CREATING A HEALTHY NURSERY: 7 TIPS TO ELIMINATE TOXINS

Expecting a baby, especially your first, is one of the most thrilling times of your life. You’re excited, nervous, and feeling all the emotions as you dive into this incredible journey. When you start exploring baby products, gear, clothing, and feeding options, the choices can be overwhelming. As you build your inspiration boards for the perfect nursery, you realize there’s a lot of research to be done. What’s the best? What’s the safest? What do you really need? Your main focus is to keep your baby safe and healthy, but where do you start?

With so many labels like organic, Greenguard Certified, Low or zero-VOC, and “Phthalate-free”, it can be confusing to know what to look for. Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal for new parents. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered when it comes to planning your nursery.

Babies and children are especially sensitive to environmental toxins and harmful chemicals because they breathe in more air per pound of body weight than adults, exposing them to higher doses of whatever is in the air. Their immune systems are more susceptible, and their organs are still developing. Unfortunately, some nursery items might release harmful chemicals into the air, which is why it’s crucial to eliminate as many potential hazards as possible to improve your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

I’ve linked some of the best brands and products below that I’ve found to be top-notch in their categories. Use this guide to learn what makes some products safer than conventional brands. You’ll soon be making informed decisions about what to put in your nursery. Because what you choose truly matters.

Here are a few quick tips to start your baby’s room off right- safe and toxin-free:

1) CHOOSE A NON-TOXIC OR NATURAL PAINT:

Painting is one of the quickest ways to refresh a space and bring your nursery design together. However, it’s also a major source of indoor air pollution due to harmful chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can off-gas, releasing toxic emissions into the air you and your family breathe, potentially leading to various health issues.

While many conventional paint brands now offer “low VOC” or “no VOC” options, it’s important to note that these aren’t always completely non-toxic. They might still contain low levels of VOCs and other additives like solvents, biocides, or fungicides. When you’re at the paint store, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Ensure that both the paint base and color pigments are free from extra additives or chemical solvents. Request the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and check the VOC content. By law, paint can contain up to 150 grams of VOCs per liter, but the lower the number, the better. Generally, a low-VOC paint has less than 50 grams per liter, and a “zer-VOC”paint has fewer than 5 grams per liter according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24.

For the safest choice, select paint from brands that prioritize health and indoor air quality. These brands work to drastically reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals. Non-toxic or natural paints are the safest options, made from natural, raw ingredients like:

Water
Vegetable Oils
Essential Oils
Plant Dyes
Natural Minerals
Milk Protein
Linseed Oil
Natural Latex
Beeswax

And a friendly reminder: avoid paint fumes as much as possible, and never paint the room yourself if you’re pregnant. Choose your brand and color, then sit back, relax, and let the professionals handle the painting for you. Have the room painted a couple months in advance of your due date if possible and open the windows throughout the day to air out for several days after application.

My three favorite brands are below; and ones I use for my own home as well as client’s rooms:

2) SHOP FOR A NATURAL BASSINET & CRIB:

Many parents start their baby off in a bassinet next to their bed for those early weeks when frequent feedings and wake-ups are the norm. Others prefer to let their baby sleep in a crib from the first night at home. Whichever option you choose, your baby will spend many hours sleeping in this space, so ensuring your bassinet and/or crib is made of natural materials is crucial.

Here are some tips for choosing the right furnishings:

Avoid: Engineered wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood or veneers, as these often use glues that may contain formaldehyde.

Look for: Solid wood construction, which eliminates the use of toxic glues and adhesives. Opt for low or no VOC finishes (stain or paint). Unfinished wood is a great choice if you love a natural look, or you can find a natural paint color and have it painted, knowing your finish is toxin-free.

To make your search easier, look for products with the Greenguard Gold certified seal. This third-party certification ensures that products meet the strict standards for chemical emissions and VOC’s, such as formaldehyde or phthalates. Greenguard Gold products have been independently tested and screened for over 10,000 chemicals and more than 360 VOCs that can pollute your indoor air. Choosing these certified products helps reduce indoor air pollution and chemical exposure, giving you peace of mind.

Here are a few of my favorite brands that use natural materials without additives or toxins, or offer a line of Greenguard Gold certified options:

3) CHOOSE A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS & PAD FOR HEALTHIER SLEEP:

Your baby will sleep a lot-between 14-17 hours a day in the first three months! This makes the mattress they sleep on incredibly important. Many conventional mattresses contain flame retardants to meet flammability regulations, as well as VOCs, chemical adhesives, polyurethane foam, or vinyl waterproofing. These materials can release harmful chemical emissions, especially when heated by your baby’s body, potentially leading to health issues.

While flame retardants might seem like a good idea to reduce fire risk, chemicals used can disrupt the endocrine and immune systems. A truly non-toxic mattress brand meets flammability standards without harmful chemicals. For example, organic wool is a natural fire barrier and a great alternative to chemical flame retardants.

Purchasing a non-toxic mattress should be a priority. Be cautious of brands that claim their products are organic but lack proper certifications. Ensure you know all the materials used in the mattress. One organic component doesn’t make the entire mattress toxin-free. A healthy mattress should use organic materials throughout. Look for mattresses certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard). These certifications ensure the highest standards for organic materials. Other certifications like Oeko-Tex and Certi-Pur exist, but their standards aren’t as stringent. Stick with GOTS or GOLS certifications for a safer sleep environment for your baby.

