Nursery & Sleep Environment

Children spend 10-14 hours per day sleeping, depending on age. This makes the bedroom—especially the crib or bed—the highest-exposure environment in the home. Creating a clean sleep environment is one of the highest-impact changes you can make.

The Crib Mattress

Conventional crib mattresses often contain:

• Polyurethane foam: Made with petroleum products and may contain flame retardants
• Vinyl covers: Made with PVC, containing phthalates and potentially heavy metals
• Flame retardants: Required by some standards, added to foam and fabric
• VOCs: Off-gassed from foam, adhesives, and coatings

What to Look For in a Mattress

Organic cotton or wool: Natural fibers that resist flame without chemical treatments

Natural latex: From rubber trees, not synthetic petroleum-based latex

GREENGUARD Gold certified: Third-party tested for low chemical emissions

GOTS certified: Global Organic Textile Standard ensures organic fibers and safe processing

No flame retardant chemicals added: Some manufacturers use wool's natural flame resistance instead

Mattress Brands Meeting These Criteria

While we do not endorse specific products, brands commonly recommended include Naturepedic, Avocado, and Nook. Research current certifications before purchasing.

Protecting Any Mattress

If you cannot replace the mattress:

• Organic mattress cover: Creates a barrier between child and mattress chemicals
• Air it out: Remove plastic wrapping and let mattress off-gas in a well-ventilated area before use
• Organic sheets: Another barrier layer

Bedding

Conventional bedding may contain:

• Wrinkle-free finishes: Often formaldehyde-based
• Stain-resistant treatments: May contain PFAS
• Flame retardants: In some children's sleepwear
• Dyes and finishes: May contain heavy metals or irritating chemicals

Choosing Safer Bedding

• GOTS certified organic cotton: For sheets and blankets
• Avoid "permanent press" or "wrinkle-free": These indicate formaldehyde treatment
• Wash before first use: Removes some surface chemicals
• Choose undyed or naturally dyed when possible

Air Quality in the Nursery

Ventilation

• Open windows daily when outdoor air quality permits
• Run a HEPA air purifier sized for the room
• Avoid air fresheners, candles, and incense: All release VOCs and particulates

Humidity

• Maintain 40-50% humidity: Too low irritates airways; too high promotes mold
• Use a hygrometer to monitor
• Empty and clean humidifiers daily to prevent mold growth

Temperature

• Keep nursery cool: 68-72°F is recommended for infant sleep
• Cooler is better for sleep quality and reduces chemical off-gassing (heat increases VOC release)

Furniture

The Crib

• Solid wood: Avoid composite materials (MDF, particleboard) which off-gas formaldehyde
• Non-toxic finish: Water-based, zero-VOC finishes or natural oils
• New vs. used: New furniture off-gases more; used furniture may have lead paint (check manufacture date)
• GREENGUARD certified: For low emissions

The Dresser and Other Furniture

Same principles apply:

• Solid wood over composite
• Low-VOC finishes
• Air out new furniture before bringing into nursery

Off-Gassing Strategy

If you are purchasing new furniture:

1. Buy 4-8 weeks before baby arrives if possible
2. Unpack and assemble in a well-ventilated area (garage, basement)
3. Leave in that area with good airflow for as long as possible
4. Move to nursery and continue ventilating

Flooring

Best Options

• Hardwood with water-based finish: Easy to clean, low off-gassing
• Cork or bamboo: Sustainable options, ensure low-VOC adhesives
• Tile: No off-gassing, easy to clean

Acceptable Options

• Low-VOC carpet: If carpet is preferred, choose GREENGUARD certified with natural fibers
• Area rugs: Easier to clean and replace than wall-to-wall carpet

Avoid

• New wall-to-wall carpet: Adhesives and padding off-gas for months
• Vinyl flooring: Contains phthalates and other plasticizers
• Laminate flooring with visible wear: May release formaldehyde

Paint

If painting the nursery:

• Choose zero-VOC paint: Available from major brands
• Complete painting at least 2-4 weeks before baby arrives
• Ventilate extensively during and after painting
• Pregnant women should avoid paint fumes entirely

Toys in the Sleep Space

Keep the sleep area minimal. If toys are present:

• Wood toys with water-based finishes over plastic
• Organic cotton or wool stuffed animals over synthetic
• Avoid plastic teethers in bed (safer options: natural rubber, solid wood, silicone)

Quick Checklist for a Healthier Nursery

• Organic or GREENGUARD-certified mattress (or organic mattress cover)
• GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets
• Solid wood crib and furniture (not MDF/particleboard)
• HEPA air purifier running
• No air fresheners, candles, or plug-ins
• Hard flooring or low-VOC carpet
• Zero-VOC paint (applied weeks before use)
• Furniture off-gassed before baby's arrival
• Minimal toys in sleep space

References

1. Braun JM, et al. Variability of urinary phthalate metabolite and bisphenol A concentrations before and during pregnancy. Environ Health Perspect. 2012;120(5):739-745. PMID: 22262702

2. Dodson RE, et al. Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products. Environ Health Perspect. 2012;120(7):935-943. PMID: 22398195

3. Boor BE, et al. Infant exposure to emissions of volatile organic compounds from crib mattresses. Environ Sci Technol. 2014;48(6):3541-3549. PMID: 24548111

4. American Academy of Pediatrics. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations. Pediatrics. 2016;138(5):e20162938.