More and more parents are becoming concerned with the environment they are bringing their children into and there’s no time like the present to start making moves to make your home greener and more beneficial to your baby. However, if you really want to make sure your baby is safe, you’ll want to start your green movement in the nursery.

The best time to prep a green nursery is while you are pregnant. Things will be much easier to handle on a daily basis if the environment you want to create is already in place by the time the child is born. That being said, there are a number of things that need to be looked into when it comes to turning your nursery into a greener place. Chances are you’ll be receiving all kinds of cute baby furniture or may already be taking special shopping trips to plan how to decorate your nursery. Take this time to think about greener furniture options for your baby that won’t be hazardous to his/her health. Avoid anything that contains a combination of adhesives and the chemical formaldehyde - it’s toxic and can cause headaches, breathing problems, and rashes in young children. These two chemicals are typically found in cheap, pressed wood furniture. Look for furniture that has been recycled or is made of recycled materials. When it comes to wooden baby furniture, make sure it is “sustainable,” which means the wood was produced using a harvesting procedure that has been deemed safe for the environment. Such products will carry a special label stating that it is sustainable wood.

Plan on decorating your baby nursery with a fresh coat of paint? Then you’ll want to make sure to choose paint products that are natural and are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). High-VOC paints are the bad kind that isn’t eco-friendly. When it comes to floors, cork and bamboo are preferable over linoleum, vinyl and even carpet. While most nurseries are carpeted, this type of flooring can hold in bacteria, mold, and dust, which can trigger allergies or negative skin reactions.

When choosing bedding and clothing you can also opt for greener alternatives. For bedding, your best bet is to pick organic cotton or wool linens and blankets, which are free of harsh chemicals, treatments, and pesticides. The same goes for your baby’s clothing. There are a number of baby clothing brands that are now organic and free of toxic chemicals, dyes, and other harsh factors. Such clothing is also ideal for sensitive skin. Looking for a way to turn your diapers green? You can now do so by purchasing cloth diapers (which can be rewashed), and disposable diapers that are biodegradable.

Even your baby’s toys should be chosen carefully. Avoid plastic toys, including those made of soft plastic, which contain toxic chemicals that can negatively affect a child’s hormonal levels. Instead, opt for toys made of organic fabrics or unfinished solid wood.

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