Save Your Baby From Toxic Disasters!

Warning: Information found in this article may result in worry, concern and action. 

The scariest things when you are a parent are the dangers that you cannot see with the naked eye.  Your baby completely relies on you for everything, and because he or she cannot speak or communicate clearly, it is up to you to determine baby’s needs.  You would think the safest place for the baby is in the nursery. It sounds correct in theory, but the test results are in and there are many dangers right under your child’s nose that can harm your baby permanently. I know it sounds very serious and it absolutely is, but luckily there are measures you can enforce to save your baby from toxic disasters.  Read further if you want to know...

Paints: The very first culprit is the paint used for your nursery walls. One of the best ways to change the mood and feel of the nursery, but unfortunately, most wall paint has Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that emit gases long after they have dried. VOCs can cause certain cancers, irritation to eyes, nose and throat, damage to central nervous system and more.  The best solution is to purchase paints with low VOCs or air out your nursery for several weeks even after paint dries. 

Baby Furniture: You can have the most expensive baby furniture, but the manufacturer may still use finishes with formaldehyde and VOCs, resulting in cancers, organ damage, headaches and more. Your baby will spend the majority of the time sleeping and playing in the baby crib, so be sure to look for baby furniture that uses low-VOC finishes like those at http://www.simplybabyfurniture.com/shop-cribs-by-style-natural-organic.html or try to purchase unfinished baby furniture and apply low-VOC finish yourself.

Crib Mattresses: This may be the most dangerous culprit and could possibly be the reason for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs). By law, crib mattresses are treated with flame-retardants and chemicals for waterproofing.  It’s scary to know that your baby can be exposed to toxins such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane foam, antibacterial agents and other waterproofing additives.  Health effects include possible SIDs, early onset puberty, immune suppression, blurred vision, skin and throat irritation, allergies and more.  Safe alternatives include organic crib mattresses or wrapping your crib mattress with food-grade polyethylene plastic that does not contain phthalates or unsafe additives.

Linens and Clothing: Everything from baby bedding, clothing, washcloths and bibs may contain toxins such as pesticides, formaldehyde, harmful dyes and more. Best practice is to wash linens and clothing with fragrance-free detergent several times before use, or invest in 100% certified organic cotton items.

Toys: Most toys are mass produced with plastic that contains Bisphenol A (BPA).  Long-term health risks include early onset puberty, neurological issues, brain tumors and more. Your best bet is to opt for organic cloth and wooden toys.  Even electronic toys are unsafe and difficult to recycle.

Plants: One of the best natural and inexpensive solutions to purify the air are houseplants. It is Mother Nature’s air filtration system and the best natural way to absorb toxins, pollutants, balance indoor humidity and releases pure oxygen. There are tons of air purifying plants so do your research on what fits your tastes, but make sure the plant is non-toxic if ingested.

Now believe me, I know you already have many stresses to deal with, but if you plan ahead and make the necessary precautions, you will help save your baby from toxic disasters before it is too late.  Congratulations on your new baby and I hope this information will help guide you to a safer and natural nursery.

Author Bio

Hi! My name is Chantal Maddocks and I’m a blogger and full-time mommy.  With my beautiful family of four, I am always looking for new and creative ways to save money.  My husband, 2 year old and 8 month old daughters, are my world, and if there are ways to make my life easier so I can be with them, I am all ears!  I invite you to visit my blog at blog.simplybabyfurniture.com for helpful pregnancy, parenting and nursery design tips.  Happy Blogging! 

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