When baby arrives, that little immune system is still developing. By creating an eco-friendly nursery, you’ll be adding some additional protection from toxins – ones that may affect your little one more than it will affect you.
MATTRESSES
When creating an eco-friendly nursery, organic crib mattresses are a high priority because baby will spend a lot of time sleeping on it. When choosing a mattress, one made with natural materials such as organic cotton and wool, or natural rubber (free of petrochemicals) is a good starting point. There are also organic mattress pad protectors that work as a barrier between baby and the bed if you choose a conventional mattress. Just remember to air the mattress out for as long as possible, to allow any gasses to be released.
CRIBS & CHANGE TABLES
Nursery furniture has come a long way over the past few years. Many furniture companies are utilizing bamboo and other woods from sustainable farms. As well, eco-friendly cribs boast low VOC (volatile organic compound) levels. When selecting the right furniture, the key is finding items made of solid, sustainable wood.
BEDDING
Because conventional cotton is one of the most heavily-sprayed crops in the word, choosing organic bedding is the best way to protect baby’s skin. Organic bedding is a good way to eliminate baby’s exposure to pesticides. By keeping those chemicals away while he or she is sleeping, you’re offering baby’s skin some protection.
PAINT
Like a lot of mamas, you might want to prep the nursery far in advance of baby’s arrival – including painting the walls – so be sure to choose a non-toxic paint. Ordinary paint can give off gases for several years, long after baby has moved in. Be sure to select one with low VOCs. As regular paint dries, VOCs are released into the air giving off that strong paint smell. The gases and chemicals in the fumes can be dangerous to baby’s health.
FLOORING
Sure, carpet can seem like a cozy choice in baby’s nursery, but it can contain VOCs. Carpet also contains adhesives, stain protectors and flame retardants – all known allergies which can cause respiratory problems. To keep the nursery eco-friendly, opt for hardwoods, bamboo, and cork floorings or rugs that are made of natural fibers.
AIR
Because babies breathe more rapidly than adults, the opportunity for pollutants to get into their little lungs is much higher. Be careful when choosing an air purifier, though, because some do more harm than good. For example, ionizing air purifiers release ozone – something you don’t want baby to inhale. But selecting the right one and investing in a good air purifier will help rid the nursery of household allergens (mold, dust, pollen), chemicals and gases.
E-Town’s “Green” Nursery Sources
Creating an eco-friendly nursery can be easy, especially with help of people in the know.
- Carbon Environmental Boutique: 10184-104 Street (780) 498-1900
- West Coast Kids: 10424 169 St NW (780) 489-0707
Eco-Friendly Nursery Gear Suggestions
- Mattresses:
- Pebble Organic (available at West Coast Kids)
- Sueno (available at Carbon Environmental Boutique)
- Paint: Mythic (available at Carbon Environmental Boutique)
- Air Purifiers: Austen Air Purifiers (available at Carbon Environmental Boutique)
- Crib Bedding: Dwell, Kids Line, Lambs & Ivy (available at West Coast Kids)
- Furniture: Oeuf NYC, Bloom Baby, Natart (available at West Coast Kids)
By Kerri Leland
