During the first months of their lives, the immune systems of infants are still developing. At this stage, they tend to be more susceptible to their environs and sometimes have difficulty in processing toxins. It is for this reason that a green nursery or an eco-friendly nursery appeals to many parents. Even for parents who are not specifically eco-conscious or are actively living sustainably, they are very interested in creating the safest and least toxic environment as possible for their new baby. Today in the third (and last) part of this mini-series, we’ll look at what it means to buy eco-friendly baby products.

It’s a well-known fact that babies tend to get a little messy. For this reason it might be tempting to purchase items like crib bedding, crib mattresses, baby blankets, pillows and clothes that stain or moisture resistant. When purchasing baby products for your green nursery, skip any thing that has been treated; especially avoid fire retardants commonly used in the making of crib mattresses.

And speaking of messy, while it might seem very labor-intensive and there’s no denying that disposable diapers are much more convenient, reusable organic cloth diapers are much kinder to the environment. While a disposable diaper may be as soft on baby’s skin, the cloth diaper, particularly some organic versions, are actually more breathable, and therefore are more comfortable for baby.

Especially since they will inevitably end up in your baby’s mouth, look for toys made of wood with non-toxic finishes or of natural fibers. For baby products like teething rings, soothers and chew toys that are often made from plastics, stay away from ones made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic that can be potentially harmful to your child.

For baby products like lotions, shampoos and diaper creams, look for eco-friendly baby skin care items that don’t use harsh detergents and other potentially toxic chemicals. Ditto for any cleaning products or solutions you plan on using in your nursery and anywhere in your home that baby will come into direct contact with what is being cleaned.

It used to be more difficult to find eco friendly baby products. But it isn’t so complicated anymore. As more of us are finding ways to be kinder to the environment (and to our children and ourselves), manufacturers of baby furniture and baby products are responding by offering a variety of sustainable, eco friendly or organic baby products.