Last Updated: Feb 23, 2021
Raising a tiny human can be one of the most rewarding (and OVERWHELMING) experiences on the planet. Right from the get-go, it's all about health. From prenatal vitamins and birth plans to choosing all the things, it's no wonder that new parents are in a bit of a head spin. Add in the desire to create a healthy nursery, and it can feel even more complicated. The good news? Babies don't need much. And as for a healthy nursery, it's the quality of the items you do bring in the home that matter the most. So as you prepare to gaze at that tiny newborn, take comfort in the fact that there are many more options than ever before. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your child's nursery is a safe and healthy place to thrive.
If you're lucky, your baby will spend 12 – 16 hours a day peacefully slumbering away. This means it makes sense to spend some time sleuthing out precisely what type of materials are in crib mattresses. While there are crib and mattress safety guidelines you'll want to follow in terms of firmness and fit, when you're making a purchase, this is one case where it truly is what's inside that counts.
A key term here is non-toxic because all mattress materials are not equal. Some are downright full of chemicals. You'll want to choose a mattress that has the least amount of harmful chemicals. Why? Because these toxins never stay put inside the bed, they generally release gases (called off-gassing) into the air–and straight into the breathing environment. The solution? Choose a GOTS or GOLS mattress certified and made with natural materials like organic cotton and wool.
Unfortunately, just because it says it's organic, it doesn't automatically mean that there aren't harmful chemicals in the mattress. Greenwashing in this market is a big issue. Because of this, it pays to be a total label nerd and ask a lot of questions.
Wool is a bit of a superstar in the mattress material world. First, it scores high marks for the fact that it's a completely sustainable resource. Second, wool is naturally flame resistant. It is the only material not required, by law, to be treated with flame retardants. It's hypoallergenic, with no off-gassing and zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Organic cotton nursery mattresses are manufactured with organic cotton, meaning it is not grown with pesticides or other harsh chemicals. Most of the certified organic mattresses you'll find contain at least some organic cotton. But that doesn't mean that they don't contain polyurethane foam (refer back to label nerd comment above).
Natural latex nursery mattresses are made with Dunlop latex with an organic cotton cover. These mattresses are made with materials without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides. They are also un-dyed and unbleached. Some natural latex mattresses can be a better choice than a conventional crib mattress but, be warned, many people suffer from latex allergies and sensitivities. And, unfortunately, there is no way of knowing if your baby will be one of them.
Many mattresses are treated with chemical flame retardants to meet some federal regulations (in the USA, in Canada, this isn't required). If you're shopping in the USA or Canada, you can ask directly about the use of retardants. There are healthier workarounds, like the use of wool, which is naturally flame resistant. Be sure to ask directly about the use of these chemicals, as the off-gassing can create low air quality.
This includes other types of foam as well, like soy foam or plant-based foams. These foams emit harmful VOCs and contribute to worse air quality in your nursery.
It's natural to want to protect your new mattress or buy one with built-in protection, but the truth is that vinyl is one of the least healthy plastics. So, if a mattress is labeled 'waterproof,' you'll want to ask exactly how they are achieving it. Some sustainable mattress companies achieve a waterproof barrier by using a plant-based polyethylene coating.
Babies don't need pillows. Experts recommend avoiding the use of pillows until children are at least two years old. If your child progresses to a bed, consider organic 100% rubber or latex or feather pillows, which don't need treatment with flame retardants.
Putting together a nursery is one of the sweetest times in life. It'll also likely be the LAST time that you can dictate what goes into their room - so enjoy it!
In general, you will want to stock your new baby's room with a crib, a changing table, a dresser, and a comfortable chair for nursing. While the essential items are as individual as each family, there are a few things to consider when you're selecting furniture.
A lot of newer furniture manufacturers build with plywood or particleboard. Formaldehyde is often used in these products' glues, and resins are highly irritating VOC and a carcinogen. While all new furniture contains a small amount of naturally occurring formaldehyde, plywood and particle board furniture usually carry higher amounts. All wood furniture off-gasses over its lifetime, and it's within the first year that you get the most off-gassing. Take a look at Rise's past article: Best Cribs for Healthy Nurseries.
Furnishing your nursery provides an excellent opportunity to reuse furniture. There are wonderful vintage pieces, like dressers, that you can use to individualize your space (which is actually a look in itself). And much of the furniture constructed before about 1980 is solid wood construction, meaning that you will get a higher quality piece of furniture, with no off-gassing. It also ticks the (reuse) category, making it a super green choice.
From Craigslist to Facebook marketplace to parent swap groups, there is no shortage of second-hand baby items floating around out there. Heck, even Swedish furniture giant IKEA has a second-hand section these days! Because these items are in use for such a limited time, many are still in perfect condition. If you decide to go for pre-loved pieces, it is important to check for potentially dangerous or recalled baby items, like drop sided cribs.
If you're looking to freshen up the nursery with a new coat of paint, you'll be happy to know that almost every line of paint these days has a low or no VOC option. Beyond that, there are other healthy eco paint options, like chalk paint and even milk paint.
When selecting crib sheets, the type of fabric and also the dying process can be examined. In all cases, certified organic cotton, flannel, or bamboo is the way to go.
Hardwood or tile are, in general, the safest options. You can clean them easily, and you will keep dust and allergens to a minimum. If you opt for a wall to wall carpet, be careful! The quality of materials needs to be taken into consideration. Many rugs result in some serious off-gassing, and synthetic materials are often treated with flame retardants, like mattresses. Luckily, there are many non-toxic options on the market today. What to do? Choose natural fibers! 100% wool, sisal, or jute are all excellent options that don't need to be treated for fire resistance.
Curating a collection that boasts everything from your grandmother's handmade quilt to your BFF's hand me down change table can create a beautiful nursery vibe. In the greenest way.
Maybe it's the mama bear hormones, or perhaps it's the fact that babies and children are far more susceptible to VOCs than adults. Regardless of the reason, all parents want a safe and healthy environment for their baby. By being selective about materials, buying used furniture, getting deep into labels, and asking the right questions, you can create a healthy nursery for little ones now and in the years to come. And hold on, because it's going to be quite a ride.
Joy grew up in the natural beauty of the North Okanagan, nestled near the foot of the Monashee Mountains. Hailing from a family of home builders, both the environment and home construction became closely intertwined in her youth. Today, she and her builder hubby are raising their family in Vancouver, where she avidly follows the current sustainable construction trends as the city aims for the title of ‘Greenest City’ by 2020.