And remember, your health is important too- consider investing in a healthier mattresses for yourself as well!

Naturepedic

4) VENTILATION AND CLEAN AIR IS KEY:

The items we place in a room, if not certified non-toxic, can increase your baby’s exposure to air pollutants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutant levels can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels due to chemical-laden products and poor ventilation. Common sources of indoor air pollution include dust, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, fuel-burning appliances, household cleaners, building products, and furnishings.

These pollutants can be released intermittently or continuously, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, allergies, runny nose, and asthma attacks. An air purifier can effectively trap these allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring your baby breathes cleaner air. Monitoring the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home can help you take steps to maintain clean and pure air.

Investing in a high-quality air purifier is highly recommended. Look for units certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to meet an ozone emission concentration limit of 0.050 parts per million. The best air purifiers will include:

True HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter: Removes at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles.
Activated carbon filter: Traps chemical vapors and odors, keeping the room smelling fresh.

These features will give you peace of mind, knowing that the air your baby breathes is as safe as possible. Keep in mind that replacement filters can be costly, so consider your budget for both the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, ensure the unit is suitable to filter air for the size of the room.

A note on ionic purifiers and ozone generators - Some units offer an ionizing function, which may be ok if you are able to turn this function off. However, this ionizing process emits a small amount of ozone which is actually a throat and lung irritant, triggering asthma. If you can’t turn this function off, then move on to a different unit.

Remember, fresh air exchange is key. If you aren’t able to purchase an air purifier at this time (hey, put it on your baby shower registry!), then open some windows and get good air circulation going in the space.

5) MINIMIZE EMF EXPOSURE:

In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid electronic devices. Over the years, we’ve become increasingly surrounded by modern technologies, smart devices, and WIFI, all of which we rely on to make our lives easier. However, these devices emit low-frequency Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation, which can potentially impact a developing baby. While the data on this topic is still evolving and not entirely conclusive, some studies suggest that EMF exposure may lead to oxidative stress, decreased immune response, and reduced sleep quality.

Here are some precautionary steps you can take to reduce your baby’s EMF exposure in the nursery:

Keep Mobile Devices Out of the Room: The closer you are to an EMF-emitting device, the greater the potential impact. Prioritize time with your baby and minimize distractions by keeping cell phones out of the nursery.
Turn Off Devices at Night: Switch off or set all devices to airplane mode while you sleep. This includes your WiFi router.
Relocate the Internet Router: If your router is in or near the nursery, consider moving it. Avoid placing it on shared bedroom walls. Set up the nursery in a room farthest from the WiFi router and breaker boxes.
Use a Hard-Wired Baby Monitor: Opt for a wired baby monitor instead of a wireless model to further reduce EMF exposure.

Being mindful of these steps can go a long way in creating a safer environment for your baby. You’ve got this!

6) SHOP FOR NATURAL WOOD & PLASTIC-FREE TOYS:

Plastic toys can contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which may include phthalates, known carcinogens. This is why reducing single-use plastics in your home is crucial, especially for children’s toys.

Babies tend to put anything in their mouths, so it’s essential to know what materials are used in their toys and teething rings. You wouldn’t want your child to suck on a toy made with toxic glues, formaldehyde, or lead paints. knowingly allow your child to suck on a toy that was made with toxic glues containing formaldehyde, lead paints or stains. Here are some tips on finding the best natural wood toys:

Natural Wood Toys: These toys are not only safer but also aesthetically pleasing with their neutral colors. Unlike brightly colored plastic toys, natural wood toys blend seamlessly into nursery decor. They are durable, often made from sustainable materials, and biodegradable.
Plush Toys: While plush toys can be adorable, they are often made with polyurethane foams, PVC, flame retardants, and synthetic textiles- all of which can be harmful. Instead, opt for plush toys made from natural fabrics. Look for GOTS certification and choose organic cotton or wool fill over polyurethane foam.

For the safest, most adorable, and fun non-toxic toys, consider shopping at stores like Sprout San Francisco. They offer a wide range of natural and non-toxic toys, taking the guesswork out of your shopping experience.

Here a few of my favorite brands:

Shops

7) ORGANIC BLANKETS, SWADDLES & BEDDING:
First things first: the days of ruffled and plush crib bumpers are over. For safety reasons, it’s best to keep the crib free of any bedding that could potentially cover your baby’s face. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). All you need is a fitted sheet.

When it comes to crib sheets, swaddles, and blankets, choosing organic materials is key for a non-toxic environment. Conventional cotton, often used in bedding, is grown with more pesticides than any other crop, making it one of the dirtiest. Instead, look for bedding made from natural materials like 100% organic cotton, wool, or linen, preferably GOTS certified. This ensures your sheets and blankets are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Here are some of my favorite brands for organic bedding:

Coyuchi
Pehr
Naturepedic

As you shop, avoid products containing flame retardants, phthalates, VOC’s, BPA, formaldehyde and synthetic textiles. Start by listing what’s most important to you and prioritize sourcing those items. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that every step you take towards a safer environment for your baby is a positive one.