How important is it to have a safe baby nursery for your newborn? Look at it this way: he or she is going to spend between 14 and 16 hours every day (possibly more) in that area, and for someone who needs all the nourishment and care in order to grow healthy, your baby does not need additional chemical exposure during all that time—especially if you can step up and make the nursery as safe as possible. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
Purchase a crib with low chemical emissions
Pressed wood or particleboard emit harmful chemicals so it’s best to avoid cribs with such makeup. Water-based finishes are recommended since they are the safest option available.
Invest in a safe, high-quality mattress
If there is one piece in your baby nursery you should never skimp on, it is this. Your baby is going to be directly exposed to its materials the entire time, so you may want to get a really safe, high-quality piece. Organic crib mattresses are better since they don’t contain harmful chemicals like fire retardants.
Get solid wood furniture
Pressed wood, particleboard, and laminated wood are all very harmful. Solid wood furniture, however, is safer. If you really cannot get one, seal your particleboard or plywood with a safety coating instead (head to your local hardware for brand recommendations). Putting on a safety sheath will prevent chemicals from being released into the air.
Avoid harmful nursery accessories
Cushy nursery accessories may expose your baby to harmful chemicals as well. Cushions are good but organic cotton is better and safer. If you can’t find organic cotton material, make sure you vacuum your cushions regularly.
Get good flooring for your baby nursery
Go for carpets that follow sustainable carpet standards, or else hardwood or cork floors for your baby’s nursery. Unfortunately other commercially available materials may contain harmful toxins.
Opt for paint with low or no VOC
Natural milk paints, natural or organic paints, zero-VOC or low-VOC paints are better over the highly toxic non-organic, high-VOC paint widely available at stores.
Adopt sustainable practices in the nursery
Avoid using plastics, especially PVC, in your nursery. After setting up everything, including paint, allow for ample time for the odor to escape. Never transfer your baby immediately after or mere days following a paint job. Go for organic materials like flax, hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo.
