Creating an Eco-Friendly Nursery
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| Minimize exposure to chemicals with an eco-friendly nursery. Photo: OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com |
Organic Baby Gift Boutique, a website offering only natural and organic products for babies and toddlers, asked me to write a guest post for its blog. I agreed, as I personally strive to use only natural products whenever possible for my family.
Read on to find out how to set up an eco-friendly nursery, and please visit www.OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com to view its array of cute products or to set up a baby registry.
Eco-friendly nurseries not only provide babies with safe and non-toxic environments, but also help sustain the earth by minimizing carbon footprints. Infants are particularly susceptible to toxins from baby products that used chemicals during the manufacturing process. When considering an eco-friendly nursery, look for items made of natural and organic materials.
Furniture
For cribs, dressers, bookcases and other furniture, search for products using certified sustainable wood or reclaimed materials. Avoid furniture made with pressed-woods, plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) as they often use resins and glues containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Though plastic furniture is typically lighter in weight and less expensive than natural or recycled materials, parents should steer clear of these as well. Plastics are made from petroleum which can be toxic and do not easily break down when disposed of.
Mattresses/Pads
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| Natural and organic toys and decor provide a safe haven. Photo: OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com |
Avoid mattresses, changing pads, and mattress pads that contain vinyl, PVC, phthalates, latex and polyurethane foam. Regular mattresses are typically treated with fire retardants, a substance banned in children’s clothing during the 1970’s due to harmful and potentially cancer-causing chemicals. Regular exposure to these toxins can accumulate in bodies and alter the endocrine and nervous systems.
Bedding
Since babies spend the majority of their first few months sleeping, it is important to ensure all products are safe that directly contact their delicate skin. Use organic 100% cotton crib sheets, blankets, and other bedding since conventional cotton crops are heavily treated with pesticides. For toddlers and kids using pillows, find those filled with natural stuffing such as untreated wool and organic cotton.
Décor
Many parents prefer wall decals to decorate baby’s room since these products provide stick-and-peel ease and do not damage walls. Make sure decals are made of non-vinyl eco-friendly materials which will be free of PVCs. When decorating beds and shelves with stuffed animals and toys, organic materials are the best option as babies put everything in their mouths. These earth-friendly materials also breakdown much quicker than synthetic materials in landfills.
Organic Baby Gift Boutique holds these safety and eco-friendly considerations in mind when determining selections to offer parents. For a comprehensive collection of organic and natural products, please visit www.OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com.
Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
