5 Unknowingly Toxic Items in Your Baby's Nursery

Ah, the baby nursery—a realm of pastel perfection, cozy cribs, and cuddly companions. But behind the cute facade, there might be some sneaky culprits lurking around, threatening to turn your baby's sanctuary into a toxic minefield. With my second baby on the way and seven years difference between my kiddos ages, thankfully there is a lot more information and alternatives that have come out compared to when my first was born and those are the things I want to share that with you in one place to save you 1,000 more hours of research. In saying so, today we’re diving into the world of toxic baby items that you may have never thought twice about and that I've made sure I've implemented in my new arrivals nursery this go-around. Buckle up, parents, because it's time for a safety makeover!

1. Crib Mattresses: More than What Meets the Eye

The crib mattress is the cornerstone of your baby's nursery, but it might also be a hotbed for toxic baby items. Many conventional crib mattresses are made with harmful chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and formaldehyde. These nasties can off-gas into your baby's breathing zone, potentially causing respiratory and developmental issues. Opt for an organic crib mattress to ensure a safer snooze for your little one. Some great options to include are:

1. Naturepedic Organic Baby Crib Mattress (starting around $269)

• GOTS certified organic cotton fabric and filling

• Patented food-grade waterproof surface made from non-GMO, easy-to-clean sugarcane

• Waterproof - Making it perfect for any leaks or accidents

• No flame retardants, vinyl/PVC, phthalates or allergenic latex

2. Organic Dream Crib and Toddler Mattress (starting around $179)

• Free from Polyeurathane, Fiberglass, Foam, Fire Retardants, VOC's, Chemical Smell, and Pesticides

• Tested for over 10,000 chemicals and has the world's highest clean indoor air accreditation: GreenGuard GOLD Certified

• Made in the USA using high-quality Certified Organic Cotton
  

3. Graco Premium Crib & Toddler Mattress (starting around $89)

• Rigorously tested by independent, third-party laboratories to be GreenGuard Gold Certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, and Formaldehyde-Free Certified

• More affordable option

• Free of fiberglass, free of chemical flame retardants

• NOTE: NOT AN ORGANIC OPTION

In addition to your little ones crib mattress, you also want to make sure that if you buy a mattress cover/protector, it is a non-toxic option, as well, to ensure your little ones safety all the way around. Naturepedic makes a fantastic option (if your budget isn't too restrictive) and for my peachy mamas looking for a more affordable option, check out the I'm A Little Teapot Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Pad.

2. Plastic Toys: When Playtime’s Not So Playful

Those colorful plastic toys scattered across the nursery might be more sinister than they appear. Many plastic toys contain BPA, lead, and other toxic chemicals that can leach out, especially when chewed on by teething babies. According to this study published in Environmental National, there are 126 “chemicals of concern (CoCs)” in children’s toys. Replace these with non-toxic alternatives made from wood or BPA-free plastic. Your baby's health and those adorable giggles will thank you. As stated earlier, each year, more and more companies are created and are developing healthier toy options for our littles ones. In our nursery this go around, I am keeping things more minimal and trying to stay away from creating that monumental storage box of toys that happens to end up in all of our closets or attics sooner or later. OF COURSE, you aren't ever going to have 100% of your toys non-toxic and "clean" (especially from birthdays, holidays, etc.) but you can get close! In saying so, here are some of the toy brands I'm choosing to have around and in the nursery that I can feel comfortable about my little one getting his hands (and mouth) on:

• Lovevery

• Itzy Ritzy

• HABA

• Under The Nile

• HEVEA
  

Amazon also has a lot of great, non-toxic baby toy options and teethers (speaking of teether toys, I loved the Baltic Amber Necklace for my first born! You can also look into the Natursutten Starfish Teether and Sophie la girafe) - Just make sure to do your research on any products you find and don't always just trust the title!

3. Diapers: A Not-So-Sweet Bottom Line

Diapers are a nursery staple, but many conventional options can be surprisingly toxic baby items. Disposable diapers often contain chemicals like chlorine, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which can irritate your baby's sensitive skin and even lead to health issues over time. Additionally, the absorbent gels used in these diapers may pose a risk if they leak. To keep your baby’s bottom safe and comfortable, consider switching to organic or cloth diapers that are free from harmful chemicals. These eco-friendly options are not only gentler on your baby’s skin but also better for the environment. As of 2024, there are MANY great, affordable and non-toxic diapering options to protect your baby's bottom! Here are a list of some of my favorite diaper (and wipe) brands:

• Dyper (disposable + wipes)

• Pura (disposable + wipes)

• Honest (disposable + wipes)

• Eco by Naty (disposable + wipes)

• Esembly (cloth)

• Thirsties (cloth)

• Smart Bottoms (cloth)

4. Baby Clothing: Soft but Sinister?

Even your baby’s adorable outfits might be hiding toxic baby items. Many baby clothes are treated with chemicals like formaldehyde to keep them wrinkle-free and fire retardants for safety. These chemicals can irritate your baby's sensitive skin and cause other health issues. Opt for clothing made from organic cotton or other natural fibers, and wash new clothes before dressing your baby to minimize any potential residue (our favorite baby laundry detergent is Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Baby Detergent) Again, being realistic, it would be incredibly hard to have ALL organic and non-toxic baby clothes... However, when you're the one shopping or you're making suggestions to friends or family, here are some options:

• Burts Bees Organics

• Little Planet by Carters

• Under The Nile

• Gerber's organic line

• Finn + Emma

5. Air Fresheners: Scented Snares

It’s natural to want your baby's nursery to smell as sweet as they are, but air fresheners are notorious toxic baby items. They often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, which can affect indoor air quality and your baby's health. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or simply keep the room well-ventilated. From my own personal experience and research into Young Living Oils (not sponsored), they are by-far my family's favorite and most trusted brand for not only clean, fresh, non-toxic smells around our home, but for the potential health benefits they can offer young ones. My 7-year old always makes sure we do his essential oil bedtime routine (starting his diffuser and rubbing Lavender essential oil on his feet and belly), before he goes to sleep each night. To learn more about the amazing benefits of incorporating essential oils in your baby's routine and nursery, the Gentle Babies book is a must-have! Young Living also has a fantastic KidScents line, that features not only oils, but bath and body products, supplements and more.

A Safe Nursery is a Happy Nursery

Transforming your nursery into a haven free of toxic baby items might seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth every effort for your baby’s health. By swapping out harmful items for safer, non-toxic alternatives, you're ensuring that every cuddle, nap, and giggle happens in the safest environment possible. After all, nothing beats the peace of mind knowing that your baby’s sanctuary is truly a safe place to grow and explore. Now, go forth and detoxify that nursery—your baby deserves it!