create a healthy environment for baby:
tips for a green nursery
preparing for baby is an exciting time in your life and the nursery is the perfect place to start with eco-friendly products to create a safe, healthy and happy environment for baby. baby's small size, fast metabolism and sensitive immune system make them especially prone to side effects of chemicals found in traditional/conventional products. going green is easier than you think! it doesn't have to be all or nothing ... every eco-smart choice parent's make no matter how small is significant. it's also more affordable and convenient than you think. keep it simple - less is more! buy less high-quality items. use safe and non-toxic products to reduce everyday exposure to harmful substances. these simple tips will allow you to create a comfortable, practical, functional and efficient nest for your baby.
non-toxic paint: stay away from harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOC) that increase the toxicity of indoor air. use non-toxic water based VOC-free paint and sealers. it is still important to take precautions no matter how safe the paint is. paint several months before the baby is due so fumes can dissipate. do not paint while pregnant. try to paint during warm, dry weather and keep windows open to provide maximum ventilation.
clean air: indoor air quality is often far worse than outdoor air quality. use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for clean and healthy air. purifying air can help minimize pollutants that can interfere with breathing and exacerbate respiratory function for babies with allergies and asthma. remember to change HEPA and air conditioner filters often. keep your baby's nursery well-ventilated.
natural cleaning: use non-toxic and natural cleaning products that are VOC-free and contain no chemicals, ammonia or fragrances that can be irritants to baby's developing immune system. natural household products like baking soda and vinegar are also easy, eco-friendly, cost-effective and safe!
natural furniture: look for furniture - cribs, changing tables, gliders, rockers and dressers made from certified sustainable wood or reclaimed materials with non-toxic, water-based finish VOC-free. avoid furniture with plastic material (synthetic-based products) difficult to recycle and pose toxicity problems.
natural flooring: use tile and hardwood for easy cleaning to keep your baby's nursery free of irritants and dust. stay away from carpets that can harbor dust mites and allergens which can affect baby's sensitive immune system. synthetic carpets contain harmful VOCs. when installing new wooden floors look for FSC-certified wood harvested from sustainably managed forests. bamboo, maple, fir, oak and cherry are excellent choices. recycled and salvaged wood are a great option! pay close attention to the installation and finishing avoiding chemicals that will affect your baby's health. make sure there is proper dust collection and clean up.
organic bedding: your baby's bed is the best place to begin with natural, organic fibers grown without chemicals and pesticides that won't irritate baby's sensitive skin. choose bedding and blankets made from 100% certified organic cotton fabric and batting that is not treated with formaldehyde or chlorine bleach. look for water-based pigments and dyes. certified organic cotton mattresses are a great green option! comfortable and stylish organic crib sets from Cotton Monkey, DwellStudio and Egg Baby are more durable and can withstand more washes than main stream brands.
safe toys: most toys end up in babies' mouth, so it's important to make sure they are safe and chemical-free. stock your nursery with toys that are PVC-free, BPA-free and made of naturally finished wood and washable fabrics. many toys contain Bisphenol A (BPA) – a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical linked to health problems including cancer and reproductive disorders used in polycarbonate plastic. developing babies bodies are more vulnerable to these toxins. good choices for organic toys include miYim and Under the Nile.
healthy laundry practices: the laundry room may be one of the most toxic areas in your home posing serious health hazards for your baby. clean baby bedding, blankets, clothing and toys with hypoallergenic detergent that is non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen free using plant-based ingredients. The Laundress baby detergent is a great green alternative - soft on baby and strong on stains!
