Congratulations now that you're pregnant...lets go shopping! Here's a simple list of basics to watch out for when designing your beautiful healthy nursery.
Furniture
Go with furniture that's made of all wood rather than something constructed with MDF (Medium Density Fiber). MDF is a pressed wood made with formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals that will off-gas into the air your baby is breathing. Make sure the furniture is finished with a non-toxic paint or sealant.
Steer clear of plastic furniture and laminates (like formica) as well, since they are made from petroleum and suffer the same issues.
Paint it 'Green'
No matter what color you choose to paint your nursery, think 'green'. Even though lead has been banned in traditional paint since 1978, you should take care when purchasing paint, that it is low in VOCs, (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are toxic fumes that will off-gas into the air. These fumes can dramatically affect your baby your baby both before and after you've given birth. So, if you're pregnant let someone else do the work, stay away from the house, open the windows and use a fan to keep the room ventilated.
Mattress
Traditional crib mattresses are treated with fire retardants called PBDEs. These chemicals will accumulate in our bodies and affect our nervous and endocrine system. A mattress made of natural latex with a cover made of cotton and wool is fire retardant without any of the chemicals found in a traditional mattress. Nothing could have a greater affect on your baby than the mattress that he/she is snuggling up to 10-18 hours a day.
Bedding
Because bedding gives the room it's look, parents are often attracted to bedding based on design. But be careful, because the traditional fabrics are loaded with toxic chemicals. Look for organic cotton or bamboo fabric and make sure that it is NOT coated with a wrinkle free finish. Now that you've found something healthy and organic, don't wash it in detergent that has chemicals.
Carpet
There are endless options when it comes to your floor covering, however because of its warmth and ease, carpet is traditionally the most popular preference in bedrooms. New synthetic carpets can off-gas VOCs and all carpet can collect dust mites and allergens. Therefore, when you go shopping, look for the 'Green Label Plus' program that tests the carpet, the cushion and the adhesives for off gassing or choose carpet made of natural fibers such as wool or cotton and always use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to get rid of the dust mites that will collect in the fibers.
Now let's get shopping and create a nursery that's not only beautiful, but healthy too!
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