So here we are, mid World Pandemic, and my friends and family seem to be making, growing and popping out babies like there is no tomorrow! Sure what else would you be doing in a lockdown, eh?
Personally, I started a blog. 😁 Like a baby, although rewarding, it demands time and attention – but I still get a solid eight hours of sleep every night!😄
I wanted to write this post to help you all to create a healthy environment for you and your little ones. We don’t want their delicate lungs and skin to be exposed to any harmful substances in a room where they will spend so much of their early life.
The careful selection of furniture and finishes is critical in the design of your nursery. Each item plays a part in creating a space that promotes wellness, sustainability and cuteness factor! The non-toxic choices happen to be friendlier to the environment too, which is a bonus.. Yay! 🤗
With that said, here are my top tips to create a healthy, sustainable and cute nursery! 😊
1. Organic Bedding is a Must
Arguably the most important selection you will make in the design of your nursery is the bedding. This will be the closest thing to your baby’s skin, so a healthy choice is critical. Opt for organic textiles for the mattress, sheets, baby blankets and sleepwear.
These guys have a full range of organic (pesticide-free) and eco-friendly baby products. Beware of a cuteness overload!
The organic bedding rule applies to us grown-up humans too, by the way! I recently purchased this 100% organic bedding set from White & Green, and they are by far the best sheets I have ever slept in and on! They also have beautiful organic throw blankets and cute organic baby range too.
White & Green Discount Code: SHAUNA15 [15% off all products]
White & Green are an Irish company so ideal if you are trying to support local during these times we are in. They also have international delivery if you are based further afield. 💗
2. Decorate with Pure, Toxin-Free Finishes
PAINT
You can go as simple or as creative as you like! But the most important thing is to choose completely natural, toxin-free paint. The two natural paint brands that I have tried and tested are Auro Paint and Biofa Paint. Both are excellent quality and are made from pure materials meaning they don’t release harmful chemicals into the air like conventional paints do.
AURO Discount Code: JADEHAVEN [10% off all products]
BIOFA Discount Code: JADEHAVEN [10% off all products]
FLOORING
If you are doing a new build or a refurbishment, you have the opportunity to choose a natural flooring product. In this case, I would recommend going with a solid wood floor finished with a natural oil or wax (Try Biofa or Auro).
If you are working with your existing flooring, why not add a rug woven from natural material. This will add a layer of comfort underfoot, as well as the comfort of knowing it is a natural and healthy product. Those little humans spend a lot of time on the floor, I believe!!
Natural window coverings
Pure linen, organic cotton and natural bamboo are great materials for curtains and blinds. For more ideas on stylish and eco-friendly options, have a look at this blog post: An Illustrated 4-Step Guide to Window Coverings – The Sustainable Way.
4. Invest in Furniture that will Adapt as They Grow!
The most sustainable option here is to obtain a second-hand cot either from someone you know, or from an online marketplace. There are plenty out there in excellent condition, looking for new homes!
If you manage to get your hands on a pre-loved cot, consider changing out the mattress to a certified organic one (see point number one above!). And of course, dress the cot with organic bedding.
If it is a new cot you are after, there are some very clever designs available that adapt to your child’s needs as they grow! I love the idea of furniture transforming into new functions over time rather than only being useful for a limited period of time. This is the epitome of sustainability.
The options below are made from natural, eco-friendly materials, and they are seriously stylish too!
5-in-1 cot
convertible cot!
From cot to bed to sofa – This is a piece of furniture that will do you from day one in the nursery, right through to being a sofa in a bedroom or playroom!
Dresser with removable changing station
This solid wood chest of drawers looks as good with or without the removable changing station.
4. Create a Comfortable Nursing Corner
This is where the rattan rocking chairs come into their own. They are most definitely the most natural and eco-friendly choices for a lounge chair. You can ‘cosy it up’ by layering it with organic throws, natural cushions and a textured footstool.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Always search for natural rattan and avoid ‘poly-rattan’ or ‘rattan-effect’ chairs which are made from plastic.
5. Add Natural Lighting
Lampshades
In my opinion, natural lampshades are the way to go for a nursery – and basically all rooms! Try not to be tempted by ‘nursery themed’ options which will end up being dumped once your baby grows out of that stage.
Going for timeless, long-lasting lampshades will help us to move away from our culture of following frequently-changing trends and disposability. A natural shade will not date and so will last you many years to come.
There are a huge amount of natural lamps and lampshades available in materials such as bamboo, rattan, linen, jute and wicker.
SOFT NIGHT LIGHTING
A Himalayan Salt Lamp gives a beautiful, soft and warming glow – Ideal for a nursery! These lamps are said to purify the air as they are ‘natural ionizers’. I am unsure of the science behind this theory, so if nothing else, they create a gorgeous, soothing ambience! They make a lovely gift idea too.
6. Have Fun with Accessories!
And now for the fun bit! From organic cotton bed canopies to cute cushions – there are endless choices for nursery accessories: Be sure to choose ones that made from as natural and organic materials as possible.
By the way, I am not ‘with child’ for those of you wondering!! My oven is very much bun-less! This post is purely to help my beautiful sister and friends prepare for their new arrivals.
Please do share this with anyone you know that is expecting. Hopefully it will be of some help!
Enjoy creating your healthy, eco-friendly and adorable nurseries. Can’t wait to meet your little buns!🥰 x
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