You have just returned home with a bundle of joy that you as a parent are proud of. You walk into the nursery where you just spent tons of time, energy and money creating a beautiful place for you child to grow. You painted the walls, have a new crib, mattress and bedding with the works. There is still some new paint smell and the crib and mattress are emitting an off odor, but over time it will disappear. Everything is set for your baby to grow big, strong and healthy or is it? Are all those new things really baby safe? Have you reduced the exposure of your newborn to toxic chemicals to a minimal amount? What options do you have to reduce this exposure?
1. A new paint job is great; just make sure that if you are pregnant not to paint the room. Also, make sure the paint is low or no VOC's and do it at least a month prior to bringing baby home to allow time for evaporation.
2. Avoid new carpeting as they are very high in VOC's which emits toxins for years. Leave the old carpet there and if you want a new floor consider linoleum, bamboo or other non toxic alternatives.
3. Your new crib, it is beautiful, however is it pure? Have you chosen a real wood crib with non toxic finishes? Walnut, oak, ash or cherry are beautiful woods. The mattress and linens must be organic since your baby will be spending most of her time there.
4. Fresh clean air is essential. Make sure there is good ventilation into the room; however try to make sure the quality is the best. Use a HEPA filter purifier to clean the room air.
5. Once you have a nontoxic nursery keep it clean with green cleaning products. Green products are Non-toxic & biodegradable, contain no chlorine or petroleum-based solvents, no glycol ethers, no strong acids thus are non caustic and contain plant based products and essential oils.
6. When shopping, make sure the label says organic and non toxic as much as possible. This will limit your baby's contact with many harmful chemicals and reduce many health problems from occurring. If you can smell it, your baby is also breathing it and chances are it is unhealthy.
Making your nursery healthy is easy, and it really should be the "greenest" room in the house. A nursery is "any place where something is nourished and fostered, your baby. |
