When designing a nursery, many expectant parents are concerned with avoiding products that are potentially harmful to a newborn. Strictly adhering to organic products can quickly become very expensive. A viable and cost effective alternative is to select products that use non-toxic finishes and materials for surfaces that come directly into contact with your baby. Today in the second part of this mini-series, we’ll look at what it means to buy eco-friendly baby furniture.

Many baby crib manufacturers are offering a number of smart convertible options that allow you to “repurpose” or use the crib during one or more of your child’s evolving developmental stages. Cribs and other baby products that “grow with your baby” are very appealing to parents who are looking for ways to buy fewer items and increase their commitment to sustainable living. Buying a crib or a changing table that “grows with your baby” also has the added bonus of being more cost effective and economical. When deciding what other furniture pieces you would like to include in your green nursery design, consider purchasing items like a glider, for example, that can be used in another room in your room after baby no longer needs it.

Stay away from baby cribs and other types of baby furniture that are made with plywood, particleboard, MDF (medium density fiberboard) or any other kind of wood composite (also known as engineered woods). Even though they are made of recycled wood products (a good thing), they typically use toxic chemicals (a bad thing) like formaldehyde in the formation process. While the Tulip Panda 3 Drawer Single Dresser does include MDF, it is made of formaldehyde-free glue and other environmental friendly materials such as bamboo.

Choose an organic crib mattress for your baby’s crib. Select organic crib bedding with a theme (if you have chosen one) to match your décor. The Summer Infant Sleepy Safari 4 Piece Organic Crib Bedding Set is made of organically grown fabrics and natural dyes. It has a non-gender specific jungle theme and color scheme perfectly suited to a green nursery. In addition to organic pillow cases and coverings, look for baby pillows stuffed with synthetic-free latex, organic cotton, untreated wool or kapok (a type of plant fiber).