The Best Safe School Swaps

It's getting to that time of year again when the kids are heading back to school. We say this every year but... can you believe it?!  

As mothers, we understand the importance of letting children go into the world and explore... even if it's hard to let them go at times. The best we can do is make sure to provide them with what they need to grow, learn and succeed.  

Below, we've outlined some of our favorite - and most important - safe swaps for kids heading back to school. 

The Most Important School Safety Issue

Truly, of the BEST things we can do to ensure the safety and health of our children while they are at school is to educate schools on safe cleaning. 

If you’re concerned about the synthetic chemical cleaners used in your children’s school - you’re not alone! This is why we created the Branch Basics School Kit Guide on How To Educate Schools on Safer Cleaning.

While it can feel overwhelming to question the cleaning protocols for the places that we feel are out of our control, it's critical to speak up. Our children spend a lot of time at school and ensuring it's a safe space for them to breathe and learn is crucial. 

Too often, disinfecting policies are put into place without examining the potential dangers of the cleaners themselves, despite well-documented research that shows the risks toxic products pose to our immune systems and overall health. The burden of duty is on us when it comes to standing up for safer, and even more effective, options. 

We hope our guide helps you confidently approach the leadership in your children’s schools. 

Check out our School Toolkit: How To Educate Schools on Safer Cleaning.

The Best Safe School Swaps

Backpacks and Lunch Bags

Backpacks are typically made from synthetic fabrics that can contain harmful chemicals, so we look for backpacks and lunch bags that are (ideally) cotton, BPA free and PVC free. Here are a few brands we love!

• Rylee + Cru Cotton Backpacks and Lunch Bags
• Austin Baby Co Lunch Boxes 
• Terra Thread Mini Backpacks
• Elk & Friends Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Water Bottles

Stainless steel or glass are the best option for water or drinking bottles. Stainless steel will be lighter, more durable and less bulky, so we prefer that for kids. 

• Pura KiKi Insulated Straw bottle 
• Planet Box Water Bottle
• LifeFactory Water Bottle
• Elk & Friends Water Bottle 

Food Storage

Silicone is best for food storage. Glass is another great option, but again, we think it's better if kids stick to silicone as glass is easily breakable and gets heavy for them to carry around all day. 

• Austin Baby Co. Bento Boxes 
• Austin Baby Co Silicone Snack Boxes
• Stasher Silicone Bags
• LunchBots Stainless Steel Containers 
• Foldable Spork + Pouch
• Beeswax Storage Wrap - these particular wraps are made of beeswax, organic cotton, and organic jojoba oil, but there are lots of options out there for beeswax wraps! 

Snacks

Not quite a "swap", but if your kids bring snacks to school (which we do recommend), provide them with the healthiest, most nutrient-dense option - that is also tasty!

Here are some of our favorite snacks to throw into your child's backpack or lunchbox:

• Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn
• Once Upon A Farm Organic Blends
• Natierra Freeze-Dried Fruit
• Barnana Organic Plantain Chips
• Bearded Brothers Kids Bars
• Jonesbars Snacks
• Soley Fruit Jerky & Snacks

Supplies

• Eco Kids Beeswax Crayons
• Techwellness Stylus
• Faber Castell Eco Colored Pencils
• TEKFUN Drawing Tablet
• Scent-free markers
• Soft cotton handkerchief instead of Kleenex

Misc

• Branch Basics Travel Kit - Great for on-the-go, our Travel Kit is so small and easy for the kids to fit in their backpacks or keep in their lockers. While Branch Basics is not a sanitizer or disinfectant (read more on this subject here), it actually removes germs vs. killing them. No alcohol or other antibacterial cleansers or preservatives and is fragrance-free! 

• Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray (Free + Clear) 

Here's to a healthy and happy school year!