt for appliances that serve multiple purposes (like a 2-in-1 air purifier and fan) to reduce the number of devices you use. Ensure all your appliances have adjustable power settings or timers to customise their operation based on the baby's needs.

2. Sleep sounder (and cooler) with block-out blinds
Any sleep-deprived new parent will tell you their sanity depends on the baby sleeping, and this is supported by darkness. A dark room promotes melatonin, which induces sleepiness and is important for setting a baby’s natural circadian rhythms. Installing block-out blinds or curtains in the nursery can encourage sleep and regulate the room's temperature by preventing excess heat from entering the room during hot days or keeping the warmth inside during colder times.

You can rely less on air conditioners or heaters by maintaining a more consistent and comfortable temperature. When you need to use them, the sweet spot in summer is between 25–27°C and 18–20°C in winter. Each degree you lower the temperature in summer or raise it in winter increases your household energy consumption by around 5-10%.

3. Launder-less 
From spew-up stained bibs to never-ending cot sheets, your washing machine will be on overtime with the amount of laundry it cleans. However, there are ways to optimise its use while tackling those adorable sleepsuits and socks. Wait for a full load of baby clothes before hitting that "start" button. Baby bulk loads will save you energy while cutting down on water usage.

When time is tight , and those onesies can't wait, the "quick wash" setting is your secret weapon. Babies' clothes are not only cute, they're also not too complex. Stick to washing at cooler temperatures, and you'll save energy like a boss. Plus, it's gentler on those delicate fabrics.

4. Bulk-cooking in batches
When weaning time arrives, prepare to become a baby food master chef. With the power of bulk cooking in batches, you'll whip up delicious baby meals while keeping your energy bills in check. 

Plot your baby's culinary adventure by planning a menu for the week. Think baby-sized dishes like sweet potato mash or fruit puree. Size matters, especially when cooking for the tiniest gourmet in town. Go big with your pots and pans or use your slow cooker to save energy and cook up a batch to last. Divide your culinary creations into smaller portions and freeze them so individual servings can be defrosted on demand.

5. Love the natural light
Harnessing natural light in the nursery and beyond can help you save energy whilst also creating a soothing and comforting environment for your little one. If you can, choose a room with large windows or ones facing south or east to allow for ample natural light during the day for your nursery.

Plan your baby's playtime and activities near windows, taking advantage of lovely natural light for reading, playing or sensory activities. Do, however, position the crib away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating and uncomfortable glare. Consider using glow-in-the-dark baby gear for late-night changes–no need to fumble for the light switch!

Don’t forget the power of the sun’s rays when it comes to drying the reams of clothing and equipment. Hang washing outside and position your draining board by a sunny window so bottles and the like can dry naturally.


Summary 

• Purchasing energy-efficient baby equipment can save you money in the long run.
• Block-out blinds can help regulate the temperature in a baby’s nursery and reduce the need for heating and cooling costs.
• Only wash laundry on full loads and use the eco-cycle and cooler temperatures.
• Prepare menus and bulk-cook baby food in large batches, freezing then defrosting as needed.
• Use natural sunlight to help dry clothes quicker without a clothes dryer.
  
  

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service.

For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.

Sources

https://www.agl.com.au/discover/energy/saving-energy-with-a-new-baby
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/heating-and-cooling

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.