When you imagine bringing your newborn infant home, one of your main goals is to keep your baby safe. For many parents today, this goes beyond securing furniture to the wall or choosing a high-quality crib; it also includes protecting their infant from microplastics and forever chemicals. Creating a non-toxic or eco-friendly nursery can provide peace of mind for parents who want to make informed decisions for their family’s well-being.
What does it mean to create a healthy nursery? Discover what makes a nursery non toxic, common misconceptions, areas to consider, and how to make informed choices when designing your baby’s nursery.
What Makes a Nursery Healthy?
A healthy nursery may look different for each family, as goals and priorities vary. However, primarily, a healthy nursery is a safe space for your baby to grow and develop. This means creating a nursery that meets basic needs such as a safe sleep space or a changing table.
Today, we also know that microplastics and some chemical exposures may harm babies and young children. Creating a healthy nursery means making conscious decisions related to structural and chemical safety
As related to nursery products, it’s helpful to know that the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates many products related to infants and young children. This means that products sold within the United States must meet standards for quality and safety.
Specifically, the CPSIA, or the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, requires most baby products to be tested for harmful substances like BPA, heavy metals like lead, and phthalates. This ensures a basic level of health and safety for your baby’s nursery. When shopping, you can also look up items on the CPSC recall list to ensure an additional level of safety.
What Are Non-Toxic Nursery Products?
Chemical-free. All natural. Green. When shopping for non toxic nursery items, a dizzying collection of marketing buzzwords abounds. Many of these terms are not regulated. Yet, people assume that something made of “all-natural” materials is safe. This simply isn’t the case. So, what actually makes a difference?
When shopping for items for my kids, I’ve learned to look beyond buzzwords. Instead, look for specific terms that you can verify, such as organic, 3rd party certifications, or specific materials. For example, when shopping for clothing or crib sheets, you can look for natural materials like cotton or bamboo.
Areas of Focus When Creating a Non Toxic Nursery
When creating a non toxic baby room, there are several key elements to consider, such as:
Nursery Air Quality
Indoor air quality is especially important for infants because their respiration rate is higher than that of adults, and their body’s filtering systems aren’t as well developed. What can you do to protect your nursery’s air quality?
- Ventilation: According to the American Lung Association, outdoor air has two to five fewer pollutants than indoor air. Occasionally, air out your home by opening windows to let fresh, clean air inside.
- Furnishings: Paints, glues, and varnishes in furniture can contain harmful chemicals. Flooring, such as carpets, may also be a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You can choose furnishings with low-VOC certifications. Or, let new items off-gas outdoors or in the garage for a few days before moving them into the nursery.
- Air purifiers and humidity management: The American Lung Association asserts that air purifiers can remove harmful particulates from the air. Additionally, you may consider a dehumidifier or humidifier to reduce the risk of airway irritation or mold growth.
Another simple way to improve the air quality in your baby’s nursery is to sweep and vacuum frequently. This reduces dust circulating in the air and ultimately protects your baby’s health.
Crib Mattress & Sleep Environment
In the newborn stage, babies spend most of their time sleeping as they grow and develop. This makes safety in your baby’s sleep environment especially important.
Infants need a firm, safe mattress and a tight-fitting sheet to meet safe sleep recommendations for babies. Parents focused on creating a non toxic nursery may also consider choosing mattresses with certifications like Greenguard Gold, which ensure that these products offgas little to no VOCs.
Nursery Bedding & Fabrics
Another essential area to consider is bedding and nursery fabrics. As mentioned, babies spend many hours sleeping, meaning they spend a lot of time lying on their sheet.
Cotton is often a top choice for babies because the fabric is hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft. Choosing quality bedding can ensure your baby doesn’t overheat and stays comfortable while sleeping.
Your Non-Toxic Nursery Guide: How to Choose Safer Baby Clothing, Bedding & Nursery Linens
Let’s take a deeper dive into crib sheets, bedding, and baby clothing. When evaluating, keep in mind that frequent washing is an essential step. This helps reduce dust build-up and supports good air quality in the nursery. So, when making purchases, it’s important to ensure items are easy to wash.
Understanding Common Nursery Fabrics
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber used for many different fabric types such as jersey, muslin, and flannel. Standard cotton fabric is also popular, offering a smooth, breathable fabric perfect for sheets, onesies, and even decor.
- Organic cotton: Organic cotton is cotton grown and processed without harsh chemicals. This is an excellent eco friendly nursery choice.
- Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic textile, often a blend of polyester and nylon. It can be very soft, and is a popular choice for blankets, sweaters, and sleep sacks.
- Blended fabrics: You can often find blended fabrics, which may include a mix of materials, such as a cotton-polyester blend. Modal, which often mixes spandex with cotton, is a popular example of a blended fabric.
Cotton, and especially organic cotton, is a popular choice for nurseries. Because the fabric is soft, breathable, a natural material, and easy to wash, families trust cotton for their babies. It also holds dyes well and often comes in pretty patterns.
Microfiber and blended synthetic fabrics are often more budget-friendly than cotton. Although they tend to be less breathable, these options can be useful, especially during the colder months, for keeping your baby warm.
Because these options contain synthetic fabrics, they may break down into microplastics over time. If you’re concerned about exposing your baby to microplastics, you may consider using microfiber and blended fabrics only for furniture and decor items.
What to Look for When Shopping
When choosing fabrics for your baby with safety and health in mind, there are a few key considerations. Softness, comfort, and breathability are at the top of the list. When purchasing crib sheets for my children, breathability quickly became a priority, as my daughter had very sensitive skin. Cotton was the obvious choice for its breathability. Plus, it’s also easy to wash.
Also, always choose well-constructed, fitted sheets you can count on to stay in place, as loose bedding is a hazard for newborns. One thing to look for is sheets with elastic all around the edge. This helps ensure a tight fit, which is essential for following safe sleep practices.
Choosing Bedding for Everyday Use
If you’re planning your nursery, the bedding you’ll need includes:
- Crib sheets
- Wearable blankets and sleep sacks
- Nursery blankets
- Swaddles
Also, consider choosing pajama options you can easily layer with a wearable blanket or sleep sack to keep your baby comfortable throughout every season.
Key Takeaway
You don’t need to avoid specific materials altogether. Instead, focus on the quality of the item, and ensure the material works well for the function. Also, remember that baby products are well-regulated within the United States, so you can trust that well-known baby brands are meeting safety regulations and standards.
Nursery Décor Ideas for a Safe and Comfortable Space
How can you create a stylish space for your baby to grow without skimping on safety?
Mobiles
A mobile is the perfect item to keep your baby entertained and help them fall asleep. To use it safely, stop using the mobile when your baby is able to crawl or pull up on the crib.
Window Treatments
Curtains and window valances enhance your baby’s nursery theme and help block out sunlight, an important factor for naps. Remember to avoid curtains and blinds with long cords, or to keep them out of reach. Alternatively, use a window valance with a shade to prevent accidents as your baby grows.
Rugs
Babies spend a lot of time on the floor, so why not add some style with a cozy rug? A rug creates the perfect space for tummy time and play.
Organic Nursery Essentials for Families Who Prefer Natural Materials
Choosing to purchase organic products is a priority for some families looking to create an eco friendly nursery. Opting for products produced with fewer pesticides and harsh processing chemicals, such as organic cotton, can have a positive impact on the environment.
For families concerned about chemical exposure, organic cotton may also have fewer chemical residues from pesticides or processing than conventional cotton. That said, washing any new cotton item can remove dust and residues, so it’s as safe as possible for your baby.
Some organic nursery ideas include:
- Purchasing organic cotton crib sheets
- Choosing organic cotton blankets, and bedding sets
- Selecting furniture with certifications to ensure low VOCs
- Washing or airing out non-organic products before placing them in the nursery
Creating a Healthy Nursery Environment That Works for Your Family
Creating a healthy nursery doesn’t require perfection. Whether you purchase non toxic or conventional fabrics, furniture, and decor, you can take steps to create a healthy, non toxic nursery. In addition to making informed purchases, remember to ventilate properly, dust and vacuum regularly, and air out any new products for a few days before moving them into the nursery.
When planning your nursery, remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Check reviews, look at certifications, and the list of materials to make informed decisions. Also, keep in mind that many of the pieces you purchase can transfer into your baby’s toddler bedroom. Avoiding trends and prioritizing comfort and functionality can help ensure your purchases last through early childhood.
As you work on creating a healthy nursery for your baby, prioritize comfort, safety, and quality. Remember, every family has unique needs and priorities, so what works best for your family may be different than what works best for another family. Aim to make decisions for your child’s nursery that you can feel confident about.
Are you planning your baby’s nursery? Discover Lambs & Ivy’s safe nursery products, bedding, and décor. For families looking for organic options, check out our Organic Bedding Collection.
