Safe & Non-Toxic Cribs
We’re putting together our baby’s nursery and I’m concerned about the crib. What’s the best way to make it both safe and non-toxic?
First of all, I want to commend you on your decision to make your baby’s crib as healthy and safe as possible. A newborn infant’s little body and undeveloped immune system leaves him much more vulnerable to the toxins commonly found in the paint, wood, and varnish regularly used in furniture production. Though putting together a sustainable crib may leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a page of The Princess and the Pea, in the long run, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’ve done your best to protect your baby from the off-gassing of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that is often linked to asthma, allergies, and even some cancers.
There are three areas to consider when choosing your baby’s bedding: the crib, the mattress, and the linens.
For the Crib
Choose solid, protected hardwood cribs, with low or no VOC paints and finishes. Laminated wood, pressed wood, chipboard, and particle board all release formaldehyde. Ecobaby has lovely, traditional, solid maple options that can convert to a toddler bed, and then a daybed (so you’ll get some good, long use out of your investment). Celery Furniture [see right] makes sleek, contemporary models that will make you want to update the whole house - though they’ve been so popular you may have trouble getting one ordered until after the New Year.
Choosing a Mattress
Opt for PBD-E-free (polybrominated diphenylether) products made from materials like natural rubber and organic wool, which also meet federal standards. PBD-E is a class of fire retardant commonly linked with liver, thyroid, and neurological disorders and has been discovered in breast milk and other areas of the food chain. Mattresses and mattress covers should also be organic and untreated with pesticides and disinfectants. Naturepedic carries a good selection as does Natural Mat.
Now the Fun Part - Bedding! 
Cotton is one of the most chemically intense of crops, wreaking havoc on our environment and health, as well as the health of the cotton farmers. So bedding is an especially important area to go organic, and it’s an easy and cost effective place to start thinking green in the nursery. Giggle offers their own organic fitted crib sheets, while Twilite Moon now carries Pixel Organic crib sets [see right]. And Kee-ka has introduced a luscious looking chocolate brown line that just makes me want to have another one - baby that is, not chocolate.
The most important thing when going green is to keep things in perspective and do what you can, one step at a time. It’s no different when making your baby’s first bed. There are so many great options these days, so take your time and enjoy the process. I remember the feel of Corbin’s sweet monkey linens - our friend Dagmar brought them over from France and it seems like just yesterday that I would watch Corbin sleeping peacefully. Now we’re arguing over super hero sheets.
See The Cradle's "The Eco-Friendly Nursery" for more tips.
See also: Product Guide: Cribs
and: Crib Notes: Choosing the Safest Crib
About The Author
Kimberly Danek Pinkson is the founder of the EcoMom Alliance and a popular media guest and keynote speaker on issues of green living and sustainability. A longtime social entrepreneur and freelance writer, she is a frequent contributor for parenting magazines and websites such as BabyCenter and iVillage. Kimberly works with her team of EcoMom Leaders to bring forth the organization’s positive and proactive messaging, including teaching Sustain Your Self workshops nationwide. She is the proud mommy to son Corbin, a doting auntie to two nephews, and very happy to be a part of The Cradle. To learn more about Kimberly and join the EcoMom Alliance, please visit ecomomalliance.org.
