INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE GUIDE

BABY FURNITURE IDEAS

Designing a Green Nursery Part 3 – Buying Eco-Friendly Baby Products

April 30th, 2010

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.

Share this Post[?]
        

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Baby Accessories, Baby Furniture and Design Ideas, Baby Gear | No Comments »

Designing a Green Nursery Part 2 – Buying Eco Friendly Furniture

April 28th, 2010

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).

Share this Post[?]
        

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Baby Furniture and Design Ideas, baby furniture | No Comments »

Designing a Green Nursery Part 1 – Preparing the Room

April 26th, 2010

When preparing for your baby’s arrival, you want to create a nursery that is beautiful, welcoming, warm and inviting but above all safe for your newborn. For many parents, this means creating a green nursery or an eco-friendly nursery. On Friday we explored what it means to design a green nursery and the reasons why it’s a good idea to do so. Today in the first part of this mini-series, we’ll look at how to go about actually preparing a room that will be an eco-friendly environment for your little one.

After picking the location for your nursery, the first thing you will probably want to do is to paint the room. Even if you like the current color, check to see what type of paint has been used. Especially if you just moved into a new house or apartment and you don’t know for sure if the paint is non-toxic, you might want to repaint the room anyway just to be on the safe side. You will want to avoid traditional paints because they typically contain high amounts of VOCs or volatile organic compounds.

Eco-friendly paints or natural paints have significantly less toxins in them that can be released into the air. Brushes and paint spills can easily be cleaned with soap and warm water. Eco-friendly paints have noticeably less odor when they are being applied and virtually no odor after they have dried. Non-toxic paints are made from a variety of organic compounds including beeswax, mineral pigments, plant oils, soy and even buttermilk. The best part is that you will not have to treat the paint cans as hazardous material when you are disposing of them. Even with eco-friendly paints, if you are pregnant you should plan on having someone else do the actual painting for you.

Turn the same scrutiny for toxic materials on the floor of the room you have chosen to be your baby’s nursery. If possible, plan on hardwood flooring with a non-toxic finish. Since your child will spend a lot of time on the floor, when creating a green environment for your little one, selecting the right type of flooring important is just as important as picking a non-toxic paint. Carpeting, especially older types of wall-to-wall carpet, can be the perfect trap for mold, dust mites and other kinds of allergens. Choose instead a combination of hardwood flooring with an area rug made of natural, untreated fibers like jute, wool, cotton or hemp.

Share this Post[?]
        

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Baby Furniture and Design Ideas, baby furniture | No Comments »

Why Design a Green Nursery?

April 23rd, 2010

It seems to be what everyone is talking about these days – global warming, carbon footprints, manufacturers that are environmentally responsible, companies that produce “green” or organic products. But what does that really mean to you personally when you are in the process of making room in your home for a new child? Planning a nursery can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Adding environmental concerns on top of everything else you have to take care of right now can seem like more stress when you need less. However it’s not complicated if you are aware of what to look for – when designing a green nursery, it’s just a matter of focusing on the right elements.

The whole point of designing a green nursery is to provide a safe, healthy and non-toxic environment for both you (after all, you will be spending a lot of time in this room too) and your baby. Start with the paint – choose water-based paints with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). If you are pregnant, plan on having someone else do the actual painting. Even when using a non-toxic paint, to ensure that it is properly “cured” and won’t emit chemicals into the air, paint the nursery at least one month before bringing baby is to occupy the room.

Bare floors with an area rug made from natural materials like cotton or wool are best. If there is already wall-to-wall carpet in the room that cannot be removed, give it a good cleaning with an eco-friendly carpet shampoo.

When shopping for baby furniture, choose a crib and changing table made from timber (real wood) as opposed to furnishings made from composite woods such as pressboard or MDF (medium density fiberboard). Make sure that paints, stains and other types of finishes are non-toxic. Avoid plastic wherever possible. Choose toys made from natural materials like cotton and wood.

Select a crib mattress that is the most organic or eco-friendly that you can afford. Look past what you can actually see. Make sure that the materials used to make a crib mattress are manufactured without the use of toxic fire retardant chemicals. If a purely organic crib mattress is out of your price range, an economical option is to buy a quality firm crib mattress and then purchase a separate organic cotton crib mattress cover.

Consider materials like untreated pure cotton and wool for window treatments and crib bedding. Another option is to use wood shutters that have a nontoxic finish or mini-blinds. Make sure that you choose a type that doesn’t have dangling cords.

Designing a green nursery is relatively simple when you know what to look for. It is simply a matter of buying items and products that are as toxic-free as possible for anything that your infant will directly come into contact with. An eco-friendly nursery will be the perfect place for your little one to sleep, grow and play.

Share this Post[?]
        

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Creating a Green Nursery

November 23rd, 2009

Dark Chocolate

When designing a nursery for your baby, many parents are taking into consideration the environment and products that might be potentially harmful to a newborn. While sticking to solely organic products might seem like a number one priority when creating a green nursery, this can quickly become very expensive. A viable alternative is to choose products that, while are not completely organic, are healthier and the least invasive. In addition to planning the space and picking a theme, there are some specific things to consider when creating a safe environment for your child. The key to designing an eco-friendly nursery is to make the space as toxic-free as possible. This means painting walls, using materials and selecting furniture that is non-toxic. 

2 Piece Set in Antique White

Especially if you just moved into a new house or apartment and you don’t know what type of paint has been used, you might want to repaint the room anyway just to be on the safe side. Some types of paint can contain harmful toxins that are released into the air from the walls. Volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, both the naturally occurring and synthetic kinds, are often regulated, but not industry or state wide. When selecting a paint color, choose a type of paint that is non-toxic with natural pigments like clay. Even when using an odorless paint, try to paint the walls of your nursery one to two months in advance; this will allow the fumes, even non-toxic ones (everything has a scent) to dissipate. 

3 Natural With Mattresses

For a green nursery, the crib should be constructed of natural woods. If a crib made of natural woods is not in your budget, it can be made of a recycled wood product like MDF, but make sure that it has been sealed with some type of a quality, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean finish.

 Full Size Crib Mattress

In order for your green nursery to be a comfortable place to sleep, the crib will need a mattress. For parents concerned about the possible effects of synthetic materials, chemicals or potential allergy-causing compounds, organic innerspring crib mattresses are available. The protective cover that is an integral part of any crib mattress is made of a non-toxic, water-resistant material like white polyethylene, an environmentally friendly plastic. Organic crib mattresses are generally made of organic cottons and wools and for this reason can be somewhat pricey. However, a perfectly acceptable green compromise would be to purchase a foam crib mattress that has a non-toxic or organic cover; this would ensure that your child will not be in direct contact with synthetic materials.

Full Size Crib Mattress

Bamboo is fast becoming the most popular material for eco-friendly products. Manufacturers are now using bamboo fibers for bedding sets, baby clothes and flooring. Bamboo, as a fabric, is also highly absorbent and is soft to the touch, perfect for baby blankets and other baby gear. 

With a little planning ahead, it is easy to create a healthy nursery environment that is eco-friendly. And not only will baby breathe easier!

Share this Post[?]
        

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Childrens Furniture | No Comments »