Raising Eco Baby on a Budget, Part 2: Setting up an Eco Nursery

Worried about breaking the bank on an Eco Nursery?

Never fear, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Luckily many things in your little one’s nursery can be purchased used (and for a fraction of the cost!) and they’ll be none the wiser, but you’ll still be doing some major favors to the environment.

Setting Up a Green Nursery

Why this matters

• Your little one will spend 16-18 hours a day sleeping, and a lot of that will likely be spent in their nursery.
• Researchers have found up to 300 chems in traditional nurseries! In a toxic world, it’s important to keep your sensitive, growing baby’s “toxic-load” as light as possible.
• Ma Earth (and your wallet!) will thank you! Many eco-options will last longer and be kinder on your babe and the planet than many conventional options.

On a personal note

We bought both cribs off of Craigslist, and they were in great shape. First one was the co-sleeper, and the second was a beautiful crib from Pottery Barn. That helped me sleep better knowing that the off-gassing from the plastic and painted wood had already happened. 

Ready to try?

• Watch the episode for tips on how to “green” your little one’s nursery on every kind of budget.
• Try to choose solid wood when it comes to furniture like cribs. Solid wood means that the only chems present will be in the paint or finish. And if you can’t (or don’t want to) buy brand new, check out sites like Craigslist or eBay for gently-used options. Most of the off-gassing will have already happened by the time you get ahold of them, AND you’ll likely get it for a steal! That’s a win for your wallet, your little one’s health, AND Ma Earth.
• Opt for organic materials when it comes to your bambino’s mattress and bedding. The crib and other furniture aren’t the only things that can off-gas, and conventional cotton is grown with pesticides, fungicides & chemical fertilizers that are no bueno for your bundle of joy. Organic cotton is a little pricier, but it’s also more durable so you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. My favorite is from American Baby and is only 15 bucks on Amazon!
• When it comes to painting, go for eco-friendly options made from things like chalk, marble, milk casein and bees wax. Conventional paint options can off-gas for years and release V.O.C.’s (Volatile Organic Compound) into the air your baby breathes while they sleep. We used this eco paint from Lullaby and loved the result.

A Deeper Dig

Get a summary on several crib mattress studies: a shocking number had VOCs and carcinogens. 

Fresh Pick

Give an old piece of furniture or frame a fresh chic look with my favorite trick to make it look like antique wood: Annie Sloan Paris Grey Chalk Paint + wax.

Did You Know?

A baby crawling on the floor can breathe in four cigarettes worth of pollutants a day via carpet off-gassing, mold, fungus, etc.