Some baby furniture, baby gear and common home improvement materials contain toxins and chemicals that can be dangerous to you and your new baby.
More and more parents are interested in creating a more pure, eco-friendly environment for their new child, starting with the nursery. With a few modifications, you can green your baby’s nursery and create an eco-friendly environment.
Step 1: Pick your paint
Painted walls continue to emit toxins well after they are painted and dry. To obtain the least toxic environment for your nursery, look for paints with zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or low VOCs, like the Benjamin Moore Natura line. The Natura paints emit a lower total amount of VOCs without compromising quality or color selection.
More painting tips
- Paint earlier in the day.
- Let the room air out up to seven days after application.
- Keep all windows open to properly ventilate your home and allow for quicker drying time.
- To avoid VOCs, pick a lighter color, as tints can sometimes contain small amounts of VOCs.
Step 2: Pick your flooring
Flooring options with the lowest amount of toxins can be found in natural woods and eco-friendly, sustainable carpeting. For area rugs, Mohawk Home is one of the leading rug manufacturers and offers natural, sustainable and eco-friendly area rugs, which are great for little babies because when they’re not in your arms, they spend most of their first year on the floor or very close to it.
Eco-friendly furniture ideas >>
Step 3: Pick your furniture
The most natural nursery furniture you can get for your baby are pieces free of paint and toxic varnishes. Eco-friendly cribs, dressers and changing tables contain no- or low-VOC paints, and are made from birch, bamboo or reclaimed wood. The Oeuf Sparrow crib is made from solid birch, is free of VOCs, and the waterborne finishes are completely non-toxic. Cribs like the Oeuf Sparrow are even more eco-conscious because they can be converted to a toddler bed and reduce the amount of furniture to purchase over time.
Step 4: Pick your mattress and bedding
Natural, organic mattresses are often harder to come by. Even some of the more eco-friendly mattresses contain small amounts of toxins, so make sure you know the entire contents of your crib mattress before you buy what you think is an eco-friendly, organic mattress. The Nook Pebble Pure crib mattress features a dual-sided design with a breathable cover and a core made of certified organic coconut layered with natural latex foam. The Pebble Pure mattress doesn’t require the use of a fitted sheet, but you can add bright patterns and change up your nursery colors with the organic, non-toxic and breathable fitted crib sheet.
Step 5: Pick your baby gear and nursery accessories
If your nursery is eco-friendly, it’s likely you will want not only eco-friendly and organic nursery accessories, but eco-friendly baby gear as well.
Top eco-friendly baby gear and nursery accessories include:
- Play: BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance Organic
- On-the-go: Orbit Baby infant car seat and G2 stroller
- Eat: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
- Carry: ERGO Baby Organic Baby Carrier
- Swaddle: aden + anais Organic Pure Swaddle
Eco-friendly baby registry checklist >>
More eco-friendly and organic ideas for baby
Eco-friendly toys for babies
Making organic baby food
Earth-friendly baby proofing
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