Now a decade into my own parenting journey, I’m happy to share a few reflections and supportive wellness products that have been my cherished companions along the way.
I grew up in the world of natural heath, and using natural remedies was a part of family life. Dad made kawakawa tea when we had colds; Mum made comfrey poultices for eczema and insect bites, and we happily munched spirulina tablets as an energy-boosting snack.
When I started my own family, I certainly appreciated that natural options had become much more accessible (and less messy!). While I still love picking herbs with the kids for teas and balms, I’m also grateful to be able to reach for a trusted natural product to support my wellbeing and that of my family.
Here are some of my all-time favourites for different stages. I hope you’ll find them as supportive as I have.
Lucy's favourite natural wellness picks:
My top picks for new mums
What a learning curve it is becoming a mum – a whole new world opens up which is both wonderful and overwhelming. It’s a lot, and I found having a few trusted staples on hand was helpful for both practical purposes and peace-of-mind.
1. For teething little ones: Weleda Baby Teething Powder
This little orange pot of calm was a constant companion when the kids were teething. It was great to have something soothing and natural to get through those cranky, restless times.
- Support for discomfort and restlessness
- Made with homoeopathic ingredients of chamomilla root and conchae
- Family favourite for soothing and calming
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2. For soothing bath time: Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash & Calendula Nappy Change Cream
Calendula is beautiful soothing plant and Weleda is such a trusted brand for me, used in our own household growing up. I found this pair of products effective and easy to use, and the scent still reminds me of my babies! I’ve gifted these products often to new mums over the years.
Cheerful calendula grows so easily, and we have it growing wild on the edges of our garden. The kids pick it now to make their own balms and ‘potions’ so their relationship with this orange flower continues.
- Made with gentle ingredients to soothe
- Suitable for babies and children
- Deeply nourishing and protective for the skin
| Shop Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash → | Shop Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream → |
3. For a gentle moisturiser: BioBalance Virgin Coconut Oil
When my babies were born, my preference was to use things on their skin that were safe enough to eat, so coconut oil was my go-to. Super gentle with soothing properties, coconut oil is great for supporting a healthy skin barrier I always had a jar of coconut oil handy.
- Certified organic cold pressed coconut oil
- Excellent for your skin and oral care
- Packed in glass to maintain exceptional quality
Coconut oil tip: Wonderful for kid’s skin - Coconut oil is also a household multi-tasker. Dry hair or irritated skin? Try it as a nourishing and soothing mask – leave on for 10 mins or overnight. It’s high smoke point (up to 232°C) makes it a healthy choice for frying too – try it for tonight's stir-fry.
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4. For gentle & effective baby wipes: Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes and Wotnot Biodegradable Natural Baby Wipes
We were mindful about waste, but there is something to be said for convenience, and I found both these wipes a great addition to the nappy bag. I trust the ingredients and they are strong, gentle and biodegradable.
- Convenient gentle wipes for little ones
- Made with certified organic ingredients
- Chlorine free and biodegradable
| Shop Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes → | Shop Wotnot Biodegradable Natural Baby Wipes → |
My top picks for day care mums
Once the kids are a bit bigger, being more social and getting into everything, supporting their immune system becomes a priority. It’s also a time for learning about how to rest, relax and wind-down after the excitement of being out in the world. We have a few tools for this in our household kit, from mindful breathing (we have a mindfulness bell that my son loves to ring to remind us to come back to our breath), reading, and calming remedies.
1. For immune wellness: Radiance Vitamin C & Zinc Gummies
These gummies provide a good amount of zinc which I appreciate for immune health, and they’re delicious, so the kids remind me when it’s time to take them. I like the fact that they come in infinitely recyclable aluminium, though the kids use the tins for their various collections so they don’t often make the recycling anyway.
- Sugar free delicious and easy to take
- Packed with Vitamin C and Zinc
- Immune and skin health support
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Holistic immune tip: Bugs can do the rounds at daycare centres – regular hand washing and a natural hand sanitiser at pick up time can help minimise spread to other family members. Also, try and avoid touching your eyes – it's an unexpected but common way that ills and chills can spread.
2. For calming comfort: Bach Flower Rescue Remedy
A classic calming flower remedy that I wouldn’t be without, for me or the kids, in times of stress and upset. I find the spray bottle the most convenient and easy to use and I carry the pastilles in my handbag.
- Comforting and reassuring flower essence
- Bestselling Bach Flower Remedy
- Suitable for all ages
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3. For natural sun protection: Earth’s Kitchen Moringa & Harakeke Sensitive & Baby Skin SPF50
This has been our go-to sunscreen for the past couple of years. The kids like the scent and it stays on well. It looks a bit white when it first goes on but quicky sinks in. The botanicals in this sunscreen are soothing when the kids have red skin and rashes, and I like that it’s NZ made.
