Rocking Chairs for the Nursery, Patio & More DAILY DEALS Up to 70% off! sign up for free and start shoppingIn the report (2008), Environment America that "baby nursery cribs, changing tables, and dressers can emit formaldehyde at levels linked with increased risk of ." Formaldehyde is also a . In the 2011 study "" researchers surveyed baby products containing polyurethane foam (purchased between 2000 and 2010) to investigate how often flame retardants were used in these products. Of the 101 baby products analyzed (including car seats, changing pads, sleep positioners, portable mattresses, nursing pillows, baby carriers, and rocking chairs), 80% had been treated with toxic or untested halogenated flame retardant chemicals. that flame retardant chemicals increase the risk of a variety of health problems, such as , as well as . In the 2012 report (published by Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States), researchers reported that they found toxic flame retardants in 85% (17 of 20) of baby and children’s products purchased in major retailers such as Babies R Us, Target and Walmart.
Products tested included bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats. In January 2012, published a report summarizing the issues and concerns surrounding the materials used to make crib mattresses. The materials and chemicals "of concern" addressed in the report include: antibacterials, commercial waterproofers, nanoparticles used as waterproofing or antibacterial agents, polyurethane, synthetic latex, , antimony, phosphate and nitrogen compounds (flame retardants). Each of these materials is associated with health problems such as Also earlier this year, with the help of the , the television show “Good Morning America” set up a child’s nursery with a new crib, changing table, rocker and decorations in order to demonstrate the indoor air pollution contributed by new baby products. Seven days after setting up the nursery, testing showed , compared to 2 chemicals outside the house ( is often a bigger problem than outdoor air pollution). My baby's mattress is an organic cotton and latex mattress not treated with .
This also happens to be my mattress since we don't use a crib, but I chose the mattress with my baby in mind. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping. I think should be a pretty high priority for anyone trying to expose their family to fewer toxic chemicals. But if it makes you feel better, my first two babies slept on a synthetic latex mattress treated with the chlorinated flame retardant Tris. Click to read more about safe materials for . My baby's bed frame is made of solid wood. Manufactured wood off-gasses formaldehyde. Click to read more about . (dresser, changing table, etc.). I try to use only solid wood furniture, but I do have a few bookshelves made of particle board. Since they are several years old, they aren't emitting much formaldehyde any more. I used to have a nursing pillow made of polyurethane foam treated with flame retardant chemicals. Now I have two a (filled with buckwheat hulls) and an (organic cotton filling) -- both free of flame retardants chemicals.
Click to read my full review of . I used to have a solid wood changing table and a polyurethane foam changing pad with a vinyl cover (probably). Now I use a towel or on top of my bed. The changing table took up too much space and I heard one too many stories of babies falling off the changing table while the parent stood right next to it. I don't miss it much. You can purchase a , but the ones I've seen are pretty pricey. I'd spend that money on a , since your baby spends much more time there.I no longer use one. Portable cribs are almost universally made of plastic, synthetic fabrics, and polyurethane foam treated with flame retardant, waterproofing, and stain resistant chemicals. If you frequently use a portable crib or bassinet, avoid putting your baby directly on the surface of the pad (use a wool pad or cotton sheet over the pad) or you might consider purchasing a . I have a . While the frame is solid wood, the cushions are polyurethane foam covered with synthetic fabric that I'm assuming has been treated with stain resistant chemicals.
But I just can't quite part with it. , so at least a large portion of the off-gassing didn't happen in my house. I'd like to keep it covered with a cotton blanket, but got tired of putting the blanket back on after my toddler and preschooler pulled it off. I also moved it out of the room where the baby sleeps. I purchased a used solid wood rocking chair on with fabric cushion for the baby's room. I no longer use an infant car seat. I prefer to use fabric to transport and stow my baby (except while in the car, of course). Almost all car seats are made with some less than desirable materials, so I choose to use them as little as possible. I consulted as well as safety ratings before purchasing my to try to minimize my kids' exposure to toxins while in the car. tests car seats each year for brominated and chlorinated chemicals as well as heavy metals. If you can afford it, are a great toxin-free option: their fabrics are certified safe by the and their products are . (, , and ) and are made almost entirely of cotton.
There is some polyurethane foam padding in the straps of my , that may have been treated with flame retardants. (Polyurethane foam is nearly universally treated with flame retardants, even in products that are not subject to flame retardant regulation.) You can read my comparison of the Beco and Ergo . I've never painted a room before a baby was born. If I did, I would only use low-VOC or no VOC paints. I try to use only solid wood picture frames and fabric wall-hangings made of natural materials. We have wood floors with small washable rugs made of mostly natural materials. If purchasing for the nursery, I recommend buying one made of eco-friendly materials with low-VOC adhesive. Would you like more ideas and tips about Going Green Gradually? Sign up for my free email subscription to get each of my posts delivered to your inbox (I usually post one or two times a week). You can also follow me on Facebook, Google Plus, Pinterest, Twitter, or with your favorite RSS Reader.