When you're setting up your baby's nursery, you want everything to be perfect. Sure, there are paint swatches to compare and curtains to be hung, maybe even an all-important choice to be made between a cloud motif or ducks.

But naturally you'll also want to make your nursery as safe and healthy as possible. After all, your baby will be spending a lot of time in that room. Unfortunately, most new decorating items, such as carpets, wallpaper and even furniture, contain chemicals that can be harmful to your baby's development.

Think about it. Babies are, well, small. Pound for pound, they breath more air, drink more water and eat more food than we do. Their skin more easily absorbs toxins and their developing immune systems are not yet fully functional. So any toxins they come into contact with can have a far greater effect during this critical time.

But there's no need to be overwhelmed. A healthy nursery is within your reach. And to get you started, here are seven important tips from giggle by Oh! to make your baby's first room as healthy as it is adorable.

Make sure clean is also healthy.
Babies can be very sensitive to the ammonia, chemicals and fragrances found in commercial cleaners. But there are many non-toxic cleaners to choose from that are both safe and effective.

 

Let in some fresh air.
Make sure your baby's room is well ventilated, and open the windows and let in fresh air when the weather allows. Be sure to use an air purifier to help minimize dust and other irritants.

 

Sleep better with safer bedding.
Believe it or not, baby blankets and sheets can contain formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Look for organic bedding and Oeketx Certified fabrics to make sure they're both comfortable and healthy.

 

Keep personal care pure.
Less is more, and sometimes a little warm water and a washcloth will do the trick. For the other times, look for mild soaps, fragrance-free shampoos, hypoallergenic, natural solutions, and ointments with simple ingredients.

 

Watch out for harmful paints.
Look for paint with low or no volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and be sure to have the room painted several weeks in advance so fumes have a chance to dissipate. Choose un-painted, natural wood furniture for reduced exposure.

 

Don't let the bed bugs bite.
To prevent dust mites, be sure to wash your baby's sheets and blankets weekly. You can also dust mite-proof the mattress in your baby's crib with dust mite barrier bedding.

 

Stock up on simple toys.
Certain plastics contain harmful chemicals known as phthalates. Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and instead stock your nursery with toys made of naturally finished wood and machine-washable fabrics.

 
   

There are many simple things you can do to make your baby's room worry-free. To find out more about keeping your nursery both beautiful and healthy, visit giggle by Oh! on the web or at our flagship store in San Francisco. Happy decorating!

About Us: For the health-conscious parent who doesn't want to sacrifice style, giggle by Oh! has healthy baby products that are also fun, bright and great looking. No more oatmeal and beige — we've picked out all the best in natural bedding, furniture and décor. Plus, we have non-toxic accessories, toys, personal care products, cleaning supplies and healthy baby gifts. Finally, everything you need to make your nursery both healthy and stylish!

2110 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
800-495-8577
www.egiggle.com