Preparing for the arrival of a new bundle of joy is an exciting time for all new parents. There are so many ways that you can prepare your lives and your home for your precious little one, and a major part of this preparation is designing a nursery, a wholesome and beautiful space that your child can call their own. Many parents want to do everything that they can in order to protect their newborn from harmful toxins and allergens in the environment, and one way in which this can be done is by designing an eco-friendly nursery which is also kind the environment. If you’re thinking of designing an eco-friendly nursery for your baby, we’ve put together some tips and ideas for you.
Natural, Eco-Friendly Wood
When choosing a crib for your baby, it’s important to pick a material that is as eco-friendly as possible. Natural, recycled or organic wood does not contain as many toxins as traditional wood finishes, so it’s best to look for a crib that is made from one of these materials. A crib made from organic materials is less likely to contain any hazardous materials, and they also tend to be higher quality as well as being kind to the environment. Purchase the crib early on in your pregnancy to allow enough time for it to be shipped and assembled.
Organic Fabrics
When buying bedding, you’ll be looking for a fabric that is as kind as possible to your baby’s sensitive skin. Consider buying bedding and sheets that are 100% organic cotton rather than wool or polyester, and opt for fabrics that were made using natural rather than artificial dyes, as this will protect from harmful chemicals and allergens that can irritate your baby’s skin.
Organic Paint
If you plan on painting your baby’s nursery a pretty colour, you may have some concerns about the harmful toxins found in traditional paints. Thankfully, due to the amount of consumers being more health conscious and eco-friendly, many paint manufacturers have started selling non-toxic and eco-friendly paint products which you can use. Consider using paints without VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which greatly reduce the amount of toxins circulating in the air, and also have a much milder odour than traditional paints. When painting, don’t forget to use a durable masking tape such as JTape to make the job easier.
Natural Flooring
When it comes to choosing flooring for your baby’s nursery, you might want to consider an option that is natural and has less toxins. Consider natural wool carpet for the nursery, as these are free from VOCs and many other toxins and they’re also soft underfoot and will create a cosy feel in your baby’s space. Bamboo, cork, wood and natural linoleum are also excellent eco-friendly options for flooring.
How did you design your baby’s nursery to be eco-friendly? Do you have any advice for other parents wanting to protect their baby’s health and the environment? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.