Sweet Dreams Baby
by Michelle Bexelius
Setting up a baby nursery
Having a baby can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There is so much to learn about bringing a newborn into the world such as what crib to buy, what mattress, what bottles, clothes, toys, etc. We all want to make their environment safe, welcoming and healthy.
Babies spend 60% of their lives sleeping their first year, so it’s important to make sure their space is set up to allow them to grow up without toxins. Here are a few practical yet important things you can do to ensure the safety of your baby’s space. It’s a place to start.
As an eco-consultant and co-owner of Green This Life, I am asked to come in to people’s homes and access their exposure to toxins in their home, and I recommend ways for people to make their living spaces better for their health and the planet. Today, I went to a home where a woman was preparing for her son’s arrival and had some questions about setting up his nursery. She had lots of questions and was concerned with creating a healthy yet stylish environment for her little guy. Since a large percentage of our eco-consultations are for families with children, I had lots of ideas for her.
To start, there are several mattresses that are non-toxic, don’t contain harmful fire retardants, resist dust mites, mold and mildew naturally, and are breathable. A healthier mattress such as this will help her baby have a truly healthy night’s rest.
Once you have the right mattress, I told her, you need a crib that is made from solid wood with a non-toxic finish. Often times the finishes are laden with toxic glues and stains, not to mention lead from older models. Babies often teeth on the railings of the cribs when they are older and the glues off-gas while they are sleeping.
The next important thing I mentioned to my client is to ensure that most everything that touches his skin is free from dyes and chemicals. This includes sleep ware and clothing as well as sheets and blankets. There are many types of sleep ware that contain carcinogenic fire retardants that are harmful to your baby’s health.
To truly make your baby’s space as healthy as it can be, I suggest getting an air purifier. The air we breathe in our home often is far more polluted than it is outside in a congested city. Bacteria, mold, dust mites and pollen are prevalent in most homes, and a good quality air filter can reduce your exposure.
Creating an environmentally healthy nursery is an important first step for your baby’s life. Whether you choose dark green or light green, you can protect the environment and your baby’s health with practical solutions that accommodate your needs and your style.