Green Nursery, Green Family
Creating a Cleaner, Greener Home
Welcoming a baby into your life is truly an amazing experience and often makes us look at life in a different way. Eco-friendly living takes on a whole new meaning and in the past few years creating a healthier, cleaner, greener home has become easier to accomplish.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all toxins, we can take steps to reduce or eliminate the most detrimental exposures and keep our kids and our planet as safe and healthy as possible. There are so many more options available to new parents today to create a green, organic environment, and going green does not mean sacrificing style. So where should you start?
Eco-Friendly Nursery Paint
Because the wall color is one of the most important design elements in a room, painting the nursery is a typical first step. However, many types of paint emit toxins called volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These VOCs can be hazardous to your health as well as to your baby.
Luckily you can still paint the nursery by using eco-friendly paints that do not contain the same harmful VOC levels as traditional paints. These are widely available today at most of your home improvement stores.
Eco-Friendly Carpet & Flooring
Flooring choice is another important element of a healthy, organic nursery. Although carpet seems like a great cozy choice for a nursery, it’s actually not the best selection.
Like paint, carpet can contain VOCs. In addition, carpets contain other known allergens such as adhesives, stain protectors, and flame retardants, all of which can potentially cause respiratory problems. However, there are healthier flooring alternatives such as eco-friendly hardwoods, bamboo, and cork floorings or rugs made of natural fibers.
Nursery Furniture
Babies sleep a lot. What your baby sleeps on and in is most important.
Your baby ends up spending much of the early part of his or her life in the crib so consider purchasing a nontoxic baby crib. Many traditionally-finished wood cribs may not be the healthiest for a baby. In particular, furniture made of pressed wood typically uses adhesives that may contain toxins that can be irritating to your baby. Consider buying sustainable natural wood furniture.
Organic Crib Mattress
Choosing an organic mattress should be a serious consideration. This is not a cheap decision. Even if a brand says the product is organic, do your research. The outer fabric could be the only organic part. For a truly organic mattress consider the construction and components used to create the mattress, even down to what makes the mattress fire retardant to determine that will give you the best value.
Most children today, especially if you have a convertible crib, will sleep on this mattress for 3 to 4 years. So, look at this as an investment. And if you are not in the position to buy an organic mattress make certain that you give your nursery time to “off-gas” before baby sleeps in it.
Organic Crib Bedding
Did you know that conventional cotton is one of the most heavily-sprayed crops in the world? Consider this, 1/3 pound of pesticides is sprayed on the cotton it takes to make one t-shirt! Your baby’s skin is his or her largest organ so it makes sense to eliminate exposure to pesticides by starting where he or she sleeps. So if you are striving to set up a wonderful organic baby nursery, don’t forget organic crib bedding. Today there are many brands on the market with beautiful colors and patterns to choose from.
Nursery Rocking Chair
Babies love to be rocked. A rocking chair or nursery glider can be a major purchase. As you shop, be sure to test chairs and gliders for comfort. Spend a few moments to see how they feel. Imagine hanging out in the chair rocking your baby or nursing. Is their sufficient padding? Is your back and neck supported for those late night feedings where you just may nod off yourself?
Nursery Lamps/Lighting
You will most likely have general overhead lighting in the nursery. For night-time feedings and quiet time with your baby, you may want to add a nursery lamp for more gentle lighting. This will help keep late-night disturbances at a minimum and help your child get back to sleep faster.
Nursery Changing Tables
You may be thinking about purchasing a nursery changing table or a dresser with a changing table attachment. Remember that you will be changing a lot of diapers so it’s important that the table is at the proper height.
Disposable vs. Cloth Diapers
Even knowing the benefits, some people still find cloth diapers intimidating. The good news is that today’s organic cloth diapers are not the same as those in years past. There have been innovations to make them easier to use and more convenient for today’s times.
The bottom line is that using organic diapers is a personal choice. If you find the idea of going to all cloth diapers intimidating for your busy lifestyle, consider a compromise. Some people use cloth diapers while at home and disposables for when they are on the go. Experiment to see what works best for your family.
Baby Care Products
Use only all natural products to bath and moisturize your baby. There are many natural and organic lines on the market today. Look for ingredients like water, olive oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and cocoa butter. Avoid petroleum based products, mineral oils, fragrances and synthetic chemicals. Your baby’s skin is sensitive and by using all natural and organic products you will avoid many skin ailments that make babies uncomfortable.
Cleaning Products
There are so many all natural products on the market today, that it is easy to keep a green home clean.
Creating a green nursery is a positive and comforting way to begin life with your baby. Going green is more than a fad, it is a lifestyle. Introduce your new treasure to a healthy world. Think of going green as an investment, not only for you and your baby, but for the world, and your baby’s future.
