Creating An Eco-Friendly Baby Nursery - 5 Tips

With the recent focus on organic living and eco-friendly products, many parents have become interested in creating non-toxic, natural living spaces for their children. One room that typically receives special attention is the baby nursery. Since newborns are still developing, a healthy home environment is particularly important. Creating an eco-friendly or organic baby nursery is a smart move not only for your baby, but for your family and the environment as well.

If you’ve ever awaited the birth of a child, you know that it’s an exciting time! With happy anticipation, the decorating frenzy begins. Bedding and furniture are purchased, walls are painted and new floors may be installed. It’s natural to want everything in the baby nursery to be new and beautiful for your precious newborn.

But new and beautiful doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Traditional furniture, paints and fabrics may have chemicals and toxins that may be unhealthy for your baby.

Luckily, stores and online boutiques are offering more eco-friendly options for furniture, wall coverings, floorings, and organic baby bedding. These natural, organic baby products are typically produced without the use of harmful chemicals and thus contribute to a healthier nursery environment.

Here are five smart purchases to make when creating your organic baby nursery.

A Natural Wood Crib -- Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping so you want a crib that is non-toxic. Traditional wood cribs may have harmful stains or finishes while furniture made from pressed wood may contain adhesives that can also irritate your baby. Consider purchasing a sustainable natural wood crib with a non-toxic finish.

An Organic Crib Mattress -- Your baby’s actual sleeping surface is just as important as the crib. Conventional mattresses may contain materials and toxins that may be released into the air while your baby sleeps. To promote your baby's health and safety, look for organic crib mattresses that are made from certified-organic materials and fabrics.

Organic Crib Bedding -- Many people are unaware that conventionally-grown cotton is one of the most heavily-sprayed crops in the world. To ensure that your baby’s sensitive skin is not exposed to toxins in regular cotton bedding, consider organic baby bedding made from natural, organic fabrics and eco-friendly dyes.

Eco-friendly Carpet and Flooring -- Traditional carpets typically contain known allergens such as adhesives, stain protectors and flame retardants. To avoid bringing these allergens into your baby’s room, look for healthier alternatives such as eco-friendly hardwoods, bamboo and cork floorings or rugs made of natural fibers.

Eco-friendly Paint -- Ever notice that strong smell in the air when painting? Many traditional paints emit toxins called volatile organic compounds which can be hazardous to your family's health. These toxins can concentrate indoors and may linger long after painting has finished. Look for low-voc, zero-voc or milk-based paints made of natural non-toxic elements.

Decorating your baby's nursery can be a wonderful way to prepare for your baby's arrival. With careful consideration to these key design elements, your baby’s nursery will be the healthy, nurturing environment that
you desire.