Creating a Sustainable Nursery: Eco-Friendly Tips for New Parent

Is there anything more exciting than setting up a nursery for your baby? Perhaps just finding out you're pregnant beats it, but it's close!

While preparing for your baby's arrival is one of the happiest times, it's also a time when you should start thinking about the impact of your choices on both your child's health and the environment. A sustainable, eco-friendly nursery is a must because it benefits not only the planet but also your baby's well-being.

How do you go about creating a green nursery, though? Where do you start? And how big of a budget do you need to set up a nurturing environment that's free from toxins and harmful substances? 

Thankfully, this little project doesn't require a lot of time or money - if you know what to do.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Green Nursery

The first thing to know about setting up a beautiful, sustainable nursery is that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. As long as you focus on organic and non-toxic products and furniture, you and your munchkin are good to go. Still, it doesn't hurt to have a step-by-step plan.

Choose Organic Cotton Baby Clothes

Start with what your baby will wear. Organic cotton is the best choice because it's free from pesticides and chemicals, meaning it's gentler on your baby's delicate skin, and it reduces environmental pollution. Conventional cotton farming, on the other hand, uses a significant amount of pesticides, which can harm the soil and water supply. If you want the best for your baby and the plant, opt for organic.

Invest in Sustainable Wooden Toys

Plastic toys might be cheap and convenient, but they often contain harmful chemicals, which can pose health risks to your little one, plus they contribute to plastic waste. Sustainable wooden toys, on the other hand, are made from renewable resources and are often biodegradable.

 Look for toys made from FSC-certified wood, which ensures that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. These toys are not only safer for your baby but also more durable, which means they can turn into cherished keepsakes in time.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Furniture

The furniture in your nursery should be made from sustainable materials. Look for cribs, dressers, and changing tables made from FSC-certified wood or reclaimed materials. These options are better for the environment and often have fewer chemical treatments, which, once again, means they're safer for your baby.

Also, when possible, choose furniture that will grow with your child to reduce the need for replacements in the future. This means height-adjustable furniture and convertible pieces.

Use Plants for Healthier Air Quality

Indoor air quality can significantly impact your baby's health. Thankfully, there's an easy way to improve it: houseplants!

Many plants are natural air purifiers, meaning they absorb toxins while releasing oxygen. Spider plants, snake plants, or peace lilies are all great choices. 

For added convenience, you can use flower delivery services to bring fresh greenery and vibrant flowers to your home. There are plenty of beautiful and easy-to-care-for options when looking for flowers to send that will brighten up the nursery while enhancing air quality. Just be sure to keep them out of reach as your baby starts to crawl and explore!

Use Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes

Many conventional paints and finishes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful when inhaled. To keep your little one as well as yourself safe, choose non-toxic, low-VOC or zero-VOC paints for the nursery walls and furniture.

These products will help make your baby's space healthier to sleep and play in, and are better for the environment. Plus, many eco-friendly paints come in a variety of beautiful colors, so there's no need to sacrifice aesthetics.

Finally, remember to reuse any item you can. We're big fans of the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' principle here not only because it reduces waste, but also because it often results in having rather unique and charming baby items. Furniture, hand-me-down clothes, and toys - these are all things you can use second-hand.