- Effective protection and gentle for sensitive skin
- Made with Kawakawa, Rosehip and Moringa
- Concentrated formula – a little goes a long way
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My top picks for school mums
The school routine is a lot for everyone, so I try to focus on nourishing the nervous system and having plenty of calming time (for all of us!) to balance the activity. The kids are wonderful at reminding me to take a pause and breathe, so it goes both ways. Supporting brain and immune health are other focus areas, especially in recent times when we’ve all been under extra strain.
1. For healthy brain development: Efamol Brain Formula
I encourage the kids to take a good quality, high strength DHA fish oil on a relatively regular basis. It’s good for so many things, including brain health, focus, balanced mood, and nervous system. It can be hard to make sure kids are getting enough healthy omega-3 in their diets in a time of so much growth and development, so this is a good back-stop. I also drizzle the plant-based Waihi Bush flax oil on our breakfasts to boost Omega-3 intake.
- Supports optimal development and brain health
- Supports mental focus and a healthy nervous system
- Easy to digest formula
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2. For calming & sleep support: Wild Dispensary Kids Rest & Calm - Nervine Tonic
This is such a great calming herbal tonic for when the kids are wound-up or out-of-routine. It’s brilliant for camping or travel – times of extra stimulation where it can be hard to wind down for sleep. I love the simple, natural ingredients and it really works.
- Supports kid’s sleep and nervous system
- Made with Chamomile
- Organic, wild harvested ingredients
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Holistic sleep tip: Healthy sleep is great for kid’s emotional resilience and behaviour as well as learning and focus at school – discover holistic sleep tips with our guide on getting your little ones to sleep.
3. For immune health: Kiwiherb Children’s Organic Echinature
A great immune tonic from a trusted brand. The kids like the taste so I mix half a teaspoon into their morning drinks on school days in winter or when immune challenges are high (which seems to be most of the time!) for an extra immune boost.
- Healthy immune function and recovery
- Premium NZ-grown Echinacea root
- Delicious natural orange flavour
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Most importantly, natural support for mums
As a mum of young children, it can be such a challenge to make sure your own needs are being met, yet if we don’t look after ourselves (and accept the help of those who might be willing to lend a hand) then we can’t be who we want and need to be for those we love. The products below have been part of a much bigger process of learning to genuinely take better care of myself. It’s a journey, as they say! I hope you can take great care of yourself along the way.
1. For breastfeeding nourishment: Artemis Breastfeeding Tea
This tea tastes pleasant and was a solid part of my routine of staying hydrated while breastfeeding. It also felt soothing for my digestion. I’d brew up a huge pot in the morning and have it on hand during the day. The easier the better!
- Supports optimal milk supply
- Made with raspberry, fennel & nettle
- Supports uterine recovery after labour
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Holistic breastfeeding tip: Caring for a teething or colicky bub can be stressful and that’s okay - remember to go easy on yourself and prioritise self-care – check out this guide on mindful ways to look after yourself.
2. For healthy mood & skin support: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
I found that pregnancy really seemed to deplete my omega levels, which I associated with drier skin, brain fog and a less balanced mood. I supplemented with this quality fish oil product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. I really noticed the difference it made, especially supporting my mood.
- Packed with essential fatty acids and nutrients
- Convenient and easy way to meet mum and baby’s DHA levels
- Excellent for additional immune support
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3. For your mindful moment: Daily wellness tonics
These teas and tonics have been among my favourites for carving out moments of calm during busy days and doing something to nourish my own wellbeing. I often make a reishi-cacao brew for a mid-afternoon reset. It offers beautifully balancing support for the nervous system. Tulsi is another favourite and I have several different Organic India tulsi teas on the shelf at any one time.
Having a tonic drink can feel more holistically supportive than taking a capsule, and encourages me to sit down for a minute, though I rarely finish one of these beautiful brews before it goes cold! I also enjoy sharing them with guests. Parent or not, everyone has a lot on their plate, and I’m grateful to have supportive, adaptogen herbs and functional mushrooms in such an easy-to-incorporate way.
My favourite nourishing drinks:
- Misty Day Plant Potions Shroom
- SuperFeast Reishi
- BioBalance Raw Cacao Powder
- Organic India Tulsi Turmeric Ginger Tea
Wherever you’re at on your parenting journey, I hope this time is nourishing and you can lean on support from your whānau, community, and reach for gentle, effective products that are here to help your family’s wellness – naturally.
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