| Unless a mother knows what is causing the problem | | | | wood furniture. Formaldehyde in the glues used during |
| or knows what symptoms to look for, the baby will | | | | manufacturing continually out gas for the entire life of |
| continue to be exposed to these harmful elements. | | | | the piece. |
| Thankfully, there are ways to avoid or correct these | | | | Most Amish furniture is made from solid wood and |
| problems through non-toxic approaches. Here are a | | | | very Eco-friendly. Also, try to avoid new plastic |
| few simple steps: | | | | changing tables or other plastic furniture as they also |
| The Right Paint | | | | release toxic fumes for many years. |
| Mothers first expose their unborn babies to chemical | | | | The Right Mattress & Bedding |
| fumes when painting and breathing in the toxic fumes. | | | | When shopping for a mattress, consider a natural |
| The baby is then exposed to the same chemical | | | | organic baby mattress. Most of the traditional crib |
| fumes after birth. Babies who are affected may | | | | mattresses are laden with toxic chemicals that are |
| experience central nervous system irritation resulting in | | | | used during production and in the flame retardants that |
| increased agitation, tension and decreased feeding. | | | | are sprayed on the surface. The baby is then |
| Paints and finishes release low levels of toxic gases | | | | exposed to these deadly fumes for hours on end as |
| into the air for years after application. But with the | | | | most of their time is spent in the crib. These toxic |
| development of non-VOC (Volatile Organic | | | | fumes have also been linked to SIDS related deaths. |
| Compounds) paints, we are now able to buy toxic-free | | | | SIDS prevention is a top priority. |
| paint. Just ask for it at your local paint store. | | | | Also, in a study conducted by Anderson Laboratories, |
| The Right Carpet | | | | six different brands of waterproof crib mattress |
| As inviting and soft to the touch as carpet may be, it is | | | | covers were found to emit toxic fumes. One was |
| a reservoir of mold, mildew and dust mites. When I | | | | made of polyolefin and the other five were made of |
| was growing up, we had shag carpet in all of our | | | | polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and covered with polyester or |
| rooms, including our bedrooms, because it was the | | | | cotton. |
| latest fad. Underneath lay beautiful hardwood floors. | | | | If you must use a non organic baby mattress, at least |
| We were cultivating a nice collection of who knows | | | | consider using an organic mattress cover or organic |
| what. | | | | puddle pad. Though this is not a 100% solution, you are |
| As a first step in improving your nursery, remove any | | | | providing some barrier between your baby and the |
| old carpet. Avoid replacing with new carpet as it | | | | mattress. |
| contains harmful chemicals releasing toxic fumes into | | | | We cannot emphasize enough the importance of a |
| the air. If possible replace with hardwood flooring if it | | | | safe and toxic-free nursery for your baby. Babies |
| doesn't already exist. If carpet is a must, choose | | | | deserve a healthy & happy start in life. We hope |
| completely untreated carpeting with natural latex or | | | | you will take these few simple steps in providing your |
| jute backing. | | | | baby with a safe and healthy environment. You and |
| The Right Furniture | | | | your baby will sleep better! |
| When furnishing your baby's nursery, consider solid | | | | |