How to Create a Healthy Nursery

What Is an Organic Wool Nursery Mattress?

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).

What Is an Organic Cotton Nursery Mattress?

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).

What Is an Natural Latex Nursery Mattress?

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.

What Type of Pillow Should I Get for a Nursery?

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.

Is All Nursery Furniture Safe for Babies?

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.

Is Vintage or Reclaimed Nursery Furniture Good?

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.

What Is the Best Type of Paint for a Nursery?

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.

What Are the Best Nursery Crib Sheets?

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.

What Is the Safest Type of Flooring for a Nursery?

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.