Chantal Spanicciati: Building a Healthy Nursery

This posting is from a wonderful interior designer who strives to build non toxic, green environments that are also comfortable and lovely.  

decorating your baby’s nursery can be an exciting time full
of emotions and joy. Babies’ immune systems are still developing in the very
early months and are more susceptible to the environment and have a harder time
processing toxins. It is important to make eco-friendly decorating choices to
keep your baby’s lungs and body healthy and happy.

Your Floor

Think of all the time your baby is going to be spending on
the floor between tummy time, crawling and playing! A wood floor with a
non-toxic sealer is the best option. Warm up the space with an area rug but be
sure to choose a rug made of natural fibers – organic cotton, wool, hemp and
jute with no synthetic dyes. Don’t forget a rug pad made from natural fibers. If
your preparation involves refinishing hardwood floors be sure to use low-VOC
(Volatile Organic Compounds) or no-VOC finishes and plan ahead at least 4 weeks
to 3 months in advance to make sure the any VOC’s dissipate and finish
off-gassing (evaporating). Wall to wall carpets can be a harbor for dust,
pollutants and allergens that can trigger asthma. Many carpet padding, backing
and adhesives also contain harmful chemicals released through off-gassing. Try to keep carpet-free but if not, it is best to
look for Green Label Plus Certified Carpet. FLOR modular carpet tiles are also
a modern option having the lowest VOC’s in the industry and fun design options
made from recycled or renewable resources.

 

Your Walls

The most important aspect in choosing paint, besides the
color, is choosing paint with zero or low VOC’s, which are perfect for a
nursery since they are odorless, and emits no toxic gasses. Serena and Lilly as
well as Yolo Colorhouse have great color options. Long before the baby arrives,
open windows to air the room out. If you live in a house built before 1978
check for lead in the paint. If you find lead be sure to hire a professional
who is qualified to remove lead paint.

Serena and
Lily Low VOC Paint

 Wallpaper can also be a fun option for your walls. Make sure
that your wallcovering is 100% paper and contains no vinyl. The adhesives
should also be low VOC’s or VOC-free.

Your Furniture

Your baby will be spending a lot of time in his/her crib. It
is best to choose a crib made of solid sustainable wood, treated with non-toxic
paint finishes or stains. Oeuf makes adorable baby furniture made from natural,
renewable and recycled materials.

Oeuf Robin
Crib

A crib is not 100% eco-friendly without a natural mattress
made of wool, organic cotton or 100% natural latex. This also goes for mommy
and daddy’s mattress too. Lastly, choose natural fabrics for bumpers and sheets
such as Coyuchi products.

 

Coyuchi
organic bedding

Chantal Spanicciati is an interior designer and design
blogger. She blends her degrees in Psychology and Interior Architecture to
shape environments suited to each client. She currently lives with her husband in
Venice, California.

 www.metainteriors.com | www.metamusings.com