Eco-friendly nurseries

There are a lot of elements for new parents to consider when planning out their baby’s first bedroom. What colour should the room be? How can I ensure all areas are as clean as possible? After all, little ones tend to put everything in their mouths. How can I protect my baby?

Interior designer Jenny Dina Kirschner felt the same way and wanted to create a safe space for her child. She began by choosing healthier paints, natural-fiber rugs and organic fabrics. Heck, if all-natural, vegan paint is good enough for Prince Harry and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, then who is to say it’s not for yours? And because of the royals, creating eco-friendly nurseries are now the in thing to do. Although, quite frankly, it should be regardless whether it’s a trend or not! Your friends might think you are too careful or acting kooky but your baby will thank you in the long run.

Here are Jenny’s tips to achieving a germ-free environment or at least as close to it as possible?

Get your research on:

Did you know that some furniture upholstered with 100 per cent natural fibers may have insides that include formaldehyde, flame retardants or other unhealthy chemicals? That’s why research and asking questions is important.

For example, Brooke Berrios, an early childhood education teacher, is familiar with the impact of toxins on children’s brain development. She decorated her son’s nursery with paint that doesn’t contain volatile compounds that give off gases and also added organic cotton towels and bedding.

Designer Paula Queen, founder of the children’s decor line Lil’ Pyar, advises parents to even ask what dye is being used in rugs or in fabrics. High-quality natural fiber rugs can last longer than some synthetics and they can be left plain or coloured with vegetable dyes. Also, check where the items are being made and where they will be shipped from. Remember, buying local is better and the greener option.

Long term purchases:

Choose nursery items that can be used for decades and even generations to come. For example, purchase dressers with a removable diaper-changing tray on top rather than buying a dedicated changing table that would be chucked out as soon the baby stops wearing diapers. Buy multi-functional furniture for the best results. Also, consider buying second hand or vintage furniture. However, don’t forget to do background checks on what materials are being used and where it’s being made.

Choose LED bulbs as well. They work better in the long-run as they will not need to be changed as much and waste far less energy than conventional bulbs.