Planning for the arrival of a new baby is an exciting time and one of the jobs most expectant parents look forward to is designing their baby’s new nursery. And whilst you will want a nursery design that is comfortable and calming, many new parents are also keen to create an environmentally-friendly nursery for their newborn baby.
Creating a green or environmentally-friendly nursery is not only beneficial for the planet but can also protect the health of your baby. This is because the materials used in a green nursery are carefully chosen to be ones that release fewer toxins and allergens – protecting both the environment and your baby.
Here are some ways you can make your new nursery as environmentally friendly and healthy as possible:
Paint
If you’ve ever painted a room, you’ll know that some paints can leave a ‘new paint’ smell that lingers for days. If you are painting the walls of your nursery, it’s a good idea to do this several weeks before the baby will be sleeping in the nursery and choose environmentally-friendly paints such as those which contain low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Flooring
Whilst carpets provide warmth and comfort, they are not always the best choice for a green nursery as they can harbour dust mites and dirt. A wooden floor is easier to clean and you can always soften a hard floor with rugs. If you do choose carpet, opt for natural materials such as wool, cotton or hemp, rather than synthetic carpets which can contain toxins.
Furniture
Try to keep furniture to a minimum in the nursery to reduce dust mites which could lead to allergens. Some people worry about the environmental impact caused during the manufacture of mass-produced furniture so you may wish to seek out traditional second-hand furniture made from solid wood rather than new pieces made from modern composite materials.
Toys
Step into any modern toy emporium and you’ll find that the majority of toys are made from plastic. Whilst this is a practical and cheap material, many people are trying to reduce the amount of plastic in their homes and it is good to introduce children to different materials and textures from a young age to aid their development. So whilst it’s difficult to avoid plastic toys completely, look out for local traditional toy shops where you can choose wooden toys instead.
Bedding
Choosing the right bedding is one of the most important decisions when furnishing your new nursery. You will want your baby to be comfortable and safe and it is essential to choose new (not second-hand) bedding that will help reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes referred to as ‘cot death’. Visit a reputable retailer who will be able to help you choose the best bedding for your baby.
Some modern mattresses have been treated with chemicals to make them waterproof or flame retardant. However, you can also find safe natural alternatives that are free from chemicals at most major retailers.
Although you’ll be keen to introduce your baby to their very own nursery, the NHS recommends that babies should sleep in the same room as their parents until they are six months old to reduce SIDS.
You can find out more information about SIDS at: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sudden-infant-death-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
