How to Create a Non-Toxic Nursery: Furniture, Decor, Paint & More
Designing a nursery for your baby is an exciting project for new parents-to-be, and one that needs to be done with serious thought and care. Here, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to create a non-toxic nursery for your little one.
A Little Summary…
- Choose natural materials: Opt for solid wood furniture, organic bedding, and mattresses free from chemicals like PVC, flame retardants, and formaldehyde.
- Avoid harmful substances: Steer clear of VOCs, PFAS, phthalates, MDF, and synthetic fabrics that can release toxic fumes or cause irritation.
- Improve air quality: Ventilate daily, use a HEPA air purifier, and avoid synthetic air fresheners. Choose low-VOC paints and clean with non-toxic products.
- Select safe flooring: Go for natural options like hardwood, cork or wool rugs, and avoid synthetic carpets or adhesives that emit VOCs.
Here at The Little Green Sheep, we believe all babies deserve to grow up in a natural, nasties-free environment. After all, their health and safety depend on it.
With that in mind, we'll explain why a non-toxic environment is best, how to achieve one, and how to avoid those harmful chemicals. Let's create the most natural, healthy room for your little one.
In This Guide:
Why is a Non-Toxic Environment Necessary for Babies?
Babies are highly sensitive little things, especially when it comes to their surroundings. The materials they come into contact with can significantly impact their health and development.
Many conventional baby products and nursery items may contain harmful chemicals, which can release toxic fumes into the air.
Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, or even long-term health concerns. A non-toxic, natural environment will eliminate all of this.
By choosing natural, chemical-free materials, you can bring peace of mind while promoting your baby's well-being.
This is why, here at The Little Green Sheep, we only use natural materials in our products. We understand the importance of babies growing up in a healthy environment that keeps them safe, and our beautifully crafted products do just that.
Eco-Friendly Baby Furniture for Your Nursery
If you're aiming for a non-toxic space, you should choose sustainable furniture for your baby's nursery wherever possible.
Materials like natural wood are not only eco-friendly, but also add a touch of warmth and beauty to the room without harsh veneer and MDF.
So, when you're choosing your wardrobe, drawers, and any other storage furniture you may need, remember to opt for solid wood pieces.
But what about beds?
Non-Toxic Baby Cribs, Moses Baskets & Sleep Spaces
When selecting a non-toxic baby bed, look for options made from solid wood with water-based or non-toxic finishes to ensure your baby's safety.
But when choosing your Moses basket, crib, or cot, or any baby sleep space, you also need to pay attention to the relevant safety regulations it may or may not adhere to.
Although this doesn't impact the bed's toxicity, it does affect your baby's safety, so whichever sleep space you opt for, we recommend checking whether it adheres to the relevant safety standards immediately.
The Best Non-Toxic Moses Baskets
Here at The Little Green Sheep, we take safety very seriously and ensure that all of our award-winning Moses baskets meet the current regulations, giving you peace of mind while your baby sleeps.
Not only that, since 2006, we've been creating our beautifully crafted collections with only organic materials, so nasties don't surround your baby while they sleep.
Made from natural beech wood and 100% palm leaf, we can guarantee a natural night's sleep for your little one, while adding to a beautifully and lovingly designed sleep area.
Note: Please be aware that babies cannot sleep on their own in a nursery until they are at least 6 months old.
Non-Toxic Mattresses & Bedding for Your Little One
When it comes to your baby's mattress and bedding, safety and comfort should be your top priority, but you also need to make sure you're choosing non-toxic options.
‘Standard’ mattresses often include harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and vinyl/PVC, which can off-gas and expose your child to toxic fumes. These toxins have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and hormonal disruption.
When it comes to bedding, you also need to be mindful of potential allergens and irritants.
Synthetic fabrics can trigger allergies, cause discomfort for your little one, and decrease the item's breathability.
Bestselling Natural Baby Mattresses & Bedding
That's why, here at the Little Green Sheep, we make our baby products without toxic chemicals, including our mattresses and bedding. Instead, we use organic materials that are kind to babies.
Our award-winning natural mattresses, perfect for your baby's nursery, are free from harmful toxins and chemicals often found in mattresses.
They're instead made from coconut fibres, natural wool, delicate cotton, and natural latex formed from tree sap, giving your baby the healthiest sleep yet.
We've also lovingly created plenty of bedding options for your little one's nursery, including blankets, sleeping bags, sheets, and more. All of which are crafted with 100% natural materials.
Designing a Healthy Nursery from Top to Bottom
When designing a nursery for your baby, there are many things to consider, and it's not just furniture and bedding (although that is the fun part).
If you want your child to grow up in a completely toxic-free environment, you also need to consider things like flooring and ventilation.
So, if you want to create the healthiest room possible, below are the things you need to think about before your baby spends their first night in their new nursery. Treat this as your non-toxic checklist!
Toxic Materials to Avoid
There is actually quite a long list of materials that are worth avoiding when you begin your baby nursery project.
- VCOs: Volatile organic compounds (VCOs) are chemicals found in many products, such as paint, furniture, and cleaning supplies. They can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness.
- Formaldehyde: This is a chemical found in many products, such as carpets, furniture, and even some baby toys. It can cause respiratory issues and has been classified as a carcinogen.
- PFAS: These are known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't easily break down. They have been linked to various health issues, including developmental delays in children.
- Flame retardants: Some are known to be carcinogenic. They can also contaminate air, soil, and water, posing a risk to human health.
- PVC: This is usually found in plastic toys for children, but they often contain harmful chemicals. Non-toxic baby products won’t contain any PVC.
- Phthalates: Linked to many health problems, phthalates are actually restricted in specific products in the UK, particularly those for children.
- Lead and other heavy metals: Due to their high toxicity, lead and other heavy metals can cause severe problems for babies and young children.
Choose Safer Flooring Options
When selecting flooring for your home, consider safer alternatives that minimise exposure to harmful chemicals.
Natural materials like solid wood, bamboo, or cork are excellent choices, as they are free from toxic additives found in many synthetic flooring products.
Look for options certified by reputable organisations, ensuring they meet strict environmental and safety standards. Additionally, avoid flooring that requires adhesives containing VOCs, as these can release harmful gases into your home.
If you're choosing a carpet or rug, choose those made from natural fibres like wool or cotton, as they are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
Improve Ventilation & Air Quality
Natural ventilation is one of the simplest ways to reduce indoor pollutants. Even just 10–15 minutes of fresh air circulation can significantly lower VOC levels from paint, furniture and flooring.
For optimum ventilation to create a non-toxic environment, here are our other recommendations:
- Avoid synthetic air fresheners and scented candles.
- Use a HEPA-certified air purifier
- Choose low-VOC paint
- Add safe indoor plants to help purify the air
- Clean the space regularly
- Air out new furniture before use
- Maintain ideal humidity levels, using a dehumidifier if necessary
Using Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Cleaning is essential in a baby nursery because, let's face it, they can be super messy.
However, cleaning is only advised if you're using non-toxic cleaning supplies.
Avoid bleach and synthetic cleaners, and opt for plant-based sprays or make your own with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Baby Healthy & Safe in Their Space
Creating a healthy and safe nursery environment requires careful consideration of the materials, furniture, and cleaning products you use.
By choosing high-quality, non-toxic options and maintaining cleanliness with natural solutions, you can significantly reduce your baby's exposure to harmful chemicals, creating a pure environment for them to grow up in.
We can't wait to see what beautiful nurseries you come up with! Happy designing!
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