It’s such an exciting time in your life when preparing for the arrival of your precious little human being. An overwhelming feeling of joy, and that moment when unconditional love takes its place. From this moment on, you dedicate the rest of your life towards doing what is best for your baby. A new baby is a treasured gift, and as a parent, it is only normal for you to want what is ideal and safe for your adored bundle of joy.
Setting up the nursery and your home for the arrival of your newborn is now your priority, but there are a number of things to consider. A baby’s skin is 10 times more sensitive than that of an adult, meaning they are more vulnerable to chemicals and toxins.
I have put together a list of suggestions and helpful information for non-toxic baby products to make the process that bit easier!
A baby’s skin is 10 times more sensitive than that of an adult, meaning they are more vulnerable to chemicals and toxins.

Painting the nursery
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and release into the air. Conventional paints contain a heap of VOCs, 2 main ones being – ethylene glycol and formaldehyde. Being exposed to VOCs can cause a range of health problems, including asthma, headaches and nausea. Babies who are growing and still developing are especially at risk to the harmful effects of VOCs.
Non-toxic paints that are a safer alternative, free from VOCs:
• Eco Style Paints By Rockcote
• Ecolour Paints
• Resene Zylone Sheen
Try to get started ASAP on the paint side of things, so the nursery can air out for as long as possible before bub arrives. It’s also very important to avoid doing the painting yourself whilst expecting. Hiring a painter or asking friends/family for their assistance is a healthy and safer alternative.
Check baby nursery paints for harmful VOCs

Bedding
Your new precious bundle of love has very sensitive skin. As it’s much thinner than that of an adult, it will absorb things more easily and is less resistant to bacteria and harmful chemicals.
It is important when creating your baby’s toxin-free nursery, that you’re aware of the difference between conventional baby bedding (cotton grown using synthetic pesticides, bleached and dyed) and chemical free/natural/organic baby bedding. Conventionally produced cotton, takes a drastic amount of abuse during the production process as it goes through scouring, bleaching, dying, softeners and soil retardants before it is eventually cut. 100% natural, pure and organic bedding does not go through any of these rough processes and is a healthy way to ensure your little one’s skin does not react to any chemicals and is sleeping soundly in safe, toxin free bedding.
In my personal experience, the organic baby linen that I have used, has lasted 10 times longer than linen that has been made with chemical-filled cotton. This is why I recommend making the investment to all my family and friends. Although in a lot of cases it is more expensive, it does represent value for money.
Bamboo Lulu stock a range of affordable organic bedding products such as
bamboo waffle blankets, organic wraps and swaddles
and are dedicated to making sure their items have the highest organic content.
ChamonixRain Organics have an eco friendly range of baby bed linen and use 100% bamboo fibre.
Organic bedding is more expensive but it is durable, making it excellent value for money.

Nursery Furniture
Unfortunately, a lot of furniture is made using formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a flammable gas with an overpowering smell. It causes a range of negative health issues and is found in glue, paper products, cosmetics and dish washing liquids. This toxic gas also causes irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat and has also been linked to cause types of cancers in extreme cases.
When choosing furniture for bubs room, it’s important to pick chairs and cots made from solid wood, rather than cork board. Also, make sure any paint or varnish is free from VOCs.
The time will come when your little one will start the teething process. As well as sticking everything they can find into their mouth, a lot of babies bite on the side of their cot to help relieve the discomfort of teeth coming through. This is why it is so important to be certain that the furniture is 100% safe.
Here are some recommendations for safe baby furniture:
- Organature is Australian owned and made. They manufacture and sell toxic free hardwood timber furniture for you and your home.
- Tasman Eco, is an award-winning business that specialises in environmentally friendly and great quality nursery furniture.
Cleaning & keeping you nursery and home safe and chemical free
There are many different trusted brands for household and nursery cleaning that aren’t full of harmful toxins and chemicals. Brands such as:
- Abode
- Cinderella
- Bondi Wash
These are 100% natural and work just as well, if not MORE effectively in keeping your home sparkly clean than those typically found in the supermarket aisle. The most important thing is to be on the safe side. If you’re purchasing any cleaning products, remember to always read every ingredient – even if it says 100% natural!
A more cost effective way to steer clear of chemical cleaners, is to make your own disinfectant with essential oils. You can find literally hundreds of DIY recipes for cleaning products on Pinterest. Here is an easy DIY Recipe for you to try:
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of vinegar
- 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil (or blend of oils). Adding Lemon or Peppermint Essential Oil is my fave!
Chemicals in cleaning products that are sprayed or wiped on surfaces, go into the air your family is breathing and can cause several terrible side effects including: headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Some brands to check out that clean well just with water are:
Toys and Decor
When choosing items to decorate your nursery and some cute little toys for your wee one, it is safest and healthiest to opt for toys made from natural wood rather than plastic. Plastic toys are more than likely to contain harmful PVCs & BPAs. Also, keep a close eye again, on the amount of paint your choice of toys/décor has. Babies (especially during their first 12 months of life) explore hand to mouth skills and you can bet your clever little monkey will be sticking everything into their mouth in no time!
Check out Bamboo Lulu for
all natural baby toys. The wooden toys are made from high-quality FSC certified European wood. Paints and Stains are water based and 100% safe. They also stock a range of stylish non-toxic teething rings your bub will love to chew on! Playtime is important for the brain of growing babies and to learn and develop skills, and now you have peace of mind knowing they can have fun with something that is also safe for them.
You have reached an exciting time in your life and a new journey is ahead. Take care of yourself and your family by limiting the many toxins and chemicals in the home as possible. Make your environment a safe and comforting space where you are worry-free and be confident you are doing what’s best for your family and yourself.
Guest Blogger Tahnee Summers is a natural products and wellness blogger from Brisbane, Australia. To read more on toxin-free living visit her blog The No Nasties Life.