Creating an Eco-Friendly Baby Nursery

Parents all want the absolute best for their children, including the safest and healthiest food, clothing, and nursery products. Baby will spend most of his first months sleeping in the nursery, so it's important that you keep the nursery free of any dangerous toxins or products that could harm baby. One way to ensure that your baby's nursery is healthy is to create an eco-friendly nursery.

Use low-VOC or VOC-free Paint for Healthy Walls


Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) are emitted by some paints and lacquers so they create toxic emissions. When painting your nursery try to use paints that are VOC-free or have low levels of VOC.



Avoid Wall-to-Wall Carpet


The glue and backing of carpets can contain high levels of chemicals that are harmful for baby. If you must, a carpet with 100% natural fibers is a better option.  However, hardwood is always a great choice.

Look for Furniture Made with FSC-certified Wood 


Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood used in furniture indicates that the furniture is sustainable because the wood was harvested responsibly and in a way that protects the ecosystem.

The Less Plastic Toys the Better


Plastic toys made with PVC are made with vinyl chloride, which is a known carcinogen. They also tend to contain phthalates, which can adversely affect human reproduction and development. A few high-quality, eco-friendly toys in the room will make the room healthy and less cluttered.

Forego the Blinds


Forget about getting plastic blinds for the windows – the cords can strangle baby and the PVC plastic gives off gas when the sun heats it. Look for organic fabric curtains to block out the sunlight.

Use Eco-friendly Bedding 


Eco-friendly bedding for cribs are made with all natural materials like cotton and wool. Not only are they better for the environment, they’re free of harmful chemicals so they’re also the safest choice for baby. 



Invest in an Air Purifier


A good air purifier will help get rid of pollutants in the air so baby can breathe easier. A humidifier with a HEPA filter is the best choice to go with. Also, an air purifier can double as a white noise machine making it easier for baby to fall asleep.



Look for Hand-me-downs


Instead of buying all new toys and baby gear for the nursery, ask friends and family if they have any hand-me-downs you can use. Recycling and reusing products is eco-friendly and helps save money. Just check to make sure the items haven’t been recalled and are safe for baby’s use.

Use Cloth Diapers


Cloth diapers are better for the environment because they don’t get tossed out after every use like disposables do. Just wash the cloth insert after each use. Cloth diapers are also better for baby’s sensitive skin. 



Get a Natural Crib Mattress


Mattresses made with foam are required to be treated with fire-retardant chemicals, which are toxic and give off terrible fumes. A natural mattress may be more difficult to find and a little more expensive but it’s definitely worth having in baby’s